North culture: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai · 8 days
8 days, 7 nights: Bangkok (3N), Chiang Mai (3N), Chiang Rai (1N) + Ayutthaya day trip. Best time to go: Best Nov–Feb; avoid Mar–Apr haze in the north.
Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok
Bangkok
- Wat Arun by Chao Phraya cross-river ferry · 1.5 h. Ferry from Tha Tien pier costs a few baht; late-afternoon light is best and the steps are steep.
- Yaowarat (Chinatown) street-food night · 2.5 h. Stalls open after 6pm; many close on Mondays. Guided food walks cost roughly double.
Local tip: Ferry from Tha Tien pier costs a few baht; late-afternoon light is best and the steps are steep.
Day 2: Explore Bangkok
Bangkok
- Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha) · 2.5 h. Opens 8:30am; shoulders and knees covered, no ripped jeans. Ignore touts who say it is closed today.
- Wat Pho & the Reclining Buddha · 1.5 h. A 5-minute walk from the Grand Palace; the massage school inside takes walk-ins.
- Chatuchak Weekend Market · 3 h. Saturdays and Sundays only, roughly 9am–6pm; go early before the heat. MRT Chatuchak Park / BTS Mo Chit.
Local tip: Opens 8:30am; shoulders and knees covered, no ripped jeans. Ignore touts who say it is closed today.
Day 3: Ayutthaya temples day trip
Bangkok
- Ayutthaya temples day trip · 9 h. Trains from Bangkok take ~1.5–2h; a van tour or private car is easier in the heat. Temple entry ~50 THB each.
Local tip: Trains from Bangkok take ~1.5–2h; a van tour or private car is easier in the heat. Temple entry ~50 THB each.
Day 4: Bangkok → Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai · Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Flight ~1h10m (or overnight sleeper train ~11–13h)
- Wat Phra That Doi Suthep · 3 h. 306 steps or a small lift; go before 9am for clearer views. Price includes a shared songthaew.
Local tip: 306 steps or a small lift; go before 9am for clearer views. Price includes a shared songthaew.
Day 5: Ethical elephant sanctuary visit (no riding)
Chiang Mai
- Ethical elephant sanctuary visit (no riding) · 7 h. Pick a sanctuary with no riding and no shows; book ahead for Dec–Jan.
Local tip: Pick a sanctuary with no riding and no shows; book ahead for Dec–Jan.
Day 6: Explore Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai
- Old City temples: Wat Chedi Luang & Wat Phra Singh · 3 h. Wat Chedi Luang runs free monk-chat sessions most afternoons.
- Sunday Walking Street & Night Bazaar · 2.5 h. Sunday market on Ratchadamnoen Road from ~5pm, Saturday's on Wualai Road; the Night Bazaar runs nightly.
- Khao soi lunch crawl · 1.5 h
Local tip: Wat Chedi Luang runs free monk-chat sessions most afternoons.
Day 7: Chiang Mai → Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai · Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Bus ~3–3.5h (White Temple stop possible by car)
- Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) · 1.5 h. Opens 8am; arrive early. Shoulders and knees covered.
- Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple) · 1 h
- Baan Dam (Black House) museum · 1.5 h. Animal skins and bones throughout — preview before taking young kids.
Local tip: Opens 8am; arrive early. Shoulders and knees covered.
Day 8: Depart from Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai
Keep a buffer before your flight; check-out is usually noon.
Where to stay
- Bangkok (3 nights): Pratunam / Siam. Malls, wholesale shopping and food courts close by; Airport Rail Link nearby.
- Chiang Mai (3 nights): Ping River / Night Bazaar side. Walk to the Night Bazaar; riverside dining.
- Chiang Rai (1 night): City-centre boutique hotels. Central, 15 minutes to the White Temple.