📍 Thailand

NORTHERN THAILAND LOOP: MOUNTAIN TEMPLES AND TRIBAL VILLAGES

Mountain roads winding through mist, tribal villages clinging to green ridges, tea plantations carpeting slopes. Northern Thailand rewards explorers.

≈ 7
Days
575
Km
5
Stops
📖 4 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Start in Chiang Mai, then climb toward Doi Inthanon and its altitude mists. Take the road to Mae Hong Son, remote valley and changing landscapes, then stop at Ban Rak Thai for the spirit of tea and hills. End in Pai, between bohemian cafés, canyon in low sun and hot springs, perfect for releasing pressure.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Chiang Mai

tha pae gate sunday market doi suthep

Chiang Mai - Photo 1Chiang Mai - Photo 2Chiang Mai - Photo 3Chiang Mai - Photo 4Chiang Mai - Photo 5Chiang Mai - Photo 6Chiang Mai - Photo 7Chiang Mai - Photo 8Chiang Mai - Photo 9Chiang Mai - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a hilltop temple with panoramic views and ornate Lanna-style architecture.
2
Walk through Chiang Mai Old City and admire temples such as Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh.
🎯

Activities

→
Join a local family in a traditional Lanna-style home to prepare and share a Khantoke dinner.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 100 km
Travel time: 2h
2
Day

Doi Inthanon

thailand highest peak twin pagodas mist

Doi Inthanon - Photo 1Doi Inthanon - Photo 2Doi Inthanon - Photo 3Doi Inthanon - Photo 4Doi Inthanon - Photo 5Doi Inthanon - Photo 6Doi Inthanon - Photo 7Doi Inthanon - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Explore Doi Inthanon National Park, Thailand’s highest peak, with forest trails and waterfalls like Wachirathan and Siriphum.
🎯

Activities

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Trek the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail for breathtaking views and lush vegetation.
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Next stop
Distance: 190 km
Travel time: 4h
3
Day

Mae Hong Son

burmese temples remote valley morning fog

Mae Hong Son - Photo 1Mae Hong Son - Photo 2Mae Hong Son - Photo 3Mae Hong Son - Photo 4Mae Hong Son - Photo 5Mae Hong Son - Photo 6Mae Hong Son - Photo 7Mae Hong Son - Photo 8Mae Hong Son - Photo 9Mae Hong Son - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Stop at Bua Tong Field at Doi Mae Ou Kor to see wild sunflowers in bloom during November and December.
2
Visit Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu for panoramic views of Mae Hong Son and surrounding mountains.
3
Explore Wat Chong Kam and Wat Chong Klang, twin Burmese-style temples beside a serene lake.
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Activities

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Browse Mae Hong Son’s night market and discover colorful hill-tribe handicrafts.
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Next stop
Distance: 45 km
Travel time: 1h
4
Day

Ban Rak Thai

yunnan tea village reservoir mountain tranquility

Ban Rak Thai - Photo 1Ban Rak Thai - Photo 2Ban Rak Thai - Photo 3Ban Rak Thai - Photo 4Ban Rak Thai - Photo 5Ban Rak Thai - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Walk across Su Tong Pae Bridge, the longest bamboo bridge in Thailand, and make a wish for good fortune.
2
Discover the lakeside village of Ban Rak Thai surrounded by mountains and tea plantations.
🎯

Activities

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Relax at Phu Klon Country Club Health Mud Spa for a mineral-rich mud treatment and aromatherapy massage.
→
Taste premium local teas like Ching and Oolong in Ban Rak Thai village.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 110 km
Travel time: 2h30
5
Day

Pai

canyon views hot springs backpacker bohemia

Pai - Photo 1Pai - Photo 2Pai - Photo 3Pai - Photo 4Pai - Photo 5Pai - Photo 6Pai - Photo 7Pai - Photo 8Pai - Photo 9
9 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Explore Tham Nam Lot, Thailand’s largest cave system, filled with impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
2
Visit Pai Canyon (Kong Laen) to admire dramatic cliffs and sunset views.
3
Watch the sunrise from Yun-Lai Viewpoint for breathtaking views of the Pai Valley.
🎯

Activities

→
Stroll through Pai’s lively night market and try authentic northern Thai street food.
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Next stop
Distance: 130 km
Travel time: 3h
6
Day

Chiang Mai

tha pae gate sunday market doi suthep

Chiang Mai - Photo 1Chiang Mai - Photo 2Chiang Mai - Photo 3Chiang Mai - Photo 4Chiang Mai - Photo 5Chiang Mai - Photo 6Chiang Mai - Photo 7Chiang Mai - Photo 8Chiang Mai - Photo 9Chiang Mai - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Drive back to Chiang Mai with scenic stops in mountain villages.
🎯

Activities

→
Enjoy a farewell dinner in Chiang Mai’s Old Town.

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🛡️ Travel advice - Thailand

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Cool Season (November-February): Perfect weather (20-30°C) with minimal rainfall, comfortable temperatures, and peak tourist season. Highest prices but optimal conditions for all activities and sightseeing.

Hot Season (March-May): Very hot temperatures (30-40°C) with moderate crowds and prices. Challenging for extensive outdoor activities but good for beaches and air-conditioned attractions.

Rainy Season (June-October): Heavy afternoon rains, high humidity, but lowest prices and fewer crowds. Lush landscapes, some flooding, but authentic experiences and great value.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 6 and 8 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in Thailand?

Southeast Asian paradise with ancient temples, incredible cuisine, and vibrant culture. Experience Buddhist traditions, beautiful beaches, and authentic Thai hospitality. The country offers cultural immersion with natural beauty and culinary excellence. Thailand provides diverse experiences with cultural authenticity and natural preservation.