Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai Travel Guide

The place

About this destination

A 2-day mountain journey through Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai, Thailand — hand-planned by Rachana, with where to stay, what to do and where to eat all mapped out.

My experience

This is Rachana's own 2-day itinerary for Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai, Thailand — the version she'd plan for a close friend. Expect a considered day-by-day plan, the stays worth booking, and the small details that make a trip feel effortless. Everything here is personally travelled and curated — no filler.

LuxuryMountainsHeritage & CultureCity Break

Through the lens · 6 frames

Photo journal

01

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01
Chiang Mai – Culture, Nature & Culinary Delights
- 01Top Luxury Hotels
- 021. 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai
- 03A heritage teakwood mansion offering spacious suites, a serene spa, and gourmet dining.
- 042. Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai
- 05Set amidst rice paddies, this resort provides private pavilions, wellness programs, and cooking classes.
- 06& Activities
- 07Visit ancient temples like Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang.
- 08Stroll through the Sunday Walking Street Market for local crafts and street food.
- 09Ascend to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep for panoramic views.
- 10Hike the Monk’s Trail through lush forests.
- 11Explore Thailand’s highest peak, visit the King and Queen Pagodas, and enjoy waterfalls.
- 12Participate in a Thai cooking class.
- 13Visit the Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden and the Elephant Nature Park.
- 14Relax with a traditional Thai massage at Oasis Spa.
Day 02
Chiang Rai – Art, Temples & Tranquility
- 01Top Luxury Hotels
- 021. Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle
- 03An exclusive resort offering luxury tents, elephant encounters, and river excursions.
- 042. Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort
- 05Set amidst lush landscapes, featuring an elephant camp, spa, and panoramic views.
- 06& Activities
- 07Visit Wat Phra Kaew, the original home of the Emerald Buddha.
- 08Explore the Navel City Pillar at Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong.
- 09Marvel at the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) and the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten).
- 10Visit the Baan Dam Museum (Black House) for contemporary art.
- 11Take a boat trip along the Mekong River.
- 12Visit the Hall of Opium Museum to learn about the region’s history.
- 13Enjoy spa treatments at your resort.
- 14Relax by the pool or participate in a yoga session before departure.