Northern Thailand Itineraries

To really get a feel for northern Thailand, plan on spending at least a week here.

If You Have 2 Days. Spend your first day exploring the streets of Chiang Mai. On the second day rise early and drive up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. In the afternoon, visit the Elephant Training Center at Mae Sa.

If You Have 5 Days. On your first two days, cover the major sights in and around Chiang Mai. On the third day, fly to Mae Hong Son and take a tour of a nearby Karen village. Set out the next day (by hired car or bus) for Chiang Rai. You might consider overnighting in Tha Ton or Chiang Dao. On the fifth day make a circular tour to Chiang Saen to see its excavated ruins and meet the Mekong River, then to Ban Sop Ruak to visit the magnificent Hall of Opium. Finally, head to Mae Sai for a look at Burmese crafts in the busy local markets.

If You Have 7 Days. If you're lucky enough to have a week or more in northern Thailand, you'll have plenty of time to stay for a few nights with a hill tribe family. Treks to these mountain villages, often done on elephants, can be arranged from Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, and other communities.