Bangkok → Chiang Mai, Thailand
This 7-day backpacker adventure immerses you in the best of Thailand
About this trip
This 7-day backpacker adventure immerses you in the best of Thailand. Spend four days exploring Bangkok's electrifying street life, ancient temples, and bustling markets. Then, journey north to Chiang Mai for three days of ethical elephant encounters, stunning mountain views, and a hands-on lesson in the art of Thai cooking.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
3 stopsMad Monkey Bangkok
3:00 PMCheck into your social backpacker hostel, a great place to meet other travelers near the heart of the action.
Lodging1 hrMad Monkey BangkokKhao San Road
5:00 PMDive headfirst into the backpacker universe. Explore the famous street, browse the market stalls, and soak in the vibrant, chaotic atmosphere.
Activity2 hrKhao San RoadThipsamai Pad Thai
7:30 PMDinner at one of Bangkok's most legendary Pad Thai spots, often called the best in the city. Expect a queue, but it's worth it.
Restaurant1 hr 30 minThipsamai Pad Thai
Day 2
5 stopsThe Onion
8:30 AMGrab a specialty coffee and a delicious breakfast at this popular and stylish cafe to fuel up for a day of temple hopping.
Restaurant1 hrThe OnionThe Grand Palace
10:00 AMExplore the spectacular former residence of the Kings of Siam. Remember to dress respectfully (shoulders and knees covered).
Activity2 hr 30 minThe Grand PalaceThe Sixth 6th
1:00 PMEnjoy a well-deserved lunch at this tiny, highly-rated restaurant serving authentic and flavorful home-style Thai food near the temples.
Restaurant1 hr 15 minThe Sixth 6thWat Pho
2:30 PMVisit the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, home to an immense gold-plated statue and considered the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.
Activity2 hrWat PhoWat Arun
5:00 PMTake a short ferry across the Chao Phraya River to admire the stunning, porcelain-covered spires of the Temple of Dawn, especially beautiful during sunset.
Restaurant1 hrWat Arun
Day 3
4 stopsOn Lok Yun
9:00 AMExperience a traditional Thai-style breakfast at this charming, old-school institution that has been serving locals for over 80 years.
Restaurant1 hrOn Lok YunJim Thompson House Museum
10:30 AMDiscover the beautiful Thai-style home of the American entrepreneur who revitalized the Thai silk industry, filled with a magnificent art collection.
Activity2 hrJim Thompson House MuseumPe Aor Tom Yum Kung Noodle
1:00 PMLunch at a restaurant renowned for its rich and creamy Tom Yum soup, served with giant prawns and noodles.
Restaurant1 hr 15 minPe Aor Tom Yum Kung NoodleJodd Fairs
6:00 PMExplore this bustling night market for dinner. Graze on a huge variety of trendy street food, from grilled seafood to volcanic spare ribs, and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Restaurant3 hrJodd Fairs
Day 4
5 stopsPatonggo Cafe
9:00 AMEnjoy a classic Thai breakfast of 'patonggo' (fried dough sticks) with various dips and coffee at this Michelin-recommended spot.
Restaurant1 hrPatonggo CafeMad Monkey Bangkok
10:30 AMCheck out from the hostel. You can typically leave your bags in their storage area to collect before your overnight journey.
Lodging30 minMad Monkey BangkokKhlong Bang Luang Artist House
11:30 AMEscape the city buzz with a visit to this charming, century-old wooden house on the canal. Enjoy the serene atmosphere and watch a traditional puppet show.
Activity2 hrKhlong Bang Luang Artist HouseSom Tam Jay So
2:00 PMChallenge your taste buds with fiery and authentic Isaan (Northeastern Thai) cuisine, especially their famous papaya salads.
Restaurant1 hr 15 minSom Tam Jay SoHere Hai Restaurant
6:00 PMEnjoy a final, incredible dinner in Bangkok at this Michelin Bib Gourmand eatery, famous for its insane crab fried rice.
Restaurant1 hr 30 minHere Hai Restaurant
Day 5
5 stopsKhao Soi Khun Yai
9:00 AMArrive in Chiang Mai and have your first taste of the north's most famous dish, Khao Soi. This spot is a local favorite, hidden down a small alley.
Restaurant1 hr 15 minKhao Soi Khun YaiChiang Mai Old City Temples
11:00 AMWander through the historic center of Chiang Mai, visiting ancient temples like the towering Wat Chedi Luang and the beautiful Wat Phra Singh.
Activity3 hrWat Chedi LuangDash! Restaurant and Bar
2:00 PMRelax with lunch in a beautiful traditional wooden house, offering a mix of northern and central Thai dishes.
Restaurant1 hrDash! Restaurant and BarStamps Backpackers
3:30 PMCheck into your new hostel, famous for its friendly, social atmosphere and clean facilities, perfect for meeting fellow travelers.
Lodging1 hrStamps BackpackersChiang Mai Night Bazaar
6:30 PMExplore the massive nightly market. Hunt for souvenirs, enjoy the street performances, and have dinner from the diverse array of food stalls.
Restaurant2 hr 30 minChiang Mai Night Bazaar
Day 6
4 stopsFern Forest Cafe
7:30 AMHave a serene breakfast in a lush, green garden setting before a big day of adventure.
Restaurant1 hrFern Forest CafeElephant Nature Park
8:30 AMSpend a full day at a renowned ethical sanctuary. You'll help feed and bathe rescued elephants while learning about their stories and conservation efforts.
Activity8 hrElephant Nature ParkLunch at Elephant Nature Park
12:30 PMEnjoy a massive and delicious buffet of vegetarian Thai food, which is included with your visit to the sanctuary.
Restaurant1 hr 30 minElephant Nature ParkKhao Soi Mae Sai
7:30 PMYou can't have too much Khao Soi. Try another one of the city's top-rated spots for this iconic northern Thai noodle soup.
Restaurant1 hr 30 minKhao Soi Mae Sai
Day 7
5 stopsGoodsouls Kitchen
8:30 AMEnjoy a healthy and delicious plant-based breakfast at one of Chiang Mai's best vegan restaurants.
Restaurant1 hrGoodsouls KitchenStamps Backpackers
10:00 AMCheck out from the hostel. Arrange to leave your backpack in their storage for the day.
Lodging30 minStamps BackpackersWat Phra That Doi Suthep
10:30 AMTravel up the mountain to visit Chiang Mai's most sacred temple. Climb the Naga serpent staircase and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
Activity2 hr 30 minWat Phra That Doi SuthepHuen Muan Jai
1:30 PMHave lunch at a restaurant famous for its authentic Lanna (Northern Thai) cuisine, set in a lovely traditional-style house.
Restaurant1 hr 15 minHuen Muan JaiThai Farm Cooking School
4:00 PMParticipate in a hands-on cooking class set in the countryside. You'll visit a local market, pick fresh ingredients from an organic farm, and learn to cook several classic Thai dishes, which you'll then enjoy for dinner.
Restaurant4 hrThai Farm Cooking School
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