LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL ITINERARY INFORMATION
Itinerary: Northern Loop
TWO WEEKS/PHITSANULOK TO CHIANG RAI
Start in Phitsanulok, where the night market is as much a source of entertainment as it is a place to eat, and the Phra Jinnarat Buddha ranks second only to Bangkok's Emerald Buddha in sanctity. At the next stop, Sukhothai, the birth place of Thai culture, you'll need at least two full days to enjoy all of the historical park and other local attractions. Don't miss neighbouring Si Satchanalai-Chaliang Historical Park, a more low-profile version of Sukhothai, with elephants.
From Sukhothai continue north to Chiang Mai to pick up road rags at the night bazaar and grind the farang food you won't find elsewhere in the north. Zig southwest to Doi Inthanon National Park for green, misty highs, then zag west to Mae Sariang and north to Mae Hong Son to view how Shan, hill-tribe and Thai cultures mix in the Salween River valleys.
Next up is Pai, a small Shan-Yunnanese crossroads that is quickly becoming northern Thailand's trekking centre, as well as the live-music capital of the north. From Pai head to Chiang Dao for a spooky cave walk or hike through the jungle, then on to Tha Tonto catch a boat ride down the Mae Kok to Chiang Rai, stopping off at hill-tribe villages along the way if you have time. From Chiang Rai it's an easy half-day trip back to Chiang Mai.
Phitsanulok to Sukhothai by local bus, then bus to Si Satchanalai-Chaliang Historical Park. Train or direct bus from Phitsanulok to Chiang Mai. For Doi Inthanon bus first to Chom Thong, then sawngthaew from Doi Inthanon to Chiang Mai. Mae Sariang to Mae Hong Son, Pai and Tha Ton via local bus, then boat to Chiang Rai and bus back to Chiang Mai.
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