Northern Thailand by Train

Northern Thailand by Train, the 9-hour train ride from Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai was long but memorable. While breakfast included an almond cream-filled hotdog bun and lunch featured mackerel and rice, it was Steve who got to taste-test them all. Check out our Deep Dive into Travel around Thailand for more info.

My stomach was still on strike from Bangkok. The windows were too dirty to film out of—so I got creative and recorded the scenery through the toilet window. Travel documentation at its finest.

Chiang Mai felt instantly welcoming. Ae and Yu, our Airbnb hosts at Yuva Homestay, picked us up from the train station late at night and made us feel right at home. They introduced us to local life, brought us to the Sunday Night Market, and served up incredible breakfasts each morning—think fresh fruit, Chinese buns, Thai soups, and egg dishes that were both comforting and flavorful.

They even treated us to a spa day on their patio, complete with koi pond views and homemade snacks, and invited us to dinner at their favorite hot pot restaurant on our last night. Staying with Ae and Yu turned our time in Chiang Mai into something really special.

A highlight of our trip was spending a day at the Smart Elephant Family Sanctuary, where we fed, hugged, and gave mud baths to the elephants. We didn’t stay dry, but we did leave with hearts full.

At the Sticky Waterfalls (Namtok Bua Thong), we climbed up the limestone-covered rocks barefoot, using ropes to scale the cascading water. It felt like a playground built by nature.

We also met an amazing local guide, P.D., who introduced us to the Elephants and the Sticky Waterfalls and stoped along the way to try Thai delicacies like sticky rice cooked in bamboo and a new favorite dinner dish: Khao Soi, a coconut curry noodle soup with crispy toppings.

Steve got in a round of golf at North Hills Golf Club, where caddies treat you like a PGA pro. Between that and the local markets, it was hard to leave.

Chiang Rai: Surreal Temples & Sweeping Views

From Chiang Mai, we took a bus north to Chiang Rai, where the temples are unlike anything else in Thailand.

We visited Wat Huay Pla Kang, home to a towering white statue of Guanyin, the Chinese Goddess of Mercy. An elevator inside the statue takes you up to an incredible panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.

The Blue Temple, with its vibrant sapphire hues and detailed murals, felt like stepping into a dream. And Wat Rong Khun—better known as the White Temple—was equal parts beautiful and bizarre. With its dragon guardians, mirrored mosaics, and reaching hands that symbolize overcoming desire, it felt more like an art installation than a traditional temple.

Chiang Khong: Quiet Luxury in the Hills

Our last stop in Thailand was the peaceful border town of Chiang Khong, where we stayed at Baan Sakuna Hotel & Resort. The room came with a king bed, a huge bathroom, a living area, and a balcony overlooking lush mountain views—all for just $40 a night.

The journey there had its quirks—we sat in the back of the bus with the luggage next to a door that was bungee-corded open! (and stayed open for the entire ride). But the beauty of the countryside more than made up for it.

Chiang Khong was a perfect place to rest up before heading into Laos for the next leg of our trip: a two-day slow boat journey down the Mekong River.

But that’s another adventure.

Travel Tips for Northern Thailand

Pro Travel Trips Here!

Train Travel: Second-class seats from Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai are affordable and include meals, but don’t expect gourmet. Bring snacks—and maybe your own napkins.
Chiang Mai Lodging: Staying in a local homestay like Yuva gives you a more authentic and welcoming experience. Bonus: incredible breakfasts and local insight.
Elephant Sanctuaries: Choose ethical, no-riding sanctuaries like Smart Elephant Family, where the animals are well cared for and you interact on their terms.
Sticky Waterfalls: Bring water shoes or go barefoot—yes, really. The limestone has grip, and you’ll want the traction. Expect to get wet!
Markets & Food: Night markets are a great way to sample local street food without spending much. Try Khao Soi if you’re in the north—it’s a regional favorite.
Temples: Dress respectfully (shoulders and knees covered), and prepare to be wowed. The temples in Chiang Rai are unlike anywhere else.
Transport: Buses between towns are easy and affordable, but sometimes quirky—like that open bus door. Flexibility (and a sense of humor) helps.
Budget: You can find great accommodations for under $50/night, and meals for $2–$5. Northern Thailand is incredibly traveler-friendly.