Embark on an unforgettable 3-day DIY road trip through northern Thailand, starting from Chiang Rai. Begin your adventure by exploring the vibrant markets and ornate temples of Chiang Rai city, before venturing into the lush countryside. Drive towards the Golden Triangle, where Thailand meets Myanmar and Laos, and uncover the region’s rich history at the Hall of Opium Museum. Continue your journey along scenic routes, passing emerald rice paddies and hill tribe villages, until you reach the picturesque town of Mae Salong, famous for its tea plantations and mountain vistas.
As someone who has explored this region extensively, I highly recommend including stops at lesser-known spots like the Doi Tung Royal Villa and the secluded waterfalls around Mae Sai for a truly immersive experience. To maximize your travel experience, immerse yourself in local cultures and customs. Prioritize unique, less-touristy destinations to discover authentic experiences. Engage with locals, taste traditional cuisines, and take the road less traveled. Embrace spontaneity, but also plan key activities. Document your journey through photos and journals for lifelong memories.
Table of Contents
MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST FOR A NORTHERN THAILAND ROAD TRIP
Embark on a road trip through northern Thailand to enjoy the freedom of discovery amidst changing landscapes of plains, mountains, rice fields, and rivers. Along the way, be prepared to pause frequently to soak in the breathtaking scenery that unfolds at every turn, making your journey an unforgettable adventure filled with unexpected delights.
Key Points of Interest for a Northern Thailand Road Trip:
- Phu Chi Fa: Discover the hidden gem of Thailand, offering a mesmerizing mountaintop viewpoint with stunning sunrise views over Laos.
- Drive along the Mekong River: Experience the scenic beauty of one of the world’s great rivers as you follow a route that runs alongside it, providing glimpses of local life and picturesque landscapes.
- The Golden Triangle: Explore the historical meeting point of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar, once notorious for illegal trade in opium. Learn about the region’s intriguing past and cultural significance.
- Mae Fah Luang Garden: Visit this meticulously landscaped botanical garden featuring treetop walks, offering a peaceful retreat amidst lush greenery and unique flora.
- The Black House and Blue Temple: Explore these distinctive architectural wonders located just outside Chiang Rai. Incorporate these sites into your road trip for a convenient and enriching experience without relying on other transportation.
CAR HIRE
For our car hire needs, we opted for Chiang Rai airport due to its extensive selection and reasonable rates. Since many rental places in Chiang Rai lack websites, determining their prices proved challenging. Ultimately, we chose Hertz and simply hailed a taxi from Central Chiang Rai to collect the vehicle. The total cost for a three-day hire came to £68.31, with the taxi ride to the airport costing a mere 150 Baht. This seamless process ensured we had the freedom to explore northern Thailand at our own pace and convenience.
INTERNATIONAL DRIVERS PERMIT
It’s important to note that an international driver’s permit (IDP) is a legal requirement for driving in Thailand, as indicated on the RAC list. Regrettably, I only realized this requirement after our trip had commenced. Surprisingly, at the rental desk, presenting my UK driving license sufficed for renting the car. However, discussions on this matter in forums highlight that while Thai police may not rigorously enforce the IDP rule, your insurance coverage could be jeopardized in the event of an accident.
In hindsight, I wouldn’t take the risk again. Obtaining an IDP is straightforward and affordable at just £8 for a year, and I recommend applying for one using this form.As for navigation, a dedicated satellite navigation (sat nav) system isn’t necessary. Instead, I recommend downloading the excellent Maps.Me app before your trip.
DRIVING IN THAILAND
Driving in Thailand, particularly in the northern regions, proved to be a smooth and manageable experience despite various warnings about the risks involved. For British drivers, adapting to driving on the left-hand side was straightforward. The roads were generally in good condition, and given the quieter nature of this part of Thailand, traffic was minimal except for occasional encounters with mopeds darting from side streets and navigating winding mountain roads. Near the northern border, roads benefited from significant foreign investment, often featuring double lanes with little traffic aside from us. The most challenging driving areas included Chiang Khong, with narrow and congested streets, and the bustling highway from Mae Sai heading away from the border.
THAI GEARBOXES
It’s noteworthy that Thai automatic gearboxes often come with three settings: D for standard drive, S for sport (although not particularly applicable in our compact car!), and B which is used to engage the clutch on steep downhill sections. This feature might vary by car brand or model, as I hadn’t encountered these settings previously. Whether this is universal across all cars in Thailand or specific to the brand we rented remains uncertain. Nevertheless, understanding these gearbox settings proved helpful, especially when navigating challenging terrains during our road trip.
MAP
NORTHERN THAILAND ROAD TRIP ITINERARY -DAY 1
DAY 1 OUTLINE
After picking up your rental car from Chiang Rai airport, begin your journey by heading towards Phu Chi Fa, nestled in the mountains. The drive spans approximately 110 kilometers, taking you through scenic landscapes and winding roads. Upon arrival at Phu Chi Fa, spend time exploring the breathtaking mountaintop viewpoint and soaking in panoramic views over Laos. Later in the day, make your way to your accommodation for the evening, where you can relax and unwind after a day of driving and exploration.This day sets the tone for your northern Thailand road trip, offering a taste of the region’s natural beauty and tranquility. Stay tuned for more exciting adventures in the days ahead!
WHAT UBOL KHONGKHAM GOLDEN BUDDHA
One of the delightful surprises on our road trip was stumbling upon Wat Ubol Khongkham and its impressive Golden Buddha. Amid the countless temples along our route, this particular sight caught our attention with its massive golden statue overlooking a serene lake. Situated near a small village and visible from the road shortly after turning onto route 1174, the temple is accessed by a small dirt road leading to the main Wat. Here, visitors can park near the lake and marvel at the grandeur of the towering Buddha statue. This remarkable sight, seemingly in the middle of nowhere, adds an extraordinary touch to the journey through northern Thailand’s countryside.
NORTHERN THAILAND ROAD TRIP – DAY 2
DAY 2 OUTLINE
Start your day early with a visit to Phu Chi Fa to witness a spectacular sunrise before hitting the road for an approximately 160-kilometer drive. Follow the route alongside the Mekong River, tracing the border with Laos, and soak in the picturesque river views. The highlight of the day is reaching the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar converge.
Explore this historic area before backtracking a short distance (about 5 kilometers) to stay overnight in Chiang Saen.Day 2 promises captivating scenery, cultural exploration, and a touch of history as you traverse through northern Thailand. Prepare for another day filled with memorable experiences and unique discoveries along the way. Stay tuned for more adventures on your northern Thailand road trip!
PHU CHI FA AT DAWN
Experiencing Phu Chi Fa at dawn was a highlight of our road trip through northern Thailand. Rising early at 4:45 AM, we embarked on a short 20-minute drive from our accommodation to reach the summit in time for the sunrise around 5:50 AM. Although we didn’t witness the classic “cloud-filled valley” view, the sky’s transformation from black to various shades of blues, purples, and finally fiery red was truly mesmerizing. This magical sunrise moment is a must-do for any traveler visiting Thailand. After enjoying the sunrise spectacle, we returned to our resort for a refreshing shower and a quick nap. To our pleasant surprise, the resort owners treated us to a delicious egg sandwich and apple salad.
NORTHERN THAILAND ROAD TRIP – DAY 3
DAY 3 OUTLINE
On Day 3 of your northern Thailand road trip, embark on a scenic drive covering approximately 160 kilometers as you journey back to Chiang Rai. The route will take you through Mae Sai, a border town near Myanmar, where you can explore local markets and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. Next, visit the Mae Fah Luang Botanical Gardens, known for their beautifully landscaped grounds and treetop walks, offering a serene break amidst nature.
Enjoy more mountain driving as you traverse back towards Chiang Rai.Additionally, consider stopping at the intriguing Black House and Blue Temple located on the outskirts of Chiang Rai, unless you plan to visit them separately on another day. These unique attractions offer fascinating insights into local art and culture.
MAE FAH LUANG BOTANICAL GARDENS
After a pleasant drive of about an hour, passing through the Golden Triangle and Mae Sai without stopping, we veered off the main north-south highway, Route 1 (which extends all the way to Bangkok for the adventurous), onto a smaller road leading through a quaint village and then up steep yet well-maintained slopes of Doitung. Amidst the dense foliage, occasional breaks offered hazy yet expansive views of the valleys below, reminiscent of the stunning vistas we’d encountered throughout our road trip.Arriving at the summit, we encountered Mae Fah Luang, a charming Swiss-style chalet constructed by the King’s Mother, situated alongside her renowned flower garden.
FINISHING UP
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this article and that it has inspired you to consider embarking on a road trip in Chiang Rai Province. Among all the experiences we had in Thailand, this road trip was definitely one of the highlights for us. The freedom to explore at our own pace, stopping wherever we wanted, and soaking in the sights and sounds of northern Thailand was truly unmatched.
Happy travels! 🙂
Conclusion
In conclusion, embarking on a DIY road trip through northern Thailand, starting from Chiang Rai, offers an unforgettable adventure filled with diverse landscapes, cultural experiences, and historical insights. Exploring vibrant markets, ornate temples, and picturesque countryside, while driving through emerald rice paddies and hill tribe villages, creates lasting memories. Don’t miss hidden gems like Phu Chi Fa and Mae Fah Luang Garden. Despite needing an international driver’s permit, navigating Thai roads, and discovering unique gearbox settings, the freedom to explore at your own pace makes this road trip truly exceptional and highly recommended for adventurous travelers.
Common Question of Northern Thailand
How many days is enough for Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai?
If you’re not interested in Phuket, seven to nine days is enough for your Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai trip. Even travelers with limited time can see the highlights in as few as six days.
Is it better to go to Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai?
Chaing Mai Vs Chiang Rai – Top things to do. Both Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai have a variety of activities they offer. Chiang Mai is more built up and more centrally located, which gives you more options. Whereas Chiang Rai is less well known and therefore has more local trips that can lead to hidden gems.
Which month is best to visit Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai?
November to February: This is the ideal time to visit Chiang Mai because the weather is perfect for all kinds of outdoor activities. While it does not get too cold, you should carry a jacket and some light woolens.
Which season is best in Chiang Rai?
October until February is the best time to visit Chiang Rai and indulge in sightseeing and adventure sports. During these months the weather is very pleasant with low temperatures and humidity.
Where do you stop between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai?
From CR check out Mae Salong, Doi Tung, Mae Sai, Golden Triangle, Phu Chi Fa, etc. If you have your own car you could do a slow drive north from Chiang Mai passing Chiang Dao, Doi Angkhang, Tha Ton, Doi Mae Salong to Chiang Rai, spending a night or two at the two mountain towns (Doi XX).
