Recommendation: Go to Northern Thailand if you love temples
Route overview: *Northern Thailand route overview: Bangkok -> Chiang Mai -> Pai -> Chaing Rai*
Bangkok (4 nights)
- Ride the sky train
- Take the ferry to see the Flower Market, Temple of dawn (Wat Arun), The reclining Buddha (Wat Po temples), and Chinatown
- Terminal 21 (Giant mall)
- Take 2-hour scenic train ride to Ayutthaya to see ancient ruins
- Night markets and enjoy all the street food
13-hour overnight train to Chiang Mai ($29)
Chiang Mai (5 nights)
- Sunday night market
- Walk through Old Town to see temples
- Bhubing Palace and Doi Suthep
- Huay Kaew Waterfall
- Eat at Good Souls
3-hour van ride to Pai ($6) ... the road is only 135km, but 762 turns so if you get car sick, brace yourself!
Pai (6 nights)
- Pai is an adorable town with hippy vibes and lots to do! It was where I learned to drive a scooter which made such a difference in my travels. Not having to reply on others or taxis was amazing!
Things to do in Pai:
- Take a yoga class
- Take a Muay Thai boxing class
- Walk around 'Walking Street'
- Spend one day going to see the Land Split, Pam Bok Waterfall, and Pai Canyon
- Spend one day exploring Mo Paeng waterfall and walking the Bamboo Bridge
- Pai Hotspring resort ($3 entrance to enjoy the pool and hot spring tub)
- Big white Buddha
- Eat at Earth Tone café
3-hour van ride to Chaing Rai ($6)
Chiang Rai (3 nights)
- Stayed at Mercy Hostel
- Rent a scooter to go see The Blue Temple, The White Temple, and Khun Kon waterfall
- Check out The Black House and Buddha Caves (Wat Tram Phra)
- Night Bizarre happens daily
- Walking street market (only Saturday's)
Chaing Rai was my last stop in Northern Thailand. From there, I traveled by boat to Laos where I continued my travels. After exploring Laos, Vienman, and Cambodia, I ended up back in Thailand to explore the Southern Part of the country.