7 Day Northern Thailand Road Trip: Ultimate Off the Beaten Track Itinerary
With incredible scenery, an abundance of national parks and fantastic roads, a Northern Thailand road trip is a must-do for adventure travellers!
It’s a great way to experience the country and explore regions on your own terms.
We’ve developed the ultimate off-the-beaten-track Northern Thailand road trip itinerary.
On this Thailand road trip, you’re going to see a completely different part of the country (guaranteed no elephant pants here!). English is not widely spoken and you may even get a few curious stares from locals.
If you’re looking for adventure, epic scenery and want to get off the tourist trail, this is the perfect trip for you.
Thailand Travel Resources
- Start here: Bangkok’s Top 5 Coolest Neighbourhoods
- Best islands: Koh Adang and Koh Tarutao
- Best for adventure: 4-day Chiang Mai Road Trip
- Guidebook: get a copy of Lonely Planet’s Thailand
- Getting there: search for flights to Thailand
- Where to stay: search for guesthouses, hostels and hotels
- How to get around: search for trains and buses
- Rent a car: search for great deals on car rentals
- Travel insurance: get travel insurance for your trip
- Gear: pick up a Steripen for clean water 24/7
- Money: get a Wise money card to save money in Thailand
Northern Thailand Road Trip Overview
Thailand is a fantastic country for a road trip. Renting a car or hopping on a scooter to do a Northern Thailand road trip is easily a favourite backpacker activity.
However, most people stick to a pretty well-trodden path that includes either Pai, Chiang Rai or Mae Hong Son.
Relatively few venture east, towards Laos, where this Thailand road trip itinerary takes you.
Loving all things adventure and camping, we’ve done a few multi-day Thailand road trips throughout our travels in the land of smiles.
Read everything you need to know about camping in Thailand
This route is one of our favourites and we think it could be the best road trip in Thailand.
We especially like this trip because it traverses a part of Thailand completely off the tourist trail.
In fact, when we did this trip in January 2022, we only saw two other foreigners the entire time, and we’re pretty sure that they were residents, not tourists.
If you want to get off the beaten track, this is the Northern Thailand road trip for you.
Northern Thailand Road Trip Itinerary Breakdown
Lampang → Wiang Kosai National Park → Phrae → Khun Sathan National Park → Nan → Doi Phu Nang National Park → Phayao → Lampang
Days
7 days / 6 nights
Accommodation
Camping and guesthouses/hotels
Check out our Epic Chiang Mai Road Trip for a shorter 4-day itinerary
When to do This Northern Thailand Road Trip
The optimal time to do this Northern Thailand road trip would be in December, but it can be done anytime between November and late January.
Due to the smokey season (starting late Jan/early Feb) and then the rainy season (June – October), you’re pretty much limited to this time window.
You could still do the trip in February, however, it’s probably going to be somewhat unpleasant due to the onset of the smokey season.
Read next: 8 Awesome Things to Do in Chiang Dao + Ultimate Travel Guide
The smokey season seems to be setting in earlier and earlier each year and if it’s already quite smokey, it will affect the quality of the trip.
Not only will the views be hazy and obscured, but the air quality will be pretty terrible.
We did this in late January and the smoke was just starting to set in. It was fine, but just barely.
Northern Thailand Road Trip Tips
It gets surprisingly pretty chilly at night in these parts of Thailand, so make sure you bring appropriate clothing and gear! Don’t worry, we’ve put together a packing list for you here.
We also recommend bringing your own cooking supplies.
Some of the places we camped had restaurants, but they weren’t consistent and it wouldn’t be safe to depend on them (unless you’re happy eating cold, uncooked food for dinner).
Wheels for your Northern Thailand Road Trip
Unless you’re an overlander, you’ll need to rent some sort of wheels for this road trip.
This is a long trip, so we recommend a car over a scooter. For the best deals on rentals, check out Discover Cars – it’s the platform we always use and recommend.
While this route officially departs from Lampang, we highly recommend sourcing your wheels from Chiang Mai – you’ll find much better quality and prices there.
We’ve put together the most comprehensive guide to renting and driving in Thailand, so check it out so you’re fully prepared for this epic Northern Thailand road trip!
Read our ultimate guide to renting a car or motorbike in Thailand, packed with essential tips, insider advice and everything you need to know for an unforgettable experience road-tripping in Thailand!
The Route: Northern Thailand Road Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Lampang to Wiang Kosai National Park
This Thailand road trip starts in Lampang, Chiang Mai’s cool little cousin that is full of so much Lanna heritage.
Day 1 on this Northern Thailand road trip itinerary is pretty short, so you have time to get things sorted and organised before you head off.
Read about the best things to do in Lampang
From Lampang, you head straight to your destination, Wiang Kosai National Park.
Leaving Lampang, take Hwy 11 southeast. Here you’ll have your first encounter climbing a mountain pass, so expect a few big hills and descents.
If you feel uncomfortable with the traffic, it is perfectly acceptable in Thailand for scooters to drive on the shoulder (sometimes this isn’t a choice!).
After about 48 km you’ll arrive at a junction and take Hwy 1023 southwest. After you’ve hit the 1023 junction, the road is flat until the turn-off for Wiang Kosai National Park.
Wiang Kosai National Park Entrance Fees
- 100 THB per person
- 20 THB per motorbike
- 100 THB per car
Camping at Wiang Kosai National Park
Wiang Kosai is a great national park to camp at. In fact, when we showed up, the ranger was so excited to show us the camping spot (looking at the picture you can see why).
There are two camping areas in the park.
The first one you come to is much more beautiful and is set on a hill overlooking the valley. We would recommend choosing this one.
The other campground is further down the road. It is fine, but set in the trees and has more of a school-camp feeling.
Camping costs 80 THB per person.
Have you ever thought about camping on the beach in Thailand? Check out our guides to Koh Adang and Koh Tarutao
Facilities at Wiang Kosai
Like so many Thai national parks, the facilities at Wiang Kosai are fantastic (especially at the first campground). There are toilets (with toilet paper!), showers and even a cooking area with lights and a table.
There’s also a restaurant, but it was closed when we were there and didn’t seem to run regular hours, so it’s best not to rely on it.
There are also lovely-looking cabins near the visitor’s centre for around 1000 THB per night.
Things to do at Wiang Kosai National Park
Wiang Kosai is home to a very beautiful 7-tiered waterfall. You can walk up and enjoy all 7 tiers (approx 15 – 30 minutes).
Although strictly not allowed, swimming at the top tier is very refreshing, but damn cold.
You reach the waterfall trail by driving or walking down the park road until it comes to an end. The start of the trail is clearly marked.
There is also a 1 km nature trail, starting from the second campground. This weaves through the forest and ends up at the start of the waterfall.
Day 2: Wiang Kosai National Park to Phrae
Day 2 of this Northern Thailand road trip itinerary takes you to the lovely city of Phrae.
From Wiang Kosai National Park, take Hwy 1023.
Make sure you take the time to stop for lunch or a snack at one of the cute roadside restaurants dotting the highway.
Read next: Bangkok’s Top 5 Coolest Neighbourhoods
For an interesting side trip, head to Tham Chakapat. This is a temple located on top of a sandstone mountain, tucked away in the rolling hills of Phrae. It is literally located in the middle of nowhere.
To get to the Buddha, you have to climb 700 steps to the temple. Once you get there, you will be rewarded with million-dollar views.
The path up to the Buddha is located at the base of the temple where you park.
The path is well-paved and easy to navigate, albeit a bit steep. If you watch your footing and take your time, you should have no problems.
Important: when driving to Tham Chakapat, make sure you take Hwy 3046 from Hwy 1023. Do not let Google take you another way! We made the silly mistake of following Google’s directions and went down a very crazy, muddy, narrow track that was not meant for a motorbike! It was hectic, to say the least.
Once you leave Tham Chakapat and get back on Hwy 1023, it’s a short drive to Phrae.
Phrae
Phrae is a lovely little town with ample greenery, scenic temples and a pleasant riverside location. Its residents are also fabled as the friendliest folks in Thailand!
Despite this, Phrae is completely off the tourist trail and it’s unlikely you’ll meet another traveller who’s even heard of it.
So, a great stop on this ultimate road trip in Thailand.
Where to Stay in Phrae
Budget
Come Moon Loft Hotel is clean, basic and the best budget option in town. You can opt to have breakfast included, but with a couple of pieces of toast and a single fried egg, we’d recommend just sorting yourself out somewhere else.
Mid– Range
If you’re willing to pay a bit more, Baan I Inspire is a great choice. The rooms are spacious with big windows and the staff are fantastic. It’s a great place to stay.
SuanGlangNa is an exceptional choice. The rooms are beautiful and well-decorated. For the price point, this is probably our top pick.
High-End
If you want luxury, Ayla Chalet is it! They offer beautifully appointed cabins with all the amenities you could want. Treat yourself!
Things to do in Phrae
Most of the activities in Phrae revolve around its many temples and lively markets.
Wat Pong Sunan
Wat Pong Sunan is a gloriously white temple with many small chedis on top. There’s also a giant turtle with a man standing on top, which Zandy particularly liked.
Wat Chom Sawan
Wat Chom Sawan was constructed in 1900. It combines both the Lanna and Burmese-style architecture that is so unique to this part of Northern Thailand.
Wat Chom Sawan is located right in the heart of Phrae’s city centre.
Ban Prathap Chai
There are many teak houses to admire all over Phrae, but none match Ban Prathap Chai, located near the city’s southern edge.
It’s actually a reconstruction of several older houses – in this case, nine of them supported on 130 huge centuries-old teak posts.
Thung Hong Market
Thung Hong Market sells the traditional Indigo-dyed clothing specific to Northern Thailand.
Phrae Night Market
If you’re in Phrae over the weekend, be sure to check out the night market. While it’s quite small, it’s a lovely vibe and has some great food.
In our opinion, never pass up a good night market!
Day 3: Phrae to Khun Sathan National Park
Day 3 of this Northern Thailand road trip itinerary is less about the sights and all about the ride.
This section is best done if you take the smaller roads. This is because the roads leading up to Khun Sathan National Park are very, very curvy and the smaller roads have little to no traffic.
We recommend the following route: Hwy 11 – 1134 – 1342 – 1217 – 1216. This route is an incredibly scenic ride.
The Hwy 1342 section is incredibly remote and it’s unlikely you’ll see any other vehicles.
There also aren’t any shops, villages or restaurants in this section. It’s just beautiful mountain scenery.
Once you are on Hwy 1216 and approaching Khun Sathan National Park, there are multiple hill tribe villages scattered along the mountain and lots of cute cafes and restaurants.
All have incredible views and provide a great stop for a drink. This is a great way to take a break on the ultimate road trip in Thailand.
Khun Sathan National Park
Khun Sathan is a very scenic national park in Thailand. We highly recommend spending a night there during this Northern Thailand road trip.
It is at a relatively high altitude so make sure you have something to keep you warm, because the nights get chilly!
The gate to the national park is at the bottom of a very steep road.
Khun Sathan National Park Entrance Fees
- 100 THB per person
- 20 THB per motorbike
- 100 THB per car
Camping at Khun Sathan National Park
The camping area at Khun Sathan is set overlooking the valley and is incredibly scenic. We rate it as one of the best camping sites in Thailand.
Want more places to camp in Thailand? Read our Top 5 Places to Camp in Thailand
This park is very popular amongst Thai people and I have both read and heard from friends that it can get quite busy on holidays and weekends.
For that reason, it is better to visit mid-week, as there will be fewer people there. (When we visited mid-week, there were only 4 other tents).
Camping costs 80 THB per person.
If you don’t have any camping gear, or just feel the cold and want a few extra items, the visitor’s centre will rent out gear. A sleeping bag, sleeping pad and pillow are all 30 THB each.
You can also rent the entire set-up (tent, 2 x sleeping pads, bags and pillows) for 400 THB (inclusive of camping fee for two people).
Check out Khao Sok, another epic national park in Thailand
There are also two sets of cabins, each with incredible views. They cost around 800 THB, depending on location.
All the cabins were booked out when we were there, so if you would like to stay in one, we would recommend booking ahead.
Theoretically, you’re supposed to be able to book via the National Parks Website, however, it appears hard to navigate and we couldn’t find an option to do so. Your best bet would be to get a Thai speaker to call and arrange it for you.
Facilities at Khun Sathan National Park
As with all Thai National Parks, Khun Sathan is chock full of facilities.
There is a restaurant and a cafe, and the prices are reasonable at both. For example, at the cafe, it was 50 THB for a drink.
The cafe is only open during the day but the restaurant was open into the evening as well.
There is also a small shop selling basic items.
The bathrooms are good but were a bit rundown. Bring toilet paper.
Things to do at Khun Sathan National Park
Khun Sathan National Park has an excellent viewpoint that is sublime for sunset. It’s a surprisingly steep walk but very short (approx 15 – 20 minutes).
Sunrise is also excellent near the main park sign – a great way to enjoy your morning coffee.
Otherwise, this is a great place to just chill and enjoy nature.
Day 4: Khun Sathan National Park to Nan
Day 4 on this Northern Thailand road trip itinerary is another very scenic day. You’ll end up in Nan, a remote town on the border with Laos.
From Khun Sathan, take Hwy 1216 to Na Noi. This is a scenic ride with great views from the other side of the mountain.
Once you reach Na Noi, change to Hwy 1026 and from there, head straight to Nan.
Nan
Nan is a remote town near the border with Laos and is a very popular spot for domestic tourism.
That means there are plenty of attractions and great places to stay in this vibrant and interesting city.
Nan is particularly popular as a nature resort destination. So if you’re willing to splash out a little bit on accommodation, you can find some very beautiful and comfortable places (and maybe extend your stay a day during this ultimate road trip in Thailand).
Where to Stay in Nan
Budget
Banban Nannan Library and Guesthome
Banban is a lovely guesthouse surrounding a peaceful garden. While basic, it’s clean and quirky and only a short walk to all the sights in town.
Mid-Range
A fantastic choice for the price point, Baan Suan offers beautiful rooms and a swimming pool to relax at. Their breakfast is to die for!
High-End
The Nan Seasons Boutique Resort is probably the best place to stay in town. The bungalows feature teak furniture with private terraces overlooking the rice fields. Bliss!
Things to do in Nan
National Museum
You can get a sense of the region’s art at the National Museum. The museum occupies a mansion built in 1923 for the prince who ruled Nan, Chao Suriyapong Pharittadit.
Wat Phumin
Wat Phumin is the most popular attraction in Nan.
People come to see the intricate and well-preserved 19th-century murals. The murals depict foreigners as well as the French arriving on warships. It’s definitely worth a visit.
While you’re there, check out the innocent-looking temple. On the inside, there are some crazy murals depicting hell. It’s very weird.
Entrance is free.
Wat Phra That Khao Noi
Wat Phra That Khao Noi is an epic spot to go to for sunset and views of the city.
Many locals come here at sunset to relax and enjoy the view.
Wat Ming Muang
Close to Wat Phumin is Wat Ming Muang, Nan’s “White Temple”. This is similar to the famous one in Chaing Rai, just much smaller.
It’s still pretty cute and since you’ll be strolling through the city centre anyway, definitely worth a visit.
Wat Sri Panthon
Wat Sri Panthon is Nan’s “Golden Temple”.
The architecture and intricate design are beautiful, especially the 2 beautiful naga sculptures.
Eat Fantastic Khao Soi
Get ready for the best khao soi of your life! This little restaurant, down an obscure side street, serves up what is arguably the best khao soi in Thailand. Yes, really.
We loved it so much that we went back twice in as many days and have included it as one of the highlights of our entire 2022 trip through Thailand.
You can find the restaurant here.
Great Markets
Nan has a few great city markets worth exploring. You can pick up some fresh produce or just stroll and people-watch.
There is also a night market on weekends.
Further Exploration Around Nan
Nan also makes a great jumping-off point for exploring the more remote parts of the province. Sapan and Doi Phu Ska National Park are some of the highlights.
We didn’t have the time to explore these areas but are already planning to visit them on our next trip to Thailand.
If you have some extra time on your hands, we highly recommend including a trip to one of these as part of your Northern Thailand road trip.
Day 5: Nan to Doi Phu Nang National Park
Day 5 on this Northern Thailand road trip itinerary is the biggest driving day yet. It also continues with the theme of windy, steep roads.
Whilst the roads are pretty steep and curvy, by this point on the Northern Thailand road trip, you should be used to them.
From Nan, take Hwy 1091 until you reach the junction for Hwy 1251. At this point, there are lots of clear signs directing you to Doi Phu Nang National Park.
Hwy 1251 takes you directly to Doi Phu Nang National Park.
Doi Phu Nang National Park
At the gate to Doi Phu Nang National Park, you’ll find a very famous and beautiful sompong tree. Stop and take a look!
We enjoyed Doi Phu Nang but felt there were some very strange vibes going on there. The entire park staff were at a minimum suspicious of us and borderline hostile, which was weird.
Fortunately, most of them left at 5 pm and we didn’t have to interact with them too much. That said, we loved our camping spot and thought the waterfall was pretty epic.
Even though the altitude is not as high as Khun Sathan, we still found that it got pretty chilly at night and was worthwhile having warm gear.
Doi Phu Nang National Park Entrance Fees
- 100 THB per person
- 20 THB per motorbike
- 100 THB per car
Camping at Doi Phu Nang National Park
There are two camping areas in the park. The second (further one) is much better and more scenic as it faces the mountains. The other is basically a grassy spot in front of a parking lot.
Camping is 80 THB per person.
If you don’t have any camping gear the visitor’s centre rents it out. A sleeping bag, sleeping pad and pillow are all 30 THB each.
You can also rent the entire set-up (tent, 2 x sleeping pads, bags and pillows) for 400 THB (inclusive of camping fee for two people).
There are also a few cabins in the park but we were not able to get any information on the price.
The staff were extremely unfriendly here and actually seemed suspicious of us so they weren’t the most forthcoming with information.
Facilities at Doi Phu Nang National Park
Doi Phu Nang National Park has pretty standard national park facilities. The toilet block was clean and there was a designated cooking area.
There is a restaurant but it is only open during the day, so you will need to arrange your own food for the evening.
Things to Do at Doi Phu Nang National Park
Than Sawan Waterfall
Than Sawan waterfall is really spectacular. It has a real ‘Garden of Eden’ feeling going on. You can swim in the waterfall.
Doi Phu Nang Nature Trail
There is a very short nature trail around the park. It’s just okay.
Do it, since you’re there, but don’t expect anything amazing.
Day 6: Doi Phu Nang National Park to Phayao
This is a great day on this Northern Thailand road trip itinerary.
The first half of the ride is more mountain passes and as you approach, you can see the hills you’re riding into. The scenery is spectacular, which makes it very enjoyable.
After you descend the last pass, the final 30 km or so are pretty flat and easy. Enjoy the flat and easy while you have it!
Phayao
Phayao is an absolutely gorgeous city with some serious European vibes happening.
It’s one of our favourite cities in Thailand and one of the top hidden gems in Thailand.
If you want a rest day on the Northern Thailand road trip, Phayao is a place we’d definitely recommend spending some time in. In fact, we loved it so much, we did just that.
Where to Stay in Phayao
Budget
We stayed at Tum’s Farmstay and absolutely loved it. Tum is a very friendly man and the cabins are great value.
His son runs a very popular cafe on the same property. Being a farm stay, the location is slightly out of town, but you have a bike (or car) to get around anyway, so it shouldn’t be too much of a problem.
Mid-Range
Another beautiful farmstay, Siri Garden is a great choice in Phayao. It’s a quiet and relaxing place and the owner speaks good English!
High-End
The closest you’ll find to luxury in Phayao, the rooms here are comfortable. The selling features are the wonderful views over the lake.
Things to do in Phayao
For such a little and unknown place, Phayao has lots to keep you busy for a couple of days.
Wat Tilok Aram (the Lake Temple), strolling along the lakeside and the Huai Pha Kiang Rock Sculpture Garden are a few of Phayao’s attractions.
Read our complete Phayao guide for the complete low-down on all the things to do in Phayao.
Day 7: Phayao to Lampang
After many days of mountain passes, the return journey on this Northern Thailand road trip itinerary is pretty easy, relatively flat and straight.
Follow Hwy 1 (the main highway) back to Lampang. The distance is 139 km and should take anywhere between 2 – 3 hours.
There are some cool sites to see along the way to break up the journey as you finish up this ultimate road trip in Thailand.
Tham Pha Thai National Park
At Tham Pha Thai National Park you can find an interesting cave temple. From the parking lot, it’s a bit of a walk up a set of stairs.
The cave is really interesting, with a Buddha statue and other devotional items inside.
There is a large sign on the highway directing you to the park.
Entrance is free.
Wat Chong Kham
Wat Chong Kham is really cool. It’s a new temple and looks like a mix between an Aztec temple and a Scientology church.
Now that we’ve got you excited about your Northern Thailand road trip, head on over to Discover Cars to book your car rental!
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