What is a good itinerary and travel tips for exploring Northern Thailand in December?

Get the train from Bangkok to Nong Khai. You can book a rent a car to pick up in Nong Khai, drive along the Mekong to Chiang Mai and then wherever. You can arrange to leave the car virtually anywhere you want. I have done this several times, stay wherever you like for as long as you like. Or you can get the train to Nong Khai then just jump on buses to tour around. You won't have any problem finding public transport in the north and you will have a great time.

Take a look at Destinations Unknown The Roads Less Traveled on YouTube it has many great locations few if any foreigners visit. Skip Chiang Mai city and Pai just your typical overrun tourist dumps.

@Jim *******

don't forget Wiang Pa Pao. Have you thought about going over the Laos border?

First, I recommend you rent a car. It’ll make life much easier (and more flexible) for you and driving in the north is quite pleasant. Most companies do not charge a one way drop off fee between CEI and CNX. I usually book with Sixt, and can recommend them.

A few random suggestions:

- Not far from Chiang Rai is my favourite resort, Katiliya Mountain Resort & Spa (Mae Chan)

- Tham Luang Cave (where the football team was rescued)

- Choui Fong Tea plantation, with great views and a cool cafe/restaurant

- Doi Mae Salong

- Teddu Coffee Ćafe in Mae On, a great cafe which is accessed via a short walk through tree house type elevated platforms, around one hour east from Chiang Mai (there’s also several nice homestay accommodations nearby)

- Galae Restaurant, a beautiful garden restaurant near Chiang Mai

- Some must-try northern cuisine, Khao Soi Gai, Sai Ua, Sai Krok Isan, Gaeng Hung Lay, Miang Kham (leaf wrapped bites)

Enjoy! 🖖

Looks like a great plan. Beautiful countryside and mountains. Nan has those terraced rice fields like you see in the photos of Bali.

1-3 are small charming cities with hardly any Farang. You will see lots of mountains and small farms and basically how Thai people live. These areas will be chilly in December so be prepared.

4 is the second largest city in the country but still much smaller than Bangkok metropolis.

You can find all sorts of things to do there but again not hordes of visitors.

Will you be renting a car or going by bus?

The roads are small and winding through the mountains so take your time.

Have a great adventure!

Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai - Sukothai - Ayutthaya