Routes · Asia

Rome to northern Thailand: Chiang Rai and Pai

Rome → Chiang Rai → Pai

Temples, tea hills & a mountain valley Best season (general guide): Nov–Feb

Northern Thailand is a land of forested hills, hill-tribe villages and unusual temples. This route spends three nights in Chiang Rai and three in Pai. From Rome you'll connect through Bangkok to Chiang Rai, and leave from Chiang Mai.

How to pace it: Spend days one to three in Chiang Rai: day one, the White Temple; day two, Blue Temple and Baan Dam; day three, Doi Mae Salong tea hills. Then spend days four to six in Pai: day four, road to Pai; day five, Pai Canyon; day six, hot springs and the valley.

Chiang Rai is known for modern temples. Wat Rong Khun, the White Temple, is covered in white plaster and mirror glass, and Wat Rong Suea Ten, the Blue Temple, glows with deep blue and gold.

Baan Dam, the Black House, is an artist's collection of dark wooden buildings. North of the city, the Golden Triangle is where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet on the Mekong.

Doi Mae Salong, in the hills, is a village of tea plantations settled by Chinese soldiers' families.

Pai is a small town in a valley in Mae Hong Son province, popular with backpackers, with rice fields, hot springs and the narrow ridges of Pai Canyon.

November to February is the cool, dry season. The burning season, in spring, can bring smoky air.

Good to know: The road to Pai has many bends, so take motion sickness tablets if needed. Dress modestly in temples.

Chiang Rai's night bazaar is a relaxed place to eat and shop. Arrive at the White Temple early, before tour buses, and allow time to look at the details. In Pai, rent a scooter only if you are experienced, as the hill roads are steep; otherwise local drivers can take you to the sights. Evenings in Pai centre on the walking street market. Pack a warm layer for cool mornings in the hills. Khao soi, a curry noodle soup, is the northern dish to try.

Safety note: Canada advises a high degree of caution in Thailand (updated 22 Sep 2026). It advises avoiding all travel within 50 km of the Cambodian border and to the far southern provinces, both far from this route. It also advises a high degree of caution in the Myanmar border areas of Mae Hong Son and Tak provinces, and Pai is in Mae Hong Son. The US rates Thailand Level 1 (issued 7 Jul 2026). Stick to main roads around Pai and don't head towards the border.

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