5 DaysnorthernFrom $180-280

5 Days Northern Adventure: Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai

Immerse yourself in Northern Thailand's rich culture and stunning nature over 5 days. From Chiang Mai's ancient temples and elephant sanctuaries to Chiang Rai's otherworldly White Temple and the Golden Triangle, this itinerary reveals the soul of the north.

Overview

Days

Cities

$180-280

Min Budget

Highlights

Trip Highlights

Doi Suthep

Elephant Sanctuary

White Temple

Golden Triangle

Blue Temple

Night Markets

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Arrive in Chiang Mai & Old City Exploration

chiang-mai

Activities

Wat Phra Singh

40 ($1.20)1 hour

Start your Old City temple tour here. The Lai Kham chapel contains some of northern Thailand's finest murals.

Wat Chedi Luang

40 ($1.20)1 hour

The massive ruined chedi was once 82 meters high. Join the free Monk Chat program to speak with Buddhist monks.

Explore Old City on Foot or Bicycle

Free on foot / 50-100 bike rental2 hours

The moated Old City is small enough to explore on foot. Duck into side streets (sois) for hidden temples and local eateries.

Sunday/Saturday Night Market

Free entry2-3 hours

Sunday Walking Street on Ratchadamnoen Road is the best. Saturday Night Market runs on Wualai Road. Daily Night Bazaar on Chang Klan Road.

Meals

Breakfast

Khao Soi at Khao Soi Khun Yai on Faham Road (50-80 baht)

Lunch

Kao Soy Nimman or SP Chicken near the Old City (60-120 baht)

Dinner

Night market street food - Sai Ua, grilled meats, and mango sticky rice (100-200 baht)

Where to Stay

Boutique hotel in Old City or Nimman (1,200-2,500/night)

Taxi or songthaew from airport: 150-200 baht. Red songthaews around the city: 30-50 baht.

Doi Suthep & Cooking Class

chiang-mai

Activities

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

30 ($0.90) + transport 100-1502-3 hours

Chiang Mai's most important temple sits at 1,055 meters above sea level. Climb 306 steps or take the funicular (50 baht). Morning visits offer clearer views.

Thai Cooking Class (Half Day)

900-1,500 ($27-45)4-5 hours

Chiang Mai is Thailand's cooking class capital. Thai Farm Cooking School, Mama Noi, or Pantawan are all excellent. Most include market tour.

Nimman Road Evening

Free (food/drinks extra)2 hours

Trendy neighborhood with excellent cafes, bars, and restaurants. One Nimman complex has shops and eateries in one place.

Meals

Breakfast

Fresh pastries at Ristr8to coffee (Nimman) - award-winning latte art (100-200 baht)

Lunch

Cooking class lunch - eat what you cook (included)

Dinner

Huen Phen for authentic Northern Thai/Lanna cuisine (150-350 baht)

Where to Stay

Boutique hotel in Nimman (1,200-2,500/night)

Songthaew to Doi Suthep: 50-80 baht/person shared. Grab available for everything else.

Elephant Sanctuary & Nature

chiang-mai

Activities

Elephant Nature Park (Full Day)

2,500-3,500 ($75-105)8-9 hours

The original ethical elephant sanctuary. Full day includes feeding, bathing, walking with elephants, and a vegetarian buffet lunch. Book 2-3 weeks ahead in peak season.

Evening: Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

Free entry2 hours

Open every night on Chang Klan Road. More commercial than the weekend markets but convenient any day of the week.

Meals

Breakfast

Early breakfast at hotel (elephant sanctuary pickup is around 8 AM)

Lunch

Vegetarian buffet at Elephant Nature Park (included)

Dinner

Dash! Restaurant & Bar for creative Thai fusion (200-400 baht)

Where to Stay

Hotel near Night Bazaar (1,200-2,500/night)

Elephant sanctuary includes hotel pickup and return. Songthaew for evening.

Travel to Chiang Rai & White Temple

chiang-rai

Activities

Travel to Chiang Rai

200-350 ($6-10) by bus3-4 hours

Green Bus from Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 runs hourly. VIP buses (350 baht) have more legroom. Journey takes 3-4 hours through scenic mountains.

Wat Rong Khun (White Temple)

100 ($3)1.5 hours

Thailand's most unique temple - a contemporary art piece by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. The white exterior symbolizes purity. No photos inside the main hall.

Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple)

Free45 minutes

The stunning blue interior is mesmerizing. Less crowded than the White Temple. Created by a student of the White Temple's artist.

Chiang Rai Night Bazaar

Free entry2 hours

Smaller and more authentic than Chiang Mai's. Great hill tribe handicrafts and live traditional music performances nightly.

Meals

Breakfast

Grab breakfast in Chiang Mai before departure (60-100 baht)

Lunch

Local restaurant near the White Temple or in Chiang Rai town (60-150 baht)

Dinner

Night Bazaar food stalls - try Sai Ua and Khao Soi (80-150 baht)

Where to Stay

Le Meridien Chiang Rai or The Riverie (1,500-3,000/night)

Bus Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai: 200-350 baht (3-4 hours). Tuk-tuk in Chiang Rai: 20-60 baht.

Golden Triangle & Black House

chiang-rai

Activities

Golden Triangle Viewpoint

Free (boat ride 400)1-2 hours

Where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet at the Mekong River. Take a boat trip to a Laotian island (400 baht). Visit the Opium Museum nearby (200 baht).

Baan Dam (Black House/Museum)

80 ($2.40)1.5 hours

The dark counterpart to the White Temple - a complex of 40 black buildings filled with art, animal bones, and crocodile skins by artist Thawan Duchanee.

Singha Park

Free entry (activities extra)1.5 hours

Beautiful tea and coffee plantation owned by Singha beer. Free to explore by bike or shuttle. Great cafe with fresh brews.

Wat Phra Kaew Chiang Rai

Free45 minutes

The original home of the Emerald Buddha (now in Bangkok's Grand Palace). A peaceful and historically significant temple.

Meals

Breakfast

Hotel breakfast or local market (50-100 baht)

Lunch

Lunch at Singha Park cafe or local restaurant near Golden Triangle (100-250 baht)

Dinner

Farewell dinner at Chivit Thamma Da Coffee House & bistro on the river (200-500 baht)

Where to Stay

Hotel in Chiang Rai center (1,500-3,000/night)

Hire a private car/driver for the day: 1,500-2,500 baht covers Golden Triangle + Black House. Or join a group tour: 800-1,200 baht.

Transport Between Cities

chiang-maichiang-rai

bus

3-4 hours

200-350

taxi

3 hours

2,500-3,500

Compare all routes on 12Go Asia

Affiliate link

Packing Tips

Light layers (cooler temperatures in the mountains)

Comfortable walking shoes

Insect repellent

Warm jacket for Doi Suthep and evenings

Modest clothing for temples

Clothes that can get dirty (elephant sanctuary)

Rain jacket (if visiting in shoulder season)

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does 5 days in Thailand cost?

A 5-day trip to Thailand costs approximately $180-280 on a budget, $450-700 for mid-range travel, and $1,000-1,800 for a luxury experience. This includes accommodation, food, transport, and activities.

What is the best time to visit northern Thailand?

The best time to visit northern Thailand is November to February. This period offers the most favorable weather and fewer crowds.

Is 5 days enough for Thailand?

Yes, 5 days is a great amount of time to explore multiple destinations. This itinerary covers chiang-mai, chiang-rai with a well-planned day-by-day schedule.