How to Spend Two Weeks in Northern Thailand

Doi Inthanon National Park is a popular spot to enjoy the sunset near Chiang Mai
Doi Inthanon National Park is a popular spot to enjoy the sunset near Chiang Mai | © Noppasin Wongchum / Alamy Stock Photo
Iona Proebst

Take the stress out of planning by checking out our handy guide on how to make the most of two weeks in magical Northern Thailand. You’ll experience lush nature, diverse culture, delicious cuisine and more.

Want to visit Thailand without having to plan your own itinerary? Consider joining Culture Trip’s specially curated small-group trip to Northern Thailand.

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Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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Day 1 & 2: Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is arguably the most popular destination in Northern Thailand, a hub for both foodies and artists. It’s easy to spend a few days (or a few weeks) here with plenty of interesting sightseeing opportunities and activities. Must-see sights in this charming city include the revered Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, which provides breathtaking views over the city, Wat Chang Man (the oldest temple in the city) and a visit to some of the popular markets in the area. Wander around the old city, treat yourself to a luxurious spa treatment or partake in a hands-on cooking class.

Wat Chang Man is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai

Day 3: Chiang Dao

Chiang Dao is a nature lover’s haven ideal for both hiking and relaxing. It’s also home to the famous Chiang Dao caves, natural hot springs and the enchanting Wat Tham Pha Plong.

Wat Tham Chiang Dao temple sits within a cave in Chiang Mai province

Day 4 & 5: Pai

Continue on to the hippie jungle paradise of Pai, a stunning town nestled in the mountains. There is ample opportunity for relaxing, exploring and eating here. It’s also a popular destination for yoga and meditation retreats as well as a health-conscious haven. Looking for a place to party? This town has a dual identity that mimics the vibe of a Thai island, only it’s in the jungle.

You’ll find underground rock formations near Pai

Day 6: Mae Hong Son

In Mae Hong Son, there are plenty of things to see and do. Check out the beautiful Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu, which overlooks the town, watch locals practise tai chi around Jong Kham Lake and visit the Walking Street Night Market. Have dinner at the Salween River Restaurant followed by a few drinks at one of the nearby bars.

Mae Hong Son is a tranquil town close to Myanmar

Day 7: Ban Rak Thai

Jump on a motorbike and enjoy the beautiful ride to the town of Ban Rak Thai. It’s the perfect out-of-town adventure – a stunning tea-growing village and settlement of former Kuo Min Tang fighters from Yunnan Province in China. It’s home to a picturesque lake, mud-brick houses and plenty of tea-tasting opportunities.

Tea plantations line the hills around Ban Rak Thai

Day 8 & 9: Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai is most famous for attractions such as the White Temple and the Black House, but did you know that it is also a great place to check out the thriving local art scene and try delicious local foods? There are also a host of fun activities to do, such as soaking in the Pong Phra Bat Hot Springs.

The garden of Black House – Baan Dam – features timber pillars topped with Singha lion sculptures

Day 10: Doi Mae Salong

For a truly stunning experience, head out of Chiang Rai and north to Doi Mae Salong, in the mountains in Chiang Rai Province and close to the border of Myanmar. The mountain was home to a Chinese military division settlement; today, numerous hill tribe communities still call the area home. For the optimal experience, hire a motorbike and drive the stunningly beautiful Highway 1234. Mae Salong village offers stunning nature, tea-tasting opportunities and the chance to immerse oneself in rural village life.

Doi Mae Salong is home to beautiful, lush tea plantations

Day 11 & 12: Golden Triangle and Chiang Saen

The Golden Triangle is a popular tourist destination where Thailand, Myanmar and Laos converge. Escape the crowds and head to Chiang Saen, the oldest town in Thailand. Travel back in time as you learn about the country’s rich history, sit on the banks of the mighty Mekong River and mingle with locals in the evening market.

A seated Buddha figure rests on the Mekong River esplanade near Chiang Saen

Day 13: Nan

Experience authentic Northern Thailand in rural Nan. Stop by the Blessing Buddha at Wat Phra That Khao Noi, discover the Nan Riverside Art Gallery or marvel at the vegetable-dyed frescos at Wat Phumin. If you are in search of an active adventure, head to Doi Phu Kha National Park to see rare plant species and rock formations.

Doi Phu Kha National Park in Nan Province is a great place for adventurers

Day 14: Phrae

End your Northern Thai adventure in Phrae, home to the famed Phae Mueang Phi Forest Park and the indigo-dyed textile village of Ban Thung Hong. Wat Luang is the oldest and one of the most revered temples in Phrae, dating back to the 12th century, and well worth checking out. Also of interest to see is the Thai and European architecture mix at Khum Chao Luang Museum.

Phae Mueang Phi Forest Park has unique rock formations
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Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

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HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

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Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

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KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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