In our 10 days in Thailand itinerary, we’ve put together all the highlights from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai and Bangkok, including the best things to do, our favorite places to stay, recommendations on where to eat, and tips on how to get around.
From visiting ancient temples to strolling around night markets, hiking tea plantations and driving through breathtaking nature. The highlights in Northern Thailand can’t be missed when you travel to Thailand!
To help you visualize our route we’ve put it together on a map as well.
Read also: The 8 best islands in Thailand to visit
Tip: if you are traveling solo or would like to join an organized trip, definitely check the tours of Tourradar here. They have amazing trips in Thailand!
Our 10 days in Thailand itinerary: an overview of our travel route
START Chiang Rai | END Bangkok
DURATION 9 days
METHOD OF TRANSPORT Plane + bus
BEST TIME TO VISIT THAILAND December-April
WHEN DID WE GO February-March 2019
HIGHLIGHTS Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Pai, Bangkok
Bangkok
When you travel to Thailand, you start or end your trip most likely in the big, crazy city of Bangkok. It’s a place like nowhere else in the world. Impressive temples, cozy rooftop bars, authentic markets, amazing food, and funny tuk-tuk rides. There are just so many things to do in this awesome city, you can never get bored.
Recommended stay
- 2-4 days
Where to stay
- Let’s Zzz Bangkok (top location close to Khao San Road, budget trendy private rooms)
- Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel (beautiful luxury hotel with a rooftop infinity pool, stunning views of the Chao Phraya River)
- Find all places to stay in Bangkok
Things to do
- Visit the giant reclining gold Buddha in the Wat Pho Temple
- Go early in the morning and wander around The Grand Palace
- Visit the Wat Arun or Temple Of Dawn with sunset
- Walk around bustling Khaosan Road, backpackers district of Bangkok and try amazing street food
- Take a hop-on-hop-off ferry across the scenic Chao Phraya River
- Go shopping in one of the biggest malls such as ICONSIAM, MBK or Siam Paragon
- Watch the sunset with a cocktail from one of the best rooftop bars in Bangkok
- Enjoy the several fascinating markets like the Ratchada Train Market or the Amphawa Floating Market
- Explore Bangkok with the Co Van Kessel Bike Tours
Where to eat
- Ethos (our most favorite vegan/vegetarian restaurant, cozy bohemian atmosphere, close to Khao San Road)
- Eagle Nest Bar & Sala Rattanakosin Eatery and Bar (our favorite two spots for stunning sunset views of Wat Arun Temple & Chao Praya River)
- Broccoli Revolution (100% plant-based/vegan restaurant close to Sukhumvit, tasty and healthy dishes, cozy atmosphere)
How to get in Bangkok
- Bangkok Airport (Suvarnabhumi International Airport) is Thailand’s biggest airport and one of the most popular transportation hubs in the world. There are daily flights to every continent which makes it very easy to travel to. We personally love to book our flights with Qatar Airways (check for flights here) or use Skyscanner, where you can easily search and compare tickets from all different airlines in the world.
Book your flights to Bangkok here
- From Bangkok International Airport you can take the Airport Rail Link City Line which is the fastest way to travel to the city center, the full journey takes 30 minutes, every 15 minutes, prices are around THB 45 per person/one-way ($1,5)
- Another option is by Grab taxi, prices are around THB 500 per car/one-way ($16)
Read also: The 11 best and free travel apps every traveler needs
Chiang Mai
With over 300 temples and a charming old city area, Chiang Mai can’t be missed on your Northern Thailand itinerary. There is plenty to see and experience, which makes it easy to stay for 4-5 days without getting bored. We loved to rent a scooter, explore the beautiful surrounding countryside, wander around the night markets, and hop in one of the many trendy eateries and shops. Super cozy city!
Recommended stay
- 3-5 days
Where to stay
- 18 in Town Homestay (peaceful location in the heart of Chiang Mai, cozy homelike atmosphere)
- Find all places to stay in Chiang Mai
Things to do
- Visit the Wat Doi Suthep Temple
- Stroll around the Saturday Market
- Visit the beautiful Doi Inthanon National Park
- Join a traditional cooking class and learn to cook amazing Thai food
- Relax with a book or do some afternoon yoga in the Buak Hard Public Park
- Visit the Art in Paradise Museum and take some funny pictures
- Explore the best of Chiang Mai by bicycle and join one of the guided bike tours
- Rent a scooter and ride the Mae Hong Son Loop
- Support an ethical & cruelty-free Elephant Sanctuary in Chiang Mai
Where to eat
- The Salad Concept (the perfect place to create your own healthy salad bowl, a great place to have lunch)
- The Hideout (a small cozy bar with some good vegan/vegetarian options like salads, bagels & juices)
- By Hand Pizza Cafe (the best vegan brick oven pizza we ever had, a lovely small setting for dinner too but be sure to arrive early enough)
How to get in Chiang Mai
- From Bangkok, by plane, which is the easiest & fastest way to get to Chiang Mai.
Check here for direct flights to Chiang Mai
- Another way is by night train or bus,
Pai
One of our most favorite places in Thailand! Pai is a cute little town located in the mountains of Northern Thailand and has an incredibly relaxed atmosphere. Rent a scooter and drive to the Pai Canyon, visit the nearby waterfalls, explore the caves, and enjoy the best street food. We bet you’ll not want to leave Pai.
Recommended stay
- 3-4 days
Where to stay
Things to do
- Rent a scooter and drive around the surrounding countryside (around THB 200 ($7) per scooter/day)
- Climb 200+ stairs to the White Buddha and have incredible views over Pai
- Stroll around Pai town at night and enjoy the best Thai street food
- Visit a traditional hill tribe village and meet the Karen Long-Neck people
- Relax at Pai river
- Visit the Tham Lod cave
- Watch the sunset at Pai Canyon
- If you don’t have that much time take a private tour from Chiang Mai to visit all the highlights of Pai
Where to eat
- Food Truck Thai Food Bar (best Thai street food bar ever, delicious vegetarian dishes that can be made vegan, sweet funny owner)
- Earth Tone cafe (everything is great about this place, lovely atmosphere, amazing healthy food, and good prices. Our favorite spot in Pai!)
- Queen Falafel (best falafel street food)
How to get in Pai
- From Chiang Mai, by bus, 3 hours, prices are around THB 200 per person ($7), check schedules and prices here
- Or by scooter (part of Mae Hong Son Loop, 3-4 hours, but be beware of the 762 windy turns!)
- From Chiang Rai, by bus, 3-4 hours, prices are around THB 300 per person ($8), check schedules and prices here
Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai, or also called as Chiang Mai’s ‘little sister’, is a beautiful city located in the tip op Northern Thailand. The city itself is super relaxed surrounded by plenty of stunning nature and tea plantations. You can easily explore Chiang Rai on foot or rent a scooter and drive through the countryside and visit all the nearby temples. There is also a great night market and a variety of good restaurants.
Recommended stay
- 3 days
Where to stay
- The Sleepy House (cozy budget-friendly B&B located close to downtown Chiang Rai)
- Find all places to stay in Chiang Rai
Things to do
- Watch the light show of the Clock Tower (every night, at 7 – 8, and 9 pm)
- Visit the beautiful Wat Rong Khun and unique blue temple Wat Rong Seua Ten
- Rent a scooter and enjoy a fresh green tea at the stunning Choui Fong Tea plantation
- Visit the Wat Huai Pla Kang Temple complex where you find a huge white Buddha and beautiful pagoda overlooking a valley
- Explore the Golden Triangle and the temples of Chiang Rai with a private full-day tour
Where to eat
- Kunda Cafe (delicious vegetarian and vegan food)
- Connect Cafe (great place to have breakfast or lunch, close to the station where you take the bus to Chiang Mai)
- Smiling Moon (very delicious and cheap local dishes, vegetarian/vegan-friendly)
How to get in Chiang Rai
- From Pai, by bus, 5-7 hours, prices are around THB 600 per person ($19), check schedules and prices here
- From Chiang Mai, by bus, 3-4 hours, prices are around THB 300 per person ($8), check schedules and prices here
- We took the buses of GreenBus which operate very frequently and are very comfortable. Note: buses are quickly fully booked, so we recommend booking in advance.
Tip: if you would like to combine Laos afterward, consider joining the amazing 2-day cruise along the Mekong River which brings you to Luang Prabang in Laos. (we did it the reverse way and loved every single minute of it. An unforgettable experience!)
Plan your 10 days in Thailand itinerary with our travel resources
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- Skyscanner – to book the best and cheapest flights
- Airbnb – to stay at incredible homes & apartments
- Booking.com – to book your accommodation
- Lonely Planet – to purchase a detailed travel guide
- TourRadar – to join one of the amazing group tours
- TripAdvisor – to read the best reviews and find amazing tours
- HostelWorld – to book the most amazing hostels
- GetYourGuide – to book awesome tours and activities
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