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 very interesting and ruins are amazing places to get closer to it.

There is 2 big ruins site not far from each other: Palenque and Tikal. 

Obviously, you would like to visit both and let me tell you how.`