Chiang Mai & Pai slow north · 7 days

7 days, 6 nights: Chiang Mai (3N), Pai (3N). Best time to go: Best Nov–Feb; Yi Peng in November.

Day 1: Arrive in 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.

Local tip: Wat Chedi Luang runs free monk-chat sessions most afternoons.

Chiang Mai

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep · 3 h. 306 steps or a small lift; go before 9am for clearer views. Price includes a shared songthaew.
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.

Local tip: 306 steps or a small lift; go before 9am for clearer views. Price includes a shared songthaew.

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.

Pai · Chiang Mai to Pai, Minivan ~3h on a winding mountain road

Pai Canyon sunset · 1.5 h. Narrow ridges with steep drops and no railings; wear grippy shoes and leave before dark.
Tha Pai or Sai Ngam hot springs · 2 h

Local tip: Narrow ridges with steep drops and no railings; wear grippy shoes and leave before dark.

Pai

Pai

White Buddha (Wat Phra That Mae Yen) viewpoint · 1 h. About 350 steps; dress modestly.
Mo Paeng waterfall & Land Split by scooter · 3 h. Ride only with a licence valid for motorbikes and a helmet; many insurers refuse claims otherwise.

Local tip: About 350 steps; dress modestly.

Pai

Keep a buffer before your flight; check-out is usually noon.

Chiang Mai (3 nights): Ping River / Night Bazaar side. Walk to the Night Bazaar; riverside dining.
Pai (3 nights): Riverside and rice-field bungalows. Quiet valley views, a short scooter ride from town.