7-Day Northern Thailand Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Northern Thailand tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaNorthern Thailand travel expert at TourRadar

• 7 Days in Northern Thailand, incl. Bangkok and Chiang Mai

  A week-long odyssey covers 7 major cities across Northern Thailand in 7 days. The route includes 3 UNESCO sites including Ayutthaya and Sukhothai Historical Parks, 8 significant temples including Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, and unique attractions like the Elephant Poopoopaper Park and Golden Triangle boat excursion.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Bangkok

    Begin your Northern Thailand adventure in Bangkok. Get to the Grand Palace right when it opens at 8:30 AM to avoid crowds and the intense midday heat. Bring light clothes but pack a scarf or long-sleeve shirt since temples require covered shoulders. The Chinatown area makes a great base for exploring street food and night markets.

    
  • Day 3

    Bangkok to Phitsanulok

    Take an early 5-hour drive north and stop at Ayutthaya's Historical Park. Visit Wat Yai Chaimongkhon in the morning to see beautiful shadows cast by the seated Buddha statues. The road to Phitsanulok can be rough, so bring motion sickness pills if needed. Check out Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat before sunset to see the gold leaf offerings at their best.

    
  • Day 4

    Phitsanulok to Chiang Mai

    Visit Sukhothai Historical Park early when the morning light makes the ancient temples look incredible. You can bike around the ruins on well-maintained paths. Bring plenty of water since it heats up quickly after 10 AM. The drive to Chiang Mai takes about 5 hours. Stop at local markets along the way to break up the trip.

    
  • Day 5

    Chiang Mai

    Get to Wat Suan Dok before the crowds show up. Plan for an afternoon visit to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary and wear closed-toe shoes you don't mind getting dirty. A recent visitor shared: "The ethical elephant experience was worth every minute. Just know you'll get completely soaked during the mud bath—bring a change of clothes."

    
  • Day 6

    Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

    Take the cable car to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep for sunrise views of Chiang Mai. The 3-hour mountain drive to Chiang Rai offers great views from the right side of the vehicle. Visit Wat Rong Khun in the afternoon when sunlight reflects off its mirrors.

    
  • Day 7

    Chiang Rai and Golden Triangle

    Take an early boat trip to the Golden Triangle where morning mist creates beautiful views of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meeting at the Mekong. Stop by the bright blue Wat Rong Seua Ten before heading to the airport. Book evening flights from Chiang Rai to fit in morning activities.

    

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• 7 Days in Thailand, incl. Bangkok and Chiang Mai

  Northern Thailand unfolds over 7 days across Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai. The tour features Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple, Mae Tang elephant sanctuary, and Golden Triangle. Accommodations include stays at boutique properties like White Boutique Hotel and Na Nirand Resort.

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Bangkok

    Get to the Grand Palace by 8 AM to avoid the tour group crowds. Wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees or you'll need to rent proper clothing at the entrance. Consider staying in the Sukhumvit area for hotels with reliable air conditioning, as some travelers noted issues with cooling at the Novotel. For the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, leave your hotel at 7 AM for the 1.5-hour trip to see it at its best. Bring small bills for easier bargaining. Visit the Railway Market (Maeklong) too, but check train schedules first so you can watch vendors quickly clear their stalls when trains pass through.

    
  • Days 4-5

    Chiang Mai

    Fly to Chiang Mai in the morning (1 hour 15 minutes). Visit Doi Suthep temple later that day. Watch your step on the 300+ stairs, especially during rainy season. Pack a light jacket for the evening Khantoke dinner show since it gets cool outdoors after sunset. For the Mae Tang elephant experience, bring closed-toe water shoes, swimwear, and spare clothes for river activities. One visitor shared: "The elephant sanctuary was amazing - we learned about their behavior and got to help with their morning bath. Just remember to bring your swimsuit!"

    
  • Day 6

    Golden Triangle Day Trip

    Plan for 4 hours each way from Chiang Mai. Bring your passport to visit the Mae Sai border market. Set aside an hour for the Opium Museum. Visit the Thailand-Laos-Myanmar viewpoint before 10 AM to beat the crowds.

    
  • Day 7

    Departure from Chiang Mai

    Book an afternoon flight to enjoy a relaxed final morning. The airport is 15-20 minutes from most hotels. Add extra time if traveling during rush hour (8-9 AM).

    

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• 7 Days in Northern Thailand, incl. Chiang Mai and Pai

  The cultural heart of Northern Thailand unfolds over 7 days, covering Chiang Mai, Doi Inthanon (2,565m), Mae Hong Son, and Pai. The route includes 6 temples including Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu, Lod Cave, and selected 3-4 star properties.

  

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  • Day 1

    Chiang Mai Arrival & Orientation

    Arrive at Chiang Mai International Airport and make your way to the Old City area where you'll find most hotels. If you're here on a weekend, visit the Sunday Walking Street market in the afternoon. Plan to arrive around 4 PM before it gets too crowded. "The street food at the Sunday market was incredible," one traveler noted. "Try the khao soi from the stall near Wat Phan On temple—just follow the local crowd."

    
  • Day 2

    Doi Suthep Temple

    Get an early start at 7 AM to visit Doi Suthep temple before the heat and crowds set in. The 306-step Naga staircase requires good walking shoes and plenty of water. Stop by at 8 AM to experience the morning chanting. A visitor shared: "The morning mist around the golden chedi created an almost mystical atmosphere. Don't forget to dress modestly—they're strict about covering shoulders and knees."

    
  • Day 3

    Doi Inthanon National Park to Mae Sariang

    This full day takes you to Thailand's highest peak. The mountain road winds for about 2 hours. Consider taking motion sickness pills if needed. Make sure to see the Royal Twin Pagodas before the clouds come in around 11 AM. It's another 3 hours to Mae Sariang through beautiful pine forests. Bring warm clothes as temperatures can drop to 15°C (59°F) at the summit.

    
  • Day 4

    Mae Sariang to Mae Hong Son to Pai

    You'll spend 5-6 hours driving through 1,864 mountain curves today. Take breaks at Khun Yuam's WWII museum and Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu temple. Make time for Lod Cave and bring water shoes for the bamboo raft ride. "The cave was massive and the stalactites incredible," one traveler said. "but the paths can be slippery—definitely need good shoes with grip."

    
  • Day 5

    Pai Exploration

    Start your morning at Wat Mae Yen temple and Santichon Chinese village. Visit Pai Canyon in the morning or late afternoon, avoiding the intense midday sun between 12-3 PM. The Huay Nam Dang hot springs are less busy later in the day. A recent visitor suggests: "Skip the touristy Pai Canyon at sunset—it gets dangerously crowded. Go for sunrise instead when it's cooler and quieter."

    
  • Day 6

    Lampang Temples & Return to Chiang Mai

    Leave early for Lampang, a 3-hour drive away. Visit Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, one of northern Thailand's best wooden temples. Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao opens at 8 AM, perfect timing to watch monks collecting alms. The return drive to Chiang Mai takes about 2 hours on good roads.

  • Day 7

    Departure Day

    Book afternoon flights if possible to avoid morning traffic jams between 8-9 AM. Plan for 20-30 minutes to reach the airport from the Old City. Many visitors recommend adding an extra day: "We wished we had one more day just to explore the local food scene and night markets."

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