Itineraries — Northern Thailand

Northern Thailand lends itself to a multitude of itineraries depending on the length of the trip and the traveller's interests. The classic axis links Bangkok to Chiang Mai, sometimes via Ayutthaya or Sukhothai; more adventurous travellers push north to the borders of Myanmar and Laos in the mountainous Golden Triangle region.

For a long weekend (4-5 days), focus on Bangkok: the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew on the morning of day one, Wat Pho in the afternoon, a sunset Chao Phraya river cruise. Day two: Chatuchak market (weekends only), Chinatown's street-food lanes and a sundowner at the Lebua Sky Bar. Day three: a day trip to Ayutthaya, the ruins of the former royal city. Four to five days lets you add the Damnoen Saduak floating market.

Over one week (7 days), the classic itinerary pairs Bangkok (3 nights) with Chiang Mai (3-4 nights). In Chiang Mai: Doi Suthep on the morning of day one, the Old City and its 300 temples in the afternoon, the Night Bazaar in the evening. Day two: a full-day trek in the hills around Chiang Mai, with a Karen village visit and a bamboo-raft descent. Day three: a Thai cooking class in the morning, the Sunday Walking Street in the afternoon, a final sunset from the Doi Suthep terrace.

With 10 to 15 days, the trip deepens considerably. After Bangkok and its day trips (Ayutthaya, floating market), head north to Chiang Rai by bus or van: the Black House (Baan Dam), the otherworldly White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) and the Golden Triangle border with Myanmar and Laos. Loop back through Chiang Mai for night markets and Thai massages. Such a northern itinerary traces a complete cultural journey, rich in contrast between the vertical, boiling intensity of Bangkok and the horizontal, easygoing rhythm of the wooded hills further north in Thailand.