5 days in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai: northern culture and mountains
Known for Old City wats, a 07:00 Doi Suthep run, Khao Soi Mae Sai, and a White, Blue, and Black House day. Fits first north trips that skip the Pai van.
Five north days are known for a Chiang Mai base and one Chiang Rai temple circuit. Sleep three nights in the [Old City](/chiang-mai/old-city) or Nimman. Walk Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh. Leave at 07:00 for [Doi Suthep](/attractions/wat-phra-that-doi-suthep) (30 THB, songthaew 60 to 100 THB each way). Lunch at Khao Soi Mae Sai on Ratchaphuek Road: 55 to 90 THB, Monday to Saturday 08:00 to 16:00, closed Sunday. Book an [ethical elephant half-day](/attractions/chiang-mai-ethical-elephant-sanctuaries). Saturday is Wua Lai Walking Street. Sunday is Ratchadamnoen Walking Street.
Use two nights in [Chiang Rai](/chiang-rai), or one full-day GreenBus VIP or private van if you refuse a second hotel. The [White Temple](/attractions/white-temple-wat-rong-khun-and-blue-temple) (Wat Rong Khun) is 100 THB, the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten) is free, and Baan Dam (Black House) is 80 THB. Add Mae Salong or Doi Chang if tea and coffee ridges are the point. GreenBus VIP from Arcade Terminal 3 takes about 3 to 3.5 hours. The BKK-CNX flight is about 70 minutes. For the Pai road instead, use the [7-day northern loop](/itineraries/7-days-northern-thailand-loop).
Day by day
1 Chiang Mai Old City
Fly CNX about 70 minutes from Bangkok. Sleep inside the moat or in Nimman. Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh. Temple booths 20 to 50 THB cash.
2 Doi Suthep and khao soi
Leave at 07:00 for Doi Suthep. Lunch at Khao Soi Mae Sai (55 to 90 THB, Mon to Sat 08:00 to 16:00). Nimman after dark.
3 Elephant morning or walking street
Ethical half-day sanctuary. Saturday Wua Lai or Sunday Ratchadamnoen if the calendar lines up. Pack for the Chiang Rai hop.
4 GreenBus or van to Chiang Rai
GreenBus VIP from Arcade Terminal 3, about 3 to 3.5 hours. White Temple 100 THB, Blue Temple free. Sleep in town or turn it as a long day.
5 Baan Dam, tea ridge, then out
Baan Dam 80 THB, or Mae Salong / Doi Chang for tea and coffee. Fly CEI or bus back to CNX.
Three Chiang Mai nights, then Chiang Rai
Keep Pai off this spine. The [Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai](/get-there/chiang-mai-to-chiang-rai) hop is a coach or a booked van, not a scooter first week. Overnight in Chiang Rai if you want the White Temple at opening. Day-trip if you only want the three temple gates.
| Stop | Known for | 2026 fee or clock |
|---|---|---|
| Old City wats | Chedi Luang, Phra Singh | Booths 20 to 50 THB |
| Doi Suthep | 07:00 hill wat | 30 THB; songthaew 60 to 100 THB |
| Khao Soi Mae Sai | Lunch curry noodle | 55 to 90 THB; closed Sunday |
| White / Blue / Baan Dam | Chiang Rai art wats and Black House | 100 THB / free / 80 THB |
| Mae Salong or Doi Chang | Tea and coffee ridges | Add only if you have a fifth daylight block |
Keep going
Book
- Chiang Mai blockOld City or Nimman
Three nights before the Chiang Rai hop.
Search stays - Chiang Rai nightsTown
Two nights if dawn at the White Temple matters. Skip if you only want a van day.
Search stays - Bangkok to Chiang MaiTrip.com
BKK or DMK to CNX, about 70 minutes.
Search flights - White Temple and sanctuary daysTours
Name the sanctuary (no riding). Confirm White, Blue, and Baan Dam on the van.
See tickets
Common questions
- Day trip or overnight in Chiang Rai?
- Overnight if you want Wat Rong Khun at 08:00. A GreenBus or private van day still covers White, Blue, and Baan Dam if you leave Arcade early.
- Can you add Pai on these five days?
- No. Highway 1095 needs its own night. Use the 7-day northern loop if the ridge road is why you came.
- When is Khao Soi Mae Sai open?
- Monday to Saturday 08:00 to 16:00 on Ratchaphuek Road. Closed Sunday. Bowls are 55 to 90 THB.