2 Week Northern Thailand Itinerary for Travel Photographers

Planning a Northern Thailand itinerary but overwhelmed with info? 

If you’re a travel photographer chasing golden hour views and photo spots, this is the route you need.

When you’ve only got 2 weeks, you don’t want to waste time. 

You want to know where to go, what’s worth it and how to make the most of the light. 

Most people default to the Mae Hong Son Loop and while it’s popular for a reason, it’s not the best option if you’re into photography and want to make the most of your two weeks in Northern Thailand because it misses some epic spots. 

There’s a better route, one that’s more scenic, a bit quieter and absolutely packed with stunning photo spots. 

We spent three weeks travelling around northern Thailand, hiring a car and exploring all of these places ourselves. 

This travel itinerary is based entirely on that trip and is perfect for photography lovers chasing sunrise views and hidden photo spots far from the usual tourist routes. 

Expect gorgeous temples, misty mountain viewpoints, winding scenic drives and places that feel far from the usual tourist trail. 

We’ll show you where to stay, what to photograph and how to make the most of every stop.

15-Day Northern Thailand Itinerary at a Glance

Planning a 2 week northern Thailand itinerary can feel like a lot to juggle, especially when you’re trying to balance scenic spots, photo opportunities and comfortable places to stay. 

To make things easier, here’s a snapshot of the journey we took in a table, a map of the route a short video to give you a quick look! 👇

📅 Day	📍 Location	🛌 Where to Stay
Arrive in Chiang Mai	Chiang Mai	Bossotel Chiang Mai
Day 1-2	Lampang	Happiness Resort Chae Hom
Day 3	Chiang Rai	Baan Pordeedin
Day 4-7	Phu Chi Fa	Ban Chomdoi Resort Pha Tang
Day 8-9	Mae Salong	Maesalong Villa
Day 10-11	Doi Inthanon National Park	Sailom Resort
Day 12-15	Chiang Mai	Hotel De Khuvieng

Itinerary Route Map

Northern Thailand Itinerary Video

North Thailand itinerary for photographers! #chiangmai #thailand #thailandtravel #northernthailand

Day 1: Arrive in Chiang Mai

(Optional: 1 night in Chiang Mai)

Your northern Thailand itinerary begins as soon as you arrive in Chiang Mai, most sleeper trains from Bangkok (the BEST way to get to the city), roll in around 7am, giving you a full day to get organised and hit the road.

Now, we love Chiang Mai and it’s absolutely worth your time but we’ll be circling back to spend a few days photographing it properly at the end of this loop. 

So, rather than getting caught up in the city now, we recommend saving your energy and heading north straight away. The real magic begins once you’re out of town.

That said, you’ve got two options here, depending on how you feel:

👉 Feeling fresh? If you slept well on the train, we recommend picking up your hire car and driving straight to Lampang. It’s an easy 1.5–2 hour drive and a relaxed place to ease into the trip.

👉Need a rest? If you need a proper bed and a nap, Bossotel Chiang Mai is a solid, budget-friendly choice near the station for a quick overnight stay before hitting the road.

Why We Don’t Recommend Bikes (Unless You’re Licensed)

We know you’ve probably heard all about those epic bike loops through northern Thailand. Zipping through the hills sounds amazing and yep, it’s probably on your bucket list.

But let’s just pause for a second. We’re not trying to spoil the fun, but if you don’t have a proper bike licence, there are a few things you really need to know before you decide

Motorbikes look like freedom, but unless you’re licensed and confident, they come with some serious risks.

The truth that many people don’t know is 👇

It’s actually illegal to ride a motorbike in Thailand without a valid motorbike licence from your home country (Or a Thai motorbike licence).

Rental shops often won’t ask for a licence and many won’t bat an eyelid if you clearly can’t ride. That might sound easy, but with steep, winding roads up north, it’s not the place to wing it.

And yes, it’s true that police often won’t check and yes, all they’ll usually ask for is your international driver’s permit. But having one of those doesn’t mean you’re legally allowed to ride a bike unless you have a motorbike licence in your home country or in Thailand. 

If you don’t have a licence and something goes wron,g whether it’s an accident or someone takes legal action against you, you could be in serious trouble. 

Your travel insurance won’t cover you and worse, you could find yourself on the wrong side of Thai law.

We’re not saying this to be boring. 

We’ve got friends who didn’t know this until after they’d had a pretty bad accident and we’d much rather you go into your trip fully informed and make the choice that’s right for you.

That means if something goes wrong, you’re footing the medical bills yourself and we’ve seen a lot of bandaged travellers limping around Pai.

If you have a motorbike licence in your home country, brilliant. You’re good to go.

But if not, a car is by far the better option.

It’s safer, more comfortable (especially with luggage and camera gear) and gives you space to store everything you need for long travel days.

We hired a car for over 3 weeks and had zero issues,  just a smooth, flexible way to travel and it’s not *that* much more expensive.

Days 1–2: Lampang & Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat (The Floating Pagodas)

🚗 Drive time from Chiang Mai: 1 hour 23 mins

Lampang was our first real stop after leaving Chiang Mai, and it totally blew us away. 

It’s home to Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat, also known as the Floating Pagodas, a group of white stupas perched high on rocky mountain peaks with jaw-dropping views in every direction.

It’s one of the most unique and peaceful temple spots we’ve ever photographed in Thailand and when we arrived at 7am, we had it almost entirely to ourselves. 

No tour buses and no crowds, just five other friendly Thai tourists,  mountain mist and the sound of bells in the distance.

Photography Tips for the Floating Pagodas

• Go early – Arrive by 7am to get soft light, fewer people and the best chance of moody morning mist drifting over the peaks.

• Drone flyers: Launch from the car park for a more reliable signal, we lost connection a few times further up the mountain.

Where to stay near the sky temple

We stayed at Happiness Resort Chae Hom, just ten minutes from the temple. It’s basic but has beautiful views and friendly owners.

Other nearby options that can be booked online (all 9+ rated):

• Tiny House Homestay and Cafe – 9-minute drive

• Pimpisa Garden – 15-minute drive

• Kaewma Farmstay – 15-minute drive

Day 3: Chiang Rai – Optional

🚗 Drive time from Lampang: 3.5 hours

Chiang Rai is often seen as the quieter little sibling to Chiang Mai and for us, it was the perfect place to catch our breath. 

We stayed for two nights, not to cram in temples or activities, but to slow down, catch up on some work, and plan the next leg of our photography trip.

With amazing iced coffees, a peaceful hotel and some time to reset, it was exactly what we needed before heading deeper into the mountains.

That said, if your time is tight or you’re following a stricter northern Thailand travel itinerary, you can skip Chiang Rai and go straight on to Phu Chi Fah.

Just know that it makes a convenient overnight stop and offers a bit of comfort before heading remote.

Things to Photograph in Chiang Rai (If You’re Up for It)

We didn’t photograph much here, but if you’re keen to get the camera out, there are two standout temples which draw a lot of attention.

You’ve no doubt seen them on Instagram👇

• Wat Rong Khun (The White Temple) – surreal, striking and definitely different

• Wat Rong Suea Ten (The Blue Temple) – vibrant interiors and vivid colours

Where to stay in chiang rai

We stayed at Baan Pordeedin and absolutely loved it. It’s a peaceful guesthouse run by the Mirror Foundation, a grassroots NGO that supports ethnic minority communities in northern Thailand. The rooms are simple but comfy, with air con, free parking and a great breakfast.

By staying here, you’re also directly supporting local social projects, so it’s a stay you can feel good about.

They also have a great little charity shop upstairs where I got a checked shirt for a reasonable cost and donated a few things I didn’t use.

Days 4–7: Phu Chi Fa National Park & Doi Pha Tang

🚗 Drive time from Chiang Rai: 1.5 hours

Phu Chi Fa is one of the best photo spots in northern Thailand, especially during the dry season when you’ll catch the dramatic sea of clouds. 

This national park is one of the best places for Thailand sunrise photography in our opinion, especially if you visit during the dry season.

Perched right on the border with Laos, this national forest park is all about mountain peaks, remote trails and epic sunrise views. 

The name translates loosely to “mountain that points to the sky” and once you’re up there watching the mist roll through the valley below, it absolutely lives up to it.

This part of the trip is all about early mornings, mountain photography and that sea of clouds you’ve probably seen in photos. 

If you’ve got time, it’s worth slowing down here for a few days, especially if you’re looking to capture atmospheric landscape shots.

Phu Chi Fa Photography tips

• Plan for sunrise in dry season (Nov–Feb) – this is when you’ll get that incredible cloud inversion effect across the valley. It usually lingers well into mid-morning.

• Doi Pha Tang is just 30 minutes away and offers sweeping views over the Laos border – make time to explore it too.

Where to stay in Phu Chi Fa

We stayed at Ban Chomdoi Resort Pha Tang and it quickly became one of our favourite places of the entire trip. Set above the valley, the views were unbelievable and we shot some of our best favourite photos without even leaving the room.

✅ Choice of basic rooms or camping
✅ Delicious home cooked Vegetarian meals on request
✅ Peaceful, family-run and very welcoming with a friendly cat and dog (bonus!) 

Rooms don’t have air conditioning, but with cool mountain air and a ceiling fan, we didn’t need it. It’s a bit off the beaten path, but well worth the drive for a peaceful stay and top-tier views.

Days 8–9: Doi Mae Salong

🚗 Drive time from Phu Chi Fa: approx. 2.5–3 hours

Tucked away near the border with Myanmar, Doi Mae Salong is one of the most unique places we visited in all of northern Thailand. 

Doi Mae Salong might not appear on every northern Thailand itinerary, but it really should. 

Also known as Santikhiri, it’s a small mountain village with a strong Yunnanese influence, shaped by Chinese settlers who made it their home decades ago.

What makes Mae Salong special is how different it feels from anywhere else.

Surrounded by tea plantations, pine trees and layered hills, the landscape feels more like somewhere in southern China than Thailand.

The atmosphere is peaceful, the pace is slow and it’s a brilliant place to unwind for a couple of days while still capturing some striking photographs.

Two nights is ideal here, but if you’re on a tighter schedule, you could see the highlights in a single day as everything is close together and easy to reach.

Photography Tips for Mae Salong

These two were out favourite photo spots in Mae salong 👇

• Wang Put Tan Tea Plantation – You can’t visit Mae Salong without visiting the tea plantations, rows of tea bushes sweeping across the hillside, with soft golden light in the early morning or late afternoon.

• Wat Phra That Santitham – a peaceful hilltop temple with panoramic views, an incredible sweeping staircase and colourful details.

Where to stay in Mae Salong

We stayed at Maesalong Villa and it was a perfect base for a couple of days in the hills. It’s a gorgeous guesthouse with incredible views. Make sure to request a room higher up… there are a few steps to get there but the view is out of this world. 

The rooms are comfortable and well equipped, with everything you need for a few days of rest and photography a big bed, hot rainfall shower and even a fridge and kettle for tea breaks on the balcony. There’s no air con, but up here in the mountains, it’s cool enough at night with just a fan.

Breakfast is included and was just what we needed, toast, eggs, fruit and coffee and the on-site restaurant had a few tasty veggie options too.

Days 10–11: Doi Inthanon National Park

🚗 Drive time from Doi Mae Salong: approx. 6–6.5 hours

Doi Inthanon National Park. This is where northern Thailand goes full nature overload. 

For those planning a photography road trip in Thailand, Doi Inthanon is a dream location, think pretty waterfalls, rugged forests, and cool mountain air

It’s one of the most famous National Parks in Thailand but with a fraction of the crowds you’ll find in the south.

If waterfalls and forest trails are your thing, this is a must on your itinerary for northern Thailand. 

It’s also home to Thailand’s highest mountain, which brings cooler temperatures and a bit of a break from the heat. 

If you’re into landscape and waterfall photography, this stop is a dream.

Photography tips for Doi Inthanon

• Mae Ya Waterfall (our favourite waterfall in the park)  is best visited early,  aim for 7–8am for soft light, cooler temps and barely any people. It’s one of the most powerful waterfalls we’ve seen in Thailand.

• Head to Pha Dok Siew trail around 2–3pm for lovely golden light over the rice terraces and village scenes. It’s one of the most authentic nature trails for both photos and experience and if you’re struggling to choose between Pha Dok and Kew Mae Pan, wonder no longer. Pha Dok Siew is the one.

Where to stay for doi inthanon National Park

We based ourselves in Chom Thong, just 30 minutes from the park entrance and it worked perfectly. Staying nearby meant we could head into the park early, beat the tour crowds and photograph the waterfalls with no one else around.

We stayed at Sailom Resort and honestly, it was a bit of a gem. Our room was clean and spacious with a hot shower, fridge, desk and loads of thoughtful extras, rom daily snacks and coffee to fresh lychees every single day.

For 600 baht a night (about £13), it was incredible value.

The owners were lovely and there were plenty of simple local restaurants just a short walk away, great for an easy dinner after a full day of exploring the park.

“My Vietnam” was our favourite restaurant for epic vegetarian meals!

Days 12–15: Chiang Mai City

🚗 Drive time from Doi Inthanon: 1.5–2 hours

Back in Chiang Mai for the final few days of the trip and it’s a great way to wrap things up. We recommend dropping off the hire car once you return, the city is compact, walkable and easy to explore on foot or by Grab and you won’t need a vehicle while you’re here.

Chiang Mai has over 300 temples, beautiful old city walls and a laid-back energy that makes it perfect for slow mornings and photo walks. 

There are vibrant night markets, street food stalls on every corner and an easy atmosphere about the place that feels pretty chilled. 

You’ll also find some brilliant day trips nearby if you want to explore further, including the famous Doi Suthep Temple, just outside the city and well worth a visit.

If you enjoy capturing food, faces and street scenes, Chiang Mai’s also great for cooking classes and food tours, which give you an insight into Thai cuisine and local life.

And for seeing elephants?

Our top choice is Chang Chill, an ethical elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai, which is completely hands off and you can observe elephants in their natural environment.

Chiang Mai Photography tips

• For temple photography, we loved Wat Lok Molee and Wat Chedi Luang, they’re older, less polished and far more atmospheric than some of the newer, more ornate spots.

• If you’re visiting in November, you may be around for the Chiang Mai Lantern Festival. Whilst we don’t recommend taking part in the mass lantern release, we do highly recommend the colourful Loy Krathong Festival!

Where to stay in Chiang Mai

If it’s your first time in Chiang Mai, staying in the Old Town is the most popular choice. It keeps everything walkable, temples, cafés, markets and photo spots are all right on your doorstep.

The Old Town has loads of character and is especially lovely early in the morning before the crowds arrive. 

But the thing is, you don’t *need* to stay right inside the Old Town. It’s a really easy walk into the centre from a ton of hotels that don’t cost a fortune and are usually quieter than the bustling centre.

We booked into Hotel De Khuvieng, a peaceful spot with a pool, gym and a brilliant view from the breakfast room. 

It was around a 15-minute walk to the centre and being slightly outside the moat meant we passed local cafés, early morning vendors and quiet backstreets that gave us a more authentic view of daily life. It ended up being one of our favourite parts of the stay. 

Plus, it was much more affordable than some of the places in the centre.

Got More Time? Here’s Where to Go Next

If you’ve got extra days to play with after this northern Thailand itinerary, there are a few more places worth checking out.

We haven’t been to these ourselves (yet!), but they’re popular stops for travellers heading that way and wanting to explore more of the North.

Mae Hong Son is still firmly on our list for when we return!

Mae Hong Son

Misty valleys, mountain roads and old wooden temples tucked into the hills. A quieter alternative to Pai with fewer crowds and more local charm. It’s a brilliant addition if you’re extending your itinerary for northern Thailand into more remote areas.

Mae Sai

Thailand’s northernmost town, apparently good for a glimpse of hill tribe culture and crossing into Myanmar (when open).

Chiang Saen

Set on the banks of the Mekong River, Chiang Saen is known for ancient ruins, peaceful scenery and a more laid-back pace. A nice stop if you’re looping toward the Golden Triangle.

Why we don’t recommend Pai

Not mentioning Pai in a Northern Thailand itinerary is like completely ignoring the elephant in the room.

So let’s jump into it.

Pai gets recommended by literally everyone. Blogs, guidebooks, and other travellers, it’s often described as a “must-see stop on any northern Thailand itinerary”. 

Well, we’re here to say the complete opposite. 

We booked five nights there, thinking we’d need the time to soak it all in.

But the truth? We left early.

After just a couple of days, we packed up and headed to Doi Inthanon instead and we’re so glad we did.

For us, Pai just didn’t offer what we love most about travel: culture, authenticity and atmosphere. 

The town felt like it had been completely shaped around tourism.

The streets were packed with restaurants built for backpackers, the food was some of the least inspiring we’d had in Thailand and the overall vibe was more bar crawl than meaningful travel, which just isn’t our thing. 

We looked up some of the local photography spots, Pai Canyon, the Bamboo Bridge, the Land Split and the hot springs and while they’re often mentioned online, all of the reviews and photos showed that they were all packed out at sunrise and sunset. 

The kind of spots where it’s hard to find a quiet moment, let alone a unique angle.

To top it off, the journey to get there was genuinely rough. The road to Pai is infamous for its twists and turns with over 700 bends, in fact, and it’s not just a rumour. 

Steffan was properly ill from the motion and even I felt travel sick, which never happens. For such an out-of-the-way drive, the payoff just didn’t feel worth it.

And sadly, we saw a lot of motorbike accidents. Pai is full of people renting scooters for the first time and the mix of traffic, sharp corners and inexperience isn’t a good one.

The night market was fun, quirky and lively but beyond that, Pai just wasn’t for us.

That said, we know a lot of people absolutely love it. If you’re looking for somewhere social, laid-back and backpacker-friendly, it might tick all the boxes. 

But for a travel photographer searching for authentic travel and unique photos mixed with genuine local culture?

You’re better off spending that time elsewhere.

How to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Before you can start your 2-week northern Thailand itinerary, you’ll need to get yourself to Chiang Mai, it’s the main city in the north and the perfect jumping-off point for a road trip. 

This is where you’ll pick up a hire car, stock up on essentials and ease into the slower, more scenic pace of northern Thailand.

You’ll likely have flown into Bangkok and there are a few ways to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, but in our opinion, there’s really only one worth doing: the overnight sleeper train.

It’s a bit of a classic and for good reason.

The sleeper train is more affordable, more sustainable and honestly just a much nicer experience than flying. There’s something quite special about climbing into your bunk and falling asleep as the train chugs through the countryside, then waking up somewhere completely different.

I’ll be honest, I wasn’t convinced at first. 

I’m the kind of person who needs a proper night’s sleep or I’m a nightmare the next day. 

And the thought of sharing a carriage with strangers? 

Not exactly my idea of relaxing.

But surprisingly, I really enjoyed it. The beds were comfy, it was quieter than I expected and there’s something calming about the gentle rocking of the train.

If sleeping on a train really isn’t your thing, there’s also a daytime train option. It’s slower than flying, but you’ll get views of rice paddies and rolling hills the whole way. Just bring snacks and a bit of patience because it’s a long one.

We always book our trains through 12Go Asia as they’re reliable, easy to use and their customer service is genuinely brilliant if anything crops up.

Getting around Northern Thailand

To fully follow this 2-week Northern Thailand itinerary, a car is your best option. It allows flexibility, access to sunrise photo spots, and space for camera gear. 

While bikes are common in the region, we cover in detail above why we don’t recommend them unless you’re licensed. Trust us, it’s safer, easier, and still affordable.

Public transport can get you to a few of the main towns, but not to the scenic photography spots or remote national parks we’ve included. 

To do this route without a car, you’d need to pay for taxis or private drivers multiple times and unless you’re hiring a private driver for the entire trip, it quickly becomes complicated and expensive.

The other option would be to get to Chiang Mai and then Chiang Rai and book day tours from there, which is possible, but costly and has its limitations in terms of photography. 

We hired a car for the full trip and would 100% recommend it. 

It gave us the flexibility to choose our own travel itinerary, time spent at each place and stop wherever looked interesting.

We could also easily reach places at sunrise without relying on anyone else’s schedule.

The roads are generally good and having your own wheels makes everything easier, especially with camera gear and luggage in tow.

Driving tips for northern Thailand

Driving in Thailand might sound daunting, but honestly? 

It’s nowhere near as scary as people make out, especially if you’re confident behind the wheel. 

Still, there are a few things to know that’ll make your road trip smoother (and safer):👇

1. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP)
Even if the police don’t always check, this is essential to be legal and insured. If you don’t have one and end up in an accident, your insurance won’t cover a thing, and no one wants that drama while they’re meant to be off chasing waterfalls.

2. Stick to main roads on Google Maps
Trust us on this. Google will sometimes try to take you on wild backroads that are steep, narrow and barely paved. Always check the route overview and stay on the highways wherever possible. It’s small details like this that can make or break a smooth northern Thailand itinerary.

3. Expect U-turns in the fast lane (!)
Highway U-turns in Thailand happen from the outside lane, which can catch you off guard. Drivers pull across traffic, stop in the fast lane and wait for a gap. Just go slow and keep your wits about you.

4. Watch for motorbikes everywhere
They’ll weave past you on both sides and gather at the front of traffic lights. Always double-check mirrors before turning or pulling out.

5. Don’t let anyone rush you
Locals might drive fast, but that doesn’t mean you have to. Let them overtake, take your time and enjoy the ride. You’ll settle into the flow quickly, and the views are worth slowing down for anyway.

When’s the best time to visit northern thailand for photography?

If you’re planning a trip to Northern Thailand with photography in mind, timing really matters. The seasons here can completely change the look (and feel) of your photos.

For travel photographers, the best time to visit northern Thailand for photography is November to February.

Here’s a quick breakdown of each season👇

🌤 November to February – Cool, Clear and Perfect
This is the golden window for photographers. Expect crisp mornings, soft light and some of the clearest skies of the year. As well as that famous sea of clouds in Phu Chi Fa. Visibility is amazing and the cooler temps make early starts way more pleasant. Just bring a jacket, it can be surprisingly chilly up in the mountains.

🔥 March to April – Smoke and Haze (Avoid if You Can)
This is burning season and honestly, we don’t recommend visiting for photography. The skies fill with smoke from crop burning, which massively reduces visibility and makes sunrise shots almost impossible.

🌧️ May to October – Rainy but Lush
The wet season means fewer crowds, rich green landscapes and dramatic skies but it’s not without its challenges. You’ll need to work around sudden downpours and some trails in Doi Inthanon National Park may be closed.

Travel photography gear for your trip

If you’re serious about making travel photography a bit part of your northern Thailand itinerary, packing the right gear goes a long way.

✅ Wide-Angle Lens
 Ideal for those epic landscapes, temples and dramatic skies. Our wide-angle lens left the camera in places like Doi Inthanon.

✅ Mid-Range Zoom
Something like a 24–70mm gives you flexibility. Great for markets, tighter scenes or detail shots when you want a more natural perspective.

✅ ND Filters
 A must-have for silky waterfall shots and harsh light. You’ll thank yourself later.

✅ Lightweight Tripod
 Long exposures or low-light shooting? You’ll need one, just make sure it’s light enough for all-day use.

✅ Dry Bag + Rain Cover + Lens cloth
 Waterfalls and misty mornings mean damp gear. A rain cover, dry bag and a few lens cloths are essential.

✅ Spare Batteries and SD Cards
You’ll be shooting a lot, especially at sunrise and sunset when light changes quickly. Don’t get caught short.

✅ Drone (Optional, but incredible!)
Some of the best drone photography locations in Thailand include Doi Pha Tang and Phu Chi Fa and drones are Incredible for remote views, but make sure it’s properly registered. Thailand does not mess around with drone rules, we use Drone Traveller for up-to-date info.

What to Pack: Clothing for Northern Thailand Shoots

A good packing list can make your northern Thailand travel itinerary run much more smoothly, especially with early starts and changing weather.

✅ Layer Up for Sunrise
Mornings in the mountains can be really chilly, a fleece or extra base layer is a must.

✅Decent Walking Shoes
Think breathable, supportive and grippy,  perfect for trails and temple stairs alike

✅Light, Quick-Dry Clothing
Ideal for hiking and handy for temple visits. Loose trousers or long skirts keep things respectful and cool.

✅Sun Hat + Sunscreen
The mountain sun can be intense, don’t skip the SPF even when it’s breezy.

✅Comfy Camera Bag
A padded, practical backpack with water bottle storage and easy side access will make your day ten times smoother.

How Much Does Two Weeks in Northern Thailand Cost?

Here’s a rough idea of what you can expect to spend over two weeks, based on our trip, just bear in mind it will vary depending on where you stay, what you book and how often you stop for iced coffee (guilty!).

These costs are based on our trip and what we paid so for two people travelling and staying at the accommodations we have recommended in this guide.

Of course, costs change, but this should give you a rough idea of what you’re likely to be spending.

Also, we never budget hard, so you can definitely do this for less!

Category	Cost GBP	Cost USD	Cost Thai Baht
Car hire with full insurance (per day)	22	28	1000
Petrol (total)	70	90	3200
Accommodation (average per night)	23	29	1050
Food (per day for two)	10-15	13-19	450-650
Entrance fees (total for two)	30	38	1350
Sim Data (1 month for two)	16	20	700

Is it safe to travel in northern thailand as a photographer?

Absolutely. We felt safe every single day, whether wandering through busy Chiang Mai or quiet mountain villages like Mae Salong. 

Even with our cameras out, we never felt uncomfortable, people were warm, friendly and always said hello.

We didn’t run into any scams and even roadside police checks were polite and professional.

Road safety in Northern Thailand

We drove for three weeks around Northern Thailand and honestly? 

It was smooth and stress-free. Roads are generally in good condition, though you’ll hit winding mountain routes now and then.

Thai drivers were surprisingly patient and if you’re confident behind the wheel and take it slow on the steeper sections, it’s a brilliant way to reach the more remote photography spots.

What’s the best tourist sim for Northern thailand?

If you’re heading off the beaten path, having good data coverage is essential not just for directions and sunrise times, but also for scouting photo spots and backing up images.

Strong signal is especially important if your northern Thailand itinerary includes off-grid locations and sunrise missions.

We used AIS throughout our Northern Thailand trip and it was excellent. Signal held up even in remote places like Phu Chi Fa, where other providers can drop out.

You’ll find AIS stores in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, or if you want to be ready before you land, you can get an eSIM instead. 

We’ve used one before and it was super quick to set up.

Yes, eSIMs are a little more expensive but they’re totally worth it for a hassle-free start.

FAQ – 2-Week Northern Thailand Travel Itinerary

Where to go next after northern thailand?

So, you’ve explored Northern Thailand and fallen in love with the culture, scenery and food… but you’re itching to discover more of this incredible country?

While most travellers make a beeline for the southern beaches, we absolutely adored Kanchanaburi, just a few hours from Bangkok.

It’s home to some of the most stunning waterfalls we’ve ever seen, buzzing night markets, peaceful temples, a genuinely ethical hands-off elephant sanctuary, and heaps of powerful wartime history.

Plus, you can take a really cool train journey to get there all the way from Bangkok.

If you’re spending time in Bangkok, make sure to visit the Dragon Temple (Wat Samphran), a jaw-droppingly unique Buddhist temple with a dragon wrapped around a pink tower.

It’s one of the most epic drone photography spots we’ve found in Thailand and easily one of the most unusual temples we’ve ever visited.

Thailand is a vast and wonderfully diverse country, packed with unbelievable photography locations. You’re unlikely to see it all in one go but like us, you’ll probably find yourself planning your next trip while editing your photos back at home!