It is a good idea to visit Luang Prabang from the north of Thailand. The distance between Chiang Mai and Luang Prabang is only 750km. But due to a border crossing and bad road conditions, It can take up to 24 hours. 

Mayan culture is fascinating, and ancient ruins are amazing places to experience it firsthand.

Two major archaeological sites are not far from each other: Palenque and Tikal.

If you would like to visit both, here is how I traveled from Palenque to Flores, the gateway to Tikal.