Thailand Trip Plan - Chiang Rai & Chiang Mai¶
Travelers: Thiha Aung & Chaw Su
Dates: February 14 - 20, 2026 (7 days / 6 nights)
Route: Singapore → Chiang Rai (2 nights) → Chiang Mai (4 nights) → Singapore
Quick Reference - Booking Details¶
Flights¶
| Leg | Flight | Route | Departure | Arrival |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outbound | Scoot TR660 | Singapore Changi T1 → Chiang Rai | 05:50, Feb 14 | 08:00, Feb 14 |
| Return | Scoot TR677 | Chiang Mai → Singapore Changi T1 | 12:05, Feb 20 | 16:20, Feb 20 |
Booking No: 1578944923717104
Airline Refs (SIN→CEI): LHM23B (both passengers)
Airline Refs (CNX→SIN): Q7H85S (Aung Thiha), FEL12X (Su Chaw)
Baggage¶
| Passenger | Carry-on + Personal Item | Checked Baggage |
|---|---|---|
| Thiha Aung | 10 kg total | 20 kg (purchased) |
| Chaw Su | 10 kg total | None |
- Carry-on max dimensions: 54x38x23cm
- Personal item max dimensions: 40x30x10cm (under seat)
Hotels¶
| City | Hotel | Dates | Room | Booking ID |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chiang Rai | Work Den Chiangrai | Feb 14 - 16 (2 nights) | Double Superior | 1973351347 |
| Chiang Mai | Star Hotel Chiang Mai | Feb 16 - 20 (4 nights) | Premier Deluxe | 1973352068 |
Chiang Rai Hotel:
- Address: 732 Phaholyothin Rd., Wiang, City Center, Chiang Rai 57000
- Phone: +66 52 100 900
- Benefits: Free WiFi, Parking, Welcome drink, Breakfast, Coffee & tea
Chiang Mai Hotel:
- Address: 36 Soi 4, Loikro Road, A. Muang, Night Bazaar, Chiang Mai 50100
- Benefits: Free WiFi, Parking, Coffee & tea, Breakfast, Drinking water
Check-in reminder: Present valid photo ID matching the lead guest name (Chaw Su) and possibly the credit card used to book.
Day-by-Day Itinerary¶
Day 1 - Saturday, February 14 (Valentine's Day!)¶
Arrive Chiang Rai
- 02:50 - Arrive at Singapore Changi Airport T1 (3 hours before departure)
- 05:50 - Depart Singapore (Scoot TR660)
- 08:00 - Arrive Chiang Rai International Airport (Thailand is 1 hour behind Singapore)
- 08:00-09:00 - Immigration, collect baggage, buy a Thai SIM card at the airport
- 09:00-09:30 - Taxi/Grab to Work Den Chiangrai (~15 min from airport, ~100-150 THB)
- 09:30-10:30 - Check in (early check-in if available), freshen up, enjoy welcome drink
Morning - White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)
- 10:30-12:30 - Visit the iconic White Temple (~13 km south, ~20 min drive from city center)
- One of Thailand's most stunning modern temples
- Designed by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat
- Beautiful white exterior with mirror glass pieces; the bridge crossing "reaching hands" symbolizes crossing over desire
- Murals inside blend Buddhist imagery with pop culture references (Superman, The Matrix)
- Entry fee: ~100 THB for foreigners
- Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (grounds open 6:30 AM - 6:00 PM)
- No photography inside the main hall
Lunch
- 12:30-13:30 - Lunch near the White Temple area or back in town
- Try Khao Soi (Northern Thai curry noodles) - the signature dish of Northern Thailand
Afternoon - Blue Temple & Black House
- 14:00-15:00 - Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple)
- Stunning blue interior with intricate murals
- Free entry
- ~10 min from the White Temple
- 15:30-17:00 - Baan Dam Museum (Black House / Black Temple)
- Collection of dark wooden buildings by artist Thawan Duchanee
- Unique contrast to the White Temple
- Entry fee: ~80 THB
- ~30 min drive north of city
Late Afternoon (Bonus)
- 17:00-18:00 - Wat Huay Pla Kang (Big Buddha / Guan Yin Temple)
- Massive 79-meter white Guan Yin statue with an elevator inside for panoramic views
- ~7 km from city center, ~12 min drive
- Outstanding spot for sunset viewing over the mountains
- Free entry (small fee for elevator)
Valentine's Evening
- 18:30-20:30 - Romantic Valentine's dinner
- Chivit Thamma Da Coffee House - beautiful riverside setting along the Kok River with fairy lights and garden, the most romantic restaurant in Chiang Rai (try to book ahead!)
- Or explore the Chiang Rai Night Bazaar (open every evening near the Clock Tower)
- 20:30 - Watch the Chiang Rai Clock Tower light show (every evening at 19:00, 20:00, 21:00)
- The golden clock tower designed by Chalermchai Kositpipat lights up with a beautiful LED show
- 21:00 - Saturday Walking Street (Thanalai Road) - Feb 14 falls on a Saturday!
- Open ~4:00 PM - 10:00 PM, more locally oriented than the Night Bazaar
- Handmade crafts, local art, and excellent street food
Day 2 - Sunday, February 15¶
Exploring Chiang Rai
- 07:00-08:30 - Breakfast at hotel
Morning - Temple & Market Tour
- 09:00-10:00 - Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)
- The original home of Thailand's most sacred Buddha image (now in Bangkok)
- Beautiful hilltop temple with city views
- 10:00-11:00 - Wat Phra Singh
- Peaceful temple in the city center
- 11:00-12:00 - Walk around the Saturday/local morning market
- Great place to buy local handicrafts and snacks
Lunch
- 12:00-13:00 - Try Sai Ua (Northern Thai spicy sausage) at a local restaurant
Afternoon Options (choose one or combine):
Option A: Choui Fong Tea Plantation + Singha Park
- 09:00-10:30 - Choui Fong Tea Plantation (~25 km, ~40 min drive)
- One of Thailand's largest and most scenic tea plantations
- Terraced fields across rolling hills with mountain views
- Excellent on-site cafe with a photogenic terrace - gorgeous for couples' photos
- Morning visits have the best light
- 11:00-13:00 - Singha Park (~10 km from city center)
- An 800-acre farm/park with rolling green fields, lake, flower gardens
- Rent a bicycle or take a tram tour
- Tea house cafe for lunch
- Great for couples - scenic and peaceful
Option B: Doi Tung & Mae Fah Luang Garden
- 13:00-17:00 - Day trip to Doi Tung (~1.5 hours drive)
- Mae Fah Luang Garden - beautiful royal garden on a mountaintop
- Doi Tung Royal Villa - the late Princess Mother's residence
- Stunning views over northern Thailand and Myanmar border
- Note: This is a longer trip; consider hiring a driver for the day (~1,500-2,000 THB)
Option C: Golden Triangle & Mekong River
- 13:00-17:00 - Visit the Golden Triangle (~1.5 hours drive)
- Where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet at the Mekong River
- Hall of Opium Museum (interesting history)
- Boat ride on the Mekong River
- Note: Also requires a driver for the day
Evening
- 18:00-19:30 - Chiang Rai Night Bazaar for dinner and shopping
- Live music performances on the open stage
- Local food stalls - try grilled meats, papaya salad, mango sticky rice
- Handicrafts and souvenirs
- 19:30 - Enjoy the Clock Tower light show one more time
Day 3 - Monday, February 16¶
Chiang Rai → Chiang Mai
- 07:00-08:30 - Breakfast at hotel, check out
- 09:00-12:30 - Travel from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai
- Option 1: Bus (Recommended)
- Green Bus from Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 to Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Station
- Duration: ~3-3.5 hours
- VIP/First Class: ~260-390 THB per person
- Buses run frequently throughout the day
- Book at the station or via the Green Bus app
- Option 2: Private transfer/taxi
- ~3 hours drive
- ~2,500-3,500 THB for a private car
- Can stop at scenic points along the way (e.g., hot springs at Chiang Rai-Chiang Mai road)
Afternoon - Arrive Chiang Mai
- 12:30-13:30 - Arrive Chiang Mai, grab lunch near the bus station or en route to hotel
- 13:30-14:30 - Check in at Star Hotel Chiang Mai (Night Bazaar area)
- 14:30-15:30 - Rest and freshen up
Afternoon - Old City Exploration
- 15:30-17:30 - Walk around Chiang Mai Old City (moat area)
- Tha Phae Gate - the iconic city gate, great for photos (~10 min walk from your hotel)
- Wat Chedi Luang - massive ancient temple ruin from the 14th century (entry ~40 THB); free monk chat sessions available in the afternoons
- Wat Phra Singh - Chiang Mai's most revered temple with exquisite Lanna murals (entry ~20 THB)
Evening
- 18:00-21:00 - Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
- Your hotel is right in the Night Bazaar area - very convenient!
- Browse handicrafts, clothing, souvenirs
- Eat at the Kalare Night Bazaar food court or Ploen Ruedee Night Market
- Try Khao Kha Moo (braised pork leg over rice) - a Chiang Mai street food classic
Day 4 - Tuesday, February 17¶
Doi Suthep & Culture
- 07:00-08:30 - Breakfast at hotel
Morning - Doi Suthep
- 09:00-12:00 - Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
- Chiang Mai's most famous temple, on a mountain overlooking the city
- 306 steps up the Naga staircase (or take the tram/funicular)
- Stunning golden chedi and panoramic views of Chiang Mai
- Entry fee: ~30 THB
- Getting there: Songthaew (red truck taxi) from the Old City, ~40-60 THB per person one way; or Grab ~200-300 THB
- Go early to avoid crowds and heat
Lunch
- 12:30-13:30 - Lunch at Khao Soi Khun Yai or Khao Soi Mae Sai (famous Khao Soi spots in Chiang Mai)
Afternoon - Cooking Class (Recommended!)
- 14:00-18:00 - Thai Cooking Class
- Many options available - look for ones that include a market visit
- Popular schools: Thai Farm Cooking School, Mama Noi, Pantawan Cooking Class, Asia Scenic
- Typically ~1,000-1,500 THB per person
- You'll learn to make 4-6 dishes (pad thai, curry, tom yum, etc.)
- A wonderful couples activity and you get to eat everything you make!
- Book in advance as classes fill up quickly
Evening
- 18:30-21:00 - Free evening to explore
- Walk along Nimmanhaemin Road (Nimman) - Chiang Mai's trendy neighborhood
- Boutique shops, hip cafes, street art, and restaurants
- Coffee at Ristr8to (world-class latte art) or Akha Ama Coffee (supports Akha hill tribe communities)
- Browse One Nimman and MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Center
Day 5 - Wednesday, February 18¶
Nature & Temples
- 07:00-08:30 - Breakfast at hotel
Morning - Elephant Sanctuary (Highly Recommended)
- 08:30-13:00 - Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary
- Elephant Nature Park - the most well-known ethical sanctuary
- Or Elephant Jungle Sanctuary
- Half-day programs available (~2,500-3,500 THB per person)
- Feed, walk with, and bathe elephants - no riding
- Most sanctuaries include pickup from hotel and lunch
- Book in advance as they fill up quickly
Afternoon
- 14:00-15:00 - Rest at hotel
- 15:00-17:00 - Explore more temples:
- Wat Suan Dok - beautiful white chedis containing ashes of Chiang Mai royalty, gorgeous at sunset with Doi Suthep as backdrop
- Wat Umong - unique tunnel temple in a forest setting with underground meditation caves, very peaceful
- Wat Sri Suphan (Silver Temple) - entire ordination hall covered in intricate silver metalwork, beautiful at night (note: women cannot enter the main chapel)
Evening
- 17:30-18:30 - Traditional Thai massage
- Widely available, ~200-400 THB for 1 hour
- Lila Thai Massage (employs former female inmates for rehabilitation - highly rated, multiple locations)
- Let's Relax Spa - reliable, has a Night Bazaar location near your hotel
- Oasis Spa - upscale, romantic, great for a couples' session
- 19:00-21:00 - Dinner at a local restaurant
- Huen Phen - famous for authentic Northern Thai food (Lanna cuisine); lunch is casual and cheap, dinner is in a beautifully decorated traditional Lanna house
- SP Chicken - legendary grilled chicken restaurant
- Or try a Khantoke Dinner - traditional Lanna-style dinner (sit on the floor, multiple small dishes) with classical dance performance (~500-800 THB per person at Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center or Khum Khantoke)
Day 6 - Thursday, February 19¶
Last Full Day - Shopping & Relaxation
- 07:00-08:30 - Breakfast at hotel
Morning - Doi Inthanon Day Trip (Optional)
- 07:00-14:00 - If you want one more big adventure:
- Thailand's highest peak (2,565m)
- ~1.5 hours drive from Chiang Mai
- Twin Royal Pagodas with beautiful gardens
- Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail (stunning mountain walk)
- Waterfalls (Wachirathan, Sirithan)
- Hire a driver or join a tour (~1,500-2,500 THB per person)
OR: Relaxed Morning
- 09:00-11:00 - Visit Warorot Market (Kad Luang)
- Chiang Mai's largest traditional market
- Great for buying local snacks, dried fruits, spices, and souvenirs to bring home
- Northern Thai sausages, dried longan, crispy pork rinds (Kaeb Moo)
- 11:00-12:00 - Walk across to the Flower Market (Ton Lam Yai)
- Beautiful and fragrant, especially in the morning
Lunch
- 12:00-13:00 - Lunch at a riverside restaurant along the Ping River
Afternoon - Last-Minute Shopping & Relaxation
- 13:30-15:30 - Souvenir shopping
- Night Bazaar area (near your hotel) - great during daytime too
- MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Center (Nimman area) for modern mall shopping
- One Nimman - trendy open-air mall
- Popular souvenirs: Thai tea, dried mango, coconut oil, handmade soaps, elephant pants, silk scarves, handcrafted jewelry, Chiang Mai coffee beans, crispy pork rinds (Kaeb Moo)
- Note: If you plan to buy a lot, consider purchasing checked baggage for Chaw Su's return flight
- 15:30-17:00 - Afternoon spa/massage session - a perfect way to end the trip
- 17:00-18:00 - Pack for tomorrow's flight
Farewell Dinner
- 18:30-20:30 - Special farewell dinner
- The Riverside Bar & Restaurant - great atmosphere along the Ping River
- Or Ginger & Kafe at The House - stylish colonial house restaurant
- 20:30 - Final stroll around the Night Bazaar
- Early night - flight tomorrow!
Day 7 - Friday, February 20¶
Fly Home to Singapore
- 07:00-08:00 - Breakfast at hotel
- 08:00-08:30 - Check out
- 08:30-09:00 - Grab/taxi to Chiang Mai International Airport (~15-20 min from Night Bazaar area)
- 09:00 - Arrive at airport (3 hours before departure as recommended by Scoot)
- 09:00-12:05 - Check in, immigration, duty-free shopping
- Last chance to buy Thai snacks and souvenirs at the airport
- 12:05 - Depart Chiang Mai (Scoot TR677)
- 16:20 - Arrive Singapore Changi T1
Top Attractions Summary¶
Chiang Rai Must-See¶
- Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) - Otherworldly white temple, Thailand's most unique
- Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple) - Stunning blue interior
- Baan Dam Museum (Black House) - Dark artistic contrast to the temples
- Chiang Rai Clock Tower - Golden tower with nightly light shows
- Chiang Rai Night Bazaar - Food, shopping, and live entertainment
- Golden Triangle - Where three countries meet (if time permits)
- Singha Park - Beautiful tea plantations and gardens
Chiang Mai Must-See¶
- Wat Phra That Doi Suthep - Iconic hilltop temple with city views
- Old City Temples - Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chiang Man
- Elephant Nature Park - Ethical elephant experience
- Night Bazaar - Right at your doorstep!
- Warorot Market - Authentic local market
- Nimmanhaemin Road - Trendy cafes, shops, and street art
- Tha Phae Gate - Iconic entrance to the Old City
- Wat Umong - Peaceful tunnel temple in the forest
Food Guide - Must-Try Northern Thai Dishes¶
| Dish | Description | Where to Try |
|---|---|---|
| Khao Soi | Coconut curry noodles with crispy noodle topping | Khao Soi Khun Yai, Khao Soi Mae Sai (Chiang Mai) |
| Sai Ua | Northern Thai spicy herbal sausage | Huen Phen, any Night Bazaar |
| Khao Kha Moo | Braised pork leg over rice | Cowboy Hat Lady at Chang Phueak Gate (Chiang Mai) |
| Nam Prik Ong | Chili and pork dip with vegetables | Any Lanna restaurant |
| Nam Prik Noom | Roasted green chili dip | Huen Phen |
| Kaeb Moo | Crispy pork rinds | Warorot Market, street vendors |
| Mango Sticky Rice | Sweet mango with coconut sticky rice | Street stalls everywhere |
| Larb | Spicy minced meat salad | Widely available |
| Som Tam | Papaya salad (spicy!) | Night markets |
| Thai Iced Tea | Sweet orange-hued tea with milk | Every cafe and market |
| Gaeng Hang Lay | Burmese-influenced pork belly curry - will feel familiar! | Huen Phen, Lanna restaurants |
| Nam Ngiao | Rich tangy tomato-pork noodle soup (Chiang Rai specialty) | Chiang Rai Night Bazaar |
| Grilled Chicken (Gai Yang) | Lemongrass-marinated grilled chicken | SP Chicken (Chiang Mai) |
Travel Tips¶
Weather & Packing¶
- February weather: Best time to visit! Dry season with warm days (28-33°C) and cool evenings (13-18°C)
- Humidity is much lower than Singapore (40-60% vs 80%+)
- Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai are in the mountains, so evenings can be surprisingly cool
- Haze note: Late February can see the start of agricultural burning season; air quality may occasionally dip. Consider packing a KN95 mask just in case
- Pack:
- Light, breathable clothing for daytime
- A light jacket or cardigan for evenings and air-conditioned buses
- Comfortable walking shoes (lots of temple visits and markets)
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- A scarf/shawl for temple visits (cover shoulders and knees)
- Reusable water bottle
- Power adapter (Thailand uses Type A, B, and C plugs; same as many Asian countries)
Money & Payments¶
- Currency: Thai Baht (THB). Approximate rate: 1 SGD ≈ 25-26 THB
- Cash is king for street food, markets, taxis, and small shops
- Withdraw THB from ATMs at the airport upon arrival (note: Thai ATMs charge ~220 THB per withdrawal)
- Exchange money at Super Rich or airport exchange counters for better rates
- Larger restaurants, malls, and 7-Eleven accept credit cards
- Bring enough cash - many attractions and local eateries are cash only
SIM Card & Connectivity¶
- Buy a tourist SIM at Chiang Rai Airport upon arrival
- AIS, DTAC, or TrueMove H - all offer good tourist packages
- ~300-400 THB for 8-15 days with unlimited data
- Both hotels have free WiFi
Getting Around¶
Chiang Rai:
- Grab is available but less widespread than in Chiang Mai
- Hotel can arrange taxis/drivers
- Songthaew (shared red trucks) around town: ~20-30 THB
- Hire a driver for full-day sightseeing: ~1,500-2,500 THB
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai:
- Green Bus: ~3-3.5 hours, ~260-390 THB per person (VIP class recommended)
- Private car hire: ~2,500-3,500 THB total
Chiang Mai:
- Grab is widely available and reliable
- Songthaew (red trucks): ~30-40 THB per person for shared rides within the city
- Rent a scooter: ~200-300 THB per day (if comfortable riding)
- Tuk-tuks: negotiate before riding, typically ~60-100 THB for short trips
Temple Etiquette¶
- Dress modestly: Cover shoulders and knees (no shorts, tank tops, or sleeveless tops)
- Remove shoes before entering temple buildings
- Never point your feet at a Buddha image or monks
- Women should never touch a monk or hand objects directly to them - place the item down for the monk to pick up
- Speak softly inside temple buildings
- Do not climb on or pose disrespectfully with Buddha statues
- Ask before photographing monks or sacred objects
Cultural Notes¶
- Royal Family: Never speak disrespectfully about the King or Royal Family. Lese-majeste laws are strictly enforced with severe penalties. This extends to stepping on Thai currency (which bears the King's image).
- Head: Considered sacred -- do not touch anyone's head, including children
- Public displays of affection: Keep minimal. Hand-holding is fine; kissing in public is frowned upon
- Losing your temper in public is considered embarrassing -- stay calm and smile
General Tips¶
- Thai greeting: Press palms together (Wai) and say "Sawasdee khrap" (male) or "Sawasdee kha" (female)
- Thank you: "Khob khun khrap/kha"
- How much?: "Thao rai?"
- Too expensive: "Phaeng pai"
- Can you reduce?: "Lot dai mai?"
- Delicious: "Aroi!"
- Not spicy please: "Mai phet"
- A little spicy: "Phet nit noi"
- Bathroom: "Hong nam"
- Bill please: "Check bin"
- Numbers (for bargaining): 10=sip, 20=yee-sip, 50=ha-sip, 100=neung roi, 1000=neung phan
- Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated. Round up at restaurants, 20-50 THB for good service
- 7-Eleven is everywhere and great for snacks, water, and basic supplies
- Drink bottled water only (free at your Chiang Mai hotel)
- Carry toilet tissue/wet wipes - not all restrooms have paper
- Download Grab app before the trip (works like Uber)
- Download Google Translate with Thai offline language pack
- Keep a photo of your hotel address in Thai on your phone for showing to taxi drivers
Safety¶
- Northern Thailand is very safe for tourists
- Be aware of scams: overly friendly strangers offering "special deals" on tours or gems
- Always agree on taxi/tuk-tuk price before getting in
- Keep valuables secure in crowded markets
- Travel insurance is recommended
Important Reminders¶
- [ ] Print or save all booking confirmations on phone (flights + hotels)
- [ ] Arrive at Changi T1 by 02:50 on Feb 14 (3 hours before 05:50 departure)
- [ ] Thiha Aung has 20 kg checked baggage allowance
- [ ] Have valid photo ID ready for hotel check-ins (matching name: Chaw Su)
- [ ] Arrive at Chiang Mai Airport by 09:00 on Feb 20 (3 hours before 12:05 departure)
- [ ] Buy Thai SIM card at Chiang Rai Airport on arrival (or use eSIM via Airalo/Nomad if your phone supports it)
- [ ] Withdraw Thai Baht at the airport ATM (bring ~10,000-15,000 THB equivalent in cash)
- [ ] Download apps: Grab, Google Translate (with Thai offline pack), Google Maps (offline maps for Chiang Rai & Chiang Mai), Line (Thailand's main messaging app), Scoot app
- [ ] Pack a foldable bag for souvenir shopping
Estimated Budget (for reference)¶
| Item | Estimated Cost (THB) | Estimated Cost (SGD) |
|---|---|---|
| Chiang Rai → Chiang Mai bus (2 pax) | 600-800 | 24-32 |
| Local transport (7 days) | 2,000-3,000 | 80-120 |
| Meals (7 days, 2 pax) | 5,000-8,000 | 200-320 |
| Attractions & entry fees | 1,000-2,000 | 40-80 |
| Elephant sanctuary (2 pax) | 5,000-7,000 | 200-280 |
| Thai cooking class (2 pax) | 2,000-3,000 | 80-120 |
| Massages & spa | 1,000-2,000 | 40-80 |
| Shopping & souvenirs | 2,000-5,000 | 80-200 |
| SIM cards (2) | 600-800 | 24-32 |
| Total estimated (on-ground) | 19,200-31,600 | ~770-1,260 |
Note: Flights (SGD 1,217.40) and hotels already booked and paid separately.
Emergency Contacts¶
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Tourist Police (English-speaking, 24 hours) | 1155 |
| Police Emergency | 191 |
| Ambulance | 1669 |
| Fire | 199 |
| Work Den Chiangrai (hotel) | +66 52 100 900 |
Have an amazing trip! Happy Valentine's Day in Chiang Rai!