Budget Overview
Backpacker
$25–40/day
per day
Mid-range
$60–100/day
per day
Luxury
$180–350/day
per day
Day-by-Day Itinerary
- 1
Arrive Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai- Old City moat walk
- Tha Phae Gate and nearby café culture
Old City boutique guesthouse or hotel$25·$70·$200 - 2
Chiang Mai Temples & Doi Suthep
Chiang Mai- Doi Suthep mountain temple at sunrise before crowds
- Old City temple circuit: Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh
Same Chiang Mai hotel$30·$75·$200 - 3
Chiang Mai Culture & Cooking
Chiang Mai- Elephant Nature Park half-day ethical visit
- Thai cooking class in the evening
Same Chiang Mai hotel$60·$130·$320 - 4
Drive or Bus to Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai- Stop at Chiang Rai's Night Bazaar on arrival
- Wat Phra Kaew museum in the evening
Bus Chiang Mai–Chiang Rai (3 hr, 130 THB) or private vanChiang Rai city hotel or guesthouse$35·$90·$230 - 5
Chiang Rai's Iconic Temples
Chiang Rai- Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) — Chalermchai Kositpipat's masterpiece
- Baan Dam Museum (Black House) and Blue Temple
Same Chiang Rai hotel$35·$90·$240 - 6
Golden Triangle & Depart
Chiang Rai- Golden Triangle viewpoint where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet
- Fly from Chiang Rai CNX back to Bangkok or onward
Tuk tuk to Chiang Rai airport or bus back to Chiang MaiN/A$40·$100·$260
Plan Your Trip
Chiang Mai
Chiang Rai
Disclaimer
Daily budgets are approximate and based on typical costs. Prices vary by season, exact accommodation choice, and spending habits. Always check current transport prices before booking.