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

  A 6-day route through 11 cities in Northern Thailand, from UNESCO-listed Ayutthaya's ancient temples to Sukhothai's historical park. The itinerary includes a Sakaekrang River cruise, Wat Rong Khun in Chiang Rai, and a 306-step climb at Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai. Boutique stays at 42C The Chic Hotel and Sukhothai Treasure Resort with daily breakfast and lunch.

  

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  • Day 1

    Bangkok to Ayutthaya and Uthai Thani (320km)

    Leave Bangkok by 7:30 AM to avoid traffic. The drive to Ayutthaya takes about 1.5 hours. "The temple ruins of Wat Mahatat and Wat Chai Wattanaram are spectacular, especially in morning light." Visit Wat Tasung Temple's crystal hall in the afternoon. Take a river cruise on the Sakaekrang River to end your day. Remember to pack mosquito repellent since insects come out at dusk.

    
  • Day 2

    Sukhothai Heritage Route (300km)

    Travel through Kamphaengphet to reach Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO site. Start at the pottery village early before it gets too hot. Visit the Sangkhalok pottery workshops before lunch when you can see the artisans at work. Set aside 2-3 hours for the historical park. The site is large, so rent a bike to see more.

    
  • Day 3

    Phrae to Chiang Rai (400km)

    This is your longest day of driving. Stop at Kwan Phayao Lake in the morning to see local fishermen with their fresh catch. Get to the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) by 8:30 AM before tour buses arrive. "The Blue Temple (Wat Rong Sua Ten) is less crowded but equally impressive - go in late afternoon when the sun makes the blue colors really pop."

    
  • Day 4

    Golden Triangle to Chiang Mai (210km)

    Visit the Golden Triangle viewpoint early in the morning. Plan 1-2 hours for the Opium Museum. The drive to Chiang Mai follows mountain roads, so sit near the front if you get carsick. You'll reach Chiang Mai with enough time to explore the night bazaar.

    
  • Day 5

    Chiang Mai Temples and Crafts

    Start your day at Doi Suthep temple before 9 AM. The climb up 306 steps is manageable but bring water. Head to the Borsang umbrella village in mid-afternoon to watch the painting workshops. End your day at Wat Phra Singh during sunset to see the golden chedi at its most beautiful.

    
  • Day 6

    Departure from Chiang Mai

    After checking out, head to the airport. It's only 15 minutes from central Chiang Mai. Allow 2 hours for domestic flights or 3 hours for international departures.

    

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