Please Note: This wonderful guest post was written by Shannon and is based on her personal experiences and opinions. Enjoy her amazing itinerary!
I spent over two months traveling in Thailand. I did all kinds of odd and fun adventures, but the one that is most memorable in my eyes is the 1-week northern Thailand road trip.
There are two kinds of travelers in this world: those who follow the crowd and those who throw their bags in the trunk, blast their favorite road trip playlist, and set off on an adventure through the remote areas of a foreign country and enjoy the ride. If you’re reading this, I’m guessing you’re the latter—or at least you want to be.
In 2024, I heard of some cool roads and beautiful destinations around the north of Thailand, so naturally, I turned it into a main character moment. I spent a week driving through remote towns, to different local restaurants, and the popular northern Thailand tourist hotspots to see it all.
I left no stone unturned as I drove my way through the mountains, explored all the national parks and ate my way through the north.
Why do a Road Trip Through the North of Thailand?
There are so many ways to experience Thailand. It is a destination that promises an interesting vacation no matter what. However, a road trip is an uncommon and often unthought-of activity when there, and it’s so underrated!
Northern Thailand is a unique place. It is vast, it is filled with greenery, and it is all jaw-droppingly beautiful. What really makes it special, though, is its remote areas that still celebrate traditional Thai culture. These places are best traveled to by car (or motorbike, if you’re feeling extra adventurous).
A 1-week northern Thailand road trip is an amazing activity for a solo explorer looking for some “main character” moments or a car full of family members. While Southern Thailand is known for its beautiful beaches and island life, the mountainous region of the north offers entirely different, unique experiences that you shouldn’t miss when visiting Southeast Asia.
Sure, you could take a bus or book a tour, but where’s the fun in that? A road trip gives you the freedom to stop for a roadside noodle stall, pull over for a spontaneous waterfall dip, or take a detour just because a mountain road looks interesting. Let’s be honest, some of the best travel stories come from the moments that weren’t planned.
In this post, I’ll take you through my 1-week northern Thailand road trip itinerary that will show you the best places in northern Thailand. It includes a detailed itinerary, route, when to go, and where to stay throughout your trip.
When to Go to Northern Thailand
First things first, when is the best time for a road trip in Thailand?
Thailand’s weather is a peculiar thing, especially in the north. For your 1-Week Northern Thailand Road Trip, try to visit between November and February when the weather is nicest. This is when the skies are mostly clear, the temperatures are cooler. If you don’t have much time, even a visit in late October can work well as the high season is just beginning.
The northern Thailand roads vary in shape, size, and condition. Considering some of the roads lead into very remote areas, it is important to pay attention to weather and road conditions. During the right seasons, you will have no issues, but driving is not very fun during the rain or the burning season.
When Not to Go on a Northern Road Trip
The burning season is from late February to April. During this time, the mix of heavy smoke and hot air makes it hard to breathe or see much. If you can, avoid the rainy season from May to October, as the rain can make the twisting roads difficult.
The Northern Thailand Road Trip Route
One of the most famous driving routes in northern Thailand is the Mae Hong Son Loop, which takes you through the entire province of Mae Hong Son. If you’re looking for a shorter adventure, you can complete the loop in about 3-4 days.
While this drive is undeniably stunning, it skips some of the north’s most popular destinations, such as Pai and Chiang Rai, as well as other incredible spots on the eastern side of the country. If you’re looking to experience even more of what the north of Thailand has to offer, a slightly longer itinerary might be the way to go.
That’s why I’ve put together an extended version of the Mae Hong Son Loop—one that gives you a little extra time on the road, plenty of incredible stops along the way, and even more views to soak in. So if you’re up for an adventure that goes beyond the usual route, this itinerary is for you!
The direction in which you go from day one is up to you! This guide will take you on a counter-clockwise circle, touring the busy tourist attractions first, then going into the quieter and remote places and escalating the scenic mountain views and beautiful scenery by the end of the week.
1-Week Northern Thailand Road Trip Itinerary
Day 1 – Chiang Mai
We start in the main city of Chiang Mai! Chiang Mai is a hub of activity and buzz in the north, with a unique ability to encompass a bustling city with Thai charm. The city is split into main sections, and each one has something fun to explore.
If you are spending a few days in Chiang Mai, it’s a good idea to walk around and explore all the beauty of this city. Go through the old city and enjoy the night markets every day! Don’t miss Wat Chedi Luang, one of the most impressive Buddhist temples in the old city, dating back several centuries.
There is the lively shopping quarter of Nimman that is growing to accommodate the rise in expats. Finally, there are the jungle areas around Chiang Mai city that hold so much history, hiking, and elephants.
Chiang Mai is also the best place to rent your scooter or a car for the week. Due to its popularity, there is a huge variety of rental shops to choose from! I’ll go into more about which are the best later on.
Day 2 – Chiang Mai Old Town to Mae Kam Pong
We start off with a pretty easy first day. There is an hour’s drive from Chiang Mai to the cute town of Mae Kampong in the forest. This can be a day trip if you’d like to stay in Chiang Mai for another day, or you can opt to enjoy the quiet jungle inside a treehouse here!
The Town of Mae Kam Pong
Mae Kampong is a mountain village that has lots of cute forest cafes and beautiful restaurants. It is a small town that is popular for its traditional agriculture, tea, and coffee, along with its interesting buildings built with the nature surrounding it. At night, many of the hotels transform into a fairy forest with the lights!
This village does tourism in a really creative way – it’s run as a community where 70% of the money from tourism is shared between all 130+ families that live there. Before tourists started coming, they mostly made their living from fermented tea (called “miang”), which they still make the old-fashioned way.
Mae Kampong sits at 1,300 meters up in the mountains, so it stays pretty cool – usually under 25°C (77°F) even when the rest of Thailand is super hot! This cool weather is perfect for growing good coffee, which has become a big business for locals.
The Day 2 Details
Chiang Mai Old Town to Mae Kam Pong
Distance: 51.5km / 32m – 1 hour drive
POIs:
In Mae Kampong
- Doi Saket Hot Spring – Family-friendly hot springs
- Donation-based
- The place has food and drink available for purchase
- Kew Fin – Lookout spot
- Mae Kampong Waterfall
Where to Stay
Mae Kampong is popular for its community-run homestays that offer a view into the village life. There are many beautiful options on booking.com.
Day 3 – Mae Kampong to Chiang Rai
Day three is the journey to Chiang Rai! A beautiful and lively town known for its unique and photogenic temples. Chiang Rai is a touristy spot, meaning it has lots of people, but that also means it is filled with amazing foods, markets, and of course, temples that can easily take up a day of exploration.
The two biggest highlights? The White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) and The Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten)—both absolute must-sees and main attractions of the region!
The White Temple and the Blue Temple
The White Temple isn’t actually old at all – it’s modern art made to look like a temple! A local artist named Chalermchai Kositpipat started building it in 1997 and has spent over $1.5 million of his own money on it. Look closely and you’ll spot some weird stuff – there are superheroes, movie characters, and even Michael Jackson hidden among the Buddhist designs. The artist plans to keep building until 2070, long after he’ll be gone.
The Blue Temple was only finished in 2016 on the site of an old abandoned temple. That electric blue color comes from paint mixed with crushed gemstones. Inside, there’s a massive Buddha statue that’s 6.5 meters tall, with colorful paintings of Buddhist stories all around.
The Golden Triangle
If you have enough time, consider a short detour to Chiang Saen, an ancient city on the banks of the Mekong River. This area is part of the famous Golden Triangle where Thailand meets Myanmar and Laos – a historically significant region that’s been transformed from its opium-producing past into a fascinating tourist attraction.
This area used to grow 60% of the world’s opium back in the 1960s and 70s. Now there’s a Hall of Opium Museum where you can learn all about that crazy history. The coolest part is standing at the exact spot where all three countries meet – you can literally see Thailand, Myanmar and Laos all at once!
Chiang Saen itself has ruins from the 14th century when it was an important trading spot between China and Southeast Asia.
The Day 3 Details
Mae Kampong to Chiang Rai
Distance: 163km/ 101 mi, 3-hour drive
POIs
In Chiang Rai
- The White Temple
- The Blue Temple
- Lalitta Cafe – Not just a café, but an experience! A decorated location meant to look like a rainforest
Day 4 – Chiang Rai to Pai
Day four is a grueling and long drive (especially if you are on a scooter) from Chiang Rai to Pai.
Google Maps will take you all the way back to Chiang Mai before making your way up to Pai. If you’d like to stay in Chiang Mai for another day before making your way up to Pai, that is a viable option if you have extra time and want a smaller day.
However, if you are up for the adventure, there is a second route that takes you through local villages and more remote roads. With this route, you can see more of the bigger, yet less popular towns in the north.
Pai Canyon
Pai Canyon is a natural wonder that you shouldn’t miss! The narrow paths are only 1 meter wide in places with 30-meter drops on both sides. This unique formation was shaped by water erosion over 10,000+ years. Local Lisu tribes have treated it as a sacred site for over 200 years, long before tourism arrived in the 1990s. Today, about 100,000 visitors come here annually.
Visit around 5:30 pm for the best golden light when the reddish soil glows beautifully. The main viewpoint is just a 5-minute walk from parking, but adventurous types can explore about 2km of ridge trails.
The Day 4 Details
Chiang Rai to Pai
Distance: 300km / 186m – 5 hours
POIs
On Route
- Pang Pao Beach – a nice beachy area with yummy food and a place to relax
In Pai
- Pai Canyon
- Two Huts Lookout (sunset)
- Night Market
- Chinese lookout (sunrise)
Where to Stay
Many hostels in Pai offer beautiful and cheap options. Some of my favorites include:
Hotels
Day 5 – Pai to Ban Rak Thai
The drive from Pai to Ban Rak Thai is where things start getting really fun, both in terms of the views and crazy winding roads. As you head into Mae Hong Son province, you’ll notice the scenery changing fast. The forests get thicker, the mountains rise higher, and suddenly, you’re completely surrounded by nature.
Now, let’s talk about the roads. This stretch is nothing but twists, turns, and hairpin curves, so whether you’re driving or riding a scooter, take it slow and enjoy the ride. It’s steep in some parts, super narrow in others, and there are plenty of blind corners. But honestly, that’s part of the fun!
It’s one of those drives where you can’t help but pull over every 20 minutes just to take in the views.
Ban Rak Thai Village
And speaking of stopping, there are tons of cool roadside spots along the way. Whether you need a coffee break, a quick bite to eat, or just a scenic place to stretch your legs, you’ll find plenty of little cafés and roadside stalls with fresh Thai coffee, noodles, and snacks.
On paper, this drive should take about three hours. But if you’re like me—constantly pulling over for photos, grabbing snacks, and just taking your sweet time—it’ll probably be more like four or five hours. And honestly, that’s the best way to do it.
This isn’t a trip you want to rush. Just go with the flow, enjoy the scenery, and make the most of every stop.
Nam Lod Cave
This cave is a must-see attraction on your route. It stretches over 1.5km long and people have been using it for shelter for an incredible 20,000 years! Archaeologists have uncovered ancient pottery and wooden coffins from prehistoric burial sites inside.
Nam Lod Cave is now home to thousands of bats and swifts, and if you time your visit for sunset, you’ll witness an amazing natural spectacle – birds returning to the cave while bats fly out at the same time, a daily event that’s been happening for centuries.
Your journey through the cave happens on a bamboo raft guided by someone from the local Shan tribe. They might not speak much English, but these guides have been exploring every nook and cranny of this massive cave system since they were kids, so you’re in good hands.
The Day 5 Details
Pai to Ban Rak Thai
Distance: 120km / 75mi – 3 hours
POIs
On Route
- Doi Kiew Lom Viewpoint – A beautiful first lookout of the mountains around you
- Nam Lod Cave – A big cave with bamboo boat tours and fossils
- Noodle Soup House Ban Jabo – Amazing noodle shop with a beautiful view. They also have amazing Thai tea and coffee!
- Thai Elephant Coffee – A small Coffee shop with an amazing lookout over a traditional Thai farm
In Ban Rak Thai
- Go to the border of Thailand and Myanmar
- Coffee Shops
- Sunrise or sunset boat tour on the lake
Where to Stay
- Baan Khao Pook – a budget-friendly tent stay. The owner is incredibly kind and accommodating
- Wo Ai Ni Guesthouse – a beautiful and modern hotel
Day 6 – Ban Rak Thai to Khum Yuam
You continue the super fun road winding and mountain views on day six as you make your way to the town of Khum Yuam. This day has so many amazing on-route destinations that are worth a stop.
Huay Pu Keng
Huay Pu Keng is home to the Kayan Lahwi people, famous for their “long neck” women who wear brass coils around their necks. Contrary to popular belief, the coils don’t actually stretch the neck – they push down the collarbone and ribs, creating the illusion of a longer neck. Many of these families are actually refugees from Myanmar who fled conflict in the 1980s and 90s.
While the village has become a tourist attraction, it’s important to visit respectfully – these are people’s homes, not a human zoo. The brass coils can weigh up to 10kg and are first placed around girls’ necks from age 5-9.
The Day 6 Details
Ban Rak Thai to Khum Yuam
Distance: 111km / 69 mi- 2.25 hours
POIs
On Route
- Huay Pu Keng – Kayan Village – a beautiful and authentic Karen Tribe community that welcomes tourists to explore their customs and shop
- Su Tong Pae Bridge – A beautiful bamboo bridge
- Thung Bua Tong Fields at Doi Mae U Kho – Amazing flower field that stretches forever in the right season
Where to Stay
- Good View Guesthouse & Camping
- Ban Klang Doi Resort
- Hot Coffee Guest House and Resort – If you don’t mind driving further, this is a beautiful homestay along the water. It has a restaurant, solo and family rooms in the forest, and all proceeds go to the community
Day 7 – Back to Chiang Mai
Alas, the last ride on your week-long road trip around Northern Thailand! Day seven is filled with Thai agriculture, farms and beautiful views of small villages. The drive from Khun Yuam to Chiang Mai is long but packed with stunning scenery. The road twists through quiet villages and up into the mountains, making it one of those drives where you’ll want to stop often just to soak it all in.
A major highlight is Doi Inthanon National Park, home to Thailand’s highest peak. The air gets cooler as you climb, and the views get even better. Make time to check out the twin pagodas, scenic hiking trails, and the gorgeous Wachirathan Waterfall before continuing toward Chiang Mai.
From there, it’s a smooth, scenic ride before finally arriving in the city. Take it slow, enjoy the journey, and make the most of every stop!
Doi Inthanon
Doi Inthanon isn’t just Thailand’s highest mountain at 2,565 meters (8,415 feet) – it’s packed with wildlife too. The national park covers over 482 square kilometers and has more than 400 types of birds – that’s about 1/3 of all bird species in Thailand! The mountain is named after the last king of Chiang Mai, and his ashes are actually buried at the very top.
Wachirathan Waterfall
The Wachirathan Waterfall falls 80 meters and hits the rocks so hard it creates a permanent rainbow in the mist when it’s sunny. Its name means “diamond waterfall” in Thai, because of how the sunlight sparkles in the water droplets. The area around the falls has some super rare plants, including orchids you can’t find anywhere else in the world.
The Day 7 Details
Khun Yuam to Chiang Mai
Distance: 220km / 137 mi – 4.5 hours
POIs
- Doi Inthanon – The highest point in Thailand!
- The twin Pagodas – These are two beautiful tributes built on Doi Inthanon overlooking the clouds and towns below. It has peaceful gardens and food.
- Kew Mae Pan nature trail – a small hiking loop organized by the park, touring the mountain nature.
- Wachirathan Waterfall
Choosing the Right Vehicle for Your Northern Thailand Road Trip
One of the most important decisions you’ll make for your 1-week northern Thailand road trip is your mode of transportation. The vehicle you choose will shape your entire experience—from the pace of your journey to the places you can easily explore.
Do you picture yourself weaving through bustling streets on a scooter, feeling the wind on your face? Or would you rather sit back in an air-conditioned car, comfortably cruising through scenic mountain roads? Your choice will depend on several factors, including your travel style, comfort level, and the kind of adventure you’re after.
Think about your trip logistics. Are you traveling solo, as a couple, or with a group? Do you pack light, or do you tend to bring everything but the kitchen sink? Are you an experienced motorbike rider, or does the idea of navigating unfamiliar roads on two wheels make you a little nervous?
And let’s not forget one key detail—Thailand drives on the left side of the road. If that’s different from what you’re used to, it could influence whether you opt for a smaller, more agile scooter or a more stable, enclosed vehicle.
Bike/Scooter Rentals
If you’re looking for an immersive experience that fully embraces Thai culture, renting a bike or scooter is the way to go. Scooters are everywhere in Thailand, so it’s fitting to have one take you around the country. Scooters are a fun choice for zipping through traffic, navigating small villages, and no glass to obstruct your views. Plus, let’s be honest—there’s something pretty cool about cruising around on two wheels!
That said, some roads in the north of Thailand are steep, winding, or poorly maintained, so you’ll want a bike with enough power to handle long distances and tough terrain. A 250cc or higher is ideal if you plan on riding all day with luggage.
When renting, be upfront about your plans. Let the rental company know you’ll be traveling long distances so they can recommend a reliable, well-maintained bike. While some companies may charge a little more for higher-powered models, it’s worth it to avoid engine strain or overheating issues.
Car
For those traveling in a group, carrying a lot of luggage, or simply wanting a more comfortable ride, a car is a better option. A car provides shelter from the heat and rain, more storage space and a safer, smoother ride on highways and mountain roads.
However, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. First, in Thailand, the steering wheel is on the right-hand side, which might take some adjusting if you’re used to driving on the other side. Also, think about whether you prefer automatic or manual transmission, as many rental cars in Thailand come with manual gear shifts by default.
Both options offer a unique experience, so it really comes down to what kind of adventure you’re looking for. I’ll be linking some great rental options for both scooters and cars to help you find the best fit for your trip!
Vehicle Rental Suggestions
I have some suggestions below for scooter and car rentals in Chiang Mai. However, if you choose to do your own research, look for places with high ratings and many reviews!
Scooter Rentals in Chiang Mai
– Mango Scooter Rental Chiang Mai (4.8 stars)
– Pop Big Bike Rental (4.4 stars)
Car rentals in Chiang Mai
– Chiang Mai Car Rental by ChiangMaiWheels.com (4.9 stars)
– BudgetCatcher Rent A Car (4.6 stars)
My Experience
I originally didn’t plan on going on a 1-week northern Thailand road trip. Actually, I didn’t even know it was an option when I arrived. The idea first sparked when I heard of the beautiful town of Ban Rak Thai. Someone was raving to me about how beautiful and peaceful it is.
I decided I wanted to see the place for myself. After more investigation, someone had mentioned the Mae Hong Son loop to me, and the plan to do that, along with the rest of the Northern Thailand scenery, started to bloom.
I can say with confidence that my 1-Week Northern Thailand Road Trip was a highlight of all my time there. I was expecting beauty, but I was blown away by the rolling hills, the endless green farming fields, and the small villages bursting with energy and culture. Above all, the generosity of the people and their excitement to show me their home.
This trip took me away from the tourists to the unseen natural beauty of the north.
1-Week Northern Thailand Road Trip – My Final Takeaways
If you’re looking for a unique and beautiful way to explore Northern Thailand in its entirety, a one-week road trip is an amazing option to consider. Whether you are going solo or experiencing the journey with a group, the experience will make a lasting impression.
Have fun with it!
Just a heads up: some links in the article “1-Week Northern Thailand Road Trip” on Nomadmum.com are affiliate links. This means if you click and buy, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
