Thailand Guide

Northern Thailand corridor

The north is Chiang Mai first. Add Chiang Rai for the White Temple and the Mekong. Add Pai only if you want a winding mountain night.

Chiang Mai firstOne side tripSRT 9 and 10
Northern Thailand corridor
HubChiang Mai Old City and Nimman
Side tripChiang Rai in one long day or one night
LoopMae Hong Son is a 3-4 day motorbike or van circuit

This corridor is Lanna temples, cooler air, and one side trip from Chiang Mai. Fly into CNX or take SRT trains 9 and 10 from Krung Thep Aphiwat. The sleeper is the useful one.

Do not add Pai and Chiang Rai and the full loop on a first week. Pick one fork from Chiang Mai.

Book

Common questions

Is Pai worth the drive?
Only if you want a mountain night and accept 3 to 4 hours of switchbacks. It is not a first-week must. Read the Pai and Mae Hong Son Loop page before you rent a scooter.