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Chiang Mai Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog

Last updated on May 17th, 2024

The ultimate Chiang Mai travel Guide blog with a detailed itinerary helps you discover the most iconic attractions, the best places to visit, and things to do for 3 to 5 days. Let’s visit Chiang Mai!

Located in the north of Thailand, Chiang Mai is an essential stop for any traveler to Thailand. It is a cultural city in Thailand and has so many exciting attractions that you can plan for your trip. There are around 300 temples in the city of Chiang Mai with endless corners to explore.

When considering what to do in Chiang Mai, you’ll find that there is plenty to keep you busy. There are so many things to do, tasty eats, and hidden gems that can be included as part of your Chiang Mai itinerary during your trip. Whether you’re seeking culture, cuisine, or a beautiful view, for sure there is something for you.

In this Chiang Mai Travel Guide blog , we will share all the useful travel information and tips including how to get there, where to stay, and what to eat. Also, let’s check out our ultimate Chiang Mai itinerary for making the most of your time and enjoying Chiang Mai as much as we did.

Table of Contents

Chiang Mai Travel Guide

Chiang Mai is the second largest city in Thailand after Bangkok. Known as the city of temples, Chiang Mai is one of the most popular attractions in the country. With hundreds of Buddhist temples, there is much to fill your Chiang Mai itinerary. Apart from the many sacred temples, Chiang Mai is also known for its breathtaking nature. The highest mountain in Thailand, Doi Inthanon, is located just outside of Chiang Mai.

To make this a complete Chiang Mai travel guide, here are few quick answers you probably have when planning the itinerary.

You will need at least two full days to enjoy the best of Chiang Mai City only. Plus, there are some attractions nearby that you can be coupled together for a total of 5 days to make your way through our Chiang Mai travel itinerary.

That said, the best time to visit Chiang Mai is from November to January where the weather is cold and pleasant. But it is also peak tourist season so accommodation prices will be a bit higher.

How To Get To Chiang Mai

In order to get to Chiang Mai, most likely international travelers will land in Bangkok. From there, choose from a domestic flight or take an overnight train or bus to Chiang Mai. Some countries like Malaysia, Singapore, China, Taiwan, and South Korea offer direct flights to Chiang Mai.

To find a cheap flight to Chiang Mai, you can search for cheap flights here: Skyscanner .

By Flight : Chiang Mai is the main city hub in Northern Thailand and has countless daily flight connections between Bangkok and Chiang Mai. The flight takes about one hour.

By Train : From Hua Lamphong Train Station in Bangkok to Chiang Mai Train Station will take you about 13 hours for overnight train and 11 hours during the daytime.

By Bus : It is also possible to take a bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. The journey takes around 10 hours to get you to Chiang Mai Arcade 2 Bus Terminal.

Chiang Mai Travel Tip : If you wish to travel to Chiang Mai by train or bus, you can reserve your ticket via Bookaway .

Getting Around in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai’s old town is fairly compact and easily walkable. There are many different options and it is best to combine them with various types of transportation options when getting around in town.

Scooter – Courageous travelers may choose to rent a car or a moped. The rental fee for a scooter is around 200-250 THB a day, and you got the flexibility to go around in Chiang Mai.

Songthaew – The local taxi truck is a popular option and you can also hire them for one full day. Just wave them off from the road in Chiang Mai, discuss the destination and negotiate the price.

Tuk-tuk – Also common in Chiang Mai. Slightly more expensive but easy to ride on for getting around in town for a short journey.

Grab – The e-hailing service is common in South East Asia including Thailand. Similar to Uber, you’ll need to download the app and the price is also reasonable.

Tour / Private Transfer – If you prefer a more relaxing experience, you may consider going on organized tours to all the attractions with good arrangements. It is best to hire a private transfer, especially if you are with a group or elderly.

Where To Stay

In general, Chiang Mai’s Old City (Old Town) is the best area to stay for first-time visitors to Chiang Mai . As long as you stay in the Central Town area, then you shouldn’t have any problems getting around.

• High-Range :  Phra Singh Village – A great luxurious place to enjoy some luxury in Chiang Mai.
• Mid-Range :  99 The Gallery Hotel – A great mid-range hotel located in the heart of everything. The Sunday night market is one street over!
• Budget :  The Common Hostel – Popular budget stay for clean and comfortable stay.

While Nimman is a vibrant area for a relaxing stay in Chiang Mai. The area is less bustling, and family-friendly.

• Luxury :  U Nimman Chiang Mai is a stylish 5-star hotel with an outdoor pool and views of the mountain, located at U Nimman. Rooms have a terrace and hotel facilities include a pool bar, restaurant, and sauna. Extremely popular and best to reserve your room early!
• High-Range :  Moose Hotel Nimman is a great option for family travelers with kids. It is located in the best location in Nimman, and opposite with U Nimman. Everything you want is within walking distance.
• Budget :  Sakulchai Place  is a great budget-friendly hotel located near Nimmanhaemin road and within walking distance of the night markets and Maya shopping mall. The rooms are simple but comfortable with great facilities.

For more accommodation option, check out: Where To Stay in Chiang Mai: Top 4 Best Areas .

Chiang Mai Festival

If you plan to schedule your Chiang Mai itinerary around some incredible festivals, then you have a few options.

Flower Festival (February) is held in Chiang Mai on the first weekend of every February for over 3 days. For over 40 years, locals celebrates the beautiful flowers in bloom with parades, street markets, concerts, and amazing floral displays.

Songkran (April) is the Thai New Year’s national holiday. A giant water festival is held every year on the 13th- 15th of April throughout Thailand. The streets become a huge giant water fight with water guns which is a unique experience.

Yi Peng and Loi Krathong festival (November) take place on the full moon of the twelfth lunar month. During this time, Thais release paper lanterns into the night sky to symbolize letting go of misfortunes and making wishes as they do so. It is the most popular festival in Chiang Mai and booking is highly recommended for accommodation as the city is very busy at this time.

Things To Do in Chiang Mai Itinerary

Following this Chiang Mai Travel Guide blog, you’ll get to see many sides the city has offered. Our Chiang Mai itinerary will help to keep your trip planning from becoming overwhelming, it gives you all the necessary information you need to get going.

Things to do for 4-Day Chiang Mai Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive Chiang Mai. Exploring Old Town and Temples.
• Day 2: Doi Inthanon National Park.
• Day 3: Elephant Sanctuary, Thai Cooking Class, or Thai Massage and Spa Experience.
• Day 4 and Day 5: Side Trip from Chiang Mai.
• Day 6: Relaxing at Nimman neighbourhood.
• Goodbye Chiang Mai!

Day 1: Arrive Chiang Mai. Explore Old Town and Temples

We’ll start by assuming that you’re arriving in Chiang Mai and starting to explore the city in the morning.

On the first day of the Chiang Mai itinerary, we recommended you get to jump right into the best things to do in Chiang Mai around the city center. This way, you’ll be able to get your bearings and get a feel for the city before exploring further.

Pro Tips : If you prefer you can also do an organized tour in Chiang Mai Old City Tour, which will take you to all the most important temples in and around the city. Click here to book your Chiang Mai Temple tours!

Old Town and Tha Phae Gate

Chiang Mai Old Town is located within a large square inside the medieval city walls. It has over 300 temples and the majority of the important temples in Chiang Mai are all situated within this square. There are four gates to enter Chiang Mai old city, and the main gate is Tha Pae Gate – one of the most famous landmarks in Chiang Mai, dating back to the 13th century.

Spend some time wandering around and seeing the main sights in the Old City.

Exploring the Temples

Next, continue your Chiang Mai itinerary with temple-hopping in the old town area.

Unfortunately, there are more than 300 temples in Chiang Mai dotted all over and around Chiang Mai. With so much to visit, you won’t able to see all of them. So we recommended visiting some of the most unique that you should definitely visit in the Chiang Mai itinerary.

The recommendation includes Wat Chiang Man, Wat Phra Singh (Golden Temple), and Wat Chedi Luang. Each of them displays different styles and is uniquely, and located close to each other in the Old Town area. You could do this itinerary on foot if you chose to, as well as on a scooter or with Grab.

Chiang Mai Travel Guide Tips: Make sure you have dressed appropriately, with your shoulders and knees covered when visiting the temples.

Wat Chiang Man

A good place to start for the temple hooping for the Chiang Mai itinerary is with the gorgeous Wat Chiang Man in the center of Old Town.

Established around 1296, Wat Chiang Man (also Wat Chiang Mun) is the oldest temple in the city and a must-see for anyone for your Chiang Mai itinerary. It is located on Ratchapakhinai Road inside the Chiang Mai Old City Walls.

The most famous part of this temple is the Chedi in the back, supported by elephant statues. The “Elephant Chedi” or “Chedi Chang Lom” is the oldest construction within the temple complex. The square base is built with 15 elephants emerging from it and carrying the Chedi on their backs.

The grounds of Wat Chiang Man are rather small and estimate to spend about 30 minutes in the temple complex.

Wat Chiang Man Address: 171 Ratchapakhinai Rd, Tambon Si Phum. Entrance Fee: Free! Estimate Time: About 30 minutes.

Wat Phra Singh

Also known as the Golden Temple, Wat Phra Singh is one of the popular sacred Buddhist temples within the walls of Chiang Mai old city. The temple complex is huge and is built in several buildings that are decorated with beautiful golden chedi. The main structures are stunning with their gliding rooftops, opulently curved external walls, and beautifully decorated paintings inside.

It is very enjoy walking around this beautiful temple’s grounds. The temples are very peaceful and full of detailed art. The interior is even more richly decorated than the outside, making it easy to see why it’s called the Golden Temple.

Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan Address: 2 Samlarn Rd, Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang Mai District. Entrace Fee: 40 Baht Estimate Time: About 30 minutes.

Wat Chedi Luang

With a history that is over 600 years old, Wat Chedi Luang should be part of your Chiang Mai itinerary. It’s an awesome historical site and famous for its rocky and crumbling look. The Buddhist temple is very well-maintained for many years. The Chedi (pagoda) was partially destroyed during an earthquake many years ago, but most parts of the structure still remained in good condition.

There’s so much to see in Wat Chedi Luang. Travelers can walk around the expansive grounds, visit the famous ancient ruins and temples, and even chat with monks close by. A great place to respectfully experience Thai Buddhism.

Wat Chedi Luang Address: 103 Prapokkloa Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District. Entrace Fee: Free! Estimate Time: About 60 minutes.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

If you’re visiting Chiang Mai, Wat Doi Suthep is a must-visit. It is a splendid temple located in Doi Inthanon National Park Chiang Mai, about 15 kilometers from the city.

The temple complex is situated atop the hill with the serene surrounding. You can choose to walk up to 309 steps or take the electric tram (20 baht) to reach the gold glittering temple. It’s worth the easy hike with the beautiful view along the journey.

Similar to all the Thai temples, Wat Doi Suthep is so stunning with golden plated Chedi, Buddha statues, beautiful adornments, and intricate wood carving. The golden Chedi is particularly stunning on a blue sky day as the golden architecture really shines in the sunlight.

The place is fairly busy but all the people visiting the temple are quiet, humble, and serene. The viewpoint was just breathtaking and it is great to catch sight of Chiang Mai from the top. It is true pleasure for exploring the temple and not to be missed!

READ MORE : Wat Phra That Doi Suthep: A Travel Guide Blog

How To Get to Wat Doi Suthep : You can either hire a scooter or take a tuk-tuk from Chiang Mai and it will take you around an hour to reach the temple. Together with traveling time, it is advice to reserve at least 3 hours for your trip to Doi Suthep temple.

Chiang Mai Travel Guide Tip : Please remember to dress modestly or you could be denied entrance. Besides, you will also be asked to remove your shoes while walking around inside the main temple. There are shoe racks to store them or you could put them in your backpack.

Day 2: Doi Inthanon National Park

Besides the stunning temple, there awaits another highlight for you: lovely nature! There are two types of trips that you can do in Doi Inthanon National Park, with and without trekking. If you are physically able, I would recommend doing the trek.

During the visit, travelers can head up to Doi Inthanon National Park to experience the beauty of the forest and mountains. You’ll visit Thailand’s highest peak (Doi Inthanon Summit), the King and Queen Chedis (pagodas), the waterfall, and beautiful landscapes. A perfect day trip from Chiang Mai.

Pro Tips : It is economical and hassle-free to do a group tour of Doi Inthanon National Park. Feel free to check out for more detail – Doi Inthanon National Park & Trekking at a Nature Trail .

Grand Pagodas of Doi Inthanon

The most popular tourist attraction in Doi Inthanon National Park is the Grand Pagodas of Doi Inthanon . The Twin Royal Chedis are Pra Mahatat Noppamethanedon and Pra Mahatat Nopphonphusiri Pagodas, which are dedicated to King and Queen. It’s characterized by distinctive white and golden chedis and pagodas, which create a beautiful contrast.

The garden ground in Grand Pagodas of Doi Inthanon is also amazing and beautiful. You can take a quick walk across after visiting the main temple. This is also a great place for you to witness the sea of clouds that are often visible on a clear winter morning without having to hike.

Doi Inthanon Summit

Next, proceed to the Doi Inthanon Summit, highest point in Thailand and it can be reached by an easy hike.

The short trail will take you through a mossy forest with peaceful monks and many many travelers along the hike. The walking path will not take you more than 10 minutes to complete the journey. There is a signboard indicating you have reached the highest point in Thailand.

Nature Trekking Trail

Ang Ka Nature Trail is a short-circuit nature trail on the summit. It takes about 30 minutes to complete the trail. There is no viewpoint but only a nature tree for this easy hike. Anyone of any age can do it.

For hikers, you may consider the Kew Mae Pan Natural Trail which is significant long and beautiful. It offers unique forest phenomena, panoramic views, and serene surroundings. The viewpoint at Kew Mae Pan is picturesque and you can see the beautiful Twin Pagodas from there. It will take you about 2 to 4 hours to complete the circular path depending on your fitness.

Doi Inthanon Waterfalls

Besides, Doi Inthanon National Park is also home to the most magnificent waterfalls in Thailand. Mae Klang Waterfall, Mae Ya Waterfall, Siriphum Waterfall and Wachirathan Waterfall are some of the waterfalls that you can visit in the National Park. You may consider to stop by when visit Doi Inthanon.

On our way back from the summit, we visited Wachirathan Waterfall. It is located along the main Doi Inthanon road and a great place to stop for resting before proceed our journey. Be prepared to get a bit wet if you get close due to the spray.

Night Bazaar and Weekend Night Market

A great way to end your day on the Chiang Mai itinerary is to visit the night market. Chiang Mai has a daily Night Bazaar that opens on Chang Khlan Road. On Weekends, you may explore Sunday Night Market at Rachadamnoen Road or Saturday Night Market at Wua Lai Road.

The Sunday Night Market is the most happening and lively among all. Starting around 16:00, the street food stalls around the night market begin selling delicious hot meals and Thai street food. Among the most popular offerings are mango sticky rice, Thai noodles, and all sorts of meat grilled on sticks. Hop from stall to stall until you get your fill of the best Thailand cuisine.

Travelers can stop by for a leisurely night walk, do some shopping, and find some entertainment. There are many vendors selling handicrafts, paintings, clothes, and souvenirs for tourists to bring back home. Street performers and musicians also perform live in the street, adding to the atmosphere. Brave yourself and start shopping in Chiang Mai!

Chiang Mai Travel Guide Tip : If you’re not in Chiang Mai on a Sunday, there are other night bazaars and markets in the area. Although it is not that lively compared with the Sunday Night market, it is still a good place to sample some food and shop in Chiang Mai.

Day 3: Elephant Sanctuary

One of the most special things to do in Chiang Mai is to visit an ethical elephant sanctuary . There are a few options to choose from but the most important thing is you have to be ethical! That means no elephant rides are permitted.

The sanctuary is located about 1 hour ride out of downtown Chiang Mai and a free transfer is arranged at the cost of your visit. You will have the chance to take them for a little walk, feed them bananas, and wash them. This visit will provide an experience you will never forget!

Enjoy some quality time with the rescued elephants – Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Chiang Mai .

Other Fall Day Tour Option:

• Chiang Mai Kerchor Elephant Eco Park Tour
• Chiang Mai Elephant Conservation Foundation (Maesa Elephant Camp)

We opted for a half-day morning visit to see the elephant. You can also coupled it together with a Thai cooking class or Thai massage session when back in town. 

Thai Massage and Spa Experience

After returning from the Elephant Sanctuary, go for the Thai cooking class or Thai massage session when back in town. There are many Thai Massage and Spa Experiences in Chiang Mai to allow your stress to melt away. The price also various depending on your environment and professional level.

Here is some of the recommendation that you can consider:

• Fah Lanna Spa Experience at Old Town Chiang Mai
• Let’s Relax Spa Experience in Chiang Mai
• Oasis Spa Experience at Nimman

Chiang Mai Travel Tips : It is always advised to do an appoitment early to secure your slot.

We decided to pamper ourselves at one of Chiang Mai’s most famous spas, the multi-award-winning – Let’s Relax Spa . It is located nearby our hotel and we could easily walk there. They offer professional therapists who work their magic with a plethora of massages and body treatments.

The price is not cheap compared with the street massage parlor but it is worth the money. Everything is perfect at that price.

Day 4 and Day 5: Side Trips from Chiang Mai

When visiting Chiang Mai, many great side trips are possible from Chiang Mai to spend for a 1 or 2 days trip. If you have extra days to spend, it is best to go beyond Chiang Mai and visit the place nearby.

Here is the best place for your Chiang Mai itinerary:

Chiang Rai – About 3.5 hours from Chiang Mai. The most famous attractions in Chiang Rai are the White Temple, Blue White, and the Black House.

Related Travel Blog: Things To Do in Chiang Rai Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog

Pai – About 3 hours from Chiang Mai. Pai is also famous for its beautiful nature where you can plan for a nature hike to Pai Waterfall, or explore the Pai Canyon.

We would recommend spending at least one night due to the long traveling journey. But if you are limited in time, a day trip from Chiang Mai is also doable and we recommended to engage with the tour to save the hassle.

• Day Trip from Chiang Mai City to Chiang Rai (Small Group: Temples and Golden Triangle)
• Day Tour from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai – Options to choose

Day 6: Relaxing at Nimman Neighbourhood

Nimmanhaemin is the trendiest part of Chiang Mai. It is commonly known as Nimman and is based along the Nimmanhaemin Road. Nimman is filled with chic coffee shops and cafés, restaurants, stylish boutiques, and shops. There are plenty of things to do and see to keep you busy in this stylish neighborhood.

Spend some time wandering and go through the alleyway in Nimman. You’ll find some little coffee shops, cafes, or pastry shops for yourself. There are many hidden gems awaiting you to discover. We love the relaxing vibe and enjoy wandering around.

Read more for inspriration : Nimman Travel Guide Blog: Things To Do and Eat

What To Eat in Chiang Mai

We love Thai food and definitely will not miss the chance to try as many as we can. Although Chiang Mai is far from a big city like Bangkok, the food scene is not all boring. Many restaurants are tastefully done up and their menu is creative and flavorful.

Some of the must-eat food in Chiang Mai are Khao Soi (Chiang Mai curry noodles), Sai Oua (Northern Thai Spiced Sausage), and Nam Prik (Thai Chili Dips).

We also enjoyed the street food and sample a lot of good food at the weekend night market. Besides, Chiang Mai is also having many nice cafes where you can have a cup of coffee and relax.

Generally, the food in Chiang Mai is reasonable and should cost less than 100 THB per meal. Expect to pay more if you opt for a classy restaurant in the city.

For more Chiang Mai best food and restaurants, read more:

• Chiang Mai Food Guide: Where and What To Eat
• Khao Soi Mae Sai: The Best Khao Soi in Chiang Mai

Overview: A Visit To Chiang Mai

All in all, we hope you enjoy our Chiang Mai itinerary blog post. I never thought that I would have so much fun exploring temples and explore the nature. It is truly a great place to visit and a true gem of Southeast Asia.  

This Chiang Mai travel guide post will serve as a convenient 5 days Chiang Mai itienerary when planning your trip to this amazing city. Hope it help you plan your Chiang Mai trip better. Enjoy!

Related Chiang Mai Travel Blog :

• Where To Stay in Chiang Mai: Top 4 Best Areas

Nimman Travel Guide Blog: Things To Do and Eat

Wat phra that doi suthep: a travel guide blog.

• A Guide For Chiang Mai Night Market and Morning Market
• Jing Jai (JJ) Market Chiang Mai: A Travel Guide Blog
• Things To Do in Chiang Rai Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
• Where To Stay in Chiang Rai: Best Hotels Pick

Travel to Thailand and looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my other travel blog in Bangkok and more.

• Bangkok Itinerary: Ultimate Travel Guide Blog
• Where To Stay in Bangkok: Best Areas and Hotels

Bangkok Food Guide: Where and What To Eat in Bangkok

Planning a beach holiday to Phuket? Get to know more before planning your trip to Phuket.

• How to Plan Your Phuket Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
• Where to Stay in Phuket: Top 7 Areas on Island
• Island Hopping Tour to Koh Phi Phi: A Travel Guide Blog

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The Ultimate Itinerary: Chiang Mai in 4 Days

The ancient capital of Chiang Mai perfectly illustrates the spectrum of what makes Thailand so great. Spectacular natural landscapes and undeniable spirituality live hand in hand alongside vicious martial arts and vibrant red-light districts.

There’s little wonder that so many ex-pats lay their foundations in this city! Though as much as we’d all love to spend months exploring this fascinating region of the world, few of us have that luxury! So, in that case, let me show you the perfect itinerary for exploring the spiritual haven of Chiang Mai!

Table of Contents

Time to hit the road running and start your first day with some of Thailand’s biggest cultural icons. You best get up early for this one!

Visit an Elephant Sanctuary

There are a few symbols as iconic to Thailand as this one! These wonderful gentle giants gather visitors from all across the world who come to spend time in their company. It’s almost become a right of passage for travellers in Thailand, and they’ll undoubtedly form some incredible lasting memories!

Thankfully, in recent years the public has become more aware of the ethical practices relating to these animals. The Elephant Rescue Park on the far outskirts of Chiang Mai is one of these spectacular sanctuaries that go out of their way to take care of these poor creatures! As the name suggests, the sanctuary saves elephants from abusive industries and provides them with a safe place to live and the care they need.

You’ll be able to feed them, give them medicine, and even get the chance to clean them! What’s more, tourist cash goes a long way to provide these poor animals with what they need.

King Cobra Farm

Thailand is home to yet another iconic animal, though this has far more of a bite to it! There are over 200 species of snakes slithering their way through these lands, so why not get up close and personal with some of them?

The King Cobra Farm has become an iconic stop for visitors travelling through Mae Rim and was even featured in the latest Rambo movie! The little roadside attraction has a large collection of reptiles, from the deadly Thai cobra to giant iguanas and snappy scorpions.

You’ll be personally guided through the compound by one of the snake handlers who will take you through each paddock to introduce you to the animals. You might even be allowed to hold a few of them, the non-venomous ones of course! At the end of the tour, you’ll be treated to a short, exhilarating demonstration with the snakes!

Mae Sa Waterfall

The landscapes of Northern Thailand consist of rolling mountain ranges and deep valleys, amongst which there are plenty of treats to be found. That includes shampoo-commercial worthy waterfalls which are scattered throughout. Down the road from the King Cobra Farm is one of the very best, Mae Sa.

The 10-storeyed waterfall cascades its way through the outskirts of Doi Suthep Pui National Park ( we’ll explore more of that tomorrow! ) Flowing for miles upon miles, it gathers tourists from across the region who come to beat the heat in its refreshing streams.

Baan Tong Luang Eco-agricultural Village (Karen Long Neck Tribe)

The Northern hills of Thailand have become a haven for some of Southeast Asia’s most fascinating tribes. While some escaped persecution from neighbouring Myanmar, others drifted here naturally from nearby countries. Of these tribes, one has become an iconic image recognised throughout the world, the Karen Long Neck Tribe.

The fascinating women of this tribe are renowned for the long brass coils they wear around their necks, giving them the appearance that they’ve been elongated! In reality, it’s just an optical illusion as the ladies’ shoulders have been deformed after years of ring-wearing.

To learn more about this fascinating culture, and where to find these tribal villages, check out The Ultimate Travel Plan: Visiting the Karen (Long Neck) Tribe !

Tribal villages are dotted around the provinces of Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son. Luckily for those visiting Chiang Mai, the village of Baan Tong Luang is along the road you’ll be following in Mae Rim! Though some find these places to be touristy, they’re one of the few ways that these tribes are able to make an income. Additionally, due to the recent pandemic, they need your support more than ever!

Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium

After a full day of exploring some of Thailand’s biggest cultural icons, time to finish your day with one of the more violent! The combat sport of Muay Thai ( as the name suggests ) was created right here in Thailand! So where better to experience the art form than in its spiritual home?

You can find a brutal, action-packed fight almost everywhere in Thailand! From neon-lit, televised stadiums to a bunch of plastic chairs and one too many beers, there are plenty of places to watch some sanctioned violence!

For your first night, there’s no better place to add to your itinerary than one of the premier venues in the country, Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium. Lucky for the bloodthirsty amongst you, fights take place there every day of the week!

Everything you need to know about the sport of Muay Thai in Thailand.

From where to watch a fight to where to train it yourself!

Click here!

From one action-packed day to the next. Once again, you’ll be spending your day on the outskirts of the city.

Wat Pha Lat

As this day will be all about the serenity and tranquillity of nature and spiritual houses, then it’s best to start off on the right foot.

At the base of Dui Pui mountain, Wat Pha Lat is a tiny little temple that’s slowly been reclaimed by the rainforests that surround it. You’ll find little crowds and escape the unwanted distractions of the city. Sitting beside a gorgeous waterfall and hidden beneath a thick canopy, it’s one of the hidden gems of Chiang Mai and earns a place on your itinerary!

Doi Suthep Trail

There are plenty of places around the Doi Suthep Pui National Park worth exploring, though sadly most of us won’t have the time to explore that much of it! In the interest of speed, there happens to be the perfect trail to give you a crash course in the park’s beauty!

Leading from the back of Wat Pha Lat, this serene little trail cuts through the lush rainforest while passing by some jaw-dropping waterfalls along the way. The short 30-minute trail also conveniently leads toward your next stop on your Chiang Mai itinerary!

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

To say that Chiang Mai has a thing for temples is an understatement! Though of the many hundreds found in and around the city, one is regarded above all others!

The crowning temple of Wat Phra Doi Suthep is by far one of Northern Thailand’s most sacred. Legend has it that a piece of Buddha’s shoulder bone was mounted on a white elephant ( a sacred symbol in Thailand ) who then climbed Doi Suthep before laying down and dying on the spot where the temple was later built.

The temple also holds yet another renowned piece, a replica of the Emerald Buddha, which is considered the holiest image in all of Thailand! On top of that, the stairway leading towards the temple is a worthy spot in itself!

Find out where the real Emerald Buddha is kept by reading The 15 Best Highlights To See In Bangkok !

Bhubing Palace

Thailand’s royalty knows a thing or two about luxury, and the Bhubing Palace goes to show just that! Built by the order of King Rama V in 1961 to be his Chiang Mai residence, it also became the royal guesthouse for prominent State visitors. Fortunately for us commoners, the lavish gardens and soothing grounds are open to the public.

Amongst the ancient gardens, a large placid reservoir surrounded by fresh landscapes and trickling fountains adds an air of opulence. You can also stop to pay homage to the Khru Ba Si Wichai Monument, dedicated to the man who constructed Phra That Doi Suthep.

Baan Doi Pui (Hmong Tribal Village)

The mountains of Northern Thailand are home to more than just the Karen Long Neck tribe, in fact, there are 7 different sub-groups of tribes scattered around the surrounding region. Of them, the Hmong Hill Tribe is the second largest in Thailand and makes up about 17% of the total hill tribe population.

Though you may have come across some members of this tribe in Baan Tong Luang, there’s a village solely dedicated to the Hmong tribe here on Doi Suthep. It’s a fascinating opportunity to learn about the different aspects of their culture through their musical instruments, traditional clothing and bamboo crafts.

Of course, these places are not exactly traditional and mostly centre around tourism. However once again, this is a vital source of income for these villagers, and an excellent crash course for visiting foreigners.

Everything you need to know about visiting the Long Neck tribe in the highlands of Thailand and why you should experience it.

Hmong Doi Pui Arts and Museum

Whilst still in the Hmong Tribal village, there’s the perfect place to learn more about their rich cultural history! Starting in 1984, this tiny museum decorated like a hill tribe house was started by monk Ying Wangwonnat as a place to sell Mong tools and antiques to visiting tourists. In later decades the place started to gather numerous items donated by the local villagers to be a source of knowledge, and viola, you have yourself a little museum!

You can learn more about the tribe’s origins in China and how they still maintain certain Chinese practices. Better yet, at the back of the museum, you can find out exactly what the tribe’s source of income once was in the form of a genuine opium poppy garden!! A pretty rare find these days.

According to locals, you haven’t really been to Chiang Mai until you’ve seen the views from Doi Suthep! Standing 12 km outside of the city centre, the majestic mountain gives a commanding view back towards Chiang Mai and its numerous upward stretching chedi.

This should mark the perfect end to your Doi Suthep adventure, and a great opportunity to sit back and enjoy the majestic views that the mountain ranges offer! You could head further along one of the many trails, or at this point, you can call it a day and make your way back down.

Night Bazaar

After a full day of exploring, you surely will have built up quite an appetite! Luckily, Chiang Mai has the perfect place to feed your hunger!

The night bazaar is a one-stop shop for all your consumer needs! Whether you’re after cheap clothes and dodgy tech or just a bite to eat, there’s a bit of everything on offer. You can even sit down and enjoy a local Muay Thai fight in the rinky-dink ring nearby!

The night air is full of chants of haggling, beer-swilling, face-punching excitement, and is a great place to top off another fabulous day in the city!

For our third day, we will be staying within the city limits. This day will mostly focus on some of the fascinating temples that surround the city.

As there’s such a high density of amazing sites, you’ll likely pass plenty of interesting things to see while making your way through the city. There are countless more spots that I could have added to this itinerary, but these are just some of the very best that old Chiang Mai has to offer!

Wat Suan Dok

Built in 1373 under the rule of King Keu Na of the ancient Lanna Kingdom, Wat Suan Dok became his prime residence. In later years, the temple also became a place which welcomed visiting priests who would stay in the attached monastery.

The name of the temple translates to mean “ the field of flowers”, as it was once placed on a blossoming flower farm. These days the blooms of plant life have been replaced by a gorgeous collection of stupas, some of which contain the cremated remains of one of Chiang Mai’s previous rulers!

The courtyard also contains Mahachulalongkorn Buddhist University. As the name might suggest, this place provides higher learning for local monks!

Tha Pae Gate

This crumbling landmark dating back to the 13th century Lanna Kingdom once acted as the city’s fortress. Along with the nearby moat and several large gates, it was a formidable obstacle for the invading Mongols and Burmese armies to overcome!

Today, Tha Pae Gate marks the boundaries of what used to be the “ Old City” of Chiang Mai. Its perimeters gather a congregation of hotels, bars, restaurants, cafes and massage parlours ( both cheeky and otherwise ).

Wat Phra Singh

Though there are a fair few temples in this itinerary, this is by far one of the most significant in Chiang Mai! This 14th-century temple is easily the city’s largest, and also comes with an attached monastery which permanently houses 700 monks!

Known as the Temple of the Lion Buddha, Wat Phra Sing is home to many decadent structures. These include the assembly hall which houses Phra Chao Thong Tip, a large copper and gold cast of the seated Buddha.

Though it doesn’t end there, as the temple’s most sacred shrine is the adjacent building. Within Phra Viharn Lai Kam is the iconic, though now sadly headless, figure known as the Phra Singh Buddha.

Everything you need to know about each temple in Taiwan!

Learn about everything from the detailed symbolism to how to pray like a local.

Wat Lok Moli

Now from one of Chiang Mai’s biggest temples to one of the oldest! This 500-year-old temple’s deceptively reserved appearance makes it all the more spiritual.

The temple’s fascinating stone pagoda cascades down in 3 tiers to a surrounding of lotus flowers and chakra arches to create a wonderous spiritual landmark. It’s certainly a beautiful sight! In fact, it’s classified as a masterpiece of ancient Lanna art!

Wat Chiang Man

Yet another beautiful temple with a fascinating royal history! Dating back to the 13th century, this temple acted as the residence of King Mengrai while the city of Chiang Mai was still being built!

The inner halls also hold a number of fascinating artefacts with a unique history! The sacred marble Phra Sila, which depicts a standing Buddha taming an elephant, originated from India while others debate it came from Sri Lanka. Either way, pretty fascinating!

There’s also a 10 cm-tall quartz crystal Phra Satang Man Buddha, which is believed to have been made around 200 CE! The figure is revered for its ability to protect the city from disasters.

Chiang Mai Women Correctional Institution Vocational Training Center

After 3 action-packed days of exploring every corner of Chiang Mai, your body must be in agony! So, what better way to relieve your tension than a good old-fashioned massage? Though here, they do it a little differently.

The Woman’s Prison in Chiang Mai runs various programs that allow soon-to-be-released women an opportunity to learn some useful skills which they’ll be able to use following their freedom. As such, current felons and ex-prisoner travel to a nearby massage parlour to practice their trade!

Though it may be difficult to relax in the circumstance, feel secure in the knowledge that these women are watched at all times! What’s more, this is an important life-changing opportunity for them, so they can’t afford to break your neck!

Wat Chedi Luang

As pristine as many of the temples of Chiang Mai are, there really comes a beauty with one that’s been left in ruins! That’s the case with Wat Chedi Luang, a crumbling ancient structure in the heart of Old Chiang Mai.

Before an earthquake damaged a large portion of the temple in 1545, it was once home to the Emerald Buddha, which now stands in Wat Phra Kaew in  Bangkok . Following the capture of Chiang Mai from the Burmese a few years later, the temple was left to fall into the ruins that they are today.

To this day, the temple is still an active place of worship that attract countless monks daily. The courtyard also contains a smaller temple which has a shrine dedicated to Chiang Mai’s guardian spirit, Lak Muang. The temple stands below an enormous gum tree which, according to tradition, if it should fall, disaster will overtake the city.

Loi Kroh Boxing Stadium

Ding-ding!! Though you may have already watched some violent blood sports, I guarantee you’ve never experienced it quite like this! You’d be doing an injustice if you left out Loi Kroh Boxing Stadium from your Chiang Mai itinerary!

This won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, as the ring is in the heart of Chiang Mai’s red-light district. Observing men and women getting beaten half to death in the midst of lady bars ( if you know, you know) filled with scantily dressed women with a mission to flirt.

Regardless of your ethics, the combination of beer-fueled, neon-lit, last days of Rome vibe makes it such an exciting experience!

For your final day, we’ll take things a little easier and end your Chiang Mai itinerary with some serene relaxation!

Warorot Market

Though night bazaars are most definitely worth your time, seeing local markets in the early hours of the morning is a whole different beast. Of the many places to check out, Warorot Market is by far the mightiest!

This is  the  local market where the prices are kept much lower compared to the tourist spots. Here you’ll be able to find everything from local produce to clothing and souvenirs! The outskirts of the markets also have a myriad of handicraft goods made by the local Hill Tribes which are also much cheaper compared to anywhere else.

Many are too afraid to try some street food in case they get sick!

Well here are a few tips for eating street food!

Mae Ping River

Running adjacent to the former eastern wall of the city, the Ping River separates Chiang Mai’s west from the little-visited eastern side. Though it’s glorious just to sit next to the gentle running water, there’s the best way to experience it is by cruising along it!

Along the river cruise, you’ll pass fishermen going about their day and get the opportunity to explore traditional local villages. A great change of pace and an opportunity to get in tune with the surrounding landscape.

Wiang Kum Kam

Though you might be templed-out by now, there’s one more worth visiting for good measure! About 5 km south of Chiang Mai are the wondrous archaeological sites of Wiang Kum Kam. This ancient city dates back to the 8 th  century Haripunchai Kingdom, and would later serve as the capital of the then Lanna Kingdom for a short while until it was replaced by Chiang Mai in 1296.

Though the site has some gorgeous modern halls, the main attraction is the ruins that were left behind! Some of the greatest discoveries in the area include stone tablets with Mon inscriptions, Buddhist sculptures, architecture, and pottery.

Bo Sang Village

Though you’ve come across some fascinating villages on this trip, time for one with a bit more of a curious twist! About 9 km outside of the Old City, the village of Bo Sang has a unique speciality. The village is renowned for the outstanding umbrellas they hand-craft from sa paper, which is made from the bark of mulberry trees.

The village acts as a wonderful production line that plays a role in everything from creating umbrellas to selling them in mass. You’ll find everything from hand-painted parasols for gardens to tiny cocktail umbrellas. Though most traditionally have floral patterns, the designs have evolved with time to include depictions of Chiang Mai’s rural scenery and even abstract patterns.

San Kamphaeng Hot Springs

Whilst sweating your balls off in 40°C weather, stepping into the toasty waters of a hot spring might be the last thing on your mind! Though after days of hiking and aching calves, its the perfect way to soothe those sore muscles of yours!

Nestled within the forest deep in the countryside are the San Kamphaeng Hot Springs. These iconic mineral baths are famous for the streams of boiling water that they shoot from the ground below! The highly sulfuric spring water is also believed to have curative powers. A perfect way to end your Chiang Mai itinerary.

Thank You for Reading! Check Out These Other Helpful Links!

Thank you so much for reading The Ultimate Itinerary: Chiang Mai in 4 Days! Now check out these other helpful articles!

• The Ultimate Travel Plan: Visiting the Karen (Long Neck) Tribe
• The 20 Best Highlights To See In Chiang Mai
• The Ultimate Guide to Muay Thai in Thailand
• The 15 Best Highlights To See In Bangkok

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Chiang Mai Itinerary: Best Way To Spend 3 Days in Chiang Mai, Thailand

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With an ancient history, lush landscapes and captivating culture, it’s clear why Chiang Mai is one of the best cities to visit in Thailand. Much more laid back and manageable than Bangkok, the compact Chiang Mai Old City is teeming with temples, family-run restaurants and fun local markets. We’ve designed a perfect 3 Days in Chiang Mai Itinerary that explores the top highlights – and much more!

The Best Chiang Mai Itinerary

Trips to Chiang Mai can be relaxing and full of contemplation – or full throttle and filled with adventure. Visitors can see Chiang Mai on a budget – or splurge for a luxury vacation to Thailand.

Because travel styles are vastly different, we created a Chiang Mai Travel Itinerary that can be tailored to each individual. We outline essential Chiang Mai activities, but offer ample alternatives so that you can adapt our itinerary for Chiang Mai into your perfect plan for visiting the city.

3 Days in Chiang Mai, Thailand

We detail what to do in Chiang Mai in 3 days – which we think the perfect amount of time to see the sights and get a glimpse at the surrounding region. But what if you have more (or less) time? We’ve got you covered! At the end of this article, we feature alternate Chiang Mai Itineraries for 1 Day or up to 1 Week in Northern Thailand.

Chiang Mai Itinerary 3 Days

Our detailed itinerary includes the absolute best things to do in Chiang Mai in 3 days. We’ll give you a taste of it all and likely leave you wanting to visit Chiang Mai again. So, we best get started!

Save, Pin or Bookmark our Chiang Mai Travel Guide to plan your trip to Thailand!

DAY 1: CHIANG MAI OLD TOWN

On the first day of your Chiang Mai 3-Day Itinerary, explore the best Old Town sights. Get a taste of traditional cuisine, experience a key part of the Thai culture and navigate your way through a Chiang Mai night market.

Chiang Mai Temple Tour

Begin your exploration of Chiang Mai on a Temple Tour. There are at least 30 temples within the Old City walls – and dozens more just steps from the city gates. The most visited are the lavishly decorated temples that sit within sprawling complexes, but some of the unique Chiang Mai temples see relatively few visitors.

For travelers who are unfamiliar with Buddhism, it can be helpful to hire a Chiang Mai Tour Guide that can explain the traditions and significance of the temples. Read reviews of this popular tour on Viator .

Visitors who would rather see the temples on their own can use our detailed Chiang Mai Temples Guide . It includes specific information about our recommended temples and a walking route to see all the best temples in Chiang Mai Old City.

Khao Soi Lunch

Khao Soi is the iconic dish of Northern Thailand – and it’s absolutely delicious. The spicy soup is a combination of noodles, meat and herbs that simmer in a coconut milk broth. Each stemming bowl is topped with crispy noodles – then diners add a squeeze of lime, pickled cabbage and shallots to create their own version that best suits their tastes.

While Khao Soi is offered at numerous restaurants in Chiang Mai, the best place for the signature meal is at Khao Soi Khun Yai – map . The simple restaurant is located on the north side of the Old Town (conveniently near Wat Lok Moli – one of the best temples in Chiang Mai). Only open limited hours – 10:00am until 2:00pm Monday through Saturday (closed Sundays), make sure to keep an eye on the clock if you want a bowl of this famous Chiang Mai Khao Soi!

Chiang Mai Thai Massage

Getting a Thai massage in a Chiang Mai is must! The art of Thai massage has been used for thousands of years as a method of healing and rejuvenation. Rather than soothing or tranquil, Thai massages use a technique of pressure, stretching and pulling. It can feel somewhat like visiting a chiropractor…but I think they are fabulous.

There are hundreds of places to get a massage in Chiang Mai. Every massage parlor and spa in the city offers a 1-hour Thai Massage, but additional services – like foot massages, oil massages and deeper spa treatments – are also available. Prices for a traditional Thai massage start at around 200 baht ($6 USD), but can cost significantly more at a luxury Chiang Mai massage spa.

Read our Complete Guide to Chiang Mai Massages to find the perfect place for your Thai massage!

Chiang Mai Night Markets

Chiang Mai has 3 night markets: The Saturday Night Market, The Sunday Night Market and the daily Night Bazaar. Even though all three of the Chiang Mai markets are geared toward tourists, we find them highly entertaining. Most of the items for sale are souvenirs (some handmade) and local eats. Vendors begin setting up around 4:00pm – and all the markets in Chiang Mai are in full swing by 7:00pm.

Saturday Night Market (Wua Lai Walking Street)

Of the three, the Saturday Walking Street Market is our favorite. The market takes place along Wua Lai Street, just outside the south Chiang Mai city gate. After perusing the goods, we recommend dining on local fare from one of the popular vendors near the Pratu Gate.

Sunday Night Market

The Sunday Market – also called the Tha Pae Walking Street Market – is located inside the Old City, occupying Rachadamnoen Road from Tha Phae Gate west to the city center. Although more congested than the Saturday Market, people watching while having a delicious meal on the grounds of Wat Pan On is very entertaining!

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

The Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is east of the Old Town along Changklan Road. Offering similar goods as the Saturday and Sunday markets, the Bazaar takes places nightly and has a larger variety of food vendors and sometimes live music.

DAY 2: CHIANG MAI DAY TRIPS

On the second day of your Chiang Mai 3-Days Itinerary, discover beyond the Old City walls on one of the best day trips from Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai Tours

One of the great things about Chiang Mai is its proximity to amazing nature, additional top sights and other interesting towns. Tours from Chiang Mai take visitors into the mountains and to play with elephants, to famous temples and tea plantations, and to northern Thai cities and hill tribe villages.

Choosing the Best Day Trips from Chiang Mai

Deciding which Chiang Mai tour – or tours – to take can be overwhelming; there are just so many options! There are half-day, full-day and multi-day tours; big bus tours, small group tours and personalized tours; cheap, mid-range and luxury tours. We think the best way to wade through all the options is to read reviews from fellow travelers. Organized Chiang Mai tour providers like Viator and Get Your Guide allow visitors to sort through the massive number of tours, clearly see inclusions, exclusions and pour through the reviews.

We have only taken one organized Chiang Mai tour, an all-day trekking trip that included numerous activities, like playing with elephants, bamboo rafting, visiting a hill tribe, hiking through the forest and swimming at a waterfall. In the end, the tour fell short of our expectations – and, in hindsight, we would have chosen a different tour.

Read about details of our day trip – and which tour we would have taken instead – in our Chiang Mai Trekking Trip review.

Popular Day Trips from Chiang Mai

These popular Chiang Mai day trips come highly rated by fellow travelers!

Chiang Mai Ethical Elephant Camp

While elephant camps have long been a Thailand attraction, the poor treatment of the animals has come to light in recent years. Finding an ethical elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai can be difficult – but not impossible. The Ran-Tong Save & Rescue Elephant Centre allows visitors to get up-close and personal with the gentle giants, but does not allow participants to ride the elephants. Find out more and book it!  

Chiang Rai and Golden Triangle

One of the most popular tours is from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle. The day trip from Chiang Mai includes visiting the famous White Temple, seeing the ancient city of Chiang Saen, riding a boat on the Khong River and exploring the Golden Triangle, the point where Myanmar, Laos and Thailand converge. Get the details and book it!  

Top Tip : Rather than seeing the city on a day trip, we stayed in Chiang Rai for a week. We have more suggestions for a Chiang Rai-Chiang Mai Itinerary below!

Chiang Mai Mountain Doi Suthep

Sitting west of the Chiang Mai Old City is Doi Suthep Mountain. Numerous day trips from Chiang Mai explore the mountain that is known for its lush nature, dazzling temples and incredible adventures. Some of the top activities include visiting the iconic Doi Suthep Temple, going to a hill tribe village and hiking to hidden waterfalls and stellar viewpoints. Search for the best Doi Suthep tours on Get Your Guide!

Dinner: Pork Leg Rice

After you return from your day trip, indulge in a scrumptious meal of stewed Pork Leg Rice from a famous Chiang Mai food vendor, the Cowboy Hat Lady. Located outside the north gate at the Chang Phueak Night Food Market, Khao Kha Moo Chang Phueak – map – is the best place in Chiang Mai for Thai-style braised pork leg.

The pork is first simmered to perfection. Served over steamed rice and covered in sauce, it’s best with a sprinkle of pickled vegetables and an egg on the side. Some say the Cowboy Hat Lady makes the absolute best stewed pork in all of Thailand; the stall is so well-known that even the late Anthony Bourdain dined there. Watch the clip here .

DAY 3: THAI CULTURE

Use the last day of your three days in Chiang Mai to learn more about the local Thai culture…and eat more delicious Chiang Mai food.

Local Chiang Mai Market

One of the best ways to get a glimpse of local life is to visit the markets where residents do their daily shopping. In Chiang Mai, the most popular day market is Warorot Market in Chinatown, which is just a short walk (or Grab Taxi ride) from the Old Town.

The massive shopping complex offers everything under the sun. Freshly ground spices overflow from barrels. Flies buzz around the piles of exotic produce and raw meat. Clothing, jewelry, electronics and luggage are all crammed into small spaces that are navigated by narrow lanes. The heat is oppressive and the scents are potent…and we love it!

Top Tip : Prepared market food is also available and is a great opportunity to try several different dishes. Look for food vendors that have the longest lines and order what the locals are ordering!

Chiang Mai Cooking Class 

Participating in a cooking class is another excellent way to understand the market, food and eating culture of Thailand. The school’s chef leads the attendees to a local market to gather produce, meat and spices for the day’s meal, explaining different fruits, vegetables and herbs during the visit. Back at the school, guests are guided through the process of making an incredible array of local eats. Lunch is guaranteed to be a feast! Read the reviews and book it now!

Monk Chat, Meditation, Museums (or a Swim!)

In the afternoon, spend time chatting with a monk, taking a class on meditation or visiting one of the top Chiang Mai museums. If you just need time to relax, go for a refreshing swim at your hotel pool or chill out in a Chiang Mai café.

Monk Chat is a fabulous way to learn more about the temples, monks, Buddhism and Thailand. Many of the temples offer the opportunity for tourists to converse with monks. We had an amazing monk chat with fellow travelers at Wat Chedi Luang, where they offer daily chats from 9:00am until 6:00pm.

Meditation or Yoga Class

There are numerous places around Chiang Mai that offer classes on meditation and yoga. Courses last from a couple of hours to month-long retreats. Search for options and read reviews!

Chiang Mai Museums

We didn’t actually visit any museums on our trips to Chiang Mai, but they would make an excellent escape from the afternoon heat or monsoon rains. Top Chiang Mai museums are the 3D Art Museum ( buy your ticket in advance! ), the Museum of World Insects and Natural Wonders and the National Museum.

Cool Off With A Swim

Rather than Chiang Mai sightseeing, grab a good book and cool off with a refreshing swim at your hotel pool. Find our tips below for where to stay in Chiang Mai with a pool.

Staying at a hotel without a pool? Take a short trip out to the Chiang Mai Grand Canyon Water Park. Find out more!  

Dinner: Classic Thai Food

For your final meal in Chiang Mai, enjoy a traditional Thai dish – such as Pad Thai, Papaya Salad or Phanaeng Curry. There is no shortage of places to eat Thai food in Chiang Mai. That said, we highly recommend eating at Aroy Dee, Kanjana, Lucky Too or Teng Nueng. Use this map to find all of our favorite Chiang Mai restaurants.

Want additional tips for What To Do in Chiang Mai? Use our guide for more of the Best Things To Do in Chiang Mai !

How Long To Stay in Chiang Mai, Thailand

When deciding how long to spend in Chiang Mai, there are several factors to consider – like budget, interest and time allotted for your entire SE Asia trip. We think 3 Days in Chiang Mai is just enough time to get a feel for the city. That said, our trips to Chiang Mai have always been longer – and we have never had a problem filling our stays with fun things to do!

Top Tip : When planning how many days in Chiang Mai to include on your Thai Itinerary , make sure to figure in travel day details. We discuss how to get to Chiang Mai at the end of the article.

Chiang Mai Itinerary Alternatives

Our outlined 3-Day Chiang Mai Tour Itinerary is a great way to get acquainted with the city – but what if you are planning to stay shorter or longer than 3 days? We are here to help! Use our tips to plan your Chiang Mai Itinerary and to help you decide how long to stay in Chiang Mai.

ONE DAY IN CHIANG MAI

With just a day in Chiang Mai travelers will be limited to only seeing the highlights.

Chiang Mai 1-Day Itinerary

We think the best way to spend 1 Day in Chiang Mai is to follow Day 1 of our above 3-Day Chiang Mai Itinerary – Temple Tour, Khao Soi Lunch, Thai Massage, Night Market.

CHIANG MAI ITIENRARY 2 DAYS

With 2 Days in Chiang Mai, visitors have the opportunity to either delve deeper into the Chiang Mai culture or explore more the of the region.

Chiang Mai 2-Day Itinerary

When determining what to do in Chiang Mai in 2 days, we recommend deciding between spending both days in the heart of the city or one day in the city and one day on a full-day tour.

Day One: Follow our outlined Day 1 in our 3-Day Itinerary – Temple Tour, Khao Soi Lunch, Thai Massage, Night Market.

Day Two: Choose between Day 2 or Day 3 in our 3 Days in Chiang Mai Itinerary.

CHIANG MAI ITINERARY 4 DAYS

With 4 days in Chiang Mai, travelers can get acquainted with the Old City, learn about the culture and explore more of the region.

Chiang Mai 4-Day Itinerary

For Days 1, 2 and 3, use our above outlined 3-Day Chiang Mai Itinerary.

Day Four: Take a second day trip. For example, if you went to an Elephant Camp on Day 2, then spend Day 4 at Doi Suthep Mountain.

CHIANG MAI ITINERARY 5 DAYS

Travelers who have 5 days in Chiang Mai will be able to see even more of the best sights!

Chiang Mai 5-Day Itinerary

For Days 1, 2, 3 and 4, use our Chiang Mai 4-Days Itinerary (directly above).

Day Five: Do any of the activities you didn’t do on Day 3. In the morning, either take a Cooking Class or visit the Warorot Chinatown Market. Then, in the afternoon, go to a Monk Chat, a museum or take a yoga or meditation class – whichever you skipped on Day 3.

CHIANG MAI ITINERARY 7 DAYS

One week in Chiang Mai is ample time to see the top sights as well as much of the surroundings.

Chiang Mai 7-Day Itinerary

For Days 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, use our 5 Days in Chiang Mai Itinerary (directly above).

Day Six: Explore the neighborhoods beyond the Old City walls. Go to the east and wander through the very local San Pa Khoi Market. To the west, discover the Nimman district (which is popular with expats), go to the Suan Dok temple and visit the Chiang Mai University campus.

Day Seven: Spend the day wandering the Old City sois (alleys). Pop into random temples, have an iced coffee at a themed Chiang Mai café and scout out street art. In the afternoon, relax at your hotel pool or splurge on a spa treatment.

Northern Thailand Itinerary: Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai

Creating a dedicated Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai Itinerary is a fabulous way to experience Northern Thailand. A 5-Day North Thailand Itinerary is an ideal amount of time to see the two cities.

Days 1, 2 and 3: Use our detailed Chiang Mai Itinerary for 3 days.

Day 4: Private transfer to Chiang Rai that includes stops at sights along the way, such as tea plantations and the Golden Triangle. Book a driver that will take you to your desired destinations, like this private transfer . 

Day 5: See the top sights of Chiang Rai, like the famous White Temple, the Black House, waterfalls and food markets. Use this list of the Top Things To Do in Chiang Rai for our best tips!

Top Tip: Exploring other destinations in Southeast Asia after Thailand? Consider taking an iconic Slow Boat on the Mekong to get from Thailand to Luang Prabang, Laos !

Bangkok-Chiang Mai Itinerary

Want to create a 1-Week Bangkok and Chiang Mai Itinerary? Simply combine our 4-Day Bangkok Itinerary and our 3-Day Chiang Mai Itinerary for a fabulous week in Thailand!

Best Time to Visit Chiang Mai

The weather in Chiang Mai can severely affect any trip to the city. Year round, Chiang Mai experiences hot and humid temperatures; visitors can expect highs in the upper 80s to low 90s Fahrenheit. The Chiang Mai rainy season lasts from May to October – and, historically, August in the wettest month. The dry season is from late October through April; January is typically the coolest month in Chiang Mai.

Our Chiang Mai visits have unintentionally coincided with the rainy season – and it certainly does rain! Any adverse weather – be it rain or extreme heat – can put a damper on outdoor activities, like hiking and temple touring. However, it rarely rains for long periods of time and it usually lowers the temperature slightly, so don’t let rainy season weather completely deter you from visiting Chiang Mai.

Top Tip:  Get (and stay) organized for your vacation to Thailand with our Trip Planning Printables !

How To Get to Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai can be reached by airplane, train, bus or car. On our visits, we have arrived via plane (we are JetSettingFools, after all!) from Phuket and Krabi and departed on flights to Hanoi and Siem Reap . Flying and taking the train are the two most popular options for traveling to Chiang Mai from Bangkok.

Chiang Mai Airport

The Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) is located southwest of the Old City. It’s about a 10-minute taxi ride from the airport to the city center and the flat-rate taxi should be less than $10.

Start your search for the lowest airfare to Chiang Mai on SkyScanner !

Chiang Mai Train Station

The Chiang Mai Railway Station (CGM) is located east of the Old City, across the Ping River. The station has limited service and is mostly used to connect Chiang Mai to Bangkok.

Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Many people will travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai as part of their greater Thailand Itinerary – and there are a few options for covering the large distance between the two cities.

Bangkok-Chiang Mai Flight

The most efficient way to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is via airplane. The flight takes about 1.5 hours and can cost less than $100 USD. Search for the best times and lowest fares!

Bangkok to Chiang Mai Train

The journey between the two cities takes – at minimum – 11 hours. The long ride costs as little as $30 USD, but sleeper compartments cost almost double. Find the schedule and information here .

Chiang Mai via Bus or Car

Travelers can also get between the Bangkok and Chiang Mai using buses and/or renting a car , but we don’t recommend a car unless you have specific sights you wish to see that are along the way.

Where To Stay in Chiang Mai, Thailand

With just 3 days in Chiang Mai, it’s important to stay somewhere centrally located. Our favorite area to stay in Chiang Mai is the northeast corner of the Old Town. We spent hours – maybe days – researching the best place to stay in Chiang Mai. The factors we considered for booking a hotel were location, amenities and cost.

Chada Mantra Boutique Hotel Chiang Mai

For our most recent trips to Chiang Mai, we stayed in the Chada Mantra Hotel. The boutique hotel is ideally located in a great area of the Old Town. In addition to the included made-to-order breakfast (currently suspended), the hotel features a pool – which was an amenity we knew we wanted for our Chiang Mai trip! Best of all, the cost was less than $50 USD per night.

The rooms are spacious, clean and bright with ice-cold air con. Our top-floor, corner room had two balconies that overlooked the street, which was busy during the day but quiet at night. As it is a small hotel, we recommend booking in advance. Check now for availability and rates!

Top Tip : Looking for a hostel in Chiang Mai? Chada Mantra doubles as one of the best Chiang Mai hostels with family dorm rooms, offering 6 bunk beds (with shared bathrooms). Guests traveling as a family or group of friends can book the entire room at very low rates. Get current rates!

Things To Pack For Chiang Mai, Thailand

When preparing for your trip to Chiang Mai, don’t forget to read our Ultimate Packing List and Best Packing Hacks !

Chiang Mai Map

Chiang Mai Old Town is pretty easy to get around – it’s basically a grid. However, the foreign alphabet and a few curving alleys can present a challenge. In order to navigate like a pro, we recommend buying a map in advance of your trip (and spend a little time studying it before you arrive!). Buy it now!

Bug Spray and Sun Protection for Chiang Mai

Don’t let pesky mosquitoes or a dreadful sunburn hinder your vacation to Thailand. Remember to pack good insect repellent and protective sunscreen !

Top Tip : A wide-brimmed travel hat or compact umbrella are also useful for combating the intense sun rays of Southeast Asia.

Travel Camera for Chiang Mai Photos

Rather than relying on your mobile phone to capture the images of amazing Thailand, we recommend upgrading to a real camera for high quality photos. We travel with a Canon Rebel with a 18-135mm lens, but also carry the Canon Powershot , a great budget camera that is small and light weight, to use when hiking or at the beach.

Day Pack for Chiang Mai Trips

Whether you travel with a backpack or a suitcase , you will also want to have a great day bag to organize and secure all of your essential everyday travel items !

Thailand Travel Insurance

Trip insurance can be used to cover expenses incurred for a wide range of things – such as injuries, illnesses and even flight delays or lost luggage . Find rates and a full list of coverages at World Nomads .

Heading to other top Thailand destinations (like Koh Lanta or Koh Chang )? Get our top tips for your complete Thailand Itinerary on our Thailand Travel Guides page!

We Want To Know: What would you add to our Chiang Mai Itinerary? Do you have any Chiang Mai travel tips? Give us your best tips and advice in the comments below!

Start planning your trip to Thailand ! Search for the lowest airfares , the best accommodations and fun things to do …then start packing !   Want more travel planning tips? Head over to our Travel Planning page for more information and tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides page !

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Chiang Mai Itinerary: How To Spend 3-5 Days In Chiang Mai, Thailand

Posted on Last updated: July 1, 2023

Planning your Chiang Mai itinerary, but not sure where to start? You’ve come to the right place!

Located in the north of Thailand, Chiang Mai is a very popular tourist destination. Chiang Mai offers a huge variety of activities for every type of traveller.

From temples to elephant encounters, or from cooking classes to epic hikes, you can find it all in Chiang Mai! In this guide I’ve outlined everything you need to know to build your perfect Chiang Mai itinerary.

With so much to do, I recommend spending at least three days in Chiang Mai, preferably five.

This itinerary covers first the main attractions that everyone should see, and then explores some options for the extra days depending on your preferences.

So without further ado, let’s dive into the ultimate Chiang Mai itinerary!

• 1 How to get to Chiang Mai
• 2 How to get around Chiang Mai
• 3.1.1 Wat Chiang Man
• 3.1.2 Wat Phra Singh – Golden Temple
• 3.1.3 Wat Chedi Luang
• 3.1.4 Wat Sri Suphan – Silver Temple
• 3.1.5 Wat Suan Dok
• 3.2 Explore the Chiang Mai nightlife!
• 4.1 Explore the Old City
• 4.2 Do a cooking class!
• 5.1 All day visit to Elephant Nature Park
• 5.2 Visit the Night Market
• 6.1 Option 1: Visit the temples of Chiang Rai
• 6.2 Option 2: Visit the canyons and waterfalls of Pai
• 7 Where to stay in Chiang Mai
• 8 What to pack for Chiang Mai

Feeding the elephants at Elephant Green Hill, part of the Elephant Nature Park “saddle-off” project

How to get to Chiang Mai

The easiest way to get to Chiang Mai is by flying from Bangkok . The flight is less than one hour and there are plenty of flights every day, meaning it’s also very affordable.

Alternatively you can also take a train or bus from Bangkok . These are cheaper but take considerably longer, respectively 12 hours for the train and at least 9 hours for the bus.

If you’re not sure how much time you should be spending in Chiang Mai compared to Bangkok, check out this Bangkok vs Chiang Mai guide to help you decide.

Click here to book your transfer from Bangkok to Chiang Mai!

Enjoying the rooftop pool of Le Meridien Chiang Mai

How to get around Chiang Mai

One of the easiest ways to get around Chiang Mai is to rent a scooter. You can a scooter for around 200-250 THB a day, and have full flexibility on where you go and when.

If you’re not comfortable driving a scooter (don’t worry, I’m not either!) you can also use Grab. This is like a Thai version of Uber. You can order a taxi directly from your phone and they’re usually fast, efficient and affordable.

You can also go on organised tours that usually include hotel pick up and drop off, as well as walking around the Old City.

A lot of the main attractions in the Old City are within walking distance, so if you’re centrally located you could just walk everywhere.

We did a combination of Grab, walking and tour transfers. You can also get the traditional tuk-tuks for short journeys!

The Night Market in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai itinerary – Day 1

This Chiang Mai itinerary is based on my own time in Chiang Mai. I spent four nights in Chiang Mai as part of a longer 2-week Thailand trip .

Go temple hunting!

There are lots of beautiful temples dotted all over and around Chiang Mai. No Chiang Mai itinerary would be complete without a bit of temple hopping around the city.

I’ve listed below some of the most beautiful and famous that you should definitely visit, in the most efficient order.

Obviously you can mix and match as you see fit, but this route ticks off the main temples, and avoids you travelling too much back and forth around Chiang Mai.

Wat Chiang Man

Start your temple-hopping day at Wat Chiang Man! This beautiful temple is the oldest in Chiang Mai, established around 1296, and is a must-see for anyone visiting Chiang Mai.

Wat Phra Singh – Golden Temple

Also known as the Golden Temple, Wat Phra Singh is one of the most popular attractions in Chiang Mai. It’s a huge Buddhist temple built in the traditional Lanna style, decorated with beautiful golden chedi.

The interior is even more richly decorated than the outside, making it easy to see why it’s called the Golden Temple. Entrance costs 20 THB.

Wat Chedi Luang – Photo by Kiran Relangi on Scopio

Wat Chedi Luang

Wat Chedi Luang is a Buddhist temple and is famous for its rocky and crumbling look. While it still has a beautiful and ornate architecture, here you won’t find golden pagodas and decorations like in other temples.

Entrance is 40 THB and includes all the little temples in the complex. It’s a very interesting place and you can easily spend a few hours exploring them all.  

Wat Sri Suphan – Silver Temple

The Silver Temple isn’t actually made of silver, it’s only painted with a silver colour, which sparkles on sunny days. There is a 50 THB entrance fee to the temple grounds, however women aren’t allowed inside.

Even just from the outside it’s one of the most distinctive temples you will see. It’s not as big as some of the others you will see around Thailand, but it has a unique style you won’t forget.

The outside of the Silver Temple, Wat Sri Suphan, in Chiang Mai

Wat Suan Dok

Wat Suan Dok is one of the oldest temples in Chiang Mai, built in the late 14 th century.

It’s characterised by distinctive white and golden chedis and pagodas, which create a beautiful contrast.

I’ve included below a map of the temple route. The total walking time is just over 1 hour so you could do this itinerary on foot if you chose to, as well as on scooter or with Grab.

If you prefer you can also do an organised tour, which will take you to all the most important temples in and around Chiang Mai.

This might work out a bit pricier than renting a scooter or splitting Grabs with friends, but it will be much more comfortable, plus you will have a local guide sharing with you the history of the temples you’re visiting.

I listed below some of the most popular temple tours in Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai: Temples & Culture Tour :  This small group takes you to the three main temples in Chiang Mai (Phra Singh, Chedi Luang and Chiang Man) so it’s good for those who don’t want to get “templed out”.

Click here to book your temples & culture tour in Chiang Mai!

Chiang Mai Top Temples & Handicraft Center Private Day Tour :  This tour is a bit more complete, visiting four temples and also a traditional handicraft centre.

Click here to book your temples & handicraft tour in Chiang Mai!

Chiang Mai: Private Tuk Tuk Tour of City Temples With Pickup :  Temples and a tuk-tuk tour? It doesn’t get more iconic Thailand than this!

Click here to book your Chiang Mai tour by tuk tuk!

Wat Suan Dok, photo by We Dream of Travel

Explore the Chiang Mai nightlife!

After a full day exploring temples, you’re probably feeling a little templed-out. It’s a very real feeling, nothing wrong with it, I get it all the time too!

As well as tourists there are lots of expats and digital nomads living in Chiang Mai, meaning it has a very lively nightlife.

You can spend your first night in Chiang Mai watching a Muay Thai match, a drag queen show or singing away in a karaoke bar.

There are also lots of hostels that arrange bra crawls around the Old City centre. The possibilities are endless!

Chiang Mai itinerary – Day 2

Explore the old city.

If you partied too hard on your first night you might need a slow start today, which is why we begin with a simple tour of the Old City!

You saw the temples yesterday, but what about the other cool spots in the Old City of Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai is an easy city to explore. If you look at it on a map you can distinctly see the Old City walls surrounding the city centre. This is the area you want to wander around and explore!

You can spend the morning wandering around and seeing the main sights in the Old City, amongst which Thapae Gate, museums, markets and even some temples.

If you don’t fancy walking around alone, you can join a cycling tour with local guide . That way you’re sure you’ll be hitting all the main spots, plus you get to cycle and not walk around!

Click here to book your Chiang Mai Old Town bike tour , or check out prices & availability in the calendar below!

Sunset over Chiang Mai – Photo by Carina Fischer on Scopio

Do a cooking class!

One of the most popular things to do in Chiang Mai is to attend a Thai cooking class . I absolutely love Thai cuisine and was stoked to learn more about how to cook it myself.

We did a half-day cooking class with Grandma’s Cooking School . The half-day classes cost around 1,500 THB and last 4-5 hours (from around 3PM to 8PM), including pick-up and drop off.

During the cooking class we learnt how to make a four-course meal including coconut soup, curry, pad thai and mango sticky rice.

Pad Thai; one of the most traditional, and popular amongst tourists, dishes in Thailand (I made this one!)

Before the class starts you will have the option to choose what type of food to make (vegetarian, fish, spicy, not spicy etc).

The food was delicious and I was pretty surprised I hadn’t messed it up somehow!

Most schools also offer full day tours that include a visit to the local market or around the farm to pick the fresh ingredients.

Personally I think half a day is enough to get the experience, especially if you only have a few days in Chiang Mai.

Click here to book your cooking class in Chiang Mai , or check out prices & availability in the calendar below!

Our guide and chef JoyZaa showing us how to make Pad Thai

Chiang Mai itinerary – Day 3

All day visit to elephant nature park.

Even if you don’t have long in Chiang Mai, I highly recommend doing a full day experience with Elephant Nature Park . Elephant Nature Park is one of the most famous elephant sanctuary and rescue centres.

Here you can get up close to these beautiful animals, in an ethical way. They offer a variety of different tours, but it’s essentially always the same experience.

Click here to book your visit to Elephant Nature Park , or check out prices & availability in the calendar below!

Getting close to the elephants at Elephant Green Hill in Chiang Mai, Thailand

You can spend either half a day or do a full day with these beautiful animals.

You will usually start the day by feeding them, getting to know the elephants, you might walk with them in the surrounding forest, and you can even bathe them.

With the rise of ethical animal encounters in recent years many of the elephant riding centres in Chiang Mai have been converted to the ENP approach. On the Elephant Nature Park you can choose which program to visit.

ENP is the famous one with over 80 elephants, however it can get quite busy. We went to Elephant Green Hill (always part of the ENP project) and were the only three people there with three elephants.

Spending time with the elephants at Elephant Green Hill

The day visit costs 2,500 THB and includes hotel pick up and drop off, and lunch. The tours start around 7:30AM and finish around 5:30PM.

There are other elephant sanctuaries around Thailand that offer similar experiences, however ENP is one of the most famous.

If you visit a different elephant sanctuary make sure to do your research and ensure they don’t mistreat the elephants.

I’ve been to Thailand three times and my day at Elephant Nature Park was amongst the best I’ve had there. It’s a magical experience and one you will always remember fondly.

| READ MORE: WHERE TO SEE ELEPHANTS IN THAILAND | 

Happy elephants bathing at Elephant Green Hill in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Visit the Night Market

After a full day playing with elephants you’re probably knackered, but happy! A great way to end your second day in Chiang Mai is to visit the night market.

The famous and most busy one is the Sunday Night Market. This one has the most stalls by far and will swipe you off your feet with its crazy mix of smells, colours and noises.

However if you’re not in Chiang Mai on a Sunday there are other night bazaars and markets in the area. They’re great spots for an evening walk, a tasty meal from a street food stall and maybe some shopping.

If you’re a bit suspicious of street food and don’t want to risk it (I get it!) I recommend joining a street food market tour, that way you’re sure you’re eating at places that won’t make you sick!

Click here to book your evening local street food market tour in Chiang Mai,   or check out prices & availability in the calendar below!

The younger elephant that we spent the day with at Elephant Green Hill

Chiang Mai itinerary – Days 4 & 5

You have now seen most of the main attractions that Chiang Mai has to offer! If you have an extra couple days to spend in the area I definitely recommend going beyond Chiang Mai.

The most popular spots in the area that people visit from Chiang Mai are Chiang Rai and Pai. I’ve outlined below the itinerary for two extra days beyond Chiang Mai, depending on what type of activities you prefer.

If you’re feeling very committed and want to see everything the surroundings of Chiang Mai have to offer you could visit both Chiang Rai and Pai as day trips.

This however would involve a lot of transfer time so I wouldn’t recommend it.

The White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) in Chiang Rai, Thailand, at sunset

Option 1: Visit the temples of Chiang Rai

Many people visit Chiang Rai on a day trip from Chiang Mai . While that’s definitely possible, it means spending 8 hours in a minivan in one day (4 hours to get there and 4 hours back).

If you have the time, I would spend at least one night in Chiang Rai. That will give you the opportunity to break up the travelling and really enjoy the atmosphere of Chiang Rai.

The most famous attractions in Chiang Rai are the Blue White and the White Temple. Even after all the temples I had seen in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, I still found these unique and breath taking.

| READ MORE: THE ULTIMATE CHIANG RAI ITINERARY |

The back of Wat Rong Suea Ten (the Blue Temple) in Chiang Rai, Thailand

Option 2: Visit the canyons and waterfalls of Pai

If you’ve had enough of temples, which is understandable, you could alternatively spend your final days in Chiang Mai visiting Pai. Pai is around a 3-hour drive from Chiang Mai.

You can visit Pai on a day trip from Chiang Mai , or spend a night there. There are some beautiful temples also in Pai, amongst which the White Buddha, the most famous and striking of them.

However Pai is also famous for its beautiful nature. Here you can go on hikes to beautiful viewpoints like Yun Lai, explore Pai Canyon or visit Pai Waterfalls. It’s the perfect place for a nature escape after lots of time in a city.

Another cool option is doing a day trip to Lampang emerald pool and waterfalls .

https://www.instagram.com/p/BsWPbxugi0x/

Where to stay in Chiang Mai

We stayed in two different places while in Chiang Mai, in different areas and budgets. Here are my recommendations for where to stay in Chiang Mai.

Budget: Leaf Hostel – We stayed at Leaf Hostel since it was close to where our friends were living. It wasn’t a very sociable hostel but the dorms were clean and spacious. There are lots of hostels in Chiang Mai , if you’re looking for a very sociable one I’ve heard fun things about Bodega Chiang Mai Party Hostel.

Click here to book your stay at Leaf Hostel!

Mid-range: POR Thapae Gate – If you don’t fancy a hostel dorm a lovely mid-range option is POR Thapae Gate . Located in the heart of the Old City this hotel has spacious rooms and a pool where you can chill after a long day exploring Chiang Mai.

Click here to book your stay at POR Thapae Gate!

Luxury: Le Meridien Chiang Mai – We spent our last two nights in Chiang Mai at Le Meridien and loved it. It’s within easy walking distance of the night market and Old City, as well as having a rooftop pool with awesome city and mountain views.

Click here to book your stay at Le Meridien Chiang Mai!

Enjoying the sunset from the rooftop pool of Le Meridien in Chiang Mai

What to pack for Chiang Mai

While you don’t need anything special for 3-5 days in Chiang Mai (I have a detailed Thailand packing list if you want more advice on exactly what to pack for a trip to Thailand) there are some essentials you shouldn’t forget.

– A camera – to capture all the beautiful temples and elephants you will see!

– A scarf or sarong to cover your shoulders. There are a lot of temples on this itinerary, and you need to be dressed appropriately for them.

– Loose airy pants – You shouldn’t be visiting temples in shorts, so these are a great way to keep cool and respectful at the same time.

– A spare pair of socks – Some of the temples will ask you to remove your shoes to enter. However the little walk from where you leave your shoes to the inside of the temple can be quite long and burn your feet! If you’re like me and like exploring in sandals make sure to pack socks for when you’re asked to remove your sandals.

– A water bottle – You will find lots of restaurants have water tanks where you can refill your bottle. Perfect way to stay hydrated and reduce plastic consumption!

Walking in the forest with one of the rescued elephants

Final thoughts on the ultimate Chiang Mai itinerary

There you have it, the ultimate Chiang Mai itinerary!

You will want to spend at least three days in Chiang Mai, however if you have a bit more time in your Thailand itinerary and you can stretch it to five days you can go beyond Chiang Mai.

I always wanted to visit Thailand for the beautiful beaches (have you ever heard of the Surin Islands ? They’re beautiful! The Phi Phi Islands and Railay Beach are also stunning!) and incredible diving opportunities .

I never thought that I would have so much fun exploring temples , learning to cook Thai food and playing with elephants.

If you have any questions let me know in the comments below. I hope you find this Chiang Mai 3-5 day itinerary useful in planning your own time in Chiang Mai!

Enjoyed reading my Chiang Mai itinerary? Pin it!

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There are many interesting things you can do when traveling to Chiang Mai.

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• Best Zipline Chiang Mai — Swinging and exploring the tree tops in Chiang Mai

1. Visit Doi Suthep

Located in the northwest of the city, this gorgeous temple is often the first stop for visitors. Coming up the 300 steps to the statue of snake stretches along both sides of the ridge, you can admire the panoramic view of the city.

2. Eat Khao Soi

Crispy fried noodles with curry are often served with chicken or beef, add some other spices such as chili, pickled cabbage, chives and lemon is a great traditional dish of Chiang Mai. It can easily be found everywhere from the 5-star resorts to the sidewalk eateries.

3. Foot massage at markets

The Chiang Mai bazaar attracts many tourists by its tradition and uniqueness. Sunday Walking Street on Ratchadamnoen Road with jewelry stores, clothing shops, and handicrafts are favored by many people.

If you have tired after shopping, you can sit on the plastic seats placed on the sidewalk, where you’ll get foot massages for about $ 5 USD an hour.

4. Participate in the festivities

One of the most impressive festivals here is Songkran water festival, to celebrate the Thai’s New Year in April annually. Be prepared for the “water war” and do not forget to prepare buckets, pots, mini water cannons, water guns … to engage with indigenous people.

Another impressive festival in Chiang Mai is the Yi Peng Lantern Festival, a “local version” of the Loy Thakrong Lantern Festival of Thailand. But instead of floating lanterns, local people chose to release thousands of lanterns into the sky.

5. Camping under the stars

Chiang Mai has a total of 7 national parks with extremely rich ecosystems, so do not miss the opportunity to camp in one of the parks there. Ob Luang National Park, an impressive landscape of the beautiful river beside gorge, with scattered boulders. Doi Inthanon National Park is the most famous place in Thailand with waterfalls, caves and is an ideal place to stargaze at night.

Doi Inthanon National Park is the most famous place in Thailand with waterfalls, caves and is an ideal place to stargaze at night.

Read more: Doi Inthanon blog — The fullest guide for what to do in Doi Inthanon in 1 day.

6. Take a long trip

Drive yourself on the beautiful roads of Chiang Mai is one of the most amazing experiences. One of the most famous places is Mae Hong Son mountain pass, with a journey of about 600 kilometers from Chiang Mai and go in the opposite direction via Pai, Mae Hong Son and Mae Sariang before returning to the starting point. You can also choose the shorter routes such as Samoeng pass, about 100 kilometers long.

7. Observe the city from a hot air balloon

The best time to have a panoramic view of Chiang Mai from the hot air balloon is in the early morning when the green rice fields and valleys are integrally stunning. Bringing some snack and a bottle of champagne to enjoy is a poor idea.

8. Bird watching at national parks

An experience that you should try when coming to Chiang Mai is visiting Doi Pha Hom Pok national park to watch the rare birds. Besides, it also has a hot spring suitable for you to relax and feel the fresh air.

9. Come to the villages of ethnic minorities

Another interesting activity you should try is bamboo rafting on the Mae Wang river, where you will be close to the lush forests here. Or swinging on the trees at Mae Kampong’s trees.

Mae Klang Luang village is a community resort, where you can sit and enjoy a cup of coffee, while looking at the rice terraces, before the move to new exciting discoveries.

10. Relax in Chiang Mai

It takes only 1-hour drive from the city, you will leisurely stroll on the Longtail boat and dine in a floating restaurant on Mae Ngat Lake, inside Sri Lanna National Park.

Another site that is also very close to Chiang Mai is Huay Tung Tao lake, an impressive landscape with delicious food. Situated near Doi Suthep mountain, there are a lot of natural lakes, with the huts erected adjacent to the edge, you can order food from nearby restaurants, and swim as well.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in and from Chiang Mai you can refer to

• Private Chiang Mai International Airport Transfers (CNX) for Chiang Mai and More
• Private Chiang Mai International Airport Transfers (CNX) for Chiang Mai by Thai Rhythm
• Private City Transfers between Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai
• Private City Transfers for Chiang Mai
• Private City Transfers between Chiang Mai and Pai by Thai Rhythm
• Private Chiang Mai International Airport Transfers (CNX) for Chiang Rai
• Private City Transfers between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai
• Chiang Mai City & Temples Half Day Tour by Tour East
• Chiang Rai One Day Tour from Chiang Mai
• Doi Suthep-Chiang Mai City Temple Tour
• Classic Chiang Mai Doi Suthep Half Day Tour
• Chiang Mai Custom Tour: Chiang Mai Night Safari, Doi Suthep, Elephant Sanctuary, Zipline Adventure, and More
• Private Car Charter Between Chiang Mai and Pai
• Doi Inthanon National Park Day Tour in Chiang Mai
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• 4G Portable WiFi for Thailand from Uroaming (Unlimited Data)

Are you looking for more Chiang Mai travel guide and top things to do in Chiang Mai? Let’s read: Chiang Mai travel blog — The fullest Chiang Mai travel guide for a great trip to the “Rose of the North” of Thailand.

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The Ultimate 5 Day Chiang Mai Itinerary

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Chiang Mai is a vibrant, culturally rich, and laid-back city located in northern Thailand. With its ancient temples, bustling night markets, lush green landscapes, and delicious cuisine, it’s easy to cover all the city has to offer in a 5 day Chiang Mai itinerary.

Chiang Mai has become increasingly popular for travelers seeking an authentic Thai experience.

It’s famous for its Yi Peng festival (otherwise known as The Lantern Festival) which takes place every November, as well as being a hot location to enjoy Songkran (Thai New Year) which is celebrated by washing the Buddha statues at the temples and having water parties in the street.

Even if you are not visiting Chiang Mai during one of these festivities, there is so much to see and do.

In this guide, we have provided you with the ultimate Chiang Mai 5-day itinerary that covers the best of Chiang Mai and more…

Is 5 Days Enough for Chiang Mai?

Before we get into the best 5 day itinerary for Chiang Mai, let’s quickly cover how many days you need to spend in the city.

5 days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Chiang Mai, as it allows you to explore the city and the surrounding region without rushing to fit everything in.

You can spend some days relaxing in the city, take it slow, and visit one or two attractions per day.

You can see Chiang Mai in 3 or 4 days, but you would have to rush to fit everything in, whereas 5 days allows you to travel more leisurely.

Read more: 1 Month Itinerary for Thailand

The Best 5 Day Chiang Mai Itinerary

So without further ado, here is how to spend 5 days in Chiang Mai…

Day 1: Exploring the Old City

On your first day in Chiang Mai, we recommend exploring the old city. The old city is located inside the historic city walls, and surrounded by a moat.

The old city is home to some of the city’s most historic temples and landmarks and is one of the main reasons to visit Chiang Mai . Be sure to check out the remains of the Tha Phae Gate , located on the Eastern side of the city.

Begin your day by visiting Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan , a stunning temple complex that dates back to the 14th century.

The temple complex features beautiful chedis (stupas), ornate carvings, and intricate murals.

After visiting the temple, walk over to the Three Kings Monument , a sculpture dedicated to the three Kings (Mengrai, Ramkamhaeng, and Ngam Muang) who are the founding fathers of Chiang Mai.

Then head over to the Wat Lok Moli which is located on the outside of the north gate. This temple dates back to the 1300s and has a beautiful historic chedi with colorful prayer flags at its base.

Next, head to Wat Chedi Luang , an ancient temple that was once home to the Emerald Buddha.

Although the original 14th-century structure was damaged in an earthquake, it remains one of the city’s most impressive landmarks . It’s famous for its enormous chedi (stupa) made from bricks, with huge elephant statues at its base.

I recommend you visit this temple during sunset as it looks impressive when the night lights turn on and light up the four corners of the chedi.

End your day by having dinner at the Tha Phae Walking Street , where you can sample street food, shop for souvenirs, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.

In the evening, you can watch a Muay Thai fight (Thai Boxing) which takes place nightly starting at 9.00 pm.

Day 2: Elephant Sanctuary and Doi Suthep

On your second day in Chiang Mai, take a trip to an elephant sanctuary . When choosing an elephant sanctuary to visit, we recommend you ask about your accommodation or do some research online for an ethical sanctuary.

There are many sanctuaries in Chiang Mai, each offering to provide a safe and ethical way to interact with elephants without supporting the cruel practices of elephant riding and exploitation.

The most ethical sanctuaries allow you to observe without interacting with the elephants while learning about their habitat and conservation efforts.

If a sanctuary allows you to ride, feed, bathe, or play with elephants, they are not ethical.

Elephant sanctuary tours last for half a day, so try to time your visit for the morning, so you can spend your afternoon exploring Wat Phra That Doi Suthep , a beautiful temple complex perched on a hill overlooking the city.

The temple features a golden pagoda and intricate carvings, and the views from the top are breathtaking.

If you have time, you can visit the Sticky Waterfalls(Namtok Bua Tong) in Nam Phu Chet Si National Park  on the way back. This is the perfect place to cool off with a refreshing swim in the pools of the waterfall.

Day 3: Cooking Class and Night Bazaar

On day three, you may want to do something more relaxing, so I recommend you take a cooking class to learn how to prepare some of Thailand’s most delicious dishes.

During a Thai cooking class, you’ll visit a local market to learn about Thai ingredients before returning to the cooking school to prepare your own curry paste and other dishes.

You will also learn about Thai cooking methods and culinary etiquette .

These classes tend to take 2-3 hours, so it’s best to plan for half a day to do this class.

Afterward, relax with a traditional Thai massage before heading to the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar for some authentic street food.

The bazaar is a bustling outdoor market that offers everything from clothing, jewelry, and souvenirs to street food.

If you’re visiting on a Sunday, you could also take a trip over to the Sunday Night Market which is another great place to find street food and shop for souvenirs.

Day 4: Doi Inthanon National Park

On day four, take a day trip to Doi Inthanon National Park , located about 60 kilometers southwest of Chiang Mai.

The park is home to Thailand’s highest mountain, Doi Inthanon, and features stunning waterfalls, hiking trails, and scenic viewpoints.

Spend the day exploring the park, hiking to the summit of the mountain, visiting the Karen Hill Tribe Village , and marveling at the beautiful flora and fauna.

Day 5: Yoga Retreat and Nimmanhaemin Road

On your final day in Chiang Mai, book yourself into a yoga retreat to relax, unwind and rejuvenate your mind and body.

Chiang Mai has many yoga studios and retreats that offer a variety of classes and workshops suitable for all levels of experience.

Afterward, head to Nimmanhaemin Road , a trendy neighborhood in Chiang Mai known for its coffee shops, art galleries, fashion boutiques, and restaurants.

Spend the afternoon exploring the area, trying out different cafes, and shopping for souvenirs.

Where to stay in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai has a wide range of accommodations to suit all budgets and preferences. Here are some of our top picks for places to stay in Chiang Mai…

• Pakping Hostel . This is a new hostel that opened up in 2022 and features mixed and female-only dorms, with a modern and homey atmosphere. The owners are incredibly nice and helpful, and the location can’t be beaten – literally in the heart of the Old City. We stay here every time we go to Chiang Mai.
• Rachamankha Hotel . This is a charming boutique hotel located in the city center, within walking distance of the city’s temples and attractions.
• Le Meridien Chiang Mai . This is a modern 5-star hotel with stunning views of the city and a rooftop pool. It’s located outside of the Old City near the Night Bazaar, but still within walking distance of the city’s attractions.
• Sala Lanna Chiang Mai . A boutique hotel located on the banks of the Mae Ping River, offering stunning river views. This is a quiet location outside of the main city, and would be the perfect place to stay during the Lantern Festival (a Thailand bucket list experience ) as it overlooks the river where the Loy Krathongs float downstream.
• Amora Hotel Chiang Mai . A budget-friendly option located in the heart of the city, just outside Tha Phrae Gate, offering comfortable rooms and easy access to all the major attractions.

Read more: When Is The Best Time to Visit Chiang Mai?

Map Of This Chiang Mai Itinerary

To help you plan your route, here is a map of this Chiang Mai 5 day itinerary…

FAQs About This Chiang Mai Itinerary

Here’s what people usually ask us about visiting Chiang Mai…

Is 5 days too long in Chiang Mai?

If you’re a fast-paced traveler, then 5 days may be too long for you. But if you prefer to travel slowly, allocate time to relax and soak up the atmosphere of a place, then 5 days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Chiang Mai.

Which part of Chiang Mai is best?

The Old City is the best place to stay in Chiang Mai since it’s central to most attractions. You can also find great accommodation in Karin Thip Village, located on the Eastern side of Chiang Mai outside the old city.

Final Thoughts on this 5 Day Chiang Mai Itinerary

Chiang Mai is a beautiful city with a rich cultural heritage and plenty of natural beauty to explore.

Whether you’re interested in history, food, or adventure, there is something for everyone in this vibrant city, and should not be skipped when visiting Thailand for the first time .

With this 5-day itinerary, you can experience the best that Chiang Mai has to offer and make memories that will last a lifetime.

4 thoughts on “The Ultimate 5 Day Chiang Mai Itinerary”

Very useful info, thanks

Hi Sabu, thank you for your kind words. We’re pleased you found this helpful!

Thank you for the information. I will definitely follow your itinerary.

You are very welcome Angela!

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13 Awesome Things to Do in Chiang Mai, Thailand (2024 Guide)

• Last Updated: April 2, 2024

When you’re looking for the best things to do in Chiang Mai, Thailand, you can’t go past these top 13 attractions and activities. You’ll be amazed at all the choices for what to do in Chiang Mai!

From the world-class beaches in the South to the mountain forests in the North, Thailand really does have something for everyone.

While Bangkok is its bustling capital, the north is the heart of culture and creativity, and there are hundreds of things to do in Chiang Mai.

See the best things in Chiang Mai, such as the temples of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and Wat Chedi Luang or visit a national park such as Doi Inthanon or Doi Suthep-Pui.

Stay busy with Chiang Mai’s busy markets and street food in the old city, relax with meditation or a Thai massage, or even take a day trip to Chiang Rai or to some of the most beautiful landscapes in Thailand.

Table of Contents

1) Visit Elephant Nature Park

2) enjoy the cafe scene, 3) ride the mae hong son loop, 4) spend time with a local, 5) explore the buddhist temples, 6) hill tribe trekking in the surrounding mountains, 7) wander the sunday walking street markets, 8) visit san kamphaeng hot springs, 9) do a meditation course at wat doi suthep, 10) get a thai massage at the chiang mai women’s correctional institution, 11) cliff diving at the hang dong rock quarry, 12) get a sak yant from a monk, 13) go shopping at the night bazaar, where to stay in chiang mai, best backpacker’s hostel in chiang mai, best mid-range accommodation in chiang mai, best luxury hotel in chiang mai – 137 pillars, the best things to do in chiang mai.

You could easily spend a month (or more) in Northern Thailand, making Chiang Mai a base for exploration.

With the best restaurant and cafe scene in the country, excellent nightlife, a strong Buddhist presence, and enough activities to fill a calendar year, there is definitely no shortage of things to do in Chiang Mai, Thailand!

It really is the cultural capital of Thailand, and no doubt you’ll fall in love with it on your next visit. Best of all it’s very affordable compared to the south of the country.

There are so many places to visit in Chiang Mai, and every day we found more and more to do! If you want to know what to do in Chiang Mai, have a read of this article and come visit the city for yourself!

READ MORE: When planning to visit Thailand be sure to use our comprehensive Travel Guide to Thailand !

Unfortunately, Thailand has a history of animal abuse to help boost its tourism economy. Activities such as riding an elephant or visiting the sedated tigers in many of the temples only add to this cruelty and should be avoided at all costs.

But in Chiang Mai, there is one sanctuary that is committed to education and rehabilitation. Elephant Nature Park is a rescue centre for elephants that have been abused by the tourism industry over the decades.

Here you can either visit the elephants in their natural environment or volunteer at Elephant Nature Park to help out around the sanctuary.

Riding elephants are prohibited; instead, the focus is on treating and protecting these beautiful creatures. Definitely one of the best things to do in Chiang Mai.

Elephant Nature Park is also the most expensive option for visiting elephants in Chiang Mai, but that’s because they are the absolute best company in town.

Ok, we admit it – we’re suckers for a city with a great cafe scene. And in Thailand few places offer the kind of coffee-hopping joys that Chiang Mai does.

Because we work online, we love a good cafe with tasty coffee, a comfortable setting, funky music and fast wifi.

After a huge morning seeking out all the Chiang Mai attractions, we’d often find ourselves in one of the quirky cafes to while away the afternoon hours.

Our favourites were Good Morning Chiang Mai and Bird’s Nest Cafe, but you could spend weeks bouncing from place to place and never get sick of it.

The cafes really are the bomb and one of the best things to do in Chiang Mai.

Ok, this isn’t exactly in Chiang Mai, but no trip to Northern Thailand would be complete without renting a scooter or motorbike and riding this incredible four-day loop.

Starting from Chiang Mai, you complete a circuit, spending nights in Mae Sariang, Mae Hong Son and seeking out the beauty in Pai, before returning back to the city.

It is known to be one of the best motorbike loops in Southeast Asia, and after we spent 10 months riding two motorbikes 15’000km around the region, we can honestly agree that it is well worth doing.

There’s a lot to see and do along the way, and first up is the sensational mountain scenery. Make sure your travel cameras are charged because it’s seriously going to blow your mind.

There are also a lot of cool detours you can take that will take you up to some unique hill tribes. The people up there are very friendly and welcoming, but make sure you are dressed modestly and show them respect.

And if the temperature is getting the better of you, there are plenty of gorgeous waterfalls to stop off at and take a quick dip.

The Mae Hong Son Loop is probably up there with Chiang Rai as being one of the best trips from Chiang Mai. Many travelers hit up Chiang Rai afterwards, but save time for the Mae Hong Son Loop, you certainly won’t regret it!

(Seriously, don’t be one of those digital nomads or backpackers who spend all their time in the city and never leaves.)

Read our complete guide on riding the  Mae Hong Son Loop .

We’ve been lucky enough to spend months backpacking Thailand, and one thing we never tire of is the welcoming and generous culture of the Thai people.

When you’re in the country you will no doubt have countless incredible interactions that will help convince you Thailand may just be the best country in the world.

If you’re in the city and on a limited schedule, there are plenty of things to do with locals in Chiang Mai, such as trekking and a Thai cooking class.

Our absolute favourite experience with locals is a Thai cooking class. We did this one and absolutely loved it.

READ MORE: Check out our brand new 3-days in Chiang Mai itinerary guide!

Chiang Mai is full of amazing Buddhist temples, known as ‘wats’, and the majority of them are open to visitors. While Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is probably the most beautiful, the ones in the city should not be missed either.

Even if you don’t consider yourself spiritual, Chiang Mai’s temples are a must-see.

Definitely check out Wat Phra Singh, Wat Pan Tao, Wat Chedi Luang, and Wat Umong. One of the real unique things to do in Chiang Mai is to attend a monk chat.

Basically, this is where you can visit a temple and talk to the monks about Buddhism, life in the temples, or just about anything you can think of.

They are often very excited to practice their English, so it is mutually beneficial. Check out the posters plastered around the temples to see when the regular monk chats are on.

The monks might even give you some more tips on what to do in Chiang Mai!

A lot of people who visit Thailand start in the Southern islands, which are undoubtedly beautiful, but can lack a bit of culture and authenticity.

It is no wonder then that when people arrive in Chiang Mai, they are often craving to learn about the history and ethnic development of the country.

Chiang Mai’s jungles are a trekker’s paradise, filled with waterfalls, valleys, mountains and, perhaps more interestingly, various hill tribes.

Just make sure you sign up for your treks with a reputable and responsible tour operator, where the majority of the money will go to the local people of northern Thailand.

Avoid visiting the Karen long neck tribes.

These minority people have been forced to continue their paralysing traditions, at the insistence of the government, to keep growing the booming tourism economy.

This one trekking at Doi Suthep Mountain is really cool (booked with Klook).

Every Sunday night the centre of the Old City is closed to traffic, and food vendors, craftspeople and artists take over with their unique and bargain-priced street markets.

The night street markets are among the most popular of Chiang Mai’s tourist attractions.

It’s a wonderful evening out, and you’ll find locals and tourists alike wandering around, checking out the items for sale and just enjoying themselves.

If you’re looking to buy any souvenirs or trinkets this is the place to do it. You’ll find all kinds of things here, from traditional to contemporary, and usually at very good prices.

Or if you would rather spend your money on something different, you can get foot massages for only a few dollars, and literally stuff yourself silly with all the delicious local food that is scattered all over the markets.

Definitely one of the better things to do in Chiang Mai at night. The Saturday Night Market is also just as great!

Hot tip – don’t eat lunch on a Sunday, because you’re going to fill yourself up at the walking street markets for dinner!

Renowned for its therapeutic and relaxing qualities, the San Kamphaeng Hot Springs offers visitors a rejuvenating experience amidst serene surroundings.

It’s one of the best tourist destinations near Chiang Mai!

Visitors can immerse themselves in a series of hot mineral pools while enjoying the picturesque surroundings of tropical gardens.

Additionally, the site offers recreational activities such as egg-boiling in the natural hot springs and exploring the nearby Mae On Cave. With its tranquil ambiance and healing waters, San Kamphaeng Hot Springs offers a lovely day of relaxation and natural therapy.

Chiang Mai is full of ways to get in touch with your inner self, but perhaps the most famous one is the Doi Suthep Vipassana Meditation Centre . Situated on top of Suthep Mountain, this temple receives thousands of visitors every single day.

For those that want to stay longer and learn more about this life-changing method of meditation, the monks open their doors and provide courses that range from 3-28 days.

Speaking is forbidden during your time in the temple, and all your energies are focused on breathing and clearing your mind of thoughts and troubles.

Courses are run on donations. Alesha completed a 7-day course in 2014 and absolutely loved it.

Click here to find out more about her Vipassana meditation course in Chiang Mai .

READ MORE: Be sure to check out all of the great things to do in Krabi !

That’s right – get a Thai massage at the women’s prison . Before you turn your nose up at this idea, it is important to realise that this is actually a wonderful and hugely beneficial enterprise.

The women in this correctional facility are all serving short sentences for minor offences, and this is a way for them to learn a new skill to help them migrate back into society.

There’s a cafe and crafts store on site, and the massages and spa facilities are very reasonably priced (expect 180 Baht for a massage). One of the strangest, but more interesting, things to do in Chiang Mai.

If jumping off of high things into water sounds like your idea of fun (it is for us), then make sure you head out to the Hang Dong Rock Quarry in northern Thailand.

Originally used as a mine to clear out limestone, the quarry has now filled with water that glows a vibrant turquoise green. The massive pool is deep enough to launch from the highest cliffs, some of them up to 12m high.

If you would rather take a dip without taking the dive, there are plenty of spots you can just swim out.

It can be hard to find, so hiring a scooter or songthaew is the best way to get there. The spot is also sometimes called Chiang Mai Grand Canyon.

If you’re done with Chiang Mai sightseeing and you’d like to commemorate your northern Thailand adventure – get a sak yant.

If you’ve ever wanted to get a bamboo tattoo, then Chiang Mai is the place to do it. Luckily there’s an incredible way to have this experience too.

A sak yant is a traditional, sacred tattoo in the Buddhist religion that is performed by an Ajarn, or tattoo master.

These Ajarns are often Buddhist monks, and the sak yants given are ancient script and designs that offer protection and strength to the person wearing it.

Getting a sak yant is often something many travellers want to do on their trip around Thailand, but finding a clean and hygienic place to do it can be tough.

Not wanting to risk infection, we signed up for a sak yant tour with Where Sidewalks End and even had an English-speaking guide to help translate the entire experience for us with the monk.

It was one of the real highlights of our time in Chiang Mai, and if you’re interested in doing this yourself, we highly recommend it.

Check out our detailed article about our experience getting a sak yant in Chiang Mai .

The night bazaar in Chiang Mai is an absolute must for anyone who wants to dive into the myriad options for gifts and trinkets from Chiang Mai as well as various practical items for travellers.

Hundreds of vendors begin setting up their stalls around 6 PM. But the night bazaar doesn’t start kicking off until an hour or so later.

If you’re not in the mood to buy anything, there is plenty to see in just walking around the night bazaar.

Plus there are lots of places where you can pick up something to eat or drink. Thai street food is among the best in the world!

Chiang Mai Travel Guide

Organising a trip includes so much research and planning – it can be a bit tiring. To save you the hassle and time, we created a list to help you find accommodation options regardless of your budget situation.

The Chiang Mai International Airport is also just 20 minutes from the center of town, so transport to your accommodation should be quick and easy. If you’re wondering where to stay in Chiang Mai while visiting northern Thailand, read on!

Chiang Mai has a huge number of accommodation options to match every budget, from backpacker hostels and tiny guesthouses to 5-star luxury resorts.

We stayed in a few places while visiting Chiang Mai, and they were all very decent. If you are a backpacker, check out the options on Hostel World .

If you are a couple or would prefer something a bit higher-end, Booking.com has a huge selection of accommodations.

Which Neighbourhood in Chiang Mai?

If you’re wondering where to stay in Chiang Mai, it’s important to choose the right neighbourhood to stay in.

While a lot of ex-pats and digital nomads choose the popular Nimmanhaemin area for its abundance of cafes, bars and restaurants, the truth is it’s a bit far away from the tourist attractions.

If you’re a backpacker you’ll want to stay near the Old City, which is the most picturesque and is walking distance to most of the Chiang Mai points of interest.

However high-quality hotels are quite limited in the Old City, so you’ll have to venture further afield. Don’t worry though – you’re never too far from anything in Chiang Mai, and tuk-tuks and motorbike rentals are very cheap ways to get around.

There’s an overwhelming number of awesome hostels in Chiang Mai, and it can be daunting trying to narrow it down to just one.

But the hostel with the most good reviews is Hostel Lullaby . With over 1,000 positive traveler reviews, and a 9.7 out of 10 rating on Hostelworld, this is easily a top pick.

Travelers love that it’s centrally located in the Old City and social, yet not super loud like a party hostel.

There’s no shortage of mid-range accommodation in Chiang Mai, but one of our favourites is the Sakorn Residence and Hotel .

It’s just outside of the Old City, so it’s a quieter place to rest your head and it really has a stunning setup.

There’s a pool, huge, bright and clean rooms, a great restaurant and friendly staff. It really has just about everything you would want for a stay in the city.

If money isn’t an option and you really want to splurge out on the most brilliant accommodation in Chiang Mai, then you need to check out the beautiful and historic 137 Pillars .

We stayed here on our most recent visit to Chiang Mai and absolutely fell in love with it.

It is arguably the best 5-star hotel in the city, and when you see it for yourself you’ll understand why. The suites surround private courtyards, and there are art galleries and delicious cafes and restaurants on-site.

The history of the place is unrivalled, and the service provided is seriously next level. The rooms feature deep, ancient teak timbers and huge 4-post beds like you’d see in the movies.

Seriously, if you want to live in pure luxury in Chiang Mai, this is the place to do it.

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Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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Great list of things to do in chiang mai, thanks for sharing great information.

Thank you. Glad it was helpful.

What a fantastic Post! This is so chock full of useful information, most concise step-by-step guide, I was looking for some places around Thailand, and your blog really helped me. Thanks for sharing the information. Can you suggest me some places to visit around Phuket?

Hi Finnich, we are so happy this article was helpful. As for Phuket, we have an article about accommodation https://www.nomadasaurus.com/where-to-stay-in-phuket/ and doing a detox if you are interested in that https://www.nomadasaurus.com/healthy-living-detox-atmanjai/ . As for things to do, we did some day tours out to some islands. There are many nice beaches to visit but do keep in mind they are all going to be busy as Phuket is a holiday destination. Do your research about visiting any animal entertainment places. There are many bad ones out there and treat the animals horribly. Have a great time and enjoy Thailand.

Thanks a lot for this article ! Very helpful ! I have a question regarding the message in the women correctional institution. Is it actually inside the Prison that is located outside the old city ?

It is located near the prison (not inside) and they have an area set up. It is like you are walking into a message salon. There are officers there supervising.

Thanks for your detailed article on Chiang Mai! We love it there because it is so great for digital nomads. We try to stay a few months every year to work on our blog. Gotta make it in time for the lantern festival one year!!

You are welcome. Glad it was helpful. It definitely is a great place to work. The internet is great. We have never been to the lantern festival. We just missed it a couple of years back when we moved there. Have a great time.

hi , thank you for this blog. its awesome..! you guys spent lot of time there. I’m also planing to visit Chiang Mai. But I won’t have that much time to spend in there. may be 2-3 days. I want to visit Buddhist temples and visit local area. could you give me your suggestions where to visit? I really really appreciate it.

Hi Varuni, that is awesome you are travelling to Chiang Mai. You will have a great time. There is so many Buddhist temples to visit, so we know what you mean about seeing the best ones.

Our friends over at Southeast Asia Backpackers have written a great post about the top 5 temples. Check it out. https://southeastasiabackpacker.com/chiang-mai-temples-top-5/ and if you get them all done and want more check out our friends, Hannah and Adam over at Getting Stamped’s post https://www.gettingstamped.com/chiang-mai-temples/

Have a great trip. :_)

Wow, thanks heaps guys for the tips and recommendations. I’m going to Thailand next month for my birthday and by reading your blog you guys really did inspire me to adventure and explore Thailand. Such a beautiful country 🙂

Hi Sarahia, so awesome. You are going to have a great time in Chiang Mai. Happy birthday for next month. Have a great trip.

Waoo, Thailand is really awesome. I wish to visit there. Thanks for sharing such amazing images and information about Thailand. I appreciate your blog post.

Hope you get there one day. Glad you enjoyed our post. 🙂

As a local farang living and working here in Chiang Mai it takes a bit to impress me when it comes to blogging and writing articles about this city. Anyway you guys made it and I enjoyed your writing which gave me some great flashbacks from when I came to CM the very first time as a tourist, hungry for adventures.

Keep it up thanks

Hi Jack, Thank you so much. We love visiting CM, no matter how many time we have been there. You really can find more awesome things to do every time. How long have you been living there for? We stayed for a short period of 3 months one time and really enjoyed it. We tried so many local restaurants and loved food shopping at the local markets. Hope you are going ok with the air pollution at the moment. It is crazy how terrible the air gets in the burning period.

Love all of the helpful information I am finding in your blog. Love the opening video and am wondering where this lovely via ferrata is located.

Thank you so much. Glad the article was helpful. That must of been our “world’s most dangerous hike” video. It is located in China.

About learning more about Thai culture and Hmong, Karen and other hilltribes and rural life: I would totally recommend for openminded travellers is to live in a (hill tribe) village for a few days.

We stayed through Duara Travels in 2 different villages 3 nights each, first being a Thai farmer village with the most amazing vegetarian food.

And the second was a Karen village on the slopes of Doi Inthanon – but no longnecks for display, only warm-hearted hosts. The idea is to really to connect with the locals and participate in their daily lives, far from the tourist scene.

There was also 3 thirth village available but as we are travelling with two kids we did not go, as the journey would have been too much. But may be next time, as those days spend with our new friends are the total highlight of our numerous travels.

If you’re a nature lover you’ll definitely fall in love with Chiang Mai. Aside from enjoying the stunning scenery there are lots of activities that you can also do here. Whenever I go here I usually go to the elephant sanctuary, sticky waterfall, explore the temples and talk to the monks and also enroll myself in a short cooking class.

Totally agree with you. They are great places to visit. We are looking forward to going back to Chiang Mai and going back to these attractions. 🙂

If you’re talking massage Chiang Mai is also one of the few places you’ll get a Tok Sen or hammer massage. Rather than using their hands the therapist uses a dowl-like bit of wood that they hit with a hammer. Despite it sounding a bit like a building site it’s surprisingly relaxing!

Oh wow. That sounds interesting. Thanks for the tip Helen. We will have to check that our next time.

A CM local stumbled upon your blog. Normally I would just read but there is a misunderstanding I’ve found (again and again and again in many foreigner’s blog.)

…Avoid visiting the Karen long neck tribes. These minority people have been forced to continue their paralysing traditions, at the insistence of the government, to keep growing the booming tourism economy…. >>>> 1. No forcing. They do that on therir own will. Of cause they can give up their tradition whenever you want and nobody would do any thing to force them to be back to their tradition. They just don’t do that (give up their tradition) beacuse it gaive them money.

2. Most of your tourists think they are Thai and the gov fored them to live that way. Fact is they are not Thai. Thai is nationality, not race. Problem is that many of the hilltribes has no Thai nationality. They are refugee from neighbor: Myanmar, Laos. That’s the case of many long neck Karen you see.

3. What most of tourists (roughly 99.99 percent from what I’ve read/talk) don’t understand is that Thai nationality is given by blood, not by birthplace like most Western countries. That’s why some who are not Thai, even though they gave birth in TH, sill be Myanmese, Lao, etc. That’s included these hioll tribes.

4. For those hilltribes who has Thai nationality they can gain any access Thai people have. I’m teacher in an acdemic institution in the north and I have many student who are hilltribes. They can get student loan. Some even got the Queen scholarship. They can get health insurrance and any benefit others Thai have. Of cause some of my student are from long neck Karen tribe. They give up their tradition on their own and nobody forced them to be back to their ways.

No offense, I know you like Thai. I’m appreciate that fact. But, like most tourists, You don’t understand us and, worse, you assume based on your own thought. And worst, they would not listen to us no matter how we explain them.

Hope you are not one of those tourist, otherwise, just ignore my explantion. Thank you.

I loved Chiang Mai! Been there two years in a row for weeks. One of my favorite things was to walk or bike around and visit the temples. I went to ENP as well, but I thought it was too big and touristy and you had not really a lot of time with the elephants. x

Hi Stephanie, That’s awesome. Chiang Mai is a beautiful place. Sorry you felt like that about ENP. We felt like we had a lot of time viewing the elephants. We didn’t look at our visit to the park as spending time with the elephants close up but by watching them, learning about them and their past and what the park is doing for them to better their lifes. There are a lot of tourist that visit this park, but this is the same as everywhere else in Chiang Mai. The elephants looked happy and well looked after and by having very little human contact is amazing. They have had a hard life. Thank you for your comment and happy travels 🙂

Great post!

Chiang Mai is a perfect gateway from the hustle and bustle of big city, like Bangkok. I’d definitely use this list for my next trip to Chiang Mai – thanks!

Besides exploring Chiang Mai town, I’d recommend to drive a bit up north to Mae Rim! It’s only 25 mins driving and the nature there is incredible. It is a perfect place to go for a day trip. The waterfalls and butterfly farm are the highlights of this place.

Thank you so much for the tip. That’s great. We love being in nature. Glad our post can be handy for when you go to Chiang Mai again. Happy travels

Great read! Are there any tours or hill tribes you recommend visiting that are ethical?

Hi Lauren, sorry we have no idea. There is a lot of websites that have written about Chiang Mai. Maybe try Together in Thailand, Tieland to Thailand or Travelfish. Sorry we can’t help you anymore. All the best and we hope you find the right tour. 🙂

Love this list! I finally made it to Hang Dong on my last visit to Chiang Mai, and I couldn’t believe I never heard about it during the year I spent living and teaching in Thailand. It’s amazing, and a definitely must! I’ll have to check our your suggested cafes on my next visit 🙂

That’s awesome Jessica. We are stoked you had a great time out there. Thank you for reading.

A great list of things and I’m so annoyed I didn’t get to see the Hang Dong Rock Quarry, I love jumping off things like that! Chiang Mai is amazing so I’ll be going back an I’ll definitely be doing some of the stuff off this list!

I also did a Bungy jump just outside of Chiang Mai (AJ Hackett certified) and the Zip lining, both great fun things to do around Chiang Mai.

Hope all is well back in home and you can get back on the road soon!

Wow we didn’t even realise you could bungy jump just outside Chiang Mai. We will have to hit that up next time. Next time you head back be sure to head out to the Quarry. Thank you for your concern. We have been back on the road again for the last 5 months and all is well. We were run down and some rest definitely did the job. Cheers Oscar

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Home » Southeast Asia » Thailand » Chiang Mai

EPIC 3-Day Chiang Mai Itinerary (2024)

Surrounded by lofty mountains hugged by tropical jungle, Chiang Mai is not your typical urban sprawl! Despite its size, the chilled atmosphere and proximity to nature make it one of the most relaxed cities you’ll ever visit.

Chiang Mai has a proud past as an independent kingdom and still retains many of its traditional  Lanna  customs. You’ll be immersed in all of this and more with our in-depth Chiang Mai itinerary!

Chiang Mai’s such an amazing city that we’ve waxed lyrical about it on countless posts and we’re going to do it again: from gorgeous temples to an atmosphere of zen, there are so many reasons to travel to Chiang Mai!

Whether you’re shopping up a storm at the Night Bazaar or up to your knees in mud as you watch elephants bathe in the river, there’s plenty of fun to be had on your visit to Chiang Mai — just hold tight to our 3-Day Chiang Mai itinerary!

Let’s get right to it…

A Little Bit about this 3-Day Chiang Mai Itinerary

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If you want to have a great time backpacking Chiang Mai , it doesn’t really matter how many days you spend here but you do need to have an awesome itinerary — and that’s exactly what we’ve put together right here! From charming temples to vibrant markets, everything you need for an incredible trip to Chiang Mai is packed in 3 days!

Getting around between attractions isn’t very hard. In fact, there are various methods of transportation for you to pick and choose from!

Walking between sites on your 3-day itinerary in Chiang Mai is probably the best method of transport. Since most landmarks are located in the Old City or around the markets, the distances aren’t too far. You should, however, take care when walking: the sidewalks aren’t always well-maintained and are often used by motorcyclists!

The public transport system is centered around tuk-tuks. They’re kind of like taxis as they travel to specific places that you request. Just prepare for a bumpy and very speedy ride!

Song Taews, or Red Taxis, are shared taxis that sometimes have set destinations and other times don’t. For both the Song Taew and the tuk-tuk, you should negotiate prices.

The final option is to hire a motorbike. While many tourists think that getting around on a motorbike is a quintessential part of their vacation in Chiang Mai, it’s worth remembering that Thailand has the second-highest number of road accidents in the world — so make sure you actually know how to drive a motorcycle!

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3-Day Chiang Mai Itinerary Overview

Day 1 in Chiang Mai: Elephant Nature Park , Wat Phra Singh , Wat Phan Tao , Wat Chedi Luang , Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

Day 2 in Chiang Mai: Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Center , Chiang Mai National Museum , Wat Umong , Wat Phra That Doi Suthep , San Kamphaeng Road

Day 3 in Chaing Mai: Lanna Folk life Museum , Bhubing Palace , Mae Ping River , Thai Massage , Terracotta Garden

More Places to See in Chiang Mai: Chiang Mai Gate Market , Wat Umong , Wualai Walking Street

As relaxed and peaceful as Chiang Mai may seem, the city is actually quite big! That said, the area that most tourists tend to stick to is quite compact in the downtown part of the city. Here, there are various neighborhoods that will appeal to all kinds of travelers!

Knowing where to stay in Chiang Mai is important to make the most out of the 3 days. Old City has to be the ultimate best place to stay in Chiang Mai. This neighborhood is in the heart of the city and is chock-a-block with the most fascinating Chiang Mai points of interest, such as Wat Chedi Luang!

It’s also the best area in town for those on a budget as there are plenty of Chiang Mai’s backpacker hostels and budget accommodations located here, and you can save costs on transport by walking to the nearby attractions!

Nimmanhaemin, often called Nimman, is a more alternative, modern part of Chiang Mai. It has a vibrant atmosphere and is the center of the city’s local nightlife! Although the most iconic landmarks on your Chiang Mai itinerary aren’t in the area, there are plenty of things to keep you busy, such as bars, clothing boutiques and the local university!

Best Chiang Mai Airbnb – Beautiful Thai Home

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A gorgeous traditional wooden house with all modern comforts and conveniences, this Chiang Mai Airbnb is situated near the moat. There’s one king-sized bedroom, another bedroom with bunk beds and a single bed, and an air bed in the living room if required. Bedrooms have air conditioning. The bathroom is new and there’s an open-air kitchen, living room, and dining area. The home has Wi-Fi. There’s secure parking.

Best Budget Hotel in Chiang Mai – Arch39 Minimal Art & Craft

Centrally-located, characterful and sparklingly clean… what else could you ask for from a budget hotel? Arch39 Minimal Art & Craft offers real value for money with its array of spacious rooms, complimentary bicycle hire and delicious breakfasts! The staff are also incredibly friendly and helpful with arranging your 3-day Chiang Mai itinerary!

Best Luxury Hotel in Chiang Mai –  The Inside House

This elegant and comfortable hotel truly deserves its 5-star rating! It’s situated in a stunning white and green mansion in the city center, with landmarks like the Chiang Mai Gate within walking distance! The hotel’s bathrooms are particularly luxurious, mixing indoor and outdoor living with bathtubs set beside private pools and surrounded by greenery — you’ll have to redefine the notion of bliss after a dip here!

Best Hostel in Chiang Mai – S*Trips The Poshtel

What’s not to love about an affordable downtown hostel with plenty of quality facilities? You’ll find all this and more at S*Trips The Poshtel! It’s within walking distance to many of the sites on our 3-day Chiang Mai itinerary, such as the Night Bazaar. It’s also noted for its impeccable cleanliness and spacious dormitories.

The first day in Chiang Mai is all about getting to know the key attractions that you’ll find in Old City! Thailand is famous for its stunning temples – you can literally feast your eyes on every single one of them! It’s a great way to start your 3-day Chiang Mai itinerary. To round the day off, you’ll dine on local Thai cuisine while bargaining like a local in the bazaar!

Every map that you see in this article includes a hyperlink to an interactive version on Google Driving. After clicking the map image, the interactive version will be opened in a new tab.

9:00 AM – Elephant Nature Park

Elephants have long called Thailand home but in recent years they have been under threat from tourism, habitat loss, logging and poaching. Elephants may seem strong but riding them can actually harm them. Thanks to Elephant Nature Park , tourists can now interact with the iconic Thai elephants in a more ethical way!

The 250-acre grounds are home to around 70 rescued elephants which you can mingle with as they go about their daily lives. This is the perfect way to start your Chiang Mai itinerary! The short park visit includes transport to and from your hotel, the opportunity to feed the elephants (if they want to eat) and to enjoy the sight of them mucking around in the river! Note that none of the tours are the same as the park lets the elephants decide what they want to do. If they feel like sleeping during the day, that’s all you’ll get to see. No animal is forced to do anything or to entertain the crowds.

Make sure to bring some water and a hat – the sun can get quite harsh around noon-time. Wearing closed and comfortable shoes is also recommended since you’ll  be in your feet quite a lot. The tour stops around 3pm, but with the hotel drop off, you can keep exploring the city without a problem.

• Cost  – around $81
• How long should I stay here?  5-6 hours
• Getting there –   Pick up and Drop off at your hotel

4:00 PM – Wat Phra Singh

Wat Phra Singh is the largest temple in Chiang Mai and an absolute must on your 3-day Chiang Mai itinerary! There are three main structures in the temple complex that you should visit.

Viharn Lai Kam is the temple’s assembly hall. It was originally constructed all the way back in 1345 and is the epitome of Lanna-style building. Be sure to admire the roof which was designed in the shape of wings! Inside, it’s beautifully decorated with wooden carvings and stucco. The highlight, though, is the statue of Phra Singh, the Lion Buddha. If you’re lucky enough to be in Chiang Mai for the Songkran festival, it is this Buddha that is processed around the city!

Viharn Luang is the larger assembly hall at the temple, though it’s less ornate than Viharn Lai Kam. It’s home to a magnificent image of Buddha cast in gold during the 15th century!

Finally, Haw Trai is the temple’s library. It’s a beautiful stone structure that houses Buddhist scriptures.

Insider Tip:  Most temples have a fairly strict dress code which includes covered shoulders and knees. The feet are considered dirty in Buddhism so make sure to leave your shoes (your material feet, as it were) in the dedicated spot at the temple entrance.

• Cost  – $1 USD
• How long should I stay here?  1 hour
• Getting there –   Wat Phra Singh has its own public transport station.

5:00 PM – Wat Phan Tao

Once a palace, this pretty structure is now one of the most beautiful sites on any Chiang Mai itinerary! This unusual temple in was built of specially-molded teak panels that were fit tightly together, supported by teak pillars. Look up as you enter: the three-tiered roof features gilded snake tails and there’s a spectacular gilt carving of a peacock above the entrance!

Inside, you’ll find a  dhamma , a wooden casket that holds Buddhist scriptures written on palm leaves. Some of these precious documents are on display. You’ll also find a  busbok , a tall, ornate box for images of the Buddha. Also, be sure to admire the golden sitting Buddha!

If you find yourself getting hungry and craving lunch, Khaow Tom Restaurant is nearby and a locals favorite. Serving mouth-watering Asian cuisine, you can charge some energy for the rest of the day!

• Cost  – Free
• Getting there –   You can easily walk through Old Town

6:00 PM – Wat Chedi Luang

Most of Chiang Mai’s temples are gold and meant to be admired in direct sunlight but not Wat Chedi Luang! This ancient temple is best viewed at night when lanterns and candles breathe magic into the atmosphere, so head here around dinnertime!

Wat Chedi Luang isn’t as majestic as Wat Phra Singh but it has an atmosphere that isn’t easily beaten! It’s a partially ruined, tall and imposing structure that is a testament to Chiang Mai’s long and glorious past. It was built in the 14th and 15th centuries with a pagoda rising 80 meters high! Over time, the height diminished to 60 meters but Wat Chedi Luang remains one of the most impressive Chiang Mai landmarks!

The main sanctuary is home to the Phra Chao Attarot who is surrounded by his disciples. At the end of the complex is a large reclining Buddha and an even bigger seated Buddha.

Another highlight is the Lak Meuang. It’s a decorative pillar that was constructed at the founding of Chiang Mai in 1296. Unfortunately, it can only be viewed by men. If you’re lucky enough to fall under this category, be sure to put this experience on your 3-day Chiang Mai itinerary.

Insider Tip:  One of the most original experiences you can have on a weekend in Chiang Mai is talk with a Buddhist monk! Wat Chedi Luang is the perfect spot to do so. Monks congregate on the northern side of the temple grounds so that they can talk about Buddhism with visitors! They’re there between 9:00 and 18:00.

• Getting there –   You can easily walk through Old Town

7:30 PM – Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

Now that you’ve made some epic memories touring the Old Town and have gotten to know more about the city, it’s time to start finding the perfect mementoes for your 3-day stay in Chiang Mai! You’ll find a mind-blowing variety of goods on offer at the Night Bazaar and the vibrant ambience is so infectious that it’s worth a visit even if you’re not buying!

Night Bazaar has many different goods on sale, from knock-offs to antiques, but it’s the ideal place to visit in Chiang Mai to purchase traditional Thai crafts. Soft Thai silks and carved wooden items are the most popular souvenirs but don’t overlook the bamboo rice boxes, silver jewellery, and handmade soaps and candles

Bargaining is key to getting a good price and is an expected norm in the market. However, the prices are generally quite low anyway. Negotiate with a friendly smile and have the exact amount you settle on at hand.

Insider Tip:  Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is great but if you’re here on a weekend in Chiang Mai, you may want to switch it for the Saturday or Sunday Night Walking Street. Both of these markets consist of vendors lining the street and crowds of people shopping and eating. It’s quite hectic but it is a famous Chiang Mai attraction!

• How long should I stay here?  2-3 hours
• Getting there –   Taxi/Grab or Walk through Old Town

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

With 2 days in Chiang Mai, it’s time to look behind the stunning landmarks and get to know the history and culture that built them! There’s more to Thailand than just street food and temples (although that worth a visit alone!). History lovers will enjoy this day especially. Take notice that the last stop today is a bit further from the city centre. Make sure you wear comfy shoes, as you’ll be walking around quite a lot.

9:00 AM – Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Center

Right in the middle of Old City, you’ll find this excellent museum in the old provincial government hall. This beautiful Art Deco building is certainly a great place to start the second day.

The monument in front of the center is the Three Kings Monument. King Mengra, the founder of Chiang Mai, stands with his friends (also kings) who were involved in the layout of Chiang Mai. It’s quite an iconic image that comes in various forms across the city.

The exhibitions are dedicated to fostering an understanding of Chiang Mai’s history in visitors and a sense of local pride. The front section focuses on Chiang Mai through the ages, using multimedia to tell the city’s rich history. The back section of the museum hosts temporary events and exhibitions in the hope of preserving the area’s culture. There’s a replica of a traditional Lanna village and a Thai temple. You’ll also find a quaint souvenir shop in this area!

• Cost  – $3 or $6 USD (depends on ticket)
• How long should I stay here?  2 hours
• Getting there –   Walk through Old Town or grab a Taxi

11:00 AM – Chiang Mai National Museum

There’s no doubt that the city’s National Museum is one of the most underrated places to visit in Chiang Mai: few people wonder what to do in Chiang Mai and think of this little gem! Luckily for you, we can highly recommend it!

The Chiang Mai National Museum is the perfect continuation of the trip down history lane that the Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Center would’ve started! It’s small and quiet so the exhibitions tend to make quite an impact.

First, you’ll be introduced to the Lua and Hari Phunchai people. The latter founded the first known kingdom in northern Thailand. Then comes the famed Lanna Kingdom. It’s presented through a beautiful selection of archaeological artefacts from everyday objects to magnificent Buddha statues!

Chiang Mai was once part of the independent Kingdom of Chiang Mai. This kingdom’s close relationship with Siam is also presented in an exhibition, with a particular emphasis on their artistic developments.

Many of the artifacts in the museum are also works of art so it’s sure to be one of the most breathtaking experiences on your Chiang Mai itinerary!

• Cost  – $3 or $6 (depends on ticket)
• Getting there –   Right next to the Arts Centre

1:30 PM – Wat Umong

With 2 days in Chiang Mai, you’ll have time to visit a few more temples. Wat Umong is often known as the Hidden Temple as not many tourists find it in the jungle outside of Chiang Mai.

Wat Umong was founded in 1297, just a year after Chiang Mai was established. Its architecture is characterized by the use of tunnels. At the end of each tunnel is a Buddha or another symbol. The tunnels are designed so that external sounds are minimized, creating a hushed and deeply spiritual atmosphere.

In the temple grounds is a collection of Buddha statues, many of which are disfigured. It creates an other-worldly environment for a peaceful stroll in the forest. Keep an eye out for wooden plates bearing Buddhist proverbs in English and Thai! On the edge of the grounds is a small lake and you can reach the island by crossing a bridge.

Insider Tip:  Combine your visit to Wat Umong with a visit to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. You can take a tuk-tuk or songthaew to reach the site which is about four kilometers outside of Chiang Mai. Get your driver to wait for you as not many vehicles stop here.  If you’re here on a Sunday between 15:00 and 18:00, join one of the talks in the Chinese Pavilion about Buddhism.

• Cost  – Free!
• How long should I stay here?  30min – 1 hour
• Getting there –   Easy to reach by Taxi

3:00 PM – Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

By now, you’ll have seen your fair share of temples and may even be feeling a bit “templed out”. Bear with us, though, because we’ve saved the best for last!

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep was founded in 1383 to house a fragment of the historical Buddha’s shoulder bone. The original bone was brought by a monk to Lanna where it broke into two pieces. One was enshrined at Wat Suan Dok, while the other was tied to a sacred white elephant who wandered the jungle. The spot on which the elephant died was the spot chosen to house this bone shard: Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.

Visitors need to ascend 306 steps to get to the temple. The long route is meant to help devotees gain Buddhist merit but if that doesn’t appeal to you, there is a funicular alternative.

On top of the stairs is a statue of the legendary elephant that picked the temple’s location. There are also various shrines and other monuments.

The temple itself is split into an inner and an outer terrace. The inner terrace houses the sacred relic of the Buddha. There’s a walkway around the golden  Chedi  in which the relic sits.

Try to get here just before sunset. The monks will gather for prayers and the panoramic view of Chiang Mai becomes even prettier in the fading light!

• Cost  – $2 USD
• Getting there –   Grab a Tuk Tuk

4:00 PM San Kamphaeng Road

Make sure you’re wearing comfy shoes when you arrive at San Kamphaeng Road because there are loads of villages and factories on this Chiang Mai walking tour!

San Kamphaeng Road is the best place in Chiang Mai to buy Thai silk which is often considered to be the best in the world. Try Shinawatra Thai Silk , the oldest silk factory in Thailand.

Continuing a 600-year-old tradition are the potters of San Kamphaeng. You can visit the ancient Lanna kilns in the area before watching the modern masters. Chiang Mai’s potters are very skilled at Celadon, very fine, greenish ceramics. Baan Celadon is the best place to see the artists at work.

Bo Sang Handicraft Center really deserves its place on your 3-day itinerary in Chiang Mai! Its principal craft is traditional umbrellas. These colorful items can be seen all over Chiang Mai and are made of Bamboo frames and Saa paper (which comes from local tree bark). The artists then hand paint various motifs onto the umbrellas, meaning that each umbrella is a unique, useful product! You can both watch the crafting process and buy the finished product at Bo Sang Handicraft Center.

You can also find brilliant silverwork and woodwork in San Kamphaeng Road. Whether you’re buying or not, don’t miss out on this excellent attraction. Just being able to watch traditional art in the making means San Kamphaeng Road is one of the most unique  places to visit in Chiang Mai !

• How long should I stay here?  1-3 hours
• Getting there –   Taxi or Tuk Tuk

By the time we reach day 3, we will have already seen a lot. It might be the case that you want to have a chill day and not do so much. Feel free to cut out a few parts of this particular itinerary and then save the rest when planning your next trip to Chiang Mai!

8:30 AM – Lanna Folklife Museum

Lanna Folklife Museum doesn’t have as many historical items as the Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Center or the Chiang Mai National Museum but it does do a splendid job of personalizing the Lanna people’s glorious history!

Detailed images of daily life are recreated through the use of wax dolls and reconstructions. For example, there’s a trio of wax dolls playing music, while a life-size loom allows you up close to Lanna arts!

It’s a great spot to spend some time if you’re travelling with kids. Learning about Chiang Mai’s culture and the history behind it might not be everyone’s favorite thing, but it sure is interesting and informative.

• Cost : $3 or $6 (depending on ticket)
• How long should I stay here?  Max 1 hour
• Getting there  – If you’re staying in the Old City, you can walk here.

10:00 AM – Bhubing Palace

Bhubing Palace is as visited by locals as by tourists due to its spectacular gardens! No visit would be complete without a garden stroll but the buildings themselves are also quite interesting!

Phra Tamnak Bhubing Rajanives is the main building of the palace complex. The upper level is home to the royal family, while the lower level is reserved for their entourage.

There are a number of other residences in the palace complex, such as Ruen Peek Ma (Log Cabin) which is inhabited by a royal princess. Ruen Rab Rong is a royal guesthouse built in the modern Thai style.

In the gardens, make sure to admire the palace’s famed rose garden. It’s also worth visiting the water reservoir which doubles as a fountain. The music playing in the background was composed by the former king himself!

Insider Tip:  Much like the temples, Bhubing Palace has a strict dress code. Your shoulders should be covered (but not with a scarf) and your bottoms should fall below your mid-calf. You should also keep your voice down!

• Cost : $2 USD
• How long should I stay here?  30min
• Getting there  – By taxi as it’s quite a way to travel…

12:00 AM – Mae Ping River

Riverside, as the area on the banks of Mae Ping is known, is considered to be the most relaxed part of Chiang Mai. It’s home to several luxury resorts, shops, markets and stunning views!

We suggest you set aside a few hours for a chilled walk around the area. You could choose to visit Warorot Market, a fruit market that also hosts stalls selling street food and other goods. Afterwards, take a leisurely stroll around the area’s many shops and cafes.

We highly recommend having lunch at one of the riverside restaurants. The Good View Bar & Restaurant is one of the most famed establishments on any Chiang Mai itinerary — and with good reason! Sit down outside, right beside the river, to soak up the eponymous views while dining on classic Thai dishes like deep-fried shrimp.

Of course, you should definitely go on a boat ride along the lovely Ping River. It’s a humbling experience to see how the riverbank changes from bustling city to tranquil farmland.

• How long should I stay here?  Anything between 1-3 hours
• Getting there  – Take a Tuk Tuk and enjoy the view!

3:00 PM – Thai Massage

Thai massage is unique in that it doesn’t involve oil being massaged onto bare skin. You’re given a set of loose clothes to change into and the treatment revolves around pressing down on your muscles firmly and stretching them gently.

The Women’s Correctional Institute is a good place to try out a traditional Thai massage. There’s no need to worry about safety as there are guards on duty and all the inmates are trained for 6 months in Thai massage.

If you’d like to support the women but would feel more comfortable with ex-inmates, then try Lila Thai Massage . The company provides jobs to many former prisoners who trained with the Women’s Correctional Institute. It’s not a luxury spa but the services are top-notch!

• Cost : No set price
• Getting there  – You’l find massage places everywhere, so either walk or take a taxi.

4:30 PM – Terracotta Garden

Hidden from the city by a decorative wall, the Terracotta Garden is sort of place you either look for or just happen to stumble upon! Stepping into the walled garden is like reaching an oasis: all around you, you’ll see shamrock-green leaves spilling out between larger-than-life Buddha-style statues.

The collection of ornate pots, wall hangings and statues is breathtaking. We recommend that you pull out a chair and place an order with the small cafe for drinks while you meander leisurely around the garden. Don’t worry if it rains; the cafe is entirely enclosed by glass so you can still feel like you’re in the garden while remaining dry inside!

The Terracotta Garden is actually a showroom for Baan Phor Liang Muen, a well-established terracotta shop. The items on show are all handmade by local artists, so they are on sale, although that’s not the main reason to visit.

Insider Tip:  If you’d like to learn a bit about pottery, why not do so at the Terracotta Garden? Call ahead of time to arrange a pottery workshop in the garden with a local artist!

• Cost : Free
• How long should I stay here?  Only as a stroll around
• Getting there  – As your Taxi driver to drop you off

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighborhood in Chiang Mai

The Old City is often the cheapest place to stay in Chiang Mai, with a plethora of backpackers’ hostels and budget guesthouses making it one of the best places to stay in Chiang Mai for broke backpackers.

• Admire one of the city’s few remaining wooden buildings at the old monastery of Wat Phan Tao.
• Stroll around the outer defensive walls and enter the city through Thapae Gate.
• Go offbeat at the Thai Coin Museum and Mengrai Kilns.

Try to spend as long as possible in the city. There are just so many amazing attractions to visit that 3 days in Chiang Mai will pass by in a whirlwind! If you can, try to stay a little bit longer and visit even more awesome hotspots. We’ve listed a couple more of our favorites down below. Note that these are in no particular order.

1. Chiang Mai Gate Market

This market has the most awesome food stalls in Chiang Mai and perhaps even all of Thailand. The market is held most nights of the week, but weeknights are the most popular. There are fewer vendors on weekend nights, so make sure you go when you can enjoy everything this market can offer.

It’s a great spot to end the day or even squeeze into day 1 or 2. If your stomach can take it, try out the local dishes and things you normally wouldn’t eat (I’d recommend fried insects as a little snack!).

Eat lightly throughout the day and prepare yourself for a night blowout. And once you’re there, your mouth will be watering from all the different smells and spices in the air. If you’re not into insects, there are other popular dishes like mango sticky rice, smoothies, and pad kra pow, which is a spicy meat and basil dish.

• Cost  – Depends on your hunger>
• How long should I stay here?  1-2 hours.
• Getting there  – Taxi, Grab or Tuk Tuk

2. Wat Umong

There are a lot of temples and shrines in Thailand. In fact, when you’re looking for the most interesting places to visit in Chiang Mai, you’ll find that most of them are temples. But these shrines are a little different because they’re nestled underground, attached to a network of tunnels that were once used by a king and a Chiang Mai monk who preferred to pray underground.

This site was first abandoned in the 15th century but fortunately, it wasn’t eaten by the forest. It’s now open to the local Buddhist monks as well as curious travelers.

The tunnels are located a few miles out of town, so you’ll need to get a motorbike or arrange other transport to get there.

Make sure that you book return transport too, or you might find it difficult to get back to your hotel. Once you’re there, explore the tunnels and the surrounding forest as well. You’ll find numerous Buddhist shrines, statues, and signs all over the area. And the hunt is partly what makes this one of the most enthralling points of interest in Chiang Mai.

• Cost : $2-3
• How long should I stay here?  1 hour  
• Getting there  – Taxi if you don’t have a motorbike.

3. Wualai Walking Street

If you’re into shopping, but big crowds irritate you, this is the perfect spot for your Chiang Mai itinerary. Fewer tourists visit this walking street but that doesn’t mean there are less things to see.

If you want a fun and lively market that isn’t as packed as the rest, then show up on Wualai for the Saturday market. It opens in the later afternoon and runs until late.

It’s a little smaller, which is why you won’t have to fight your way through the crowds. It’s also more like a strolling market, where you’ll find a good array of goods and food stalls without the claustrophobic crush of other markets in the city. It’s known for its peaceful atmosphere, without any rush or hectic. If you’re in Chiang Mai over the weekend, it’s definitely a cool spot to check out.

• How long should I stay here?  1-2 hours is plenty enough  
• Getting there  – Get a Taxi or Tuk Tuk to drop you off where the street starts.

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

You can generally categorize Chiang Mai’s climate into three seasons. It’s rainy season from May to October. November to February is winter, while March to April is summer. Summer may sound like a good time to travel to Chiang Mai but it’s also burning season. During this time, farmers in the surrounding countryside burn the remainder of their harvest. This causes extensive smog which often obscures the mountain ranges around Chiang Mai and causes pollution in the city.

In terms of planning your trip, it doesn’t really matter when you visit exactly. With the exception of the burning season, Chiang Mai is generally a great destination year-round as every season brings its advantages. The best time to visit Chiang Mai tends to be in the shoulder season. June and October are both good times to enjoy pleasant weather.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – nothing beats having a motorbike when visiting Chiang Mai. As long as you’re comfortable on a bike and can handle the slightly intense Thai driving style, having a scooter will make your life much easier. There are rental shops on every corner in Chiang Mai, with most offering daily, weekly, and monthly rates. Make sure you check your bike (even take photos of its condition before you head off) and ask for a helmet.

Those not comfortable on a bike will have to get by on public transportation. There’s no metro system in Chiang Mai, but there are a ton of bus routes and the ubiquitous songthaew . These color-coded pickup trucks go just about everywhere in the city but can be a bit confusing. If you’re looking to do Chiang Mai on the cheap, the songthaew are definitely the way to go.

Taxis will always get you from A to B in the safest way possible (the Thai idea of “safe”) but haggling for a fair price can sometimes be a pain in the a*s. If you can, rent a personal driver while you’re in Chiang Mai or use Grab. Grab is the cheapest and most efficient way to get around, but if you’re travelling in a large group it can sometimes be a bit of a struggle to find a transport big enough or get everyone on the back of a bike.

Obviously your trip starts with packing your bag. make sure to have a pair of comfortable shoes with you (you’ll be walking a lot), a hat and sunscreen – the Thai sun can get quite harsh around noon time. Be sure to tick off all of the essentials on your Thailand Packing List before you start your travels so your Chiang Mai experience will be a success.

While there are certain things to watch out for in the city, worries about safety in Chiang Mai certainly shouldn’t stop you from planning a trip to Chiang Mai!

Avoid drugs when backpacking in Thailand . As chilled out as Chiang Mai is, Thailand is very strict when it comes to drug use and there’s no exception when it comes to foreigners. Stay clear, then, because the lightest sentence is a $2000 USD fine!

A common scam occurs with tuk-tuk drivers who offer tourists free rides, take them to gem stores and forcefully encourage them to buy. If you feel uncomfortable, calling loudly for the tourist police tends to work well.

The biggest danger, however, comes from road accidents. Thailand is notorious for its large number of road accidents and foreigners trying out the seemingly cool motorbike are often involved. Only hire a motorbike if you’re experienced with riding one and always wear a helmet. In fact, many backpackers are killed each year in motor accidents while driving in Thailand, so, please, follow the travel advice and warnings, respect the road, and stay safe!

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Chiang Mai

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Find out what people want to know when planning their Chiang Mai itinerary.

How many days should you need in Chiang Mai?

Four or five nights should be enough to explore the city and beyond.

What are some cool things to do in Chiang Mai at night?

The night bazaar is an awesome way to spend the evening, buy some cool souvenirs and grab some local food. Chiang Mai also has some great pubs too.

What are the best free things to do in Chiang Mai?

Many of the temples the city is famous for are free or cheap to visit, one you can’t miss that won’t cost a penny is Wat Phan Tao.

What are some fun things to do in Chiang Mai with family?

The whole family will love a day looking after elephants in the ethical Elephant Nature Park.

With rivers, mountains and jungle just outside of the city, Chiang Mai offers visitors access to a world of adventure and breathtaking natural landscapes! The city itself, however, isn’t outshone by these natural wonders: colorful markets, intricate artwork and stunning temples can be found on almost every corner in Chiang Mai.

This incredible combination of nature and culture makes Chiang Mai a winning destination that’s best seen with our expert 3-day Chiang Mai itinerary! From finding you the best place to stay in Chiang Mai to knowing the nearest quality eatery for an impromptu snack, we’ve got all the practical advice you need to make the most out of your trip!

There certainly is a lot to see in, and outside the city: whether it’s gilded Buddhas, royal roses or woven silks, you’ll find it all on our epic 3-day Chiang Mai itinerary!

Have you been to Chiang Mai before? Let us know your experience in the comments below, we’d love to hear from you!

Clair Cathryn

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Chiang Mai Travel Guide

Last Updated: March 13, 2024

Chiang Mai is the largest and most popular city in northern Thailand. It’s the main base of activities for most travelers who come up north and is one of the most visited cities in Thailand for travelers of all types.

The city is brimming with culture, incredible food markets, dozens of beautiful temples, a relaxed vibe, beautiful landscapes. In recent years, it’s become one of the main digital nomad hubs in Southeast Asia so it’s easy to meet other travelers here.

While you can find a lot of delicious Western food, cafes, and bars all around the city, the historic Thai-ness of the city hasn’t disappeared. There are plenty of stunning temples and lively markets to entertain as you explore.

Be sure to budget extra time when you visit Chiang Mai and as it’s easy to get “stuck” here. Lots of people plan to stay for a few days and end up staying for a few weeks or more! There’s magic to this city.

This travel guide to Chiang Mai can help you plan your trip, save money, and ensure you have an amazing visit!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Chiang Mai

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Chiang Mai

1. Visit the Elephant Nature Park

Elephant Nature Park rescues abused and injured elephants and other animals from around the country. It’s a sanctuary where you can visit for a day or spend a week volunteering. While you can no longer feed or bathe the elephants, you can still walk among them and see them chill out, play, and feed themselves. It’s a phenomenal experience where you’ll get to learn about the elephants and conservation efforts in the country. A one-day visit starts at 2,500 THB and needs to be booked in advance on the park’s website. Be make sure to book your trip in advance as it’s super popular and space fills up fast!

2. Tour the temples

There are hundreds of beautiful Buddhist temples in Chiang Mai, some dating as far back as the 13th century. The main ones worth seeing are Wat Chiang Man, (the city’s oldest one), Wat Phra Singh, Wat Suan Dok (or Flower Garden Temple), Wat Chedi Luang, and the Northern Indian-inspired Wat Jet Yot. As with most places of worship, dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees for men and women), wear shoes that are easy to put on and take off as no shoes are allowed in temples.

3. Visit Wat Doi Suthep

Doi Suthep is the mountain just outside Chiang Mai which holds its most famous temple, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (the pagoda supposedly contains relics of Buddha himself). Perched at the top of 306 stairs flanked by 2 giant serpent sculptures (there’s a funicular available too though!), it offers beautiful views of the surrounding area and Chiang Mai, plus at 6pm each day, you can watch the monks chant. Entry is 30 THB for tourists and there’s a 20 THB fee for the funicular.

4. Bargain at the night bazaar

Chiang Mai is the main handicraft center of Thailand and the night bazaar is the largest in the country. It’s a sprawling maze of stalls on either side of several streets but if you get to the corner of Loi Kroh and Changklan roads that’s a fair place to start and get oriented. Everything is sold at non-fixed prices so you can bargain the night away for the best deals on clothing, jewellery, paintings, antiques and grab some food across the main street at the Kalare night bazaar. Open daily from 6pm-12am, although individual stalls may have slightly differing hours.

5. Celebrate the Yi Peng Festival

This iconic annual three day festival unique to Northern Thailand takes place around the full moon in November. Sometimes referred to as the ‘Lantern Festival’ or the ‘Festival of Lights’, it’s marked by many ceremonies but most notably on the third and final night by citizens releasing thousands of paper lanterns into the air, which symbolically carry prayers, bad luck and all that people wish to let go towards the heavens. You can watch the lanterns be released from Nawarat Bridge or the Silver Bridge. It is a beautiful, memorable experience.

Other Things to See and Do in Chiang Mai

1. try ziplining.

If you are looking for an adrenaline rush and some time in (and above) lush forests, go ziplining. Chiang Mai has many operators offering beginner and advanced zip lining courses including multiple platforms, sky bridges, abseiling options and more. Jungle Flight is the home of one of Thailand’s longest zipline courses and Kingkong Smile offers both a short and a long course. The sites tend to be 1-1.5 hours’ drive from Chiang Mai into the mountains, but most operators include a return shuttle trip in the booking fee. Ziplining starts at about 2,400 THB.

2. Go jungle trekking

Chiang Mai is the main starting point for all sorts of jungle trekking tours. I like the three-day ones the best because, the longer the tour, the more interesting and secluded places you visit. Most multi-day treks include homestays with local families and some a bamboo raft trip down a river or some time at a waterfall. Be careful with whom you sign up, as many guides simply walk with you and don’t tell you much about the land or wildlife. Moreover, if you visit a tribal village, make sure the money stays with the villagers, and that they aren’t being exploited, which unfortunately happens a lot. Be sure to ask your accommodation for suggestions. Don’t book in advance.

3. Take a cooking class

Chiang Mai is the most popular place in Thailand for cooking classes, offering a variety of classes and amazing deals. You’ll often begin your class by going to the market and learning about Thai produce before heading back to the kitchen to cook a few dishes. Some classes even take place on a farm or location with their own vegetable garden, like Grandma’s Cooking School which includes a tour of the organic garden before the cooking class. Every class ends with eating everything you’ve prepared so bring an appetite! Prices range from 1,000-1,800 THB per person.

4. Eat a kantoke dinner

This traditional Thai event generally takes place on special occasions, like holidays, festivals, and weddings. At a kantoke dinner, you experience both Northern Thai food and culture at the same time. At this event, visitors are seated on the floor around a circular tray laden with Northern dishes (called a kantoke , giving the tradition its name). While you eat, you’ll watch traditional Thai and Northern dances and other cultural performances. The Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center is the premier place to go, with tickets costing 690 THB (including dinner).

5. Cruise down the river

Cruise around rural Mae Ping on a two-hour journey that takes you past beautiful scenery around Chiang Mai. Enjoy the scenic vistas, stop to visit a local farm and its herb and fruit gardens, and relax with an onboard Thai dinner. Mae Ping River Cruise is the main company offering tours. A two-hour cruise is 480 THB, while dinner cruises start at 650 THB.

6. Chat with monks

Monk chats are a chance for visitors to learn about the country’s religion and culture, while for young monks it’s an opportunity to practice their English. It’s a popular cultural activity that occurs at many of the major temples throughout the city, including Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Doi Suthep, Wat Suan Dok, as well as the MCU Buddhist University. Hours vary based on location.

7. Go whitewater rafting

The Mae Taeng River is a popular destination for whitewater rafting, with rapids ranging from levels two to four (easy to advanced). Keep in mind that the river is at its most intense during the rainy season, between August-October, and tours might sometimes be postponed if levels are dangerous. 8 Adventures offers tours for 2,500-3,000 THB per person, which include transportation from Chiang Mai and lunch.

8. Browse Warorot Market

This historic market opened in the early 20th century and is the largest and oldest in the city. It’s a great place to get a more local shopping experience and grab some fresh produce, dried foods, specialty snacks and clothes. There are even flower vendors outside the market and street food stalls that stay open into the evening. The food stalls are located on the first floor, while clothing and other goods are on the second and third floors. Located near the river, it’s open daily from 6am-7pm.

9. Visit The Highland People Discovery Museum

Highlighting Thailand’s ten minority hill tribes, this ethnographic museum offers informational videos and exhibits on each tribe’s lifestyle, beliefs, clothing and jewelry items (as well as a gift shop where you can purchase a few authentic items too!). The 4-storey museum building is surrounded by a lake and outside the gardens host life-size models of traditional huts of various tribes you can take a stroll through at your leisure. Set aside at least 2-3 hours to get a good feel of what the museum has to offer. It’s open Monday-Friday and admission is free (donations are welcome).

10. Climb up the Bua Thong Sticky Waterfalls

While a little outside of the city, this makes for a great day trip. The falls, due to the type of limestone they’re made of, is almost sticky and allow you to climb up the cascading water. The rocks themselves are interesting, looking a bit like fluffy clouds. Not only is it a neat experience, it’s also a great workout! Pack a picnic and a change of clothes, find a spot, and “stick” around for lunch. You can self-drive or take a taxi and agree a time for your driver to come back for you, or negotiate a ride with one of the drivers on site. Admission is free and basic shower and toilet facilities are available.

  For more information on other cities and islands in Thailand, check out the guides below:

• Bangkok Travel Guide
• Ko Chang Travel Guide
• Ko Lipe Travel Guide
• Ko Pha Ngan Travel Guide
• Koh Phi Phi Travel Guide
• Phuket Travel Guide

Chiang Mai Travel Costs

Hostel prices – Hostels start at 240 THB per night large 10-12-bed dorms, while smaller dorm rooms with 4-6 beds cost around 280-429 THB. Private rooms start at 1,000 THB for a double room with an ensuite bathroom. All hostels include free Wi-Fi, and most hostels include free breakfast and air-conditioning. Many offer free bikes for their guests as well.

Budget hotel prices – Centrally-located two-star hotels and guesthouses start at 450-625 THB per night for a room with free Wi-Fi, hot water, a private bathroom, and air conditioning. Most hotels also have outdoor swimming pools and offer free or discounted bikes for their guests to use.

On Airbnb, you can find private rooms in apartments for 350 THB. There’s also a wide selection of entire apartments/homes starting at 500-900 THB per night.

Average cost of food – Thai cuisine uses many ingredients to create layers of flavor in a dish. Typical fresh spices and herbs used include garlic, basil, galangal, cilantro, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, chilies, shrimp paste, and fish sauce.

Rice and noodles are central to Thai cuisine, while meat is usually pork, chicken, fish, or seafood. Some popular dishes include tom yum goong (hot and sour soup with shrimp), massaman curry, pad thai (a stir-fried noodle dish), som tam (spicy papaya salad), kao phad (fried rice), khao man gai (rice with boiled chicken), and satay (grilled meat on skewers, served with a peanut dipping sauce).

Chiang Mai’s most famous dish is khao soi , a yellow curry noodle soup with pickled cabbage and your choice of chicken or beef.

Chiang Mai has some of the best street food in Thailand, with dishes like khao soi costing 50 THB and snacks costing 20 THB. Most meals at a casual sit-down Thai restaurant cost 80-125 THB.

Western food is more expensive, starting around 170-195 THB for a main dish. A burger is 210 THB, pasta is 180-245 THB, and pizza is around 250 THB.

When it comes to drinking, going to bars can be pricey, with the cheapest local beers costing about 95 THB each. To save some money, you can buy beers from 7-Eleven for half that.

For non-alcoholic drinks, a cappuccino or fresh juice is 65 THB, and soda is 35 THB.

Some good places to eat are Khao Soi Khun Yai, Dada Kafe, Khao Soy Maesai, Aum Vegetarian, Dash, Musashi Sushi Bar, the Chiang Mai Gate Market, and the Sunday market that cuts through the old city (you can’t miss it)!

If you plan on cooking your own meals, a week’s worth of groceries costs around 550 THB. This gets you basic staples like rice, veggies, eggs, and some meat.

Backpacking Chiang Mai Suggested Budgets

On a backpacking budget, expect to spend about 975 THB per day. This assumes you’re staying in a hostel, cooking or eating cheap street food, using local transportation like songthaews and public buses, limiting your drinking, and doing mostly free and cheap activities like temple visits and wandering the markets.

On a mid-range budget, expect to pay 1,875 THB per day. On this budget, you can stay in a private Airbnb or cheap guesthouse, eat out for all your meals, enjoy a few drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around and do more activities and tours like a cooking class or hiking excursion.

On a “luxury” budget of 3,725 THB per day or more, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, drink more, take taxis everywhere, and do whatever activities you want (including visiting the elephant reserve). This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in THB.

Chiang Mai Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Chiang Mai can be as cheap or expensive as you want (like most of Thailand). But if you stick to the local markets, avoid the fancy organic restaurants that have popped up, and stay in the old city, you can save money easily! Here are some other ways to save money in Chiang Mai:

• Bargain hard – You have to bargain hard at the markets here. Don’t take the first price and don’t be afraid to walk away. They inflate prices greatly here since Chiang Mai is such a popular shopping destination for tourists.
• Eat from the street stalls – Food from street vendors in Thailand is some of the best Thai food I have ever had, and it’s so cheap it’s ridiculous. The locals eat here and you should too.
• Take the songthaew – At 20-40 THB for anywhere in the city, songthaews are one of the cheapest ways to get around. They go everywhere and run all night. There’s no reason to take a taxi around the city.
• Take the bus – At 20 THB per ride (and cheaper with a day pass), these modern public buses are, along with songthaews, one of the cheapest ways to get around the city.
• Stay with a local – Couchsurfing connects you with locals who can give you a free place to stay and who can share their insider tips and advice. It’s the best way to save money on accommodation and get insider tips and advice.
• Book group excursions – When booking your day tours, multi-day tours, cooking classes, etc., try to book it as a group so the price per person gets reduced. Traveling alone? Make friends and book a tour with your hostel.
• Use a water bottle with a purifier – It isn’t safe to drink tap water in Chiang Mai, and although buying bottled water is cheap, it does add up. Instead, pick up a LifeStraw , which have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe (it’s good for the environment too!)

Where to Stay in Chiang Mai

Looking for budget-friendly accommodation in Chiang Mai? Here are some of my favorite places to stay in the city:

• Kodchasri B&B
• Smile Robotist Hostel
• Hostel Lullaby
• The Royal Guest House
• Chang Puak Hotel

How to Get Around Chiang Mai

Songthaew – Songthaews are the most common mode of local transportation in Chiang Mai. These are converted pickup trucks with two rows of seats and how locals travel. Just flag one down in the street and tell the driver where you’re going. You can get to just about anywhere in the central city for 40 THB.

Buses – Until recently, there weren’t public buses in Chiang Mai, but that all changed in 2018 with the launch of the RTC Smart City Bus network. At 20 THB per ride, it’s the cheapest and easiest way to get around the city, including to and from the airport. The buses are clean, modern, and have free Wi-Fi. If you plan to use the bus a lot, you can get an unlimited day pass for 180 THB or a three-day pass for 400 THB.

Bicycle – Chiang Mai has a new dockless bike-sharing system called Anywheel. Each ride starts at 10 THB, while a monthly pass starts at 200 THB. Many hostels and guesthouses also offer their guests free bicycles to use.

Ridesharing – Use the Grab app to request a private ride. It works just like Uber and is one of the most popular ways to get around in Southeast Asia.

Motorbike/scooter rental – Motorbikes and scooters are a common way to get around, though it can be a harrowing experience to drive one in Chiang Mai. Keep in mind that traffic flows on the left in Thailand. A motorbike or scooter costs 100-500 THB per day, with cheaper deals for weekly and monthly rentals.

When to Go to Chiang Mai

The best time to visit Chiang Mai is between October-April when temperatures are warm but not stifling. You’ll still want to pack a sweater in case the evenings cool off. The average daytime temperature is around 25°C (77°F), but it can dip as low as 15°C (59°F) at night. Keep in mind, however, that this is peak tourist season so book your accommodation in advance if you want to find the best deals.

In April and May, things start heating up. Temperatures can soar as high as 40°C (104°F), and you’ll want to pack light clothing and plenty of sunscreen. If you’re not used to such heat, you might find it uncomfortable for sightseeing.

The rainy season takes place from June to October when temperatures cool down to 24-32°C (75-90°F) but the humidity rises. Chiang Mai doesn’t get as much rain as Southern Thailand, but you’ll still want to be prepared. It rains for maybe an hour each day, and only rarely for days on end.

How to Stay Safe in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a safe place to backpack and travel — even if you’re traveling solo, and even as a solo female traveler. People are nice and helpful and you’re unlikely to get into trouble. Violent crime against tourists is rare.

Petty theft (including bag snatching) is the most common type of crime in Chiang Mai so always keep your valuables secure and out of reach. This includes when on the bus/public transportation.

Solo female travelers should feel safe exploring the city, though the common precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

There are some common scams to be aware of here, such as the motorbike scam. This is when you rent a bike and the vendors try to charge you for damage to your bike rental — even though there is no damage. Also, sometimes taxis will try to charge you extra so always make sure you use a reputable taxi (have your hotel/hostel call one if you need one).

You can read this post on common travel scams to avoid if you want to learn more.

If you experience an emergency, dial 191 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Chiang Mai Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Agoda – Other than Hostelworld, Agoda is the best hotel accommodation site for Asia.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.

Get the In-Depth Budget Guide to Thailand!

My detailed 350+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guidebooks and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel around Thailand. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Chiang Mai Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more tips for your trip? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Thailand travel and continue planning your trip:

The 8 Best Hostels in Chiang Mai

The 7 Best Hotels in Bangkok

The 22 Best Things to Do in Bangkok

The Ultimate Guide to Teaching English in Thailand

Is Bangkok Safe to Visit?

The Complete Guide to Diving in Koh Tao

Get my best stuff sent straight to you, pin it on pinterest.

• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

• What to do in Chiang Mai in 2024; 3 day Itinerary for Chiang Mai

I lived in Chiang Mai for 14 months, when I was teaching English there , after doing my CELTA TEFL (diploma to teach English ). It’s my favourite place in the world, so much so that I celebrated cycling the length of Thailand, all 2000km of it, in Chiang Mai too! But when you’re visiting northern Thailand as a tourist, and you’re sitting thinking ‘Hmmm what to do in Chiang Mai’ it’s hard to cut through the endless nonsense online and create a 3 day itinerary for Chiang Mai, in the knowledge that you’re not missing any of the hotspots.

That’s why I’ve come to help! I’ve spent years in Chiang Mai, both on luxury breaks, and as a broke backpacker, so this Chiang Mai itinerary will fully inform you of the best way to spend your time here, and to know exactly just what to do in Chiang Mai. So below you’ll see the 3-day Itinerary for Chiang Mai, and below that, options for even longer stays. It’s different to a Bangkok itinerary in that Chiang Mai is so easy to get around. So check it out:

Table of contents

A 3 day itinerary for chiang mai, morning temples:, doi suthep’s story, evening food and drinks in nimmanhaemin, morning coffee with style, then thai cooking class, chill stroll down walking street, dinner, cocktails and muay thai, elephant experiences with ethics, last night in chiang mai, 4 days in chiang mai, bua tong waterfalls, doi inthanon national park, mae hong son, and the mae hong son ‘loop’, akyra manor chiang mai, final thoughts on what to do in chiang mai.

3 days in Chiang Mai is barely enough, so make sure to check out the additional stuff at the end of my Chiang Mai Itinerary below, but if you really only have 3 days then here’s what to do in Chiang Mai:

Your hotel may have brekkie, but if not, or if you’re fed up with hotel food then head over to the Nimmanhaemin area (where I recommend you stay anyway) and grab a delicious breakfast at ‘The Larder’. It looks pretty average from the outside, but the food (and portions) are AMAZING! Also, once you’ve filled your belly, you can walk from there to Funky Bike Rental (about a 10 minute walk) and pick-up a scooter rental for $7 per day (about 250THB).

Don’t worry, if you don’t want to drive a scooter you can use Thailand’s answer to Uber, and download Grab on your phone, and use that to get from A to B. But honestly, for 3 days in Chiang Mai, the scooter is well worth it! Also, I’d do Day 1 solo, no guides needed (unless you want to hike up to Doi Suthep), just be free to explore the temples at your own pace.

Once you’ve eaten, and sorted out transport you’ve got a couple of hours temple hunting. .Chiang Mai is home to loads of temples, but let’s be honest, you don’t want to spend all your time chasing one temple after another. For that reason, visit these 3 this morning. They are all within the moat, within the old city of Chiang Mai, just a 5 minute bike ride between each one, and all free or cheap to enter. 

Wat Phra Singh – Chiang Mai’s 2nd most famous temple, and almost 600 years old! 20THB to enter. 

Wat Chedi Luang – A huge ‘Chedi’ structure, toppled by the earthquake in 1545. It’s an icon of Chiang Mai. Free.

Wat Chiang Man – Chiang Mai’s oldest temple. Famous for the 2 Buddha images, said to be 2000 years old. 

Afternoon at Doi Suthep:

3 temples should ensure you have your fill of Buddha before lunch. For me, I’d stop for lunch at Good Souls Kitchen, a brilliant veggie restaurant, and also found within the Old City so it’s super easy to find from the temples.  After lunch, it’s time to hit up Chiang Mai’s most famous site of all. Doi Suthep.

(Wat Phrathat) Doi Suthep is the huge gold chedi on the mountain top that overlooks Chiang Mai. It’s lit up every night, and is allegedly home to Buddha’s himself’s shoulder bone! There are 3 options to get to Doi Suthep. You can take transport up there, by taxi or Song Thaew (roughly 100 baht or so). You can ride your scooter up yourself (this is what I always do, it’s a beautiful ride, takes about 20 minutes or so), or you can hike the Monk’s Trail (about a 6km, 3-hour hike, with the starting point HERE on google maps ). Or you can book a guide to take you on the trek HERE . 

Once you reach the bottom of the temple, you have a choice to walk the 309 steps, or take a 30THB cable car (take the steps, it’s good for you!). At the top of the steps then, foreigners pay 20THB to enter. The Temple is sacred due to the story of the white elephant carrying Buddha’s collar bone, which a monk had come across. Upon hearing of this, in 1368, King Dhammaraja put the bone on a white elephant and set the elephant free in the jungle.

The elephant attempted to climb Doi Suthep, almost reached the top, trumpeter 3 times, and died. This was seen as a sign, and the temple was built, with Buddha’s shoulder bone still sitting deep within the Chedi. 

Nowadays, walking around the Temple (clockwise only please), is a huge tourist attraction. The Gold Chedi is famous, as is the view of Chiang Mai city from the top, it’s spectacular on a clear day. Also, once you’re done, there is a little market at the foot of the Wat, where you can chill, shop and eat. All-in-all, allow about 3 or 4 hours included transport (or 8 if you’re hiking). Back to your hotel for a shower before dinner and drinks.

Night one, especially after being up to Doi Suthep, you should check-out sunset from the rooftop bar at Hotel Yahee. It’s a hipster hangout with amazing cocktails, and normally during sunset is ‘buy 1 get 1 free’. The rooftop of Akyra, complete with swimming pool, is also a great option.

After sunset, with your scooter parked at your hotel (no drinking and driving folks), walk the 5 minutes to ‘Khao Soi Nimman’ (Nimman Soi 7, and just 5 or 6 minutes walk from Yahee). Khao Soi is Chiang Mai’s most famous dish. Crispy noodles in a thai curry, it’s delicious. And at ‘Khao Soi Nimman’, you can get a huge, delicious dish for under 100THB (about $3). It’s so good!

After that, if you’re still up for drinks, start with a street beer opposite Maya Mall, then stroll back down Nimman to ‘Warm Up Cafe’ if you want to kick things off with a little more booze. Sit upstairs to avoid the crazy Thai crowds, it’s a fun place.

Day 1 was a winner. Today it’s time to experience a local market, some Northern Thai food, and a shopping bonanza. 

First up, if you went for the scooter option, and you’re big into uber-cool coffee shops (like my partner), then check out a morning coffee at one of these 3 coffee shops:

• No. 39 Cafe.
• The Baristro x Ping River.

All serve tip-tip coffee, great snacks, and the settings are nothing short of magical. 

In every tourist hotspot in Thailand, they try to sling you cooking courses. Normally, I wouldn’t bother with it to be honest. But Chiang Mai is different, honestly. I’ve been living in Thailand, on and off, for a decade. The only place I’ve done a cooking course here is in Chiang Mai. And I’ve done it twice! The general way it works is you’re either in a group or private (depending on your budget). From there you can choose half-day or full-day.

Personally, I think half-day is enough to be honest. They’ll pick you up, bring you to local fresh market and show you how the selection of Thai ingredients are made, then bring you back to a specially-fitted kitchen so you can cook side-by-side your friends or family, along with the pro-chef. They’ll walk you through every step of every dish. Skip breakfast, or at least don’t eat too much though, because during the cooking class, you stop and eat every dish you make along the way, and you get absolutely stuffed! 

Cooking classes generally cost about $40 or so. You can book them online HERE . 

TOP-TIP. If you get bored easily, and only want a HALF DAY cooking class, these are the guys for that !

Depending on what time your cooking class finishes, you can either squeeze this activity in before or after dinner. On Sunday’s, starting from the gorgeous Thapae Gate, there is a 1km long ‘walking street’, where Thai vendors from around the North congregate and share their cute handicrafts for sale. There are also endless food and drinks stalls too, so even if you’re not a shopper, come with an appetite and enjoy. The famous Walking Street runs on Sunday 4-11pm.

But if it’s a Saturday, they have a Saturday one too, starting at Chiang Mai gate, rather than Thapae gate. In the day and age of getting off the beaten track, many prefer the Saturday market. It’s less polished, and more Thai, and well worth your time.

My favourite restaurant in Chiang Mai sits right on the River Ping. ‘Riverside’ is an institution in Chiang Mai. Once just a shack on the river run by a Dutch guy and his Thai wife, it expanded and expanded until it reached the stratosphere today, where you need a reservation if you want to sit right on the river 7 days a week. Great spot for beers too with banging loud music every single night.

After Riverside, take a Grab taxi for cocktails. The 2 coolest cocktail bars in the city are without doubt ‘Drinksmith’ and ‘Nopahburi Bar’. Drinksmith is uber-cool, peaky-blinders style bar with signature cocktails. Whereas Nopahburi bar is a run-down, retro hole-in-the-wall that serves cocktails only with Thai booze. Both are brilliant. Both are expensive, nothing less than $10 a drink in either, but worth it, I promise.

If you’re still chasing the night, go and check out some Muay Thai. There are 2 spots, a kind-of tourist place on Loi Kroh road that has fighters sporadically fight to keep the drinkers entertained, and better, more-authentic experience at the Tha Phae Boxing Stadium. You can enter from 8pm, and generally, there are 5 or 6 fights per night, closing at 11pm. Beers available inside too, it’s great fun. Prices are a little expensive at $15, but again, worth it for the experience for sure. 

TOP-TIP: BOOK YOUR TICKETS ONLINE, SKIP THE QUEUE AND GUARANTEE YOUR SEATS ($17) .

If that’s not enough drinking, and socialising for you, the final spot is ‘Zoe in Yellow’. That’s where people party in crowds. Buckets, face paints, lots of fellow tourists, cut loose. Closes between midnight and 1am, if you’re still in the mood, Spicy is the last place to close. Expect a fun, but seedy atmosphere. The drinking scene in Chiang Mai isn’t the same as Bangkok nightlife , but it’s still fun. You have been warned!

I hope the hangover isn’t too bad, or feel free to swap the days around to make sure you’re energetic enough for a beautiful elephant-led experience today. 

Thailand became famous for ‘Elephant Tourism’ back in the 90s. Elephants walking the streets, photo-ops, elephant ‘riding’ in the jungle. But like all experience with animals, it was far from ethical (shout out to the Thai Tiger Kingdom – avoid those as*holes too!).  Thankfully, the world has woken up and realised that elephants aren’t ours to abuse for a quick Instagram pic, and with that a new breed of sanctuaries have been born. You have to be careful though, many places still abuse elephants and put on a front to satisfy the tourists.

One place that doesn’t do that, and has led the way for genuine ethical Elephant care is the ‘Elephant Nature Park’, created by the beautiful human, Lek. This place is heaven for animals. Anyway, they offer day-trips (2,500THB/$80), where you get picked up around 8.30, spend the day at the sanctuary, walk with the herd, learn about the practices etc, it’s a wonderful experience. You’ll be back in Chiang Mai city around 5pm ish.

TOP-TIP: Book online and reserve your spot (no extra cost). It honestly does sell out !

NOTE : You can actually spend the night here, and with that, enter the river and help wash the elephants in the morning. I LOVED IT! But you have to book in advance, it’s always sold out (5800THB, almost $200). All proceeds go to the park. 

Your time is almost up! Go for a wander around One Nimman and buy your last minute gifts (don’t miss the lemon cake from Graph coffee shop in there!), and if you’re still in the mood for some life in your night, don’t miss Chiang Mai’s famous Jazz Bar – North Gate Jazz. It’s packed with both locals and expats alike almost every single night! You may end up drinking your beer standing up, outside on the street as the people spill out. Which is kinda great, because it’s an awesome way to chat to people. I love the place.

And that’s it folks, you’re 3 days in Chiang Mai is up. You now know exactly what to do in Chiang Mai, but if you need a Chiang Mai itinerary longer than 3 days, don’t worry, I’ve added the additional information below. 

EXTRA DAYS IN CHIANG MAI?

As I mentioned above, I’ve been to every country in the world , and I think Chiang Mai is the best spot of the lot! Big praise? I can’t wait to move back there next year, which is why I think 3 days in Chiang Mai isn’t nearly enough, but I know people are pushed for time, so it’s tough to get all the time you need! Despite that, if you find yourself with more time here, and you want to know what to do with 4 days in Chiang Mai or 5 days in Chiang Mai, let me help you out with longer Chiang Mai itineraries here:

I’d stick with the 3 day Chiang Mai Itinerary above. But add 1 night at the Elephant Nature Park. Sleeping there is a truly magical experience, and walking with the elephants at sunrise the next morning is something you’ll never forget. With that, you’ll still have 1 extra day left. The best thing to do with that day is a day trekking and bamboo rafting. You’ll drive about an hour outside the city (you can arrange them to pick you up at the Elephant Nature Park if you wish), and then go for a gentle trek in the Northern Thai jungle for a couple of hours.

You’ll get the opportunity to help support local hill tribes with your custom, and stop for food. The second half of the day, hop on a bamboo raft and meander through the jungle. A slow-paced journey through the ‘real’ Thailand on a rickety old bamboo raft. When I did this, I thought it’d be a kind-of contrived tourist trap, but it was honestly a brilliant day. We even brought a couple of beers for the bamboo raft journey and soaked up the vibes all the way back to Chiang Mai.

5 days in Chiang Mai, or more?

If you still haven’t had your fill of Chiang Mai, it’s time to add-on some side trips to your time in Chiang Mai.

Just a 45 minutes drive outside Chiang Mai is Mon Jam . A mountain-town of Hmong tribespeople. You can stay within their community in ‘glamping tents’. The weather is fresh (almost cold!), the views are epic, and the drive is beautiful. You’ll be shocked how different it is when it’s so close to Chiang mai. Check it out !

(aka the ‘Sticky Waterfalls): 50km, or a one hour drive, north of Chiang Mai, the Bua Tong Waterfalls are a really popular escape from the city for Thais and expats. The waterfalls themselves are ‘sticky’ because they’re formed from Limestone, so you can grip to them, and sit in the flowing water. Most people bring food and drinks and chill by the falls for a couple of hours. You can either drive here yourself on a scooter, and drive back. Or book a half-day tour to take care of that for you (preferable if you plan to drink beers there!).

TOP-TIP – COMBINE THE WATERFALLS WITH DOI SUTHEP ON A PRIVATE TOUR FOR $80 OR SO . 

Chiang Mai’s little brother, Chiang Rai is a charming city 3 hours drive from Chiang Mai. It’s possible to take a day-trip. But I’d recommend spending 1 or 2 nights in Chiang Rai. The White Temple is its biggest claim to fame, but the Black Temple, the Rice Terraces north of the City, the Golden Triangle, and Phu Chi Fa sunrise spot all use Chiang Rai as a hop-off point, so give yourself 2 days there if you can. You can book a day-trip from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai with these guys if you’re pushed for time .

Home to Thailand’s highest spot, Doi (‘mountain’ in the Northern Thai dialect) Inthanon sits at 2,565 m (about 7,500feet). It’s a perfect day-trip from Chiang Mai, with it being just 60km away.  If you travel here solo (better in a car rental than scooter to be honest, as it gets cold up there, and the incline is quite steep, so a cr*ppy scooter rental can sometimes struggle), it’s 300THB (about $10) for the ticket entrance. Normally, you pair a trip here with a stop at the Wachirathan waterfall and Sirithan Waterfalls too. And a stop at the twin pagods of Napamatanee Don and Napaphon Bhumisiri.  TOP TIP: For $40 or so, you can book a DAY-TRIP with these guys !

Thailand’s answer to Ubud, Bali. Pai is 3 or 4 hours from Chiang Mai so it’s not doable as a day-trip from Chiang Mai, you’d have to spend a couple of nights there. It’s a place to chill rather than hop about from sight to sight. Waterfalls, hotsprings and Pai Canyon, and a lot of relaxing in rice paddies. Lovely place, with a hippy vibe.

For the more adventurous of you, this is a great way to feel Northern Thailand. Take a scooter, or a car, and complete the ‘loop’ of Chiang Mai, Mae Sariang, Mae Hong Son. People usually spend 5-7 days doing it. You’ll feel the Burmese influence, get lost in the lush jungles of the North, and find yourself with a true travel experience in Thailand.

Where to Stay in Chiang Mai?

Now I’m my mid-30s, my travel style has changed a lot over the years. But don’t worry, Chiang Mai suits all budgets. First of all, you need to choose which area to stay in. Chiang Mai has a central square moat. Within that is referred to as the ‘Old City’. North West of the old city, just a couple of kilometres away, is a street called Nimmanhaemin. I referred to it a lot in the ‘What to do in Chiang Mai’ article above.

Basically, I only ever stay in the Nimman area. It’s home to most of the best bars, restaurants, convenience stores. There are tourist shops to help you out, great snacks, motorbike rentals everywhere etc. It’s by far the best place to stay where you’re here on your 3 days in Chiang Mai escape. 

With that in mind, you can find great private rooms as cheap as $15 in the Nimman area. In fact, I’m staying in one just like that as my base for my 188km marathon from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai next month . So if you’re on a budget, don’t worry. 

If you’re looking for the best boutique hotel in Chiang Mai or the best luxury hotel in Nimmanhaemin, there’s only one place I’d recommend. The winner of countless awards since opening, and found on Nimmanhaemin soi 9, is the akyra Manor Chiang Mai . Italics

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by JOHNNY WARD (@onestep4ward) on Jul 22, 2020 at 7:49pm PDT

I was recently in Chiang Mai, looking to buy land to build my villa there , and I wanted to celebrate with my fiance, so we booked 3 nights at the Akyra Manor, and it is spectacular. ESPECIALLY if you bag yourself the Premier Suite or Manor Suite, complete with oversized stone bathtub with Doi Suthep Views. It’s the best bathtub I’ve ever been in, and that means hotels in Bora Bora , Maldives , Seychelles etc, it’s wonderful.

Not only that, their breakfast is A La Carte, and retains the boutique vibe that luxury resorts often lose with their large breakfast buffet warehouses! On site is also one of Chiang Mai’s best Italian restaurants, Italics. I can vouch for their pizza, eating it twice out of the 3 nights we were there!

The highlight of the dining at the Akyra however is RISE bar, on the rooftop. They have amazing signature cocktails, and a great tapas snacking menu. But it’s the rooftop pool and champagne bar that win the Instagram hearts, check it out:

Are 3 days in Chiang Mai enough? It’s enough to get a feel for the city. But ideally, you’d want to use Chiang Mai as your base to explore the north of Thailand. You can probably squeeze the main sights of the city into 2 days. And then another day for the elephants. So 3 days in Chiang Mai is kind of the minimum you need.

As you can see above, with day trips and multi-day trips, you could easily spend 2 weeks with Chiang Mai as your main base. Using it to explore the best of Northern Thailand. Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, the Mae Hong Son Loop. Mae Ngat Dam and their floating houses . That would be a dream. I hope you guys now feel confident in what to do in Chiang Mai. And I hope my Chiang Mai Itinerary has helped, and even more, I hope you fall in love with this city, and region, as much as I have. 

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• Festivals & Events

Amazing Bloom Chiang Mai: Chiang Mai Blooms Festival 2022 (Now until 8th April)

Chiang mai will be blushingly budding, joyfully blooming and exuberantly blossoming in the coming months.

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Every winter Chiang Mai erupts into a colourful riot as our city’s streets, gardens, flowerbeds and parks fill up with a kaleidoscopic abundance of flowers. Step outside of the city and our mountains come alive, our fields are blanketed and our visions painted with colourful delight.

Chiang Mai’s long standing February floral tradition has been ongoing for close to half a century. In fact, this year marks the 45th anniversary of the annual Chiang Mai Flower Festival. However, in recent years, as flower exports soar, chefs decorate dishes with edible flowers, florists help lovers woo and our city’s gardeners busy themselves tending to their pretty floral babies, Chiang Mai has seen an explosion in appreciation of flowers. So much so that this will be the fifth Chiang Mai Bloom Festival, and, in spite of the pandemic, one of the most spectacular to date.

Across the city and in the surrounding countryside, there will be special exhibitions, events and pop-up flower gardens to keep you bloomin’ busy for the next couple of months.

This event is organised by the Visit Lanna for MICE and Tourism Industry in Northern Thailand as well as the MICE Department, Public Health Office, and a group of young business people and entrepreneurs across Chiang Mai. Locals, expatriates and tourists Chiang Mai, across Thailand…and beyond, are invited to join in a smorgasbord of activities in the coming weeks.

Tourism Authority of Thailand (Chiang Mai) wishes you all a wonderful Amazing Bloom Chiang Mai experience.

Here are some of the highlights you can already visit, or that you should definitely put into your calendar for a future visit:

Blooms Beats 2022 X I Love Flower Farm

Music in fields of flowers! Chiang Mai’s first flower farm destination, I Love Flowers Farm, is opening its floral doors to some of the best musical talent in Thailand for a special weekend of blossoms and beats. Sprawled across well over a dozen rai of land, the event is separated into zones: English Garden (2 rai), Daisy Farm (4 rai), Gaillardia (4 rai), Concert Lawn (2 rai), Balloon Show (4 rai) and Dining and Shopping Zone (1.5 rai).

Artists: • Moment’s Notice Jazz Club • Nazz & SuperRich • Cats Away • Spy the Golden Song • Lula • Pause • Sqweez Animal [SQ] Official • WANYAi x Mon Monik…and more

Dine from pre-twilight deep into the starry night with food presented by chefs in the local Muang Kaew community alongside those from Chiang Mai’s five star hotels and award-winning restaurants.

Tickets: Zone A: 2,500 baht for four people, including one drink each Zone B: 650 baht each, including one drink Zone C: 550 baht each, including one drink Purchase here: https://shop.line.me/@chiangmaiblooms/product/1000943993

Each ticket is 500 baht PLUS you receive another 500 baht ticket! So basically it is 250 baht per ticket. Expatriates will also receive a 300 baht voucher to be spent at the fair. Bargain!

When: 4pm-10.3pm Saturday 26th-Sunday 27th February 2022

Where: I Love Flowers Farm, Mae Rim Parking: https://goo.gl/maps/iWktt2oZku9H3oFK7

Remarks: Tickets are only for one day’s use. Limited numbers, first comes first tickets go! Please take all Covid 19 health and safety precautions including proof of double vaccination, Antigen Test Kit within 72 hours prior to the event and all other measures set by the Public Health Office.

*Expatriates and foreign visitors will be pleased as punch to know that there will be a special ‘Floral Card’ which will entitle you to a 300 baht FREE cash voucher which can be used to purchase drinks, food and souvenirs. Simply look for our booth at the front of the event to claim your free ‘Floral Card’ voucher.

Chiang Mai Blooms Photo Contest

An exhibition and photography competition held at the Chiang Mai House Photography. Featuring works from photographers exhibited under the name, ‘Ignorant Boand’ and ‘Flower Pollination Communication’ as well as being a place for all who are interested in photography to stop by.

Where: Chiang Mai House of Photography

Chiang Mai Blooms Chef’s Table

Two of the city’s top chefs will present a memorable dining experience surrounded by an abundance of flowers. With floral decorations provided by the city’s top creative florists, this is to be an experience which will not be soon forgotten.

When & Where: Friday 18th February at Woo Café by florist, Khun Saturday 19th February at Nasi Jampru by florist, Dice Flower Décor

Price: 2,500 baht per person (limited to 40 seats)

Chiang Mai Blooms in the Afternoon

A special late afternoon tea surrounded by beautiful flowers served with special teas and delicious desserts.

When & Where: Sunday 20th February 3.30pm-6pm The Ironwood

Blooms in the Jungle

Get out of town and into the jungle where flowers bloom with a visit to Lanna Rose Farm. There will be a pickup service so you don’t have to worry about transport. The highlight of this visit is the special purple rose that will have you taking selfies ‘til your phone’s memory runs out!

When: Now-Monday 21st February between 8am-6pm

Price: 120 baht including transportation

Take a Mini Marathon and Fun Run around the charming On Tai community, passing by old wooden houses in quiet sleepy villages, lime green paddy fields swaying in the winds and some lovely floral displays.

When: Sunday 27th February between 5am-10am

Price: 350 baht per person for Fun Run and 450 baht per person for Mini Marathon.

Blooms Bazaar

Stop by JingJai Market for a day of fun for all with shopping, eating, drinking, workshops, activities and all sorts of organic, artistic and creative offerings.

When: 5th&6th March between 6am-1pm and 12th&13th March between 9am-4.30pm

Where: JingJai Market

Flowers on the Table

Chefs from the Thai Hotel Association Northern Chapter will be wowing with a five course dinner of fabulous food with a floral theme.

When: Saturday 12th March from 6pm

Price: 2,500 baht per person (limited to 150 seats)

Where: Royal Flora

Blooms Journey

A multitude of businesses across Chiang Mai are participating in a variety of capacities in this months-long festival. If you are interested to find out resort or hotel discounts, meal vouchers, tour packages or any other bloom-related tourism, simply contact below: More information Fb Chiang Mai Blooms IG cmblooms Line official account @chiangmaiblooms

Ticket sell at LINE OA only

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He fell in love with Thailand while traveling in his 20s. Now 40, he's back and has built his dream 'James Bond' luxury villa.

Johnny Ward, an Irish travel blogger, built a luxury villa in Chiang Mai, Thailand in 2021.

He says he spent about 22.5 million Thai baht, or about $600,000, on the entire build.

His two-story villa features a pool, a home cinema, and a man-cave.

The first time Johnny Ward went to Chiang Mai, Thailand , he was 22.

He paid for his one-way flight with money he earned from participating in a five-week-long medical research study. It was the first time he had traveled anywhere in Asia.

Over the next year and a half, Ward taught English at a local school and fell in love with Chiang Mai's laidback lifestyle .

When that stint was over, he moved to Australia to take up a sales job. Although the pay was good, he was dissatisfied with corporate life. He decided to quit his job to travel and ended up starting a blog to document his adventures.

"I was living a fun, cool life, and I just wanted to show other people from working-class backgrounds that you don't need to come from a rich family to live a cool life," Ward, now a travel blogger who also runs a online media company, told Business Insider.

But after traveling the world, Ward realized that Chiang Mai still had his heart.

"If you ever Google things like '10 best places to live,' ' Best place to be a digital nomad ,' 'Best place to retire,' Chiang Mai often features in top 20 of all these things," Ward said. "It's so nice."

That's why in 2019, he decided to return and build a permanent home.

"I always wanted a James Bond villa — Miami-style, Ibiza-style. So I kind of think that's exactly what I did," Ward said.

Two floors of luxury

In late 2020, Ward bought a 13,000-square-foot plot of land with his wife, Jaa, who is from Thailand, for 6 million Thai baht, or about $160,000.

The land is located in a gated community about 15 minutes outside the city center, he said. Chiang Mai is the largest city in northern Thailand and is surrounded by mountains.

Ward then found a local luxury developer to help design his home. They broke ground in early 2021.

"The entire process was very smooth," Ward said. "He's like a one-stop shop. He did everything from the architectural drawing to the actual design — he's got a team of interior designers."

In Thailand, there are strict criteria for taking out property loans as foreigners . Being self-employed made it difficult for Ward to get financing, so he paid for the entire project in cash.

Ward said he spent 13 million Thai baht building the home and another 3.5 million Thai baht furnishing it, or about $460,000 in total.

The two-story villa has a pool and seven bedrooms, of which three have been converted into an office, a home cinema, and a man-cave.

Growing up on welfare in Ireland, it had always been Ward's dream to own a large house.

"When I was like 12, I used to watch all those real estate shows in Ireland," Ward said. "I thought, 'I'm going to build myself my big dream house one day.'"

It would have been difficult for him to have all the things he wanted if he had bought an existing home in Chiang Mai, Ward said.

"And finally, most important of all, I couldn't afford to buy what I want," Ward said. "It's much cheaper to build. The final product that I have here, I couldn't have afforded to buy that off the shelf."

For instance, a fully furnished seven-bedroom home on a similarly sized plot in Chiang Mai is being listed for 85 million Thai baht, or about $2.35 million, on the property platform Elite Homes Thailand . Six luxury homes with five or more bedrooms are also listed on James Edition , and their asking prices range from $600,000 to $11 million.

A dream come true

Building his own luxury home wouldn't have been possible if he hadn't started his blog all those years ago, Ward said.

"The key to happiness and a fulfilled life in 2024 and beyond is to make money online, whether that's remotely for a company or, even better, if you can make your own from your own business online," Ward said. "I know it's a very fortunate position to be in, but anyone can have it."

Since he paid for his home out of pocket, he's free of housing debt, Ward said.

Although there are some exceptions, he says the cost of living in Thailand is generally lower than in Ireland.

"I'm from Ireland, so a pint of Guinness is double the price here. And while something like a 90-inch TV can also be slightly more expensive in Thailand, the day - to-day costs are just a fraction of back home," Ward said.

According to data on the user-contributed database Numbeo , the cost of living in Thailand is also, on average, 50.9% lower than in the US.

However, Ward said he will still have to consider other bigger costs in the future, especially if he has kids and they attend international schools in Thailand.

Ward is also in the midst of building a house about half a mile away for his mother.

"She's got Parkinson's disease," Ward said. "In the future, if she needs to have a nurse or something, there's the affordability of having a lovely, kind nurse who could live in the house with her and also for me to be able to take care of her."

Ward, now 40, says he's proud of achieving his homeownership dreams in his 30s.

"People want to say like, 'Oh, it's not what you have. It's all about your mentality.' I'm a positive guy; I love my life regardless. And my life, on top of that, got better in my lovely house," he added.

Have you recently built or renovated your dream home in Asia? If you've got a story to share, get in touch with me at  [email protected] .

Read the original article on Business Insider

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