The second route is slightly longer, but rewards you with smaller roads through big forests. Drive up to Nakhon Sawan, then take the highway to Phitsanulok (117). Continue on highway 11 and you will reach Lampang and then Chiang Mai. In Phisanulok you have two more alternatives. If you turn right towards **Phetchaboon** you will pass the 'Switzerland of Thailand', a nice area with very relaxing resorts. In Phetchaboon you can visit Khao Koh, the mountain that has one place where your car will slowly roll up the hill. You stop, you turn off the engine and in neutral gear your car will slowly start rolling up the hill.
If you turn left you can visit the city of **Sukhothai** with its historical park. Rent a bicycle at the park entrance and enjoy the atmosphere of the well preserved 700 year old temple ruins.
If you decide to go by bus it will take you about 10 hours, the train will take about 14 hours. Traveling such long distances over night will safe you the costs for one night in a hotel. There are many airlines that fly to Chiang Mai, but you would miss a beautiful trip that way. We recommend to take the plane back, especially when you are heading down south towards the islands.