What is a typical day-by-day itinerary from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?

The classic northern Thailand route unfolds over 6 days starting in Bangkok. Day 1 centers on the capital's Grand Palace complex and key temples. Moving to Ayutthaya's ancient ruins on day 2 visitors explore Thailand's old capital. Day 3 brings travelers to Sukhothai Historical Park where bicycle rides between temple ruins are common. The journey continues to Lampang on day 4 to see traditional wooden temples before reaching the contemporary White Temple in Chiang Rai. Day 5 focuses on the Golden Triangle area while day 6 concludes at Chiang Mai's mountaintop Doi Suthep temple. Accommodations like the Imperial Phitsanulok and Empress Chiang Mai serve as comfortable overnight stops. As noted by a TourRadar guest: "The tour is well-balanced between cultural sites nature experiences and city exploration."

What are the most common destinations visited between Bangkok and Chiang Mai?

The route's key stops showcase Thailand's architectural evolution through time. Visitors typically explore Ayutthaya's UNESCO temple compounds Sukhothai Historical Park's classical Thai structures and Phitsanulok's Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat. The journey continues through Lampang known for its teak architecture before reaching Chiang Rai's modern White Temple. Tweet World Travel's itinerary highlights "Wat Phra Sri Mahathat temple built in the 13th century and the sacred Buddha Jinaraj - said to be one of the most beautiful Buddha statues in Thailand." A recent traveler observed: "From temples to local markets each stop felt totally different from the last."

What is the total distance covered on a Bangkok to Chiang Mai tour?

The complete journey spans 850-900 kilometers (530-560 miles) including major cultural stops. The route breaks down into segments: 85km from Bangkok to Ayutthaya 380km to Sukhothai and 450km onward to Chiang Mai via Lampang. Tour participants note the quality of infrastructure with one traveler sharing "the roads in Thailand are very good wide roads in excellent condition."

What type of accommodation can I expect on Bangkok to Chiang Mai tours?

Hotels along the route range from 3 to 5 stars with central locations prioritized. Bangkok accommodations often include the Century Park Hotel or Montien Surawong while Chiang Mai features properties like The Empress Hotel and Movenpick Suriwongse. Daily breakfast comes standard with room upgrades available through most operators. A recent guest commented: "The Century Park Hotel in Bangkok was in a perfect location near attractions and the Empress Hotel in Chiang Mai offered great mountain views from their rooftop pool."

What is the average price range for Bangkok to Chiang Mai tours?

Tours range from $450 to $3500 per person with most falling around $1500. Budget options like the Bangkok Basics & Chiang Mai City Package start at $454 for 6 days. Luxury experiences such as Heritage Discovery by Tweet World Travel cost $3651 for 10 days. Price variations reflect accommodation quality included activities and meal plans. A recent traveler noted: "The tour offers great value with high-quality hotels like Century Park Hotel in Bangkok and The Empress in Chiang Mai included."

What is the average group size for tours from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?

Tours typically run with 8 to 16 participants keeping experiences personal. Premium operators like Tweet World Travel cap groups at 16 while budget tours might include up to 20 people. Companies such as Destination Services Thailand provide both group and private options. One traveler shared: "Having a smaller group of 12 people made the experience more intimate and allowed us to get to know everyone while still having flexibility in our schedule."

What is the cultural experience like between Bangkok and Chiang Mai?

The journey presents Thailand's cultural spectrum from Bangkok's urban temples to Chiang Mai's traditional Lanna heritage. Activities typically include local market visits cooking classes hill tribe community encounters and temple ceremonies. According to a recent participant: "The contrast between Bangkok's energy and Chiang Mai's laid-back vibe was fascinating and visiting temples like Wat Phra Singh really helped us understand Thai culture."

Bangkok to Chiang Mai Tours

Find adventures that start in Bangkok and then finish in Chiang Mai. Trips from Bangkok to Chiang Mai are most popular in October, with the most tours doing this route then.

10 best Bangkok to Chiang Mai tour packages

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In-depth Cultural
Treasure of Thailand in 9 days 8 nights
3.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"It was a great experience, I got an exposure to culture, history, temples, daily activities, and the life of ordinary people."
Jucy, traveled in November
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
LVP Travel
From
US$2,200per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
Highlights of Thailand
4.4 (20 traveler reviews)
"Small group, excellent accommodation and knowledgeable tour leader."
Axel, traveled in January
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Ayutthaya, Sukhothai, Chiang Mai
Age Range
Ages 15+
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
20% Off
From $2,880
US$2,304per person
Price based on Shared Room
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In-depth Cultural
Wonders of Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai Tour 7-Day
4.8 (8 traveler reviews)
"The experience was great. She took a lot of group pictures without us asking and always provided information about everything."
Nancy, traveled in April
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Bangkok, Damnoen Saduak, Chiang Mai,Doi Suthep Pui National Park,Mae Taeng,Chiang Rai,Golden Triangle Park+4 more
Age Range
Ages 6+
Country Region
Northern ThailandGolden Triangle Southeast Asia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Legend Travel Group
55% Off
From $2,086
US$939per person
+$239 local payments
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
5 Days Explore Thailand.
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"The amazing white temple and black house, we particularly enjoyed the river canoeing and the walk to a Karen village."
David, traveled in January
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Bangkok, Amphawa, Chiang Mai
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Chiang Mai
Operated in
English
Operator
STM Tours LLC
35% Off
From $2,211
US$1,437per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
Highlight of Thailand 10 Days (Bangkok, Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai)
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Ayutthaya, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai,Doi Suthep Pui National Park,Mae Sai+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Northern Thailand
Operated in
English
Operator
Asia Focus Travel
35% Off
From
US$1,940per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
Bangkok to Chiang Mai Express
4.7 (37 traveler reviews)
"It gave us a greater appreciation for Thai culture & food, and allowed us to have a brief introduction to the Northern half of the country."
Dean, traveled in June
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
25% Off
From $1,199
US$899per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
Thailand Adventure: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Street Food Crawls
4.8 (5 traveler reviews)
"She was very welcoming and would go above and beyond for us all! She truly was amazing!"
Chloe, traveled in June
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Bangkok, Srinakarin Dam, Kanchanaburi, Ayutthaya,Chiang Mai+1 more
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
17% Off
From $569
US$472per person
Price based on Shared Room
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In-depth Cultural
Bangkok to Chiang Mai Express - 5 days
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Lopburi, Phitsanulok, Sukhothai,Chiang Rai,Chiang Mai+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Northern ThailandChiang Mai+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
17% Off
From
US$975per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Festival & Events
Songkran Festival
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Bangkok, Chiang Mai
Age Range
Ages 18-39
Country Region
Chiang Mai
Operated in
English
Operator
TruTravels
17% Off
From
US$795per person
Price based on Shared Room
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In-depth Cultural
Explore Northern Thailand
4.4 (20 traveler reviews)
"Trip was well organised, planned and included lots of surprises."
Helen, traveled in December
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Bangkok, Sukhothai, Chiang Mai
Age Range
Ages 15+
Country Region
Northern ThailandChiang Mai+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
20% Off
From $1,480
US$1,184per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
Thai Intro 18 Day
4.9 (568 traveler reviews)
"This was a trip of a lifetime, made so many great memories. Staying in the floating bungalows was surreal."
Lauren, traveled in November
Duration
18 days
Destinations
Bangkok, Khao Sok National Park, Ko Pha Ngan, Ko Phi Phi,Phuket,Chiang Mai+2 more
Age Range
Ages 18-49
Country Region
Southern Thailand
Operated in
English
Operator
INTRO Travel
20% Off
From
US$2,199per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
Explorer
Best of Thailand - Feel Free Travel
5.0 (237 traveler reviews)
"This trip went way beyond my expectations! Each of the places we went to were so memorable and the group as well made my time so much better!"
Grace, traveled in November
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Bangkok, Khao Sok National Park, Krabi, Ko Phi Phi,Chiang Mai,Pai+2 more
Age Range
Ages 18-39
Country Region
Southern Thailand
Operated in
English
Operator
Feel Free Travel
20% Off
From
US$1,709per person
Price based on Shared Room
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In-depth Cultural
Northern Thailand Adventure
4.8 (1,864 traveler reviews) award winner
"I made a life long friend. She is great at her job, getting everyone where they needed to be on time."
Hannah, traveled in October
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Erawan National Park, Ayutthaya,Chiang Mai,Pai+2 more
Age Range
Ages 18-39
Country Region
Northern Thailand
Operated in
English
Operator
TruTravels
30% Off
From $1,425
US$998per person
Price based on Shared Room
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In-depth Cultural
Experience Thailand 9 Days - Bangkok to the North, Small Group Tour (English Only)
4.5 (32 traveler reviews)
"Great tour for cultural experience of Thailand! It covered palaces, stupas/temples, floating markets, traditional craft demonstrations."
Michael, traveled in December
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Phitsanulok, Sukhothai, Lampang,Golden Triangle Park,Chiang Rai,Chiang Mai+3 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Country Region
Northern Thailand
Operated in
English
Operator
Destination Services Thailand
15% Off
From $1,610
US$1,368per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Food & Culinary
Thailand Real Food Adventure
4.6 (14 traveler reviews)
"Once again Intrepid delivered."
Lucinda, traveled in December
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai
Age Range
Ages 15+
Country Region
Chiang Mai
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
15% Off
From
US$1,670per person
Price based on Shared Room
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