Northern Thailand: a guide to Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai

Planning a Thailand trip and wondering if the north is worth the detour? Well, we’re here to tell you that it absolutely is. This jungle-clad region has adventure and atmosphere in equal measure, from exploring hill-tribe villages and grazing through lantern-lit bazaars to unforgettable moments with elephants in the wild.

Curious about what to see, where to stay and how to get there? We’ve mapped out a quick-fire guide to this captivating region, with insight from our Thailand expert James, who’s just back from a trip to Chiang Mai and beyond.

Chiang Mai: gateway to the north

Your journey north will almost certainly begin in Chiang Mai. It may be Thailand’s second city, but it feels worlds apart from Bangkok. As James puts it, “It’s calmer and less intense, with jungle hills on the horizon and a gentler rhythm in the streets.” It’s a sprawling place, but the Old Town is its soul, with cool cafés and art galleries tucked inside the old moat and city walls.

The best way to get around? Hop in a red songthaew or head out with a local guide. Wander through ornate temples such as Wat Phra Singh, browse markets stacked with tropical fruit and handmade crafts, and cycle the quieter lanes that loop the old walls. Just outside the centre, the road winds up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of the most sacred pilgrimage spots in Thailand, its golden chedi gleaming over the valley. It was a standout stop for James: “Mornings are the best time to visit. The air’s cooler and the light hits the chedi beautifully. You’ll climb 306 steps to reach the top, but the view makes up for it.”

When night falls, Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is the place to be. Vendors fire up their grills, lanterns swing above the streets and the air fills with smoke and spice. “Aside from the mouthwatering street food, the atmosphere is electric, with live bands and street performers keeping the crowds entertained late into the night,” says James.

Chiang Mai is also big on boutique hotels. James recommends 137 Pillars House near the centre, an ‘oasis in the city’, while Raya Heritage is a contemporary riverside retreat just outside town.

How long to stay in Chiang Mai: Two or three nights is enough to get a true taste of the city.

Chiang Rai: the north’s artistic heart

A few hours north of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai is smaller and more low-key but no less alluring. Close to the fabled Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet, it’s a city where creativity reigns. The temples here blur the line between architecture and art: the cobalt Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten) with dragon guardians, the towering Guan Yin statue at Wat Huai Pla Kung and the all-white Wat Rong Khun, glittering with mirrored mosaics.

Beyond the city, winding roads lead to tea plantations and mountain villages. Join our Trails of Doi Mae Salong tour to walk through tea fields, sip oolong in family-run tea houses and learn about the Chinese heritage of Santikhiri village.

Another worthwhile stop is Lampang, a green, laid-back city that James loved for its leafy streets and local character. His recommendation? Don’t miss Wat Phra Doi Phra Chan for its sweeping valley views or the Louis Leonowens House, built by the son of Anna Leonowens, whose story inspired The King and I.

Stay at The Riverie by Katathani for relaxed riverside style, or at Anantara Golden Triangle for next-level luxury and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

How long to stay in Chiang Rai: Give yourself two or three nights to slow the pace and explore the temples and tea trails.

Chiang Rai or Chiang Mai – which to choose?

So, which northern city should you slot into your itinerary? It depends what kind of traveller you are. If you’re drawn to night markets, cool cafés and a lively city scene, choose Chiang Mai. If you’d rather slow the pace among colourful temples, head for Chiang Rai.

“I loved the vibe of Chiang Mai,” says James. “It’s lively but not frantic. But if you’ve got the time, the best way to experience northern Thailand is to see both. Our Highlights of Northern Thailand and the Golden Triangle short add-on tour links them together with a private guide.”

Ethical elephant encounters

Head out of the cities and you’ll find a wilder side to northern Thailand, where spending time with elephants in their natural habitat is one of the region’s biggest draws. For James, it was the most memorable part of his trip. He stayed at The Bush Camp Chiang Mai, a rustic eco-retreat set beside an elephant sanctuary, around two hours’ drive from Chiang Mai. “Feeding and interacting with these magnificent creatures is something I’ll never forget,” he says.

Guests stay in gorgeous safari-style tents overlooking the park. “It’s a unique experience – you hear elephants trumpet and wildlife stir through the night, and wake to views across the bush.”

And it’s not all about the elephants. “Learning about the Karen people and how they grow rice was fascinating, and the cooking demonstrations were fun (and very delicious!). Watching the sunset by the bar, surrounded by nature, was the perfect finale to the stay.”

Food worth travelling for

Northern Thailand is known for its bold Lanna flavours, rich and aromatic with a hint of smokiness from charcoal-grilled cooking. On our Street Food Tour, you’ll taste a little of everything, from sizzling market stalls to late-night noodle carts. Or join a Thai cooking class, where you’ll shop for lemongrass, galangal and kaffir lime leaves before cooking your own feast. James says: “Go for Massaman curry or Pad Thai. I always end up ordering one of those wherever I go. But up north, you have to try khao soi, the region’s signature dish, at least once.”

When to go

November to February is peak season, with cooler air and clear skies. James travelled in September and loved how green the landscapes were after the rains. Shoulder months like May, June, September and October bring fewer crowds and better value.

How to plan your Thailand north and south itinerary

Northern Thailand works brilliantly as part of a multi-centre trip. Pair Bangkok and Chiang Mai with Koh Samui in our Taste of Thailand itinerary, or opt for a culture-and-coast duo with Chiang Mai and Krabi. For an unforgettable honeymoon, bed down in a bubble lodge in the jungle followed by island downtime on the white beaches of Koh Phi Phi.

The final word

“The north has this easy charm,” says James. “It’s greener, more relaxed and packed with adventure. Add boutique stays, mountain scenery, incredible culture and easy links to the islands, and it’s clear why it deserves a spot on your travel list.”

This article was created on 6th October 2025. The information is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. Feature by Heather Flanagan.