Chiang Mai to Bangkok: The North Thailand Loop (Pai & Chiang Rai)

The North Thailand loop is the classic backpacker journey: you'll experience ancient temples, mountain scenery, winding roads with legendary hairpins, and towns that feel genuinely off the beaten track. This route threads Chiang Mai, Pai, Chiang Rai, and Bangkok together in a way that makes sense geographically and culturally.

The best part? You have options. Run it fast in 5 days if you're time-limited, or take 10 days and actually breathe. Either way, you're hitting the highlights of Northern Thailand's must-see destinations.

The Route at a Glance

• Chiang Mai: 1-2 days. Temples, night bazaar, cooking class, old city exploration.
• Pai: 1-2 days. Mae Hong Son loop highway (famous for 762 curves), hot springs, waterfalls, hippie energy.
• Chiang Rai: 1-2 days. White Temple, Blue Temple, Golden Triangle, tea plantations.
• Back to Bangkok: Fly (1 hour), overnight sleeper train (13 hours), or overnight bus (10 hours).

Best season: November to February (cool and dry, 15-25°C) Avoid: March to April (burning season — air quality can hit 200+ AQI) Budget: $30-40/day (slightly cheaper than Bangkok)

Version 1: 5-Day Express Loop

Perfect if you're bouncing between major cities or on a tight deadline. This version hits the essential landmarks without lingering.

Day 1: Chiang Mai (Arrival)

• Morning/Afternoon: Arrive in Chiang Mai. Settle into your accommodation in the Old City (easier to walk around).
• Late afternoon: Visit Wat Chedi Luang (large ruined temple in the city center, free entry).
• Evening: Explore Chiang Mai Night Bazaar or grab street food on Nimman Road.
• Accommodation: Dorm bed, Old City (200-250B) or guesthouse (400-600B).

Day 2: Chiang Mai (Full Day)

• Morning: Visit Wat Phra Singh (ornate temple, free entry).
• Midday: Join a half-day Thai cooking class (200-300B, includes lunch).
• Late afternoon: Visit Chiang Mai Sunday Walking Street market if it's Sunday (or Waroros Market any day for local flavor).
• Evening: Sunset at a temple or relax at a café.

Day 3: Chiang Mai to Pai (Travel Day)

• Morning: Minivan departs Chiang Mai for Pai (3 hours, 150-200B).
• Afternoon: Arrive in Pai. Visit Pai Canyon (sunset views, 50B entry) or relax at one of the natural hot springs (Baan Pai Hot Spring, 50B).
• Evening: Walk Pai Walking Street (market/night scene, Friday-Sunday).
• Accommodation: Dorm (150-200B) or hut/bungalow (300-400B).

Note on the Mae Hong Son Loop: If you have an extra day, rent a motorbike and do the 100km loop through Mae Hong Son (famous for its 762 curves). It's spectacular but takes a full day and requires confident riding.

Day 4: Pai to Chiang Rai (Travel Day)

• Morning: Minivan departs Pai for Chiang Rai (4-5 hours, 200-250B). Scenic mountain roads.
• Afternoon: Arrive in Chiang Rai. Check out Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) before sunset (50B entry, 15 min from town).
• Evening: Walk around the Night Bazaar or settle in at your guesthouse.
• Accommodation: Dorm (150-200B) or guesthouse (400-500B).

Day 5: Chiang Rai & Return to Bangkok

• Morning: Visit Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) again if needed, or explore Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple, 20B, north of town).
• Midday: Drive to Golden Triangle viewpoint (40B, 45 min from Chiang Rai) — see the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar.
• Afternoon: Head back to Chiang Rai town.
• Evening: Catch your onward transport to Bangkok (see options below).

Version 2: 10-Day Explorer Loop

This is the version where you actually relax, do side trips, and soak in the vibe of each place.

Days 1-2: Chiang Mai (Arrival + Exploration)

• Day 1: Settle in, visit Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh, explore the Old City on foot.
• Day 2: Thai cooking class in the morning, walk the Sunday Walking Street or Waroros Market, visit Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, relax at a café on Nimman Road.
• Accommodation: Dorm or guesthouse in the Old City (see rates above).

Day 3: Chiang Mai Day Trip Option

• Option A: Doi Suthep temple hike (2000m elevation, cool mountain air, 30B cable car).
• Option B: Elephant Nature Park (ethical elephant sanctuary, full day, 1800B — pricey but worthwhile).
• Option C: Relax in the Old City, visit smaller temples on foot, get a massage (100-150B for 1 hour).

Days 4-5: Pai (Full Exploration)

• Day 4 afternoon: Minivan from Chiang Mai to Pai (3 hours, 150-200B).
• Day 4 evening: Settle in, visit Pai Canyon at sunset (50B).
• Day 5 full day:
  • Option A: Rent a motorbike and do the Mae Hong Son loop (100km, famous 762 curves, waterfalls, hot springs). Challenging but iconic.
  • Option B: Visit Baan Pai Hot Spring (50B), Pai Waterfall (30B), relax at a hippie café.
  • Option C: Walking Street market, local restaurants, explore at your own pace.
• Accommodation: Dorm or bungalow (see rates above).

Day 6: Pai to Chiang Rai (Travel Day with Stops)

• Morning: Minivan departs Pai for Chiang Rai (4-5 hours, 200-250B).
• Route: Road passes through mountain scenery. Some minivans stop at scenic viewpoints or roadside cafés.
• Afternoon: Arrive in Chiang Rai, visit Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) before sunset (50B).
• Accommodation: Dorm or guesthouse (see rates above).

Days 7-8: Chiang Rai (Full Exploration)

• Day 7:
  • Morning: Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) — visit early to beat crowds.
  • Afternoon: Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple, 20B, north of town).
  • Evening: Chiang Rai Night Bazaar.
• Day 8:
  • Morning: Golden Triangle viewpoint (40B, 45 min from town) — see Thailand, Laos, Myanmar borders.
  • Afternoon: Baan Dam (Black House, artistic compound, 80B, 10 min from town) or tea plantations in the hills.
  • Evening: Relax or explore a second time.
• Accommodation: Same guesthouse (see rates above).

Days 9-10: Chiang Rai to Bangkok (Return Journey)

• Day 9 afternoon/evening: Depart Chiang Rai for Bangkok via your chosen transport (see options below). You'll arrive early morning Day 10.
• Day 10: Arrive in Bangkok. Check into your accommodation, rest, and explore on your own schedule.

Transport Details: Each Leg

Chiang Mai to Pai

• Minivan: 3 hours, 150-200B. Departs morning (6-8am), afternoon (12-2pm). Book at your hostel or any travel agency in town.
• Your own motorbike: Scenic option if you're comfortable, 130km, 3 hours. Road is winding but not technical.

Pai to Chiang Rai

• Minivan or bus: 4-5 hours, 200-250B. Winding mountain road, scenic but bumpy. Morning departures are more common.
• Shared sorng-thaew (red truck): Slower (5-6 hours) but cheaper (100-150B), departs when full.

Chiang Rai to Bangkok

Choose one based on your budget and schedule:

Option 1: Fly (Fastest & Most Expensive)

• Flight: 1 hour, 800-1500B (budget airlines like Nok Air, Thai Smile).
• Book in advance for cheapest fares.
• Pros: Quick, direct.
• Cons: Airport transfers, baggage fees add up.

Option 2: Overnight Sleeper Train (Best Budget Experience)

• Train: 13 hours, 400-800B for a bunk bed (depending on season and class).
• Departs Chiang Rai evening, arrives Bangkok early morning.
• Pros: Save a night's accommodation, scenic route, comfortable beds, includes meals.
• Cons: Slow, less flexibility.
• Book at Chiang Rai train station or via a travel agent.

Option 3: Overnight Bus (Cheapest)

• Bus: 10 hours, 300-600B for a reclining seat.
• Departs evening, arrives morning.
• Pros: Cheapest option.
• Cons: Less comfortable than train, harder on your back.

Accommodation Price Guide

Chiang Mai (Old City)

• Dorm bed: 200-250B/night
• Private guesthouse room: 400-600B/night

Pai

• Dorm/bungalow: 150-200B/night
• Private bungalow: 300-400B/night

Chiang Rai

• Dorm bed: 150-200B/night
• Private guesthouse room: 400-500B/night

Booking tips: Walk-in rates are often 10-20% cheaper than online. Off-season (May-Sept) sees 20-30% discounts.

What You'd Miss If You Skip Each Stop

| Stop | What You'd Miss | |------|-----------------| | Chiang Mai | Ancient temples, Thai cooking traditions, night bazaar culture, mountain scenery access. This is northern Thailand's cultural heart. | | Pai | The legendary Mae Hong Son loop (762 curves), waterfalls, hot springs, alternative traveler scene. A unique vibe nowhere else in Thailand. | | Chiang Rai | Wat Rong Khun (the stunning White Temple), Blue Temple, Golden Triangle (three-country border), tea plantations. Iconic northern landmarks. | | Direct Bangkok flight | You miss the journey, the landscape, and save time only (trade-off: cost vs. experience). The train or bus is half the adventure. |

Burning Season Air Quality Warning (March-April)

Important: Chiang Mai and Pai are hit hard by air pollution during Thailand's burning season (March-April) when farmers clear fields. The Air Quality Index (AQI) regularly hits 150-250+.

If you have respiratory issues, avoid this period entirely. If you're healthy but sensitive, expect:

• Hazy skies, reduced visibility.
• Morning runs or temple visits may feel like you're breathing smoke.
• Locals wear N95 masks.
• Outdoor activities become less enjoyable.

Best alternatives: November-February is peak season (cool, clear, perfect visibility).

Daily Budget Breakdown

Chiang Mai & Pai: $30-35/day

• Accommodation: 150-250B dorm
• Food: 200-300B (street food, local restaurants)
• Activities: 100-200B (temples, markets)
• Transport (local): 30-50B

Chiang Rai: $30-35/day (similar)

Transport between cities: Included in your minivan/bus costs above.

Total for loop:

• 5-day version: $150-175 + onward transport
• 10-day version: $300-350 + onward transport

Best Time to Go

Peak season (November-February): Cool, dry, clear skies (15-25°C). Perfect for this loop. Expect more tourists, slightly higher prices.

Shoulder (October-November or February-March): Still good. Less crowded. October still has some rain. March starts to warm up.

Avoid (March-April): Burning season air pollution makes the loop less enjoyable.

Budget season (May-September): Hot, humid, frequent rain, but hostels offer 20-30% discounts. Fewer tourists.

Key Tips

• Minivans fill up fast: Book your seats the day before, especially during high season.
• Overnight buses/trains save money: You sleep while traveling, save a night's accommodation.
• Motorbike rental in Pai: Cheap (150-300B/day) but Mae Hong Son loop requires confident riding skills. Know your limits.
• Temple etiquette: Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered). Remove shoes when entering.
• Night Bazaars: More touristy than local markets, but great for snacks and souvenirs. Haggle if buying.
• Cooking class: Book the day before. Many include market tour, which gives great local insights.
• Chiang Rai temples: Arrive early (before 9am) to avoid crowds and heat at Wat Rong Khun.

Final Takeaway

The North Thailand loop is one of the best 5-10 day routes in the country. You get temples, nature, quirky towns, and genuine mountain scenery — all without needing to fly constantly or spend weeks in one spot. Whether you go express or explorer, you're hitting some of Thailand's most iconic destinations and getting a real taste of northern culture.

Pack layers (mountains get cool), bring a mask for burning season, and be ready for winding roads. The journey is just as good as the destinations.