Here is a itinarery for two weeks in the North of thailand
- Ayuttahya (3 days)
- Sukhotai (2 days)
- Chiang Mia (4 days)
- Chiang Ria (4 days)
Tips and information:
- The easier way to travel in the country is to rent a car, however they drive on the left. Make sure to book the rental car in advance.
- Always carry cash! Credit cards are rarely accepted.
- Get a sim card at the airport it will be much easier
- Outside of Bangkok locals may not speak much English, but are always kind and helpful.
- Great selection of affordable hotels with pools and breakfast.
- Use Tuk Tuks for quick, fun rides around cities, always agree on price first!
Temple dress code:
- Men: Shorts allowed, but long pants required at Royal Palace.
- Women: Shoulders and knees must be covered at all temples.
- Remove shoes before entering temples
Ayutthaya
Starting driving north from Bangkok for an hour and a half, you’ll reach Ayutthaya.
The visit of some of the 400 Temples
Ayutthaya count a total of 400 temples and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To make the most of your visit, I recommend purchasing the temple pass, which gives you access to six major historical sites for just 250 baht per person (6.5€). You can easily purchase the pass at the entrance of any participating temple.
The pass typically includes Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, Wat Mahathat, and Wat Ratchaburana, Wat Phra Ram, and Wat Chaiwatthanaram. The historical park covers a large area, so renting a bicycle is a great option to explore more efficiently and comfortably.
Boat tour with the visit of three temples
Many hotels also offer the option to book a boat tour with tuk-tuk transfer included, usually around 200 baht per person (5€) for a two-hour tour. It’s another way to see the city from the river in a tradional Thai boat and includes stops at three riverside temples, which I highly recommend.
The Royal Palace of Bang Pa
About 25 minutes south of Ayutthaya lies the beautiful Bang Pa-In Royal Palace. This palace dates from the 17th century, it used to be one of the Thai king’s summer residence, now it is mostly use for events or as a toursitic attraction.
It is mainly outdoors gardens and elegant European- and Thai-style buildings, including pavilions, bridges, and a lake. You can even get the chance to feed the turtles and the fish in the ponds.
While it’s not a must for everyone, it’s a great stop if you have extra time or are heading to or from Ayutthaya by car. Attention! Both men and Women need to wear pants and shirts.
On the way to Sukhothai from Ayuttthaya
Then direction Sukhothai, a city located 4 hours away from Ayutthaya. On the way to Sukhothai, two mandatory stops!
1st stop: Wat Muang Buddha
Make a stop in Ang Thong to see Wat Muang and its impressive Buddha statue. This spot isn’t mentioned in most tourist guides, but it’s absolutely worth a visit. The statue of the seated Buddha is 96 meters tall!! Yes 96 m high, making it the tallest in Thailand and one of the tallest in the world!
2nd stop: Lopburi, the monkey village
Lopburi is famously known for its monkeys that live freely around the city, especially near the ancient Phra Prang Sam Yot temple. In the city center, this temple has become a major attraction, with many monkeys making it their home.
You do need to pay a small entrance fee to visit the temple. Also be aware that the monkeys can be quite playful, make sure to leave important thing in the car especially food. This is a must-see city that give you a unique experience that you won’t find in many other places.
Sukhotai
Sukhothai was the first capital of Thailand and is a city full of history. The best way to explore it is by renting a bike, most hotels or local shops offer rentals. Head to the Sukhothai Historical Park in the Old Town, where you’ll find ancient temples and ruins.
There’s a small entry fee to access the main park, which covers the central zone. If you’d like to explore the surrounding temples in the northern and western zones, you’ll need a separate ticket, but both are very affordable.
End your day in the night market in the city. The market is lively and full of energy, with tons of street food, shopping stalls, and local activities.
On the way from Sukhotai to Chiang Mai
On your way to Chiang Mai, make a stop at Si Satchanalai Historical Park (100 baht / ~2.5€). It’s a well-preserved site with many ancient temples scattered throughout the area. You can easily rent a bike to explore the whole park as it is quite big, definitely worth the detour!
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is one of Thailand’s largest and most popular cities, located in the north of the country. The famous Tha Phae Gate marks the entrance to the Old City. Chiang Mai is also known for its nearby waterfalls, elephant sanctuaries, and vibrant night markets where you can enjoy local street food and shop for handmade goods.
To activities in Chang Mai and around
Visit of the temples and the Old city
Spend two days exploring Chiang Mai’s stunning temples, museums, and historic Old City. Here’s a list of must-see temples, with entry prices to help you plan:
- Wat Phra Singh, Wat Lok Moli, Wat Rajamontean, Wat Mahawan, Wat Inthakhin Sadue Muang, and Wat Chiang Man are free
- Wat Chedi Luang – 40 baht
- Phra Phut Chaloem Kaeo Yok – Around 500 baht (about 14€); one of the most expensive, but worth it for the experience
- Wat Sri Suphan (Silver Hall) – 50 baht; part of the temple is unfortunately only open to men
- Wat Buppharam – 20 baht
I know, it sounds like a lot, but all of these temples are located close to each other in the Old City, so they’re all easily walkable! Except for Phra Phut Chaloem Kaeo Yok that you might need a Tuk Tuk to get there.
If you prefer history, culture and learn about the popular arts of Lanna you have the option between three museums:
- Lanna Folklife Museum; where you will see traditional Lanna lifestyles, as well as traditional object and textiles.
- Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre; I recommend that one as it shows how Chiang Mai used to be from 700 year ago to now.
- Chiang Mai National Museum; This one focuses more on the culture and the history of the Lanna kingdom.
Finish your day at the night market in the evening, ideal place to eat some local food and see traditional activities.
Top Activities Outside of Chiang Mai
Wat Phra Lat
Wat Phra Lat is the first of the four activities on the mountain road. It is just one of the amazing places to take a break from the crowed and enjoy nature. The temple is surrounded by forest and waterfalls. You can hike along the Monk’s trail and enjoy the panoramic view.
Wat Prahat Doi Suthep
Following the road you’ll reach Wat Prahat Doi Suthep, (40baht) which is one of the must-see temples. Located on the top of a mountain it offers an amazing panoramic view. It is also very very touristic, so to avoid the crowed it is better to go early in the morning or late in the evening.
Bhuding Palace
Then continuing on the same road you’ll reach Bhuding Palace. The Palace is not open for visit, but you can visit the beautiful gardens around it.
Ban Doi Pui village
Finally the last stop on the mountain road is a small mountain village named Ban Doi Pui. It is an authentic traditional Thai viallage, with locals often dressed in traditional clothing. You’ll find a very calm atmosphere with many viewpoints, and a lovely flower garden that is free to visit.
Let’s see some waterfall
Wang Bua Ban and Monthathan waterfalls
Spend one day hiking in the Monthathan waterfall. On the way there you’ll get amazing viewpoints. One of them is at Wang bua ban waterfall, where you can stop and enjoy the view of the city.
Keep driving until you reach the Monthathan waterfall. You can hike as long as you want, the path is surrounded by the forest with many waterfalls on the way. However there is an entrance fee, but only 100 baht/per (2.5) + 30 baht for the car.
On the way from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
Buatong Waterfall and Chet Si Fountain National Park
This is must see place! The waterfall is known for having water that ”stick”. You might wonder what do I mean by water that stick, well let’s say you can climb a waterfall without falling down. One its highlight is that, it is free! There is also a trail in Chet Si Fountain National Park that takes about an hour all around the waterfall and is very nice to do. If you want to hike more there more hiking trail in the park.
I recommend using Google Maps instead of Waze to get there and make sure to take the highway as much as possible.
Then you have two options to join Chiang Rai: either take the road back toward Chiang Mai to join the highway, or cut through the forest via mountain roads. The shortcut takes about an hour however it’s only mountain roads, but you’ll get amazing viewpoints along the way, so it’s up to you.
Chiang Rai
The final destination of my road trip in the North is Chiang Ria. It is not as crowded as Chiang Mai, and is known for its majestic and surreal white temple (Wat Rong Khun) but also for its Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten).
Top activities in Chiang Ria
Wat Phra kaew Temple
One of the most sacred temples in Thailand, Wat Phra Kaew is famous for its Emerald Buddha. You might expect a huge statue, but the Buddha is actually quite small, still very impressive though! The temple itself is beautifully decorated and the architecture is stunning. The only downside is the entrance fee, which is a bit pricey (500 baht / around 14€ per person). But it’s definitely worth seeing at least once.
Lam Nam Kok National Park
It is a nice park for hiking and nice waterfalls. It might be close during summer for natural resources protection so make sure to check if it is open.
Singha Park
This park is near the white temple so I recommend doing both the same day. The park is known for its iconic golden lion statue, is a great place for a promenade. The entry is free, but you’ll need to pay for transportation within the park, whether you rent a bike, a small cart, or take the shuttle bus they provide for visitors.
Wat Rong Suea Ten Temple
Also known as the Blue Temple, this temple stands out for its striking deep blue color accented with gold details. Though it’s not as aimpressive as the White Temple it is absolutely worth a visit. It’s typically less crowded and free to enter.
Nigth Bazaar
Finish your day at the Night Bazaar! It’s a different kind of night market compared to those in other cities, which was in my opinion the best one i have been. It’s a great place to shop, eat, and enjoy the local vibe all in one spot.
Black Houses Museum
Also called Baan Dam Museum, the Black House is located all the way to the north of the city center with an entry fee of 80 baht/per (2€). It is not a temple, it’s like a small viallge with black buildings and strange collection of bones skin and handcrafted wooden furniture. It’s a complete contrats from anything you’ve seen so far, so if you wanna see something different it’s worth checking out.
Activities Outisde of Chang Ria
Wat Rong Khun
The majestic White Temple. Very very touristic, but it is really worth it, the temple is just amazing. I recommend going early, it opens at 8 am the earliest, because it gets quickly crowded. (100 baht/pers)
Wat Huay Pla Klang
It also known as the big buddah temple due to its impressive statue of the goddess of mercy seating. Main advantage is free to visit, except if you wanna climb all the way up in the statue of the goddess it is 40baht/pers.
Doi Tung Royal Villa
About an hour north of Chiang Rai, almost at the border with Myanmar, you’ll find the Doi Tung Royal Villa and its beautiful gardens. Make sure to wear proper clothing, even men are expected to cover up. You can visit the princess’s villa, stroll through the colorful gardens, and even check out the arboretum (though you’ll need to drive a bit further to get there).
It’s a really nice place to walk around away from the crowed, and if the sky is clear, the views over the forest and city are amazing. There are different ticket options depending on what you want to see, so you can choose what suits you best.