14 Awesome Things to Do in Phrae, Thailand for First-Timers

14 Best Things to Do in Phrae

1. Climb Up the Emperor's Cave (Tham Chakapat)

If you are driving into Phrae from the South, whether it be from Chiang Mai or Bangkok, one of the first attractions I recommend you visit is the Emperor's Cave (Tham Chakapat). It is a temple cave located on top of a sandstone mountain, tucked away in the rolling hills of Phrae.

Located in the middle of nowhere, visiting Emperor's Cave will allow you to get the first glimpse of Phrae's countryside. Not to mention, you will be able to see the stunning Phrae landscapes from above.

You see, in order to get to the Emperor's Cave, you will have to climb up the sandstone mountain on foot via the 700 steps to the top, where you will find a place of worship inside a cave, a large Buddha image, and a million-dollar view. Now, that is something you can't get anywhere else but here.

The hiking path up to the Emperor's Cave is located right in the center of the temple grounds where you can park your car and start hiking. The path is well-paved, easy to navigate, and, in general, a straightforward hike. However, the steepness can be quite tiring if you are not used to hiking. Take it slow, and you will get there in no time.

Hiking the Emperor's Cave should take you around an hour, including time to enjoy the view up there. The temple has no closing time. So, technically, you can hike anytime. However, I recommend doing it either in the early morning or early afternoon so that you will be hiking under the mountain shade.

2. Admire the Beauty of Wat Phrathat Suthon Mongkhon Khiri

One of the most impressive temples in Phrae, Wat Phrathat Suthon Mongkhon Khiri, is a newly-built temple full of stunning architecture inspired by traditional styles, with a mix of Lanna and Burmese influences, teak wood usage, and delicate sculptures.

Straight out of the gate, you will be welcomed by a large Burmese-style reclining Buddha image, where you will then have to proceed up the beautiful Naga staircase that will take you to the ordination hall.

One of the most impressive architectures at Wat Phrathat Suthon Mongkhon Khiri is this collection of small Mandalay-style gold pagodas that make up a large, impressive spiraling pagoda that shines brightly during the day.

Inside the ordination hall, you will find a Buddha image that looks almost identical to the ancient and famous gold-covered Buddha image, the Phra Phuttha Chinnarat, enshrined at Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat in Phitsanulok, but a little bit smaller here.

Looking for a complete travel guide to Phitsanulok?8 Best Things to Do in Phitsanulok

Wat Phrathat Suthon Mongkhon Khiri is located just off the side of the main highway number #11 and is best visited on your first day in Phrae if you are coming from the south.

3. Stroll Around Pae Muang Pee Forest Park

One of the most popular landmarks that people like to visit when they are in Phrae is the Pae Muang Pee Forest Park, a newly designated national park home to beautiful red-brown rock columns created naturally through erosion, just like the Grand Canyon but way WAY smaller. It's the Grand Canyon of Phrae.

Due to the eroded sandstone, you will find plenty of weirdly-shaped cliffs and rocks to explore at Pae Muang Pee Forest Park. There are not a lot of trees around, so if you are there in the afternoon, be sure to stay hydrated.

There are several small hiking trails that will take you around the forest park. The trail goes up the cliff, allowing you to see Pae Muang Pee Forest Park from above, and it goes down into the canyon where you can then appreciate these rock columns up close.

Not much historical evidence is found here at Pae Muang Pee, but that didn't stop the locals from believing in folklore. One legend has it that, back then, the area was full of trees and animals, and there was this grandmother who lost her way in the forest and stumbled upon a pile of gold and silver.

She put the pile in her sack and tried to take it home, but the pile of gold and silver mysteriously disappeared while she was making her way back. The place was named after her before it was changed to Pae Muang Pee.

Pae Muang Pee Forest Park's opening hours are from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, and there is no entrance fee whatsoever. When a popular tourist attraction doesn't have an entrance fee, you know you are now off the beaten path in Thailand 😉.

4. Buy Yourself Some Traditional Garments (Mauhom) at Thung Hong Market

Phrae and some other Northern provinces of Thailand, like Nan, are known for their indigo-dyed psychedelic traditional garments called Mauhom. They turn them into all kinds of products and clothes for sale in Phrae. There is a strip of shops that sells just Mauhom, the Thung Hong Market, at the center of Phrae City.

If you are looking to buy some of these traditional garments, there is no better place to shop in Phrae than at Thung Hong Market, so be sure to check them out. The prices of these garments range from 100 THB for the mass-produced ones to 1000 THB for the handmade ones.

The shops at Thung Hong Market are often open from 8 AM to 6 PM. Each shop sells varying products and prices, so be sure to stroll around the street for the best price. All in all, it is definitely cheaper than buying elsewhere, such as Chiang Mai or Bangkok.

5. Visit Wat Chom Sawan

Located right at the heart of Phrae City, Wat Chom Sawan is an important old temple constructed in 1900. It showcases a unique blend of Lanna and Burmese architectural styles. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Phrae City and a must-visit once you arrive at the city center.

With its multi-level roof design, the use of teak wood over concrete, and the lines of towering pillars made from a single piece of teak wood, Wat Chom Sawan is quite a sight to behold.

Within the temple, you will also find a small museum with a collection of antique ivory sculptures, marble Buddha images, and more. The temple is free to enter and it opens from 6 AM to 9 PM.

6. Learn the History of Phrae at Khum Chao Luang

Khum Chao Luang is an impressive and grand 19th-century residence of the last ruler of Phrae that has since been turned into a museum dedicated to preserving the history of Phrae, as well as displaying the lifestyle of Phrae's ruler 120+ years ago for us to see.

The content of Khum Chao Luang is both fascinating and troubling, with the first 2 floors consisting of a collection of household items and furniture from the late 19th-20th Century, when European influence was at its highest. You can clearly see the colonial influence simply by looking at the exterior.

The royal family, who lived here, were enriched by the timber and teak wood trade boom with the European powers in the 19th Century. Hence, the house and its decors were built using teak wood.

With all its ornaments, silverware, and old faded portraits of the ruler and the princesses scattered throughout the house, which all seem romantic, there is something about this place that just seems off to me, and I was about to find out why as I walked down into the basement.

Away from the public eyes, this beautiful colonial house harbored a dark, dark secret. As I walked down into the basement, I found myself in a dark and damp corridor with a low ceiling, facing room after room after room of prison cells.

Back in the day, the basement was where they put the slaves and misbehaving individuals, locking them up while they were tortured in more ways than you can imagine, all hidden away under this beautiful piece of architecture.

Very disturbing and quite fascinating at the same time, a visit to Khum Chao Luang is a great way for you to learn more about the history of Phrae. The museum opens from 8:30 AM to 5 PM, and it is free to enter.

7. Witness the Traditional Thai Lifestyle at Khum Vongburi Museum

Another museum that is worth visiting is the Khum Vongburi Museum, housed in this beautiful pink-colored colonial-style 2-story teak house that used to be a residence of previous rulers. Here, you will find all sorts of old wooden furniture and decor that show what life was like for the elites back in the day.

What is most striking about Khum Vongburi Museum is actually not the content inside but the exterior of the residence. The residence was built in 1897 during the teak wood trade boom, and it was constructed in a Thai/European architectural style called gingerbread-style, just like Khum Chao Luang.

Its pink-colored exterior is what attracted me in the first place, and it's a great photo spot if you want to take a photo with a traditional Thai/European house. The museum entrance fee is 30 THB, and the opening hours are between 9 AM - 5 PM.

8. Visit the Golden Rock Temple

One of the best decisions I ever made on this trip was to take the mountain road instead of a highway to explore the northern part of Phrae. I took the 1024 highway up the mountain and took the 1342 highway down back into Phrae, which took me to some incredible places. One of those places is the Golden Rock Temple.

The Golden Rock Temple, or as it is locally known, Wat Phra That Intr Kwaen, is a replicated mountain/forest temple that shares the same name as its original found in Myanmar. The temple found in Myanmar is known for its large golden rock on a cliff, and this one in Phrae is a smaller version.

The Golden Rock Temple in Phrae doesn't just consist of the Golden Rock; it also replicates the famous Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, but on a miniature scale. Additionally, a forest park has been built around it for us travelers to hike around.

It is a great place to stop first thing in the morning as you start exploring the mountainous 1024 - 1342 highway loop and spend some time walking around the forest park before you continue the loop. The Golden Rock Temple's opening hours are between 8 AM and 5 PM, and like most places of worship, it is free to enter.

9. Climb Doi Chang Pha Daeng (The Roof of Phrae)

If you are looking to do some hiking in Phrae that will reward you with a stunning view of the landscapes in Phrae, the best hike to do is to hike the Doi Chang Pha Daeng, which you can see from Golden Rock Temple.

Doi Chang Pha Daeng is a collection of sharp sandstone peaks that you will have to drive up to the trailhead, where you can then get on a local 4WD that will take you to the campground.

From the campground, it's another 2km walk along a flat trail until you reach the last 500m, where you will have to climb up those sharp peaks with your hands. Be extra careful here, as it is steep and very dangerous.

The hike should take you around 1.5-2 hours to complete, as reported by hikers. Personally, I did not do this hike due to time constraints. However, if you have time to spare and are looking for an adventure to the roof of Phrae, Doi Chang Pha Daeng is definitely recommended for you.

10. Walk the Bamboo Bridge at Wat Na Khu Ha

After visiting the Golden Rock Temple, continue along the 1024 highway for a bit, and you will arrive at another tourist attraction, Wat Na Khu Ha. It is known for its Buddha image surrounded by lush green rice paddies and a bamboo bridge.

Wat Na Khu Ha is in fact an ancient monastery built almost a hundred years ago as a spiritual center for the agricultural community of Baan Na Khu Ha. At the temple, you will find a large golden Buddha in the middle of rice fields, and there is a bamboo bridge you can walk on that will take you to the towering sandstone mountain behind it.

At the end of the bamboo bridge, there is a path that will lead you to two caves, as well as up the mountain where you can climb around 300m to the top for an incredible view of the rice paddies and the temple.

Plenty of adventures to be had here, or if you just want to relax, you can simply sit at the small hut by the bamboo bridge and enjoy the view of the rice fields at your leisure.

11. Watch Sunset at Mon Mae Thang

After spending some time at Wat Na Khu Ha, continue driving on the 1024 highway through the beautiful scenic road until you arrive at a 3-way intersection that merges with the 1342 highway. Turn left onto the 1342 highway and continue until you arrive at Mon Me Thang.

Mon Me Thang is a stunning viewpoint atop a hill, overlooking the Mae Thang natural reservoir. It is a great place to take a break from driving along the mountain road.

From the viewpoint, you will get to see a clearer view of the surrounding mountains you just drove through. It is also a great place to enjoy the sunset with a few drinks; just make sure to bring some with you as there aren't any service areas or shops at Mon Mae Thang.

12. Be Amazed at the Beauty of Pha Nang Khoi Cave

Pha Nang Khoi Cave is a tourist attraction I didn't expect much from, but to my surprise, I enjoyed myself more here than in any other cave I've been to in Thailand.

Pha Nang Khoi Cave is only about 1.6 km long and it leads you around stunning stalactites and stalagmites, which are the source of much local folklore.

The cave is colorfully lit with lights and consists of several stops where you can read up on the folklore on a description panel, although it could use a bit of maintenance.

At the last cavern, you will find a Buddhist shrine next to 2 ancient Buddha images built out of rocks, wrapped in colorful cloth, where you can pay respect and walk back the same way.

Pha Nang Khoi Cave is located on a 50m high cliff, so you will have to hike up for about 150m from the parking lot to get to the cave. It isn't very steep, so anyone can easily reach it. The cave's opening hours are between 8:30 AM and 5 PM, and the entrance fee is FREE.

13. Camp at Mae Yom National Park

If you are looking to spend a night with nature in Phrae, located in the northern part of the province, you will find Mae Yom National Park, a mountainous area with a teak forest where the Yom River runs through.

Mae Yom National Park is a well-preserved nature area that not a lot of tourists know about. Even the locals do not visit the place much, making it a great place to go camping in solitude.

There are 2 campgrounds inside Mae Yom National Park. One is the Kaeng Sua Ten Campsite, which is located by the Yuam river, and you can set up tents around the open area right near the river.

They also provide cabins as well as a service area, including toilets and a restaurant. It is the better-equipped campsite of the two and is quite popular among the locals.

Another campsite, which I chose, is the Lom Dong Campsite located in a remote forested area on top of a mountain deep inside the national park.

The Lom Dong Campsite is located under a pine forest, right by the Lom Dong Swamp. Since it is not as well-serviced as the first campsite, with only a newly-built and clean toilet, not many Thais camp here, which is just what I needed.

You see, the Thais can be extremely loud at night, as they often camp as if they were going on a picnic. So, if you wish to enjoy a little solitude, as I did, go for the Lom Dong Campsite instead.

Another reason why I chose to stay at Lom Dong Campsite is that it is closer to Pha Ing Mok, which is a great spot for watching the sunrise, as I will explain in the next section.

Mae Yom National Park's entrance fee is 100 THB for foreigners (20 THB for Thais), 30 THB for car access, or 20 THB for a motorcycle. Additionally, there is a charge of 30 THB for a campsite if you bring your own tent. If you do not have your own tent, you can rent one for around 350 THB. The rental includes a 3-person tent, pillows, and sleeping bags.

14. Watch the Sunrise at Pha Ing Mok

Pha Ing Mok is located up in the mountains within Mae Yom National Park. If you have decided to camp in the national park as I previously suggested, you should be able to reach Pha Ing Mok in only 5 - 10 minutes.

Pha Ing Mok used to be an old mine, and ever since the operation stopped, the national park took over the area and converted it into a viewpoint. It happens to have an unobstructed view of the beautiful mountains around Mae Yom National Park.

There are several paths and viewpoints at Pha Ing Mok, but the best one, which can also get crowded, is just off to the left when you walk up Pha Ing Mok. The trail hugs the right side of the mountain, and you should have an unobstructed view of the sunrise over the mountainous landscape.

If you are there in the wintertime at sunrise, you will also get to see the sea of clouds, as I did when I was there in late November. You can also walk to the right up the bald hill for another great view of the opposite side of the mountain.

Where To Eat and Drink in Phrae?

Have Coffee at Slope Coffee

If you are looking for a nice cafe to take a break in Phrae, I highly recommend visiting Slope Coffee, a cozy vintage coffee shop full of old-school 90s decor with the seating area under a huge tree.

They serve delicious coffee, cakes, and pastries at a very affordable price of 45-60 THB, and it is well-located right by all the old residences/museums I recommended you visit previously.

If you are looking to take a break from exploring the city, this is the place to be. The Slope Coffee's operating hours are between 9 AM and 5:30 PM.

Looking for a foodie guide to Thailand's street food? Check out:15 Best Street Foods in Thailand to Try

When to visit Phrae?

The best time to visit Phrae is from November to January, when the weather is cold, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors more with cooler temperatures and a beautiful blue sky.

That said, Thailand has also suffered a lot from air pollution in recent years due to the burning season, which is extremely prevalent during Thailand's late winter period (January - February). So, even though the weather is cooler, your visibility might not be the best. Be sure to buy a face mask if you decide to visit Thailand during this time.

March - April are the hottest and most humid periods of the year, so if you can't handle heat well, avoid visiting during this time. The air quality may be a bit better during this time, though it's not guaranteed.

All the other months are considered to be a rainy season in which, even though the weather is a little more manageable than in the summer months, you will also see a lot more rain, which might prevent you from enjoying the outdoors. Air quality during this time should be better due to the rain.

As you can see, the best time to visit Thailand used to be during its wintertime, BUT now that the air quality is getting worse and worse, you will have to decide which is more important to you as a traveler: good weather but bad air quality, or vice versa.

How to Get to Phrae?

Phrae is located around 560 km north of Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, and around 200 km from Chiang Mai, another popular hub in Thailand's north. To get to Phrae, you have the option to travel straight from Bangkok or via Chiang Mai as part of a larger trip to the north. However, first, we will have to get to Thailand from your home country.

In order to get to Phrae, you will either have to fly to Bangkok and then catch a bus or rent a car and drive to Phrae. Alternatively, if you are from a city/country with a direct flight to Chiang Mai (which is closer to Phrae than Bangkok), such as Taiwan, South Korea, China, or Doha, then you can fly there instead and get a bus or drive yourself to Phrae.

From the US, unfortunately, there are no direct flights to Chiang Mai or Bangkok, so you will have to rely on transit flights by Emirates, Qatar, or Turkish Airlines from the East Coast or ANA Airlines or Korean Air from the West Coast.

From Europe, you can fly from most European hubs like London, Paris, or Frankfurt via Thai Airways or local carriers such as British Airways, Air France, or Lufthansa to Bangkok. You can also go with Etihad, Qatar, or Emirates if you don't mind transiting.

From within Asia, there are several low-cost airlines that offer numerous routes from various hub cities such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Jakarta, and Bangkok. AirAsia and Thai Lion Air are excellent low-cost options.

To find a cheap flight to Bangkok or Chiang Mai, I would recommend you use Skyscanner or Expedia to look for the cheapest route and schedule so that you can compare and pick the best one.

Looking for a travel guide to Bangkok?16 Best Things to Do in Bangkok

Getting from Bangkok to Phrae

By Air: You can fly directly from Bangkok to Phrae via low-cost airlines such as Nok Air for around 2200 THB per person. They fly twice per day from Don Muang Airport, and it is the fastest way to get to Phrae. You can book a flight from Bangkok to Phrae here.

By Buses/Vans: If you are not in a rush, you can also take an overnight bus from Morchit Bus Terminal in Bangkok to Phrae Bus Terminal, which will take you around 8 hours. There are around 7 buses leaving from Bangkok to Phrae, and it costs about 550 THB. You can book a bus from Bangkok to Phrae here.

Getting from Chiang Mai to Phrae

Another popular hub to travel to Phrae is from Chiang Mai, where you will be able to reach Phrae in about a 3-hour drive. If you are currently in Chiang Mai, here are the ways to get from Chiang Mai to Phrae.

By Buses/Vans: You can take the daily bus/van operated by Green Bus from Chiang Mai Bus Terminal Arcade 2 and the bus will take you to Phrae in about 4 hours for 200 THB per person. There are around 2-4 buses depending on the day. Check out the official Green Bus timetable here. To reserve the bus, you can book the Bus from Chiang Mai to Phrae here.

By Rented Car: You can rent a car in Chiang Mai straight from the airport for around 700 - 1000 THB per day, and you can drive straight to Phrae in about 3 hours. Click the link below to rent a car from Chiang Mai. You can rent a car from Chiang Mai.

By Rented Motorcycle: You can also rent a motorbike straight from Chiang Mai and drive to Phrae in about 4 - 5 hours. To rent a motorbike from Chiang Mai, I recommend you rent it from Mr. Mechanic, a motorbike rental shop in Chiang Mai that offers a ton of motorbike options for you to choose from.

For a 150cc motorbike, the rent should be around 500 THB per day. You can also get a 200-250cc motorbike for 700 THB or more from Mr. Mechanic.

In order to rent a motorbike here, you will have to provide an ID or a valid driving license (don't leave your passport with them as you will likely need it along the way when you pass through checkpoints. Give them a photocopy version instead), a deposit of around 1000 THB, and you're off to explore the Mae Hong Son Loop. Yup, it's that easy to rent a scooter in Thailand.

How to Get Around Phrae?

There are only a handful of things to do within the city center of Phrae, and in order to see the true hidden gems, you will need your own vehicle to get around. There are several ways you can get around Phrae with your own vehicle.

By Motorcycle: If you are looking to rent a motorcycle within the city center, you can rent one from the All Rent Bike Store for 200 THB per day. They are highly regarded and trusted by local travelers.

By Car: If you are looking to rent a car in Phrae, Be Bike Car Rental is also a great place. They offer various car options ranging from 900 THB to 1500 THB per day. To rent, you only need to pay a deposit of 1000 THB and provide a copy of your passport.

How Many Days Do I Need For Phrae?

To truly experience Phrae and everything it has to offer, I recommend staying for at least 3 days (2 nights) in Phrae. Here is a rough itinerary for a 3-day visit to Phrae:

Day 1: Spend the first day exploring the temples and viewpoints around Phrae during the first half of the day, and then spend the second half of the day exploring the attractions around the city center.

Day 2: Travel along the 1024 road into the mountains and visit the attractions along the way, from the Golden Rock Temple to Wat Na Khu Ha, Pae Muang Pee Forest Park, and then proceed to Mae Yom National Park, where you will camp for the night.

Day 3: Watch the sunrise at Pha Ing Mok and end your day exploring the Pha Nang Khoi Cave. You can then either head back to the city or proceed to visit Nan Province.

Looking for a complete travel guide to Nan?16 Best Things to Do in Nan

How Much Money Do I Need For Phrae?

With the 3-day itinerary above, we can calculate roughly how much you would spend on this trip as follows:

Accommodation: For 2 nights in Phrae, you can expect to pay around 38 USD for accommodation.

Food: For 3 days in Phrae, the food costs around 50 THB per meal, so you will be paying 450 THB in total for food.

Transportation: For a 3-day 150cc motorbike rental (500 THB per day) plus gas (~200 THB), you can expect to pay around 1,700 THB for transportation.

Activities: For activities, you will be paying 160 THB for Mae Yom National Park, 30 THB to enter Khum Vongburi Museum, and that's it. All the other activities are free, so in total, you will pay around 190 THB per person in Phrae. God, I love off the beaten path places!

Total Budget for 3 days in Phrae: 3,479 THB (116 USD).

Is Phrae Safe?

Like most off-the-beaten-path destinations in Thailand, Phrae is extremely safe to travel to. The locals are extra friendly as they don't usually get a lot of tourists, and you will unlikely find scammers or touts like in other places in Thailand.

That said, since you will be driving on Thai roads, it is my duty as a Thai to warn you that we are not the best drivers in the world. The roads are great throughout, but we sometimes drive like maniacs, so make sure to be extra careful when you are on the road.

Which tourist SIM card is best for Thailand?

Update: If your phone supports eSIM, I highly recommend checking out Airalo, a global eSIM marketplace. It allows you to stay connected affordably while traveling in Phrae, Thailand without having to switch out your physical SIM card.

Gone are the days when you needed to scramble to find a local SIM card at an airport upon arrival. You can purchase an eSIM before your arrival, and you'll be good to go. If your phone doesn't support eSIM, here is how you can get a local SIM card in Phrae, Thailand:

There are 3 major carriers in Thailand: AIS, DTAC, and True. All of them offer a pretty similar range of traveler's packages as well as coverage. Personally, I use AIS as I have been with them since my first phone, and they have a lot of Support Centers around Thailand. Their coverage hasn't failed me yet, so if you are looking for a reliable carrier, I can recommend AIS.

There are 3 packages for tourists: 5 GB for 5 days at 160 THB, 15 GB for 8 days at 299 THB, and 30 GB for 15 days. Depending on how long your trip to Thailand will be, you can pick one of these 3 packages that fit your itinerary the most.

With these three packages, you can top up more in case you need more data or calls for your trip. More often than not, 5 GB is more than enough for me to travel around Thailand for a month.

For more information about Thailand's local SIM card: Thailand's Prepaid Data SIM Card.

Tips: To stay connected with people at home, be sure that you have a VPN, such as ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and you can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.

What to Pack for Phrae, Thailand?

As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Phrae, Thailand:

• Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
• Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
• Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
• Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
• Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
• Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
• Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
• Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
• Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
• Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
• Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
• Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
• Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.

For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.

Looking for a more comprehensive packing list for Thailand? Check out:What to Pack For Thailand: The Essential Packing List

Further Reading for Northern Thailand

Looking for more information for your trip to Northern Thailand? Here are a collection of articles about Thailand that you might find useful:

• Looking for a complete travel guide to Southeast Asia? You should check out our 3 Months Backpacking Itinerary for Southeast Asia.
• Looking for an itinerary for Thailand? Check out 10 Days Itinerary for Thailand.
• Not convinced by my words? How about looking through these photos I took in Thailand? 25 Beautiful Photos from Thailand.
• If you are traveling to Thailand, it is important for you to know what you should and shouldn't do. Here are 10 Tips for Traveling in Thailand.
• Thai Street Foods are among the best in the world, and to help guide you through the street food cuisine of Thailand, be sure to check out the 15 Best Street Foods in Thailand to Try.
• Learning a bit of Thai phrases will go a long way for you when you visit Thailand. Here are 15 Thai Phrases You Should Know.
• More often than not, your journey in Thailand will begin in Bangkok, and there are a ton of things you shouldn't miss in this city. Here are the 16 Best Things to Do in Bangkok.
• Want to spend a day outside Bangkok but not sure where? Here are the 9 Best Day Trips To Make From Bangkok.
• Don't have a lot of time in Bangkok? Check out our One Day in Bangkok Itinerary.
• Have more than one day in Bangkok? I highly recommend spending at least 3 days in Bangkok. Here is a complete 3 Days Itinerary for Bangkok.
• For the best areas and neighborhoods to stay in Bangkok, check out: 7 Best Areas to Stay in Bangkok.
• First time in Northern Thailand? Check out the 10 Best Places to Visit in Northern Thailand.
• Want to get off the beaten track and really explore Northern Thailand? Check out: 2 Weeks Northern Thailand Itinerary.
• Looking for another great road trip to get you off the beaten path in Northern Thailand? Check out: 9 Days Nan Loop Road Trip Itinerary.
• Not sure where to begin your journey in Northern Thailand? How about an old capital with a Complete Backpacking Guide to Phitsanulok?
• Did you know that the cradle of Thailand began in the ancient city of Sukhothai, north of Bangkok, in the 13th Century? If you are interested in the history of Thailand, here is The Ultimate Backpacking Guide to Sukhothai.
• Sukhothai has a twin city that has prospered together since the first founding of the Siam Kingdom. The ancient city is called Si Satchanalai, 60 km north of Sukhothai, and there are many less-traveled ancient ruins there waiting for you to explore. Here is A Complete Backpacking Guide to Si Satchanalai.
• Kamphaeng Phet, which translates to "The Wall of Diamond," was an outpost town that played a role in protecting the Siam Kingdom from invasion for several decades, and you can still see the remnants today. Here is A Complete Backpacking Guide to Kamphaeng Phet.
• Lampang is low-key, one of the most laid-back places in the north with a northern vibe similar to Chiang Mai but much quieter and more authentic. If you are looking to go off the beaten path in Thailand, check out The Ultimate Backpacking Guide to Lampang.
• Spending a few days relaxing in Lampang? Here are 9 Best Cafes and Restaurants to Try in Lampang.
• There is no need for an introduction to the renowned old capital city of the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai. Here is a list of the 20 best things to do in Chiang Mai according to the locals.
• Chiang Mai is a big city. How does one find the best restaurants and cafes, you asked? Check out 25 Absolute Best Restaurants and Cafes in Chiang Mai.
• Doi Inthanon is the highest mountain in Thailand, and in order to travel there, you will need a complete travel guide. Here is The Ultimate Backpacking Guide to Doi Inthanon.
• Have only 3 days in Chiang Mai? Check out 3 Days Backpacking Itinerary for Chiang Mai.
• Have a day to spare in Chiang Mai? How about going on a day trip to Lamphun? Here are 7 Best Things to Do in Lamphun.
• Looking to go off the beaten path in Chiang Mai? How about visiting the untouched nature of Doi Ang Khang and the Chinese-influenced towns of Arunothai and Chai Prakan? Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Doi Ang Khang.
• One of the best road trips you can make in Thailand is traversing the Mae Hong Son Loop. Here’s a complete backpacking guide and a 10-day itinerary for the Mae Hong Son Loop.
• Looking to start the Mae Hong Son Loop but not sure where to start? How about the city of Mae Sariang? Here are 8 Best Things to Do in Mae Sariang.
• Mae Hong Son City is one of my favorite cities from the entire Mae Hong Son Loop road trip. Here are the 15 Best Things to Do in Mae Hong Son City.
• Pai has become a tourist hotspot ever since it was discovered and featured in many travel blogs, but what is there to do in Pai? We have the answer. Here are the 15 Best Things to Do in Pai, Thailand.
• Chiang Rai is home to not just stunning temples like the White and Blue Temples, but also the beautiful mountains of Pho Chi Fan and Doi Pha Tang. Here are the 16 Best Things to Do in Chiang Rai.
• One of the most iconic peaks in Thailand is Phu Chi Fa, and you can hike to the top of it among other hiking trails around Chiang Rai's highlands. Here is A Complete Hiking Guide to Phu Chi Fa.
• Chiang Saen is an ancient walled city full of history and beautiful scenery waiting for you to explore. Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Chiang Saen.
• Nan is the upcoming trendy tourist attraction in Thailand that is still pretty much unexplored by foreigners. If you want to travel to Nan, here are the 16 Best Things to Do in Nan.
• Phayao is a beautiful hidden gem of Thailand's north that is waiting for you to explore. It rarely gets any tourists, all the more reason to visit Phayao before it is discovered! Here are the 12 Best Things to Do in Phayao.
• Want to explore other parts of Thailand? How about exploring Central Thailand or Southern Thailand?
• Wondering where to go after Thailand? How about continuing on to Malaysia, Myanmar, or Indonesia?
• For all articles about Thailand, visit the Thailand Travel Guide page.
• Looking to travel to Southeast Asia? Check out all my articles about Southeast Asia here: Southeast Asia Travel Guide page.
• You can see all my Asia-related articles here: Asia Travel Guide page.
• For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.