How to get to Northern Thailand from Bangkok
Chances are if you are arriving to Thailand from an international destination, your flight will probably take you to the metropolitan city of Bangkok. There are two airports in Bangkok- Suvarnabhumi Airport BKK and Don Mueang International Airport DMK. Getting around the north of Thailand is relatively easy with options including buses, Ubers, mini busses, and songthaews also known as shared taxis, or scooter rentals.
Remember when renting a scooter anywhere in Thailand, it’s essential to have an international driving permit (IDP) in addition to your regular driver’s license. Many rental agencies require an IDP to comply with local regulations and ensure that you’re legally allowed to operate a vehicle and if the rental agency doesn’t ask for it do know that when the police pull you over, they will definitely want to see your IDP. Having an IDP can also provide you with added protection in case of accidents or insurance claims.
The three most popular options to get to Chiang Mai from Bangkok are by either plane, train or bus.
Train
Trains to Chiang Mai leave from Hua Lamphong Railway Station in Bangkok, which is easily accessible by public transport. It is so so soooo important to pre book your trip by train as the overnight train ride is almost always sold out due to the high demand. You can book directly at the train station or on 12Go: Book Trains, Buses, Ferries, Transfers & Flights.
Bus
The bus stops at 7/11 along the route and can also be booked on 12Go: Book Trains, Buses, Ferries, Transfers & Flights or directly at the bus terminal.
Practical tips to make the most of your trip
The north of Thailand has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The best time to visit is during the cool season, from November to February, when the weather is pleasant and dry, making it ideal for exploring. This period also hosts vibrant festivals, such as the Yi Peng Lantern Festival in November. Alternatively, the green season from May to October offers lush landscapes and fewer tourists, though you may encounter occasional rain. The busiest season is around the major holidays like Songkran in mid-April, as accommodations can fill up quickly. Another important tip to note is keep track of burning season. During burning season farmers burn their crops and the air quality drops drastically. I had to leave early as it was getting more difficult to breath doing simple activities outdoors.
Destinations
The three towns that you should include in your Northern Thailand itinerary are Chiang Mai, Pai, and Chiang Rai. Chiang Mai is the largest city in Northern Thailand and a cultural hub renowned for its ancient temples, vibrant markets, and rich history. Pai is a laid-back town nestled in a picturesque valley surrounded by mountains known for its relaxed atmosphere and bohemian vibes. Chiang Rai is a smaller city compared to Chiang Mai but equally rich in culture and history. It’s most famous for the unique modern temples.
Chiang Mai
Explore the historic walled Old City, home to iconic temples like Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang.
Shop for handicrafts, textiles, and local souvenirs at the bustling Night Bazaar.
Take a hike through the forest via the Monk’s Trail and visit the revered temple of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, perched atop a mountain with panoramic views of the city. Bring plenty of water since it is a steep hike. The first part of the trail is through the forest and the rest is along the roadway.
Experience ethical elephant encounters at this sanctuary dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating elephants like the Elephant Nature Park.
Visit the Sticky Waterfalls which is a pretty cool free attraction.
Pai
Pai is celebrated for its stunning natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere. Surrounded by lush mountains, hot springs, and rice paddies, it attracts nature lovers and adventurers alike. The town features a charming blend of local shops, cafes, and guesthouses, along with a lively night market offering delicious street food and unique handicrafts. With its artistic vibe and welcoming community, Pai is a favorite retreat for travelers seeking tranquility and adventure.
Hike through the unique rock formations and enjoy stunning sunset views at Pai Canyon. Make sure to grab a good spot as it gets crowded fast for sunset.
Tipsy Tubing happens every Tuesday and it’s a huge party of hundreds along the river. If you are not in on a Tuesday, you can still go tubing. I personally didn’t mind less crowds because navigating the low waters amid the rocks and people while drunk was difficult. I can only imagine when there’s three times the amount of people.
Sample delicious street food and browse through local handicrafts at the vibrant night market on the only main street in Pai.
Technically not in Pai, but only one hour away is an opportunity where you can mediate with monks at the Wat Pa Tam Wua. This forest monastery offers meditation retreats, allowing visitors to experience mindfulness practices alongside the monks. It’s a peaceful spot for those looking to deepen their meditation practice while surrounded by nature. Keep in mind that you must stay a minimum of 3 nights.
Chiang Rai
If you are short on time, many tourists choose to do the Chiang Rai temples as a day trip from Chiang Mai. Otherwise, it’s really simply to spend a day going to all three of temples either by Uber or on a scooter. Unlike traditional temples, these three temples feature a collection of contemporary structures that blend elements of Thai architecture with unique artistic expression that also reflect Buddhist themes.
Consider the Following Activities
Trekking
Explore the lush jungles and remote hill tribe villages on multi-day trekking adventures from Chiang Mai or Pai.
Cooking Classes
Learn to cook traditional Thai dishes at one of the many cooking schools in Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai. Most tours start with a trip to the local market before heading to the kitchen. I made sure that this was one of my first tours that I took in Thailand because I wanted to learn which food were spicy and which weren’t. The tips that I learned during the cooking class helped me tremendously when it came to navigating my way in the local night markets.
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