Itinerary Summary
Land in Chiang Mai, then take the scenic mountain road to Pai (about 3 hours) for the WWII Memorial Bridge and pink café, followed by Pai Canyon and a morning cloud-sea viewpoint. Day four crosses to…
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Chiang Mai Arrival and an Evening Inside the Old Moat
14:00
1h
Chiang Mai airport to old city transfer
The airport sits 15 minutes from the old city. Use the metered taxi desk inside arrivals or a red songthaew outside, and confirm the fare before you get in.
📍 Chiang Mai International Airport to old city
16:30
1.5h
Wat Phra Singh late-afternoon visit
Start with the gilded Lanna hall at Phra Singh while the light is soft. Shoes off at the door, shoulders covered, and a small entry fee for foreign visitors.
📍 Wat Phra Singh, Chiang Mai Old City
18:30
1.5h
Khao soi dinner near Pratu Chang Phuak
Order khao soi gai at a north-gate stall and add pickled greens and lime. Most stalls sell out by 20:00, so go early and bring small notes.
📍 Chang Phuak Gate, Chiang Mai
💡 Pro Tip: Thailand is UTC+7. Entry rules depend on your passport, so check the Thailand visa section before travel. Chiang Mai airport is 15 minutes from the old city; use the metered taxi desk or a red songthaew and confirm the fare first. The old city is flat and easy to walk, with the square moat as a landmark. Nights are cooler than Bangkok, and the cool season from November to February can drop below 15 C after dark.
Days 2-5 are member-only
Members get the complete day-by-day plan with timing, transport and on-the-ground tips.
Budget Breakdown
AccommodationUS$30035%
Guesthouses in Chiang Mai, Pai and Chiang Rai, 4 nights
Food & DiningUS$17020%
Northern Thai food, khao soi, grilled skewers and tropical fruit
Remaining cost categories are member-only
Members see the full breakdown for flights, hotels, food, tickets and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I drive the Chiang Mai, Pai and Chiang Rai loop?+
November to February is best. The mountain roads are dry, daytime temperatures are mild and the famous Pai cloud-sea mornings are most likely. March to May is hot and hazy from agricultural burning, and the June to October rains make the 762 curves to Pai slippery and slow.
How do I get from Chiang Mai to Pai, and is the road difficult?+
Most travellers take a minivan or private car on Route 1095, about 3 hours with 762 curves. Motion sickness tablets help. Small planes also fly the route in high season. Self-driving gives freedom but the road is steep and winding, so only drive if you are comfortable with mountain bends.
Which airport should I fly out of at the end of the northern Thailand loop?+
Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI) is the cleanest ending, with direct flights to Bangkok and a few regional links. If your onward connection is cheaper from Chiang Mai, add a 3-hour road transfer back. Check both airports before booking your international ticket.
What does a 5-day northern Thailand trip cost per person?+
Plan around $670-1,050 (about EUR 590-910) excluding international flights. That covers comfortable guesthouses, a private or shared van to Pai, one domestic flight and temple entry. Renting a car, adding a guide or staying in boutique Pai resorts pushes you toward the top of the range.
Attractions in This Guide
Guide at a Glance
- Duration: 5 days
- Budget: Comfort · approx. $670–1,050 (≈ €590–910), excl. int'l flights
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best for: Hidden Gems
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