North Thailand Travel Guide: Chiang Mai, Pai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son & Golden Triangle Adventures

1. Chiang Mai – Here, you get the best of both the past and the present: centuries-old temples (Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang), considered the best temples in Thailand. The Night Bazaar’s neon energy and its neighbourhood, Nimmanhaemin, have cafés that let you spend an afternoon like a local. Don’t miss a day trip to Doi Inthanon. Chiang Mai receives over 3 million tourists annually, making it one of Northern Thailand’s most popular destinations.
2. Chiang Rai – This place is like a stylish, artistic friend who likes calmness. The dazzling White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) and the eccentric Black House (Baan Dam) are unforgettable. Visit the Hall of Opium for history you never thought existed here.
3. Pai – A dream for backpackers and slow travellers, nestled in the mountains. Walking Street has retro cafés, street food, and handmade goods. Some of the best things to do here are to explore Pai Canyon, relax in hot springs, and enjoy live music by the river; Pai is about being, not doing.
4. Mae Hong Son – Also called the City of Three Mists, it lies deep in the mountains with winding roads rewarding patient travellers. Explore Shan culture. Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu is a hilltop temple named for its sacred stupa, with golden pagodas and beautiful valley views.
5. Golden Triangle – At Thailand’s northern end, it lets you view three nations: Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar along the Mekong River, making it the best destination to visit in Thailand. Once linked to the opium trade, today it’s a quiet, picturesque area of villages and river scenery.

• Airports: Chiang Mai (CNX) is the main hub, Chiang Rai (CEI) is best for the Golden Triangle, and Mae Hong Son (MAH) is perfect for adventurous travellers.
• Which destinations are meant for you: Chiang Mai is ideal for festival lovers, Doi Inthanon and Mae Hong Son are perfect for nature and hiking enthusiasts, Pai is great for slow travellers, and Chiang Rai appeals to those who love art and culture.

• November–February: This is the ideal time to visit Thailand. As the climate remains cool at night, the mountains are visible, making it perfect for hiking and exploring. December and January are especially ideal, with minimal haze and crisp, fresh air.
• March–April:  During these months, the air heats up, but if you want chaos, April’s Songkran (Thai New Year) will soak you in the festival.
• May–October: The Green season brings the waterfalls to their maximum, and the rice paddies glow vividly, but you have to compete with the odd washed-out trek and muddy roads.

• Yi Peng/Loy Krathong (November): Chiang Mai glows with floating lanterns and river lights. Join the regulated launches for a magical experience.
• Flower Festival (February): The city blooms with colourful parades and floral displays. It is the best place to visit during weekends to catch it all.
• Songkran (April): Thailand’s water-soaked New Year is everywhere, fun, chaotic, and completely unforgettable. Bring waterproof gear!
• Poy Sang Long (March–April): A Shan ordination festival full of colours and tradition. Dates vary each year, so check ahead before planning.

2–3 Days (Weekend in Chiang Mai)

• Arrive in Chiang Mai and explore the Old City temples.
• Take a day trip to Doi Inthanon or join a Thai cooking class.
• Stroll through the Night Bazaar in the evening.
• Cost per person: 7,000 THB (INR16,000) including accommodation, transport, and activities.

5–7 Days (Chiang Mai + Pai)

• Explore Chiang Mai’s temples, markets, and cultural spots.
• Travel to Pai to visit Pai Canyon, hot springs, and local temples.
• Cost per person: 15,000 THB (INR 35,000), including accommodation, transport, and tours.

10+ Days (Full Northern Loop)

• Start in Chiang Mai, exploring city temples and cultural sights.
• Head to Pai and Mae Hong Son for mountain drives, hill-tribe villages, and scenic views.
• Continue to Mae Sariang and Chiang Rai to see art, culture, and the Golden Triangle.
• Cost per person: 45,000 THB (INR1,05,000) including accommodation, transport, and guided activities.

• Doi Inthanon National Park: The highest point in Thailand, at 2,565m, approximately 100km north of Chiang Mai. Explore Wachirathan and Sirithan waterfalls, Kew Mae Pan paths and Ang Ka trails, as well as royal pagodas. The foreign adult costs 300 THB ( INR 700) to enter, and warm clothes are necessary during the peak.
• Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries: This place is not for riding but is more education and rehabilitation focused. These sanctuaries focus on the well-being of elephants, teaching visitors about their care and natural behaviour.
• Trekking & Culture: You can explore Hill-country treks, hill-tribe overnights, coffee/tea plantation tours.
• Markets & Classes: In Chiang Mai and Pai, night markets are as good for people-watching as food. Cooking classes last a half- or a whole day, and give a taste for the craft behind the flavour.

• Rent scooters in Pai or Chiang Mai, always wear a helmet, and ride carefully.
• Use Grab for longer trips; songthaews and tuk-tuks are best for short distances.
• Get an international eSIM to stay connected from the airport.
• Pack layers, a warm jacket, rain protection, sturdy shoes, and a universal adapter.
• Bring first-aid, personal medications, and check vaccines before travelling.
• Mountain tops like Doi Inthanon (2,565m) can be cold, even in tropical Thailand, so wearing warm clothes is a must.

Northern Thailand is a treasury of foggy mountain ranges, golden temples, night markets and picturesque river valleys. The adventure seekers will be entertained with trekking, waterfalls and hill-tribe villages; culture lovers can observe temples, local festivals and Northern Thai food. Be it at cosy jungle cafes or mountain views, a day in Northern Thailand is an opportunity to explore the local culture. Your final Northern Thailand experience is on the way.  If you prefer hassle-free planning, plan your trip with Thailand tour packages from Pickyourtrail, which include personalised itineraries to see what fits your budget and travel style.