4-Day Northern Thailand Itinerary (Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai Trip)

Welcome to another #RAFCARLOSAID!

In this post, I will share my 4-day trip to Northern Thailand! It was my first time visiting the province and I enjoyed the slow pace of life there. The temples and nearby attractions were conveniently close to each other, thanks to Grab Bike. This trip was part of my 17-day Thailand trip, and I hope it can be helpful for your next journey.

Chiang Mai is NOW accessible directly from the Philippines, making it much easier to travel there.

Are you visiting the YI PENG LANTERN FESTIVAL this year? This 5-DAY GUIDE & TIPS might be helpful on your next trip!

Day 1: Flight + City Tour

Flight from Manila to Bangkok

To Don Mueang International Airport; Arrive at Chiang Mai Airport

Booked a grab Motorcycle to my Hotel

Arrived at Hotel Ban Khong Rao

Visited Wat Phra That Doi Kham Temple
Visited Chiang Mai Night Safari

Day 2: Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Experience

07:00 AM - Meet-up guide & Pick-up from the Hotel

Meet with the Elephants
Play with the Elephants
Eat traditional meals prepared by the locals
Bath with the Elephants
Mud bath with the Elephants

05:00 PM - End of Tour

Day 3: Chiang Rai Full Day Tour

07:00 AM - Meet-up guide & pick-up from the Hotel

Mae Kachan Hot Spring
Wat Rong Khun (White Temple)
Lunch nearby tried Khao Soi
Baan Dam Museum
Karen Hill Tribe Long Neck Village
Golden Triangle of Southeast Asia

07:00 PM - End of Tour

Day 4: DIY City Tour

**Check out hotel, Flight back to Bangkok

TIPS & GUIDES

There are different Coffee shops that you can try in Chian Mai. And when it comes to staple food, Khao Soi is a must-try! - a coconut curry noodle soup.
Chiang Mai is a walkable city. Since almost all of the famous spots & stalls are located to each other. Otherwise, you can use a hailing application such as Grab. For solo travelers, Grab Bike is also available here.
If you are traveling from Thailand to Chiang Mai, there are three options to consider. You can either fly from Don Mueang International Airport to Chiang Mai International Airport, take a 12-hour bus ride, or enjoy a scenic train trip from Bangkok to the province.
There are different elephant sanctuaries in the city where you can book tours. What happens during the tour is you get to play, feed, and bath with the elephants. The experience includes hosted meals, snacks, hotel transfers, traditional clothing, and showers.
Chiang Mai Night Safari is also open in the Morning. They are open from 11 AM to 10 PM. The night tram and the evening show are things not to miss in this attraction.
The easiest way to reach Doi Saket temple is by using a Grab Bike. It is approximately 30 minutes away from the city. You can negotiate with the driver to wait for you and take you back to the city.
If you have extra time, you can take a Chiang Rai day tour from Chiang Mai City. The tour includes visits to the famous White Temple, The Long Neck Village, and the Golden Triangle of Southeast Asia, which borders Myanmar and Laos.