This 14-day Northern Thailand itinerary is going to be jam-packed! From Bangkok’s bustling streets to Pai’s peaceful mountains, you’ll see a bit of everything. This Northern Thailand itinerary begins in Bangkok and finishes in Chiang Rai but can also be done reversely. Both Bangkok and Chiang Rai have international airports, so are easy to fly in and out of. If you have more time, check out my 30-Day Thailand Itinerary or 50-Day Thailand Itinerary. Are you heading south? I also have a 14-day Southern Thailand Itinerary here.
Day 1- Bangkok
Try arriving in Bangkok mid-morning or early afternoon so you can hit the ground running! After you arrive and check into your hostel, jump in a Tuk Tuk heading to the Flower Markets. Spend the morning exploring the Flower Markets of Bangkok before heading to the Old Siam Plaza for lunch. Afterwards, walk around Chinatown and the market alleyways, which span endless blocks.
For dinner, head to I Love Thai Food, a famous street food vendor just near Khao San Road. Afterwards, head to the infamous Khao San Road for a wild Bangkok night out.
Day 2- Bangkok
Wake up (maybe slightly hungover) and go to Chatuchuk Weekend Market. Spend the better part of your day exploring the massive markets, eating plenty of street food and practising your haggling skills.
For dinner, head to a Michelin-starred restaurant called Krua Apsorn (don’t worry, it’s surprisingly affordable!). After dinner, head to Rajadamnern Stadium to watch a Muay Thai fight. Afterwards, head back to your hostel for an early night ahead of a big day of sightseeing.
Day 3- Bangkok
Grab breakfast at Konnichipan Bakery before a big day of temple hopping around Bangkok. Take the local boat to Wat Arun to explore this stunning temple. After, jump on another boat heading to IconSiam to witness the most impressive shopping mall you might ever see (it literally has a floating market inside it).
After you’ve eaten at the floating markets and explored the super illustrious mall, catch another local boat across the river to the Grand Place. Explore (or take a guided tour) the Grand Palace and Wat Pho to end a big day.
Afterwards, head to one of the best Thai restaurants in Bangkok called The Sixth for delicious Thai curries. After dinner, ensure you get an early night before a big day of travel and activities tomorrow!
Day 4- Bangkok- Kanchanaburi
Grab a quick 7/11 breakfast before jumping in an early van transfer heading for the next stop: Kanchanaburi. After checking in to your hostel, grab a quick lunch at one of the street food stalls. Then, head to the JEATH Museum to learn about the dark war history of Kanchanaburi. Once you appreciate and understand the history, make your way to the Death Railway to walk the tracks. On your way back to your hostel, stop at the War Memorial Cemetary to pay respects.
For dinner, grab some street food at the local Kanchanaburi night market before getting an early night before a big day of hiking tomorrow.
Day 5- Kanchanaburi- Ayutthaya
Grab a quick to-go breakfast before jumping on a bus heading for Erawan National Park. Spend the day hiking the National Park, swimming in the multiple-tiered waterfalls and getting free fish pedicures.
Make your way back to town on the mid-afternoon bus, then jump in a private taxi headed for your next destination: Ayutthaya. As soon as you arrive, head to the night markets for dinner. Afterwards, if you fancy a few drinks, head to Coffee House for live music, cocktail specials, and good vibes.
Day 6- Ayutthaya
Wake up early and grab breakfast at the most Insta-grammable cafes in Ayutthaya: Chirp. Afterwards, spend the day cycling around the Ancient City, exploring all the temples and other religious sights dotted around the city. Explore temples such as Wat Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit, Wat Phra Ram, Wat Loyaka Sutharam, Wat Na Phra Meru Rachikaram and Wat Thammikarat.
After a big day riding around the city and feeling like Lara Croft Tomb Raider, grab an early dinner from the night market before jumping on the sleeper train heading for the city of Chiang Mai.
Day 7- Chiang Mai
After getting off the sleeper train, head to Hideout Cafe for a wholesome brunch before a day of exploring the Old Town of Chiang Mai. Start by heading to Wat Chiang Man, then Wat Phra Singh. Afterwards, spend the afternoon at the Chiang Mai Museum and Lanna Arts Museum, learning about the history of the city and the local cultural group, the Lanna people. Finish up the day by heading to Wat Chedi Luang for a monk chat.
After a big day, head to Kat’s Kitchen to try the most famous dish of Chiang Mai- Khao Soi. Head back to your hostel for an early night before an early start the next morning.
Day 8- Chiang Mai
Grab a quick 7/11 breakfast before getting picked up for a must-do activity in Chiang Mai. Today, you’ll spend the day at an ethical Elephant Sanctuary called Elephant Nature Park. You’ll get to learn about elephants, elephant abuse in Thailand, get to feed elephants and see many elephants roaming around free and happy.
After a full day at the sanctuary, head to the night bazaar for dinner and drinks. Afterwards, head to the famous Lady Boy Cabaret in the markets.
Day 9- Chiang Mai
Get picked up early for another full-day tour, this time for the famous Thai Secret Cooking School cooking class. Spend the morning enjoying a traditional Thai market tour (where you can also grab some breakfast). Afterwards, you’ll head to a picturesque house in the surrounding rice fields to learn to cook several Thai dishes.
You’ll return to the city for dinner, but after eating delicious Thai food you’ve cooked all day, you probably won’t need dinner. If you’re not too tired from a big day, head out to dance at Zoe in Yellow and the surrounding bars.
Day 10- Chiang Mai- Pai
Have a leisurely morning stroll around the Old Town of Chiang Mai before stopping at Stories for Brunch and to do some people-watching.
In the early afternoon, jump on a shared van transfer heading to one of the most popular towns in Northern Thailand: Pai.
Arrive in Pai by early evening, just in time to grab dinner at the popular Pai walking street night market. Afterwards, enjoy your first bar hop around Pai. Head to Paizy, Boom Bar, What’s So Not Bar and Yellow Sun, or whichever of the many bars tickles your fancy.
Day 11- Pai
Grab breakfast at Lemon Thyme Cafe before a big day of sightseeing around Pai. Either book a half-day tour or rent a scooter to visit the following sights: White Buddha, IlovePai viewpoint, Chinese Village, Pai Canyon, Bamboo Bridge and Ban Luk Khao Lam Viewpoint.
On your return, head to Sunset Bar to watch the sunset in the rice fields and enjoy the chilled vibes. Afterwards, return to town and treat yourself to a bougie Italian dinner at Witching Well.
Day 12- Pai- Chiang Rai
Grab breakfast at Om Garden Cafe before renting a scooter to spend a chilled morning at Pai Hot Springs.
In the early afternoon, jump in a private taxi transfer to head to your final destination: Chiang Rai.
When you arrive, head to the Chiang Rai walking street for dinner. Make sure you get an early night before a big day of sightseeing tomorrow!
Day 13- Chiang Rai
Wake up early and grab breakfast at your hostel or on the go before a big day of sightseeing either by private taxi or by scooter. Start by visiting the famous White Temple (a must-do in Chiang Rai). Then, make your way north to Choui Fong Tea House for lunch with a view of the tea fields. After lunch, head to the Hall of Opium Museum to learn about the dark but fascinating history of the Golden Triangle.
Return to Chiang Rai town and visit the Black House and the Blue Temple. Then, grab dinner at the Chiang Rai Walking Street Night Market again.
Day 14- Chiang Rai
Spend the last morning of this Northern Thailand itinerary at your leisure exploring markets around Chiang Mai or getting one last Pad Thai or Thai Iced Tea before you depart Thailand.
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