A wise person (my partner) once told me, “Couples who want to last, need to learn how to enjoy being bored together.” #truestory
We should learn to enjoy being together whether bored or not – but the best thing to do…? Make sure we keep planning opportunities to have adventures together, while romancing each other along the way.
Here’s one opportunity. How about a great Thai winter romance this year?
Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are spectacular travel destinations that most are missing out on – tons and tons of fun, romantic, and unforgettable things to do.
We implore you dear reader, to give these underrated locales a chance to blow you away. With this itinerary in hand, we promise, your next romantic escapade will be one for the ages.
PS: Make travel easy and convenient with Klook services like airport transfers, private car charter, city-to-city transfers – or even enjoy a custom Pai tour!
Sponsored by Klook
Adventures Made Simple with DIY Itineraries + Private Car & Driver! – Klook
We’ve personally tried Klook’s DIY itinerary with a private car and driver, and it’s both convenient and value-for-money!
Planning an itinerary from scratch, and researching travel options can be tedious and time-consuming.
Thankfully, Klook’s DIY itineraries complete with a private chartered car and driver makes travelling simple – and they’re available for different destinations throughout Thailand!
If you’re looking to romance and adventure your way through Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai’s hidden gems, Klook-ing your way there would make your holiday more convenient and even sweeter.
With a car and driver picking us up at the hotel, bringing us from place to place, and finally dropping us off at the hotel at the end of the day – it’s a fun and truly fuss-free way to explore destinations.
(Taxis can be very expensive, charging up to 500 Baht per one-way trip or more, and travellers might encounter dishonest taxi drivers. With Klook’s DIY itineraries, you can avoid going to all that trouble!)
Note: If you don’t plan to hire a customisable tour complete with a private car and driver – there’re other exciting Chiang Mai experiences to choose from on Klook!
Overview
This itinerary will cover the best of Chiang Mai & Chiang Mai within 5 days
Here’s a quick overview of this Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai itinerary
Tap sections below to scroll to the relevant section
Getting there and around
Day 1: Check out Chiang Rai’s unique night market wares!
Day 2: Mermaid cave, gothic house, tea plantation, floral mountains and more
Day 3: Day of cherry blossoms, visiting tribes, delicious food and shopping!
Day 4: Climb a sticky waterfall, soak in hotsprings, and have a food adventure
Day 5: End it with colourful cuisine, fun discoveries and a mermaid lagoon
Best time to visit
Total Cost Breakdown
Getting there and around
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From Singapore, Scoot Tiger Air and SilkAir offers direct flights to Chiang Mai (CNX) from SGD $295 (round-trip).
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From Malaysia, AirAsia offers direct flights from MYR 569 (round-trip).
How to get around Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai?
To fully enjoy Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai, you should definitely look into hiring a car to get around. Whether you would rather have a private chartered car or prefer driving around yourself (only if you’re confident on foreign and mountainous roads) – getting around can be simple!
a. Klook’s DIY itinerary with private car with driver (From SGD $259 / approx. 6193 Baht for 2-day tour)
Klook makes it simple with this competitive service that not only includes a private chartered car service that’s affordable, it comes with a local driver that’ll help with your itinerary while making getting around extremely convenient and comfortable.
b. Car rental without driver (From SGD $47 / approx. 1127 Baht per day)
If you enjoy driving around personally and are confident on unfamiliar roads, you might want to consider renting a car from Europcar Thailand. It’s tried and tested! (Prices vary depending on the car model chosen.)
c. Airport and City Transfers (From SGD $12 / approx. 288 Baht)
If you’re not keen on hiring a car to get around and only require a private airport transfer, city transfer, or even a shared city transfer to Pai – the simplest way to do it would be via Klook.
PS: You’ll also need a local Sim Card to get around, whether it’s to use Google Maps for directions, or to Instagram your holiday away! (From SGD $6.20 / approx. 148 Baht)
Day 1
Check out Chiang Rai’s unique night market wares!– Chiangmai > Chiang Rai
The most affordable flight to Chiang Mai is Scoot (from SGD295 for a round trip), and you’ll reach Chiang Mai at 4.15pm. Once you’ve reached Chiang Mai, we highly recommend grabbing some food at the airport, before heading to Chiang Rai. You’ll arrive with a couple of hours to explore Chiang Rai Walking Street before heading back!
Get ready to explore, eat and shop around – Chiang Rai Walking Street
Enjoy a bout of shopping, have dinner here, and explore the local night market.
There’s much available, so if you’re looking to spoil your partner, we suggest picking up a little gift along the way to surprise them when you’re spending quality time in the hotel!
Photo Via Prae_mercedes, Jjr_minwook
Time to enjoy that quirky bathtub and some quality time – The Mantrini Chiang Rai Resort
Head to your hotel for a good night’s rest, and get ready for a full day tomorrow.
Don’t forget to spend some quality couple time in the bathtub – you can choose to chill and chat by the pool as well. You might want to pick up some bath salts or bath bombs at the market before checking in too!
Day 1 route
Day 2
Mermaid cave, gothic house, tea plantation, floral mountains and more – Chiang Rai
Mermaid cave or temple? This temple is unlike any other! – Wat Rong Suea Ten (20 mins)
We were blown away by the intricate beauty, colours, vivid details and imagination displayed at Wat Rong Suea Ten (also known as the Blue Temple). If you have more time to spare before your flight, consider a trip to Wat Rong Suea Ten.
With incredibly life-like nature murals on the inner walls of the temple, to the detailed designs of the dragons and Thai mermaids outside… This must-visit temple’s charm will end your trip perfectly.
Photo Via TripCanvas
These gothic art installations are truly fascinating – Black House, Baan Dam Museum (45 mins)
Before you flu, check out Black House. It’s not as eerie as you might expect, and curiously fascinating sights await you.
It’s a museum/art studio that comprises many different little buildings. In each of them, you find something increasingly strange, super bizarre and enchanting all at the same time!
(Like the ‘mouse house’ we’ve affectionately termed for example, it’s hard to tiptoe to catch a glimpse of what’s within. The only way to check it out is through the intentional peep space through the chained doors.)
PS: If you’re starting to feel a little hungry, feel free to grab something to eat at the little shop by the entrance of the museum. There’s a small cafe across the road where you can get light bites too!
Photo Via Itsnotguoguo, Thecornishpittsies
Website
Lovey-dovey ambiance with a side of soul food – Chivit Thamma da Coffee House & Bistro Bar
At this restaurant that feels like an English countryside manor by the river… Whether you dine in or out, the views are similarly lovely.
The food’s great too with everything from delectable drinks to cakes and pastries, comfort Western and Thai fare. (I particularly enjoyed the Beef Goulash with the hearty mashed potato!)
Photo Via TripCanvas
Website
It’s relaxing and they’ve surprisingly good tea too! – Choui Fong Tea Plantation
Wander through the tea plantation, smell the fresh mountain air tinged with the scent of tea – and head into the cafe for delicious drinks and nibbles.
Don’t forget to take your couple OOTDs against the tea plantation backdrop, as well as get some tea to bring back home for friends and family! (Try their free tea-tasting session, their Osmanthus Oolong Tea is particularly fragrant!)
Adventure and Instagram your way through this flowery landscape – Doi Tung
Heard of Doi Tung? It’s one of Thailand’s Royal Projects and it’s something like an inspiring Swiss escape with the romantic wintery flowers and that perfect winter climate.
You’ll spend at least 3 hours here, wandering through different landscapes and exhibitions, checking out the local shops, and getting an inside look at a Royal Villa.
During the Doi Tung Festival, you’ll also get to join workshops if you’re both keen!
Photo Via Hagarho, Beautywis
Dine in a romantic riverside Thai restaurant – At Waterside Chiang Rai
With the sparkling river views, and good authentic Thai food, this quintessentially Thai restaurant is a great place to dig in. Have a quality conversation, and enjoy your peaceful dinner by the river.
PS: If you’re here during Loy Krathong (a festival that falls during the end of the year sometime in November), you’ll be able to join in the festivities here too!
Last stop, shopping and supper! – Chiang Rai Night Bazaar
This place is huge, but that only means you guys will be able to explore to your hearts’ content! From shopping (clothes, traditional tribal items, semi-precious stone jewellery, etc) to food, and random Thai concerts, you’re sure to have a good time together.
If you’re hungry after some walking, check out the food court! There’s a lot of delicious and interesting food there. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for the store that sells the claypot soup. We had it, and it was perrrfect for cold winter nights in Chiang Rai!
Photo Via TripCanvas
Once you’re done shopping, head back to your hotel for a well-deserved rest, and more quality couple time!
PS: Do remember to grab some snacks from any 7-11 for your time in the car tomorrow. You’ll be starting the day with 2 great attractions before having lunch.
Day 2 Route
Day 3
Day of cherry blossoms, visiting tribes, delicious food and shopping! – Chiang Rai > Chiang Mai
To make the most out of your time in Chiang Rai, you’ll have to leave the hotel by 10am.
Sumptuous breakfast in a vintage cottage above the stunning valley – Hacienda Coffee House & Restaurant (45 mins)
Everyone knows that a great view is one of the best ways to set the tone for a romantic time. Hacienda will give you stunning valley views, in charming cottage-like surroundings.
Apart from that, we’ve tried the food and can vouch for its yumminess. (I had second servings of my breakfast choice, potato in a shrimp jacket. X.X) Enjoy!
Photo Via TripCanvas
Website
More than just a picturesque journey with cherry blossoms – Doi Ang Khang (‘Little Switzerland’)
It’s like you’re in Japan during Sakura season, but this is Thailand instead! More than just enjoying the cherry blossoms and taking great couple shots, there are deeper experiences you’ll have here.
Not many will have the opportunity to come to places like these where you’ll get to really see ‘remote’ areas where tribes and their families still live. We saw the grannies and their handicrafts, the kids and their humble lives, and the great views they have.
It’s one indescribable place, that can enrich our perspectives towards family and what we have. Not a bad experience for couples to share!
PS: I had the most delicious roasted sweet corn here I’ve ever had in my entire life. Not even kidding!
Photo Via TripCanvas
This must-try local food place is all about healthy living – Ohkajhu Organic Farm
Now that you’re back in Chiang Mai, it’s time to have dinner, and there’s no better place than Ohkajhu Organic Farm. Huge tasty portions, organically produced fruits and vegetables from their farm – and harmonious dishes where flavours blend exquisitely.
You guys might want to take notes of certain juice recipes on the menu, to recreate them back home when you miss your sweet moments in Chiang Mai/Rai!
Not to mention, there’s a glittering view of the farm too!
Photo Via TripCanvas
Take your own sweet time to walk, talk and shop the night away – Night Bazaar, Anusarn Market
Ceramics for your home, artworks, cheap massages (150 baht for 1 hour full body massage) and so much more. Chiang Mai’s famous Night Bazaar/Anusarn Market area has a lot to offer, and they’re both in the vicinity – walkable distance from each other.
All you two lovebirds need to do is to explore the area and choose what you’d like to do. Shop, massage or supper!
Photo Via TripCanvas
Rest and relax in a uniquely gorgeous heritage hotel – Sridonchai Heritage
From the nostalgic tiles to the impeccable design touches running through the hotel/bed and breakfast, you know that Sridonchai is something special.
Recently opened by a family, everything is new, and oozes old time elegance at a truly affordable rate. Perfect for the couple with a discerning eye for unique stays to make beautiful memories at.
Day 3 Route
Day 4
Climb a sticky waterfall, soak in hotsprings, and have a food adventure – Chiang Mai
Breakfast amidst the nectar-scented flowers – Galae Restaurant
Get your day started and enjoy breakfast together amidst the blooms at the hillside Galae Restaurant. With a photo-worthy floral backdrop accompanying your romantic meal, it’s a lovely place to start your day at. Don’t forget to snap some selfies together!
Photo Via Swimut
Chase waterfalls? Even better, climb one! – Bua Thong Waterfall (Sticky Waterfall)
Ever thought you’d get to climb a waterfall? We didn’t either. It’s easier than it looks since the rocks are really quite ‘sticky’, due to naturally occuring sediment that has given the rocks its ‘sticky’ texture.
It’ll be like you two are kids again, having some unexpectedly fun bonding moments at this interesting waterfall! (In case you’re worried, it’s not challenging at all, even kids are able to climb up and down this waterfall, FYI.)
Photo Via Mercedesmsantana
Website
Soak your feet together, or indulge in a full hot spring soak – Sankampaeng Hot Springs
After the past few days of adventure and travel, you will be getting slightly tired by now. We highly recommend indulging in a hot spring soak (at least a foot soak!) to rejuvenate you.
We bought a basket of eggs (comes with soy sauce) to cook in the hotsprings, and some Burmese pumice stones that were on sale near the entrance, and had an enjoyable and really relaxing time. #highlyrecommend!
Editor’s Note: This was towards the tail end of our month long trip and we were quite travel weary. The hotspring foot soak did wonders for our tired feet!
Photo Via TripCanvas
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Have a stop at the cutest little strawberry farm – Rai Singha To Strawberry Farm
On the way back to central Chiang Mai, you’ll stumble into this cute strawberry farm with its colourful umbrellas and straw haystacks to sit on.
Take a sweet break, and munch into the sweetest strawberries ever, while taking photos with the quaint backdrop. There’s concentrated strawberry juice and preserved strawberries (quite delicious!) available too.
Photo Via TripCanvas
Every couple does this: Go on a food adventure! – Huen Muan Jai (เฮือนม่วนใจ๋ สันติธรรม เชียงใหม่)
Before you leave Chiang Mai, you need to try authentic Northern Thailand cuisine. At Huen Muan Jai Chiang, you’ll be able to taste just how spicy Northern Thai food can get.
Our absolute favourite was their Red Pork Curry, followed by the Khao Soi. Both are must-try local dishes wherever you are in Northern Thailand.
PS: If you’re feeling adventurous and really want to challenge each other, try the sampler dish! Fried pork skin, red pork curry, famous Northern Thai sausages (delicious too by the way)…. And the best? An innocent looking bowl of green seeded slime that’s really, really spicy (said by an Indian someone who can take really spicy food – apparently not anymore).
Photo Via Dr.yok, _praew.w_
Website
Saturday or Sunday? Get your massage and do your shopping – Wualai Walking Street / Thapae Walking Street
Make sure you’re around for 1 weekend to check out Chiang Mai’s famous walking streets. Whether it’s Wualai on Saturday, or Thapae on Sunday – both will give you tons to discover.
Also make full use of the affordable massage services available at the markets! You two will go home full with new experiences, and feeling fully relaxed!
PS: Free Guasha services available at Wualai Walking Street. TRUE STORY, I had really bad back pains throughout our trip, but that guasha master really helped with it. Of course, it’d be good to remunerate them with a sum you feel good about after.
Photo Via TripCanvas
Once you’re done at the walking street, head back to the hotel for your last night in Chiang Mai!
Day 4 Route
Day 5
End it with colourful cuisine, fun discoveries and a mermaid lagoon – Chiang Mai > Home
The earliest and most affordable Scoot flight from Chiang Mai is at 4.55pm. This means you do have a few hours to make the most of your remaining time in Chiang Mai before heading to the airport!
Be surprised with the creative and colourful menu at – Meena Rice-based Cuisine
Walking into this restaurant feels a little like you’re walking into a mysterious jungle cafe, with it’s gorgeous natural settings. It’s perfect for your first lunch date in Chiang Mai!
Applying traditional Thai colouring to different types of rice, and using colourful fruits and vegetables in the menu – the food is both delicious, and highly instagrammable.
Photo Via Khun_ying_cocos, Witchong_-1
Website
Explore Chiang Mai’s famous boutique/shopping/cafe area – Nimmanhaemin Road
Nimmanhaemin Road is famous for its cafes, boutique shops and fun discoveries. Strolling around this area is something relaxing to do, with different discoveries waiting.
If you’re looking to shop, Maya Lifestyle Shopping Center might interest you with its plethora of shops ranging from affordable boutiques to designer Thai brands.
Otherwise, a slightly quirkier non-shopping option might be the Museum of World Insects and Natural Wonders! It’s a quaint and unique private museum filled with natural discoveries that’ll intrigue most.
Photo Via TripCanvas
Website
PS: Not keen on shopping? How about indulging in one last massage before you leave the land of good and incredibly affordable massages? If you’re not too sure which massage place to head to… Let’s Relax Spa is well known and recommended for their consistent quality massage treatments. (From SGD $23 / 550 Baht for 1 hour Thai Massage via Klook!)
Photo Via wiliamchen2018, kao_funkyp
End your couple getaway with a late lunch in a fairytale – Chom Cafe & Restaurant
If you’re looking for a place to have lunch at, or possibly a late lunch before you fly, head over to Chom Cafe.
It looks like the real life version of Peter Pan’s mermaid lagoon. What could be more romantic than ending your trip by dining in an evergreen Disney film right?
Photo Via Npw.rht, Nungning_ig
Day 5 Route
When to travel to Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai?
The best time to travel to Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai would be between October and April.
Oct-Nov: Before winter
Nov-Feb: Winter
Feb-Apr: After winter
During Oct-Nov and Feb-Apr is when the weather is cool and absolutely perfect. If you’re the couple that would enjoy a wintery getaway, then head down between Nov-Feb!
Total Cost Breakdown
For 2 adults
Accommodation:
Day 1 & 2 = USD $47 x 2 = USD $94 / SGD $125.83
Day 2 & 4 = USD $29 x 2 = USD $58 / SGD $77.64
Total = USD $152 / SGD $203.47
Transport:
Day 1 to 5 = From USD $35 / SGD $47 per day (for Europcar Thailand rental car); From USD $193 / SGD $259 for 2-day tour (for Klook’s private chartered car with driver)
Dining & Activities (Shopping not included):
Day 1 = USD $9.40 / SGD $12.58 (for dinner around Chiang Rai Walking Street)
Day 2 = USD $49 / SGD $65.59
Day 3 = USD $36.80 / SGD $49.26
Day 4 = USD $38 / SGD $50.87
Day 5 = USD $21.60 / SGD $28.91
TOTAL = USD $347.80 / SGD$465.57 ~ SGD $232.80 per person (Excluding flights)
TOTAL (including flights) = SGD $527.80 per person
Phew, this was a challenging itinerary to pull together, but we made it!
I hope with all my heart that this unique Chiang Mai + Chiang Rai itinerary will invoke your sense of adventure and romance – and get you excited for a winter vacation with your sweetheart too.
This couple itinerary has been equal parts enchanting and kooky, and I hope you love it as much as I did.
Leave us some love in the comments below, and let us know what you think!
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2) Skip-the-queues
Some Klook activities have special line entry that lets you join a separate and often much shorter queue compared to the long lines at some attractions.
3) Mobile e-tickets
Almost all Klook activities accept mobile vouchers, which means users do not have to print out a physical ticket. Apart from being super convenient, it’s also environmentally-friendly!
4) Klook APP
Check out the dedicated mobile app on iOS, and Google Play that allows you to book activities and attractions on-the-go.
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PLEASE NOTE: All the above information is correct at the date of publication. If you come across any changes or updates, please let us know and we will update the information accordingly. Thank you!
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Sign up now if you want us to send you an email whenever our partners have something to share with everyone!
FREE air tickets, free stays, free tours or free gifts!
Coming soon! Exclusively on TripCanvas
| PLEASE NOTE: All the above information is correct at the date of publication. If you come across any changes or updates, please let us know and we will update the information accordingly. Thank you! Tell us |
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