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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

Where to stay in chiang mai in 3 days, chiang mai itinerary day 1: elephants, temples and culture, chiang mai itinerary day 2: learn about history and culture, chiang mai itinerary day 3: a bit of culture, lots of relaxation, what to do with more than 3 days in chiang mai, best time to visit chiang mai, how to get around chiang mai, what to prepare before visiting chiang mai, faq on chiang mai itinerary, final thoughts.

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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.

Want to save money on accommodation?

We got you. For reals.

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!

Buy Us a Coffee !

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You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee . If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂

Clair Cathryn

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Detailed Chiang Mai Itinerary for 3, 4 or 5 days [2024]

If you’re wondering how to plan the best Chiang Mai itinerary, this guide will tell you everything you need to know about planning your trip to Chiang Mai from how to get there, the best places to stay, attractions to visit, and more.

Now this isn’t a conventional Chiang Mai itinerary where I only recommend the most popular attractions.

While they are popular for a reason, I strongly believe that the best way to experience a destination is to take some time to venture off the beaten path.

So keep reading to find out how to plan the best Chiang Mai itinerary for 3, 4, or 5 days, including some day trip suggestions.

*** This article may contain affiliate links, meaning each time you click through and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you which helps a lot in keeping this website running. Thank you for your support :)

Read more about Chiang Mai:

• Most beautiful waterfalls in Chiang Mai
• 8 Chiang Mai night markets worth visiting
• 5 Best easy hikes in Chiang Mai
• Should you visit Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai?

Table of Contents

How many days is enough in Chiang Mai?

In my opinion, 3 days in Chiang Mai is the absolute minimum if you want to hit all the major tourist attractions.

But if you can afford to spend more time in Chiang Mai, I would recommend staying 4 days in Chiang Mai or 5 days if you want to do a few day trips.

Below is a suggested Chiang Mai itinerary for up to 5 days:

Day 1 : Temple hopping around Old Town & Chiang Mai Night Market

Day 2 : Doi Inthanon National Park

Day 3 : Doi Suthep Temple & Bua Tong Sticky Waterfall

Day 4 : Monk’s Trail to Wat Pha Lat, Montha Than Waterfall, Huai Kaeo Waterfall & Chiang Mai University Night Market or Nimman

Day 5 : Option 1 – Chiang Rai day trip; Option 2 – Thai cooking class & Wat Phra That Doi Saket; Option 3 – Mon Jam; Option 4 – Lampang day trip

Chiang Mai Itinerary Essentials

Where to stay in chiang mai.

If it’s your first visit to Chiang Mai, I highly recommend booking your hotel in the Old Town as most attractions, restaurants, and night markets are within walking distance.

Below are some of the best places to stay:

Luxury : 99 The Heritage Hotel is one of the best places to stay during your Chiang Mai itinerary. Rooms are luxurious, the location is great – right in the middle of the Old Town, plus it has a swimming pool. Check rates here.

Mid-Range : El Barrio Lanna is a great place to stay for those looking for some peace and quiet while still being close to attractions, restaurants, and cafes. Rooms are spacious and have either a twin or double bed. There’s also an outdoor pool. Check rates here.

Budget : Located less than 200 meters from Wat Phra Singh with plenty of restaurants nearby, Sleep Walker Poshtel offers double and family rooms at affordable prices. Check rates here.

Hostel : OYO Le Light House & Hostel is located near the south gate and just a few minutes walk from Chiang Mai Gate Market and Saturday Night Market. The hostel is clean and each bed has a curtain for privacy. They have both mixed and female-only dorms. Check rates here.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HOTELS IN CHIANG MAI

How to get to Chiang Mai?

Plane : The best and quickest way to get to Chiang Mai is by plane. Direct flights are available from several parts of Thailand such as Bangkok and Krabi as well as from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.

Train : Another popular way to get to Chiang Mai is by taking a sleeper train from Bangkok . The total journey takes on average 10-13 hours and tickets cost about 700-1400 baht depending on the cabin class, time of the day, and whether you choose the lower or upper bed.

Bus : Buses are also available and cost about 650 baht. The total journey takes on average 9 hours.

BOOK YOUR TRANSFER FROM BANGKOK TO CHIANG MAI HERE

Getting around Chiang Mai

Walking : If you’re staying in the Old Town, you can easily get around on foot.

Songthaew (Red bus) or Tuk Tuk : For longer distances, you can take a songthaew for about 30 baht per trip depending on the distance covered and your negotiation skills. Tuk tuks are also available but cost slightly more.

Rental car or motorbike : If you want more flexibility, you can rent a car (about 1,000 baht per day) or motorbike (about 250 baht day).

Taxi : The last option is to download a ride-sharing app such as Grab, Bolt, or inDrive. I personally found Bolt to be the cheapest one out of the three.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to plan your Chiang Mai itinerary is from November to February when the weather is cool.

The rainy season happens between June and October while March to May is known as the hot season which sometimes coincides with the burning season.

Note that the burning season may sometimes start in late January or February. If you want to check the current air quality, I recommend using this website .

I personally visited Chiang Mai in May and June and the weather was quite hot (about 35°C) but luckily the burning season was already over. It also rained only once in the evening during the whole 10 days I was there so I was able to do a lot of sightseeing.

Chiang Mai Itinerary Day 1

Temple hopping around old town.

Familiarize yourself with the city by spending your first day exploring the Old Town where you’ll come across some of the best Chiang Mai temples.

The temples are located within walking distance of each other, so you can easily do a self-guided walking tour.

You can click here for an interactive map featuring the best temples to visit. The total walking time should be around an hour.

But if you’d like to learn more about the history of each temple, I recommend this Chiang Mai temple tour with a local guide which includes visits to 3 major temples in the Old Town.

The tour also includes hotel transfers, transportation between each temple, entry fees, water, and a guide. It’s available as a private or small group tour.

CHECK PRICE FOR A CHIANG MAI TEMPLE TOUR

Below are some of the best temples to visit in the Old Town:

Wat Lok Moli : A small teakwood temple adorned with intricate carvings. Behind is a chedi ruin reminiscent of the temples in Ayutthaya .

Wat Chiang Man: About a 15-minute walk from Wat Lok Moli is Wat Chiang Mai, famous for its elephant chedi.

Wat Phantao : This is another teakwood temple located right in the middle of the Old Town.

Wat Chedi Luang: This is a must-visit on any Chiang Mai itinerary! It features a huge chedi with elephant statues on each side. The entrance fee is 50 baht.

Wat Tung Yu: This hidden gem in Chiang Mai is worth visiting if you’re looking for some peace and quiet within the Old Town. They offer free meditation classes every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday at 9 a.m.

Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan: This is the second most popular temple in the Old Town (after Wat Chedi Luang), famous for its gold-plated chedi. Entrance is free but the main hall costs 40 baht to enter.

Silver Temple (Wat Sri Suphan): One of the most unique temples in all of Thailand, the exterior of the Wat Sri Suphan is adorned with intricate silver carvings illustrating the life of Buddha. The entrance fee is 50 baht.

Note : When visiting temples, make sure to cover your shoulders and knees.

Explore the Chiang Mai Night Markets

After a full day of temple hopping, end the first day of your Chiang Mai itinerary at one of the many night markets dotted around the city.

One of the biggest night markets in Chiang Mai is the Sunday Night Market, also known as Tha Phae Walking Street.

The night market is set along the whole length of Rachadamnoen Road, occasionally spilling onto the little side streets.

Here you’ll find hundreds of stalls selling food, clothes, souvenirs, and local handicrafts at affordable prices.

The atmosphere is lively and fun albeit a little overwhelming. Despite that, it was the highlight of my Chiang Mai travel itinerary and I really enjoyed walking around and soaking in the vibes.

The Saturday Night Market is also very popular and is set along Wua Lai Road opposite the South Gate.

In case you don’t happen to visit Chiang Mai on a weekend, don’t worry as there are plenty of other markets to explore.

A few of them include Chiang Mai Gate Night Market , Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, Klare Night Market , Pavilion Night Bazaar , Anusarn Market , and Chang Phuak Gate Night Market , all of which are open daily.

Related post: 8 Best night markets to visit in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai Itinerary Day 2

Doi inthanon national park.

One of the most beautiful places to visit during your Chiang Mai itinerary is Doi Inthanon National Park. It’s home to the highest mountain in Thailand and features lush forest trails, waterfalls, temples, viewpoints, and hill tribe villages.

Due to the high elevation, it’s one of the coldest regions in Thailand, so pack some warm clothes even if you’re visiting during the hot season.

It’s best to visit as part of an organized tour or by private taxi as it’s located about a 1.5-hour drive from Chiang Mai.

Although you can catch a public songthaew to the park entrance, you would still need a vehicle to get around each attraction as they aren’t within walking distance. This is why it’s best to book a guided tour.

CHECK PRICE FOR A TOUR OF DOI INTHANON

The most popular place to visit in Doi Inthanon is the King and Queen Pagoda which are set in the middle of a beautiful garden overlooking the mountains.

Other attractions include Sirithan Waterfall , Wachirathan Waterfall , and the highest spot in Thailand where you’ll also see the memorial shrine of King Inthawichayanon.

If you’d like to go on a hike, several hiking trails can be explored such as Pha Dok Siew and Kew Mae Pan . Note that the latter is closed from June 1 st to October 31 st .

For those who aren’t very fit, you can instead visit the Angkha Nature Trail which is a 320-meter-long boardwalk trail that weaves around the forest.

Entrance to the national park is 300 baht for adults and 150 baht for children.

3 Day Chiang Mai Itinerary

If you have 3 days in Chiang Mai, I recommend visiting Doi Suthep Temple and the Sticky Waterfall on your third day.

I visited as part of a guided tour which included both attractions since the Sticky Waterfall is located about an hour’s drive from the Old Town and taking a private taxi there would be too expensive (unless you’re sharing with a group of people).

I really enjoyed the tour as the guide was very knowledgeable and gave us lots of info about the temple and waterfall. The tour price included hotel transfers, entrance fees, lunch, water, and a local guide.

CHECK PRICE FOR A DOI SUTHEP AND STICKY WATERFALL TOUR

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

No Chiang Mai itinerary would be complete without visiting the famous Doi Suthep temple ! Sitting atop Doi Suthep mountain, the temple offers a panoramic view of Chiang Mai.

The temple complex consists of several buildings with a glistening gold chedi in the middle.

You can climb up the 300+ steps flanked by Naga serpents or take a funicular to get to the temple.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is open from 6 a.m to 8 p.m and since it’s very popular, I highly recommend visiting early in the morning. Sunset is one of the best times to visit but do expect some crowds.

To get there, you can take a songthaew from the Old Town which should cost around 50-80 baht per person. Otherwise, you can book the guided tour I mentioned earlier .

Entrance to the temple costs 30 baht.

Bua Tong Sticky Waterfall

If you’ve booked the combined Doi Suthep Temple and Sticky Waterfall tour , your guide will take you to a local restaurant for lunch on the way to the waterfall.

Bua Tong Waterfall, commonly known as Sticky Waterfall is one of the best waterfalls in Chiang Mai . I had so much fun there and highly recommend you visit as well.

The sticky surface of the rocks makes it easy to climb up and down the waterfalls, plus there are ropes and handrails if you need extra help. Just make sure to avoid stepping on the green algae though as they are slippery.

Also near the waterfall is a sacred spring with crystal-clear blue water but note that swimming isn’t allowed there.

Bua Tong Waterfall is open daily from 8 a.m to 5 p.m and is free to visit.

Related post: Guide to the best waterfalls in Chiang Mai

4 Day Chiang Mai Itinerary

For those planning to stay 4 days in Chiang Mai, I recommend exploring some of Chiang Mai hidden gems.

Monk’s Trail to Wat Pha Lat

Start the day with a morning hike along the Monk’s Trail to Wat Pha Lat , a small Buddhist temple set in the middle of the forest.

To find the trailhead, type in “Wat Pha Lat Hike (Monk’s trail)” on Google Maps or click here .

The hike takes only about 25-45 minutes depending on your fitness level. The trail is easy to follow but you can also download the maps.me app to see the exact hiking route.

Just remember that you need to cover your shoulders and knees when entering the temple grounds.

The temple is very peaceful and quiet and also provides a panoramic view of Chiang Mai city.

If you don’t want to do the hike, you can take a Grab or songthaew and ask to be dropped off directly at Wat Pha Lat.

Wat Pha Lat is open daily from 6 a.m to 6 p.m and entrance is free.

Related post: Guide to hiking in Chiang Mai

Montha Than Waterfall

About a 10-minute drive from Wat Pha Lat is Montha Than Waterfall . I recommend taking a Grab to get there as it’s much cheaper than taking a songthaew. You can hike the whole 1.6-km nature trail or simply visit the two waterfalls.

The first waterfall is located just a few meters from the parking lot while the second one is found at the end of a long flight of stairs.

Luckily, the stairs aren’t very steep so it takes only about 5-10 minutes to get there.

The waterfall is open daily from 9 a.m to 4 p.m and the entrance fee is 100 baht plus 20 baht for motorbike parking or 30 baht for car.

Huai Kaeo Waterfall

Next, make your way to Huai Kaeo Waterfall . There are a few restaurants near the entrance if you’re looking for somewhere to have lunch.

Huai Kaeo Waterfall doesn’t require any hiking at all and is a great place to visit for adults and kids alike. If you’d like, you can even hike up to the viewpoint for a panoramic view of the city.

The waterfall is open daily from 8 a.m to 4.30 pm and is free to visit.

Chiang Mai University Night Market

Finally, head to Chiang Mai University Night Market for dinner since it’s located nearby. You can find lots of cheap clothes here as well as delicious street food and souvenirs.

The market is open daily from 5-11 p.m but some of the stalls open as early as 4 p.m.

If you have more time, you can also check out Nimman. This neighborhood is very popular among expats and is dotted with trendy coffee shops.

One coffee shop I recommend in particular is Fohhide which has a nice view of Doi Suthep and the surroundings. Their menu consists of the usual coffee blends and but they also serve their signature coffee and fruit cocktails!

Nimman is also home to two shopping malls – One Nimman and MAYA. If you’re there on the weekend, you can also shop at the White Market which sells cute handmade clothes and accessories.

If you’re looking for somewhere to eat dinner, you can check out Rincome Night Market which opens daily from 5-10 p.m.

5 Day Chiang Mai Itinerary

Finally, if you have 5 days in Chiang Mai, I’ve listed a few other activities and day trips that you can take from Chiang Mai.

Option 1: Chiang Rai Day Trip

Chiang Rai is a smaller and more laidback city located about 180 km north of Chiang Mai.

Chiang Rai is best known for its eccentric White Temple but there are also other temples in Chiang Rai that are worth visiting like the Blue Temple and Wat Huay Pla Kang as well as the underrated Khun Korn Waterfall , and Chiang Rai Night Bazaar .

If you have more time you can even visit Chiang Saen where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet.

While I highly recommend spending at least 2 days in Chiang Rai , those short of time can visit Chiang Rai as a day trip from Chiang Mai.

One particular day tour I recommend is this Chiang Rai temple tour which includes visits to Mae Khachan Hot Spring, White Temple, Blue Temple, and the Black House Museum. The tour is affordable and includes hotel transfers to and from Chiang Mai, entry fees, and a guide.

CHECK PRICE FOR A CHIANG RAI DAY TOUR

Related post: Top things to do in Chiang Rai in 1 or 2 days

Option 2: Thai Cooking Class & Wat Phra That Doi Saket

Another fun activity to do during your Chiang Mai itinerary is to take a cooking class to learn how to make your favorite Thai dishes.

This authentic Thai cooking class has over 500 near-perfect reviews and includes a local market visit where you’ll be able to buy fresh ingredients.

You’ll then head to the cooking school where you’ll learn how to cook four dishes of your choice from Pad Thai to Tom Yum, Mango Sticky Rice, and more

At the end of the lesson, you’ll be able to eat everything you cooked, plus you’ll get a recipe book so you can make the dishes at home.

Classes are conducted in the morning or evening but if you’d like to make more dishes, you can opt for a full-day class.

CHECK PRICE FOR A THAI COOKING CLASS

If you’ve booked a cooking class in the morning, you can then spend the afternoon at Wat Phra That Doi Saket .

This beautiful temple is located about a 30-minute drive from the Old Town and boasts stunning mountain views.

You can easily get there by taking a yellow songthaew from a small station opposite Chansom Memorial Bridge ( click here for the location ). Tickets cost about 25 baht per person.

Just note that the songthaew will only depart once it’s full. The driver will then drop you off about 50 meters from the temple entrance.

To get to the temple, you’ll have to climb up a long flight of stairs but if you don’t want to walk, you can hire a songthaew for a small fee.

Wat Pha Thai Doi Saket is one of the most beautiful temples I’ve seen with several ornate buildings, Buddha statues, and a gold and silver chedi.

If you’re fit enough, you can also climb up another flight of stairs for a panoramic view of the surroundings ( find the exact location of the viewpoint here ).

Option 3: Mon Jam

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Chiang Mai city, I highly recommend taking a trip to Mon Jam, a small mountain village with stunning panoramic views.

I actually spent one night there and stayed at Mon Ing Dao Resort . I would recommend avoiding the weekends though as it’s super popular among locals and can thus be crowded and loud at night.

There isn’t much to do in Mon Jam apart from relaxing and taking in the view but if you’re renting a car , you can also visit Mae Sa Waterfall , Plai Fa Strawberry Farm , or take a rollercoaster ride at Pong Yaeng Jungle Coaster & Zipline .

If you’re on a budget, the best way to get to Mon Jam is by taking a shared taxi. I booked mine from Van Station Sankamphaeng Maekampong (about a 15-minute walk from Tha Phae gate) for 150 baht one-way.

I highly recommend booking your taxi at least a few days in advance as seats are limited.

Option 4: Lampang Day Trip

Another fun day trip for those spending 5 days in Chiang Mai is Lampang, located about a 3-hour train ride away.

Trains depart daily from Chiang Mai at 6.30 a.m, 8.50 a.m, 9.30 a.m, and 3.30 p.m (be sure to double-check the timetable at the train station).

Tickets can only be bought on the same day and cost 23 baht for 3 rd class or 50 baht for 2 nd class.

Some of the best things to see in Lampang include Wat Chiang Rai , Wat Si Rongmuang, the Clock Tower, and Wat Kaew Don Tao Suchadaram.

You can also check out Kad Kongta Night Market which is open on Sundays only from 4-9 p.m.  

I hope you found this detailed Chiang Mai itinerary helpful and got some ideas on places to visit during your next trip. If you have any questions, let me know in the comments below.

Read more about Thailand:

• Northern Thailand itinerary for up to 2 weeks
• Best things to do in Chiang Rai in 1 or 2 days
• Guide to the best Chiang Rai temples
• What to do with 4 days in Bangkok?
• The ultimate Kanchanaburi itinerary

Steph is an outdoor enthusiast who’s always down for adventure. When she's not traveling abroad, you’ll either find her exploring her own backyard or researching her next trip. She writes adventure travel guides featuring waterfalls, mountains, and beaches and shares her tips on how to travel on a budget without compromising on comfort and experience.

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The Mae Hong Son Loop: A guide to Chiang Mai’s most famous road trip

Some links on this page may be affiliate links. That means if you follow one, see something you like, and purchase it, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. For more information, see this site's disclosures .

A guide to riding the Mae Hong Son Loop by motorbike from Chiang Mai. This loop is famous for a reason – it has beautiful scenery, lovely small towns, and winding mountain roads that are super fun to drive. 

What is the Mae Hong Son Loop?

The Mae Hong Son Loop is the most famous motorbike trip in Thailand. Starting from Chiang Mai, it loops to the northwest – past green paddy fields, hidden waterfalls, and breathtaking mountain scenery. It is over 600 kilometers long, passing through the towns of Mae Sariang, Mae Hong Son, and Pai. Many people will argue it’s the best motorbike loop from Chiang Mai. 

While many people choose to do the Mae Hong Son Loop by motorbike, you can also travel by car, shared van, or bicycle. (Yes – I once met someone who did this on a mountain bike. Don’t ask me how.)

I rode the Mae Hong Son Loop after living in Chiang Mai for quite some time and becoming very comfortable on my motorbike. I only tackled it after completing lots of other single and multi-day trips. The loop is steep in places, and it’s famous for its twists and turns. 

All of this makes for great fun and a super-satisfying sense of accomplishment. It also means, though, that you should only attempt it if you’re already pretty comfortable on a bike. (If you’re not quite there yet, consider starting with one of the shorter day trips on this list of my favorite routes in northern Thailand.)

How long does the Mae Hong Son Loop take?

Generally, it takes a minimum of four days to drive the Mae Hong Son Loop. I suppose it would be possible to go faster, but you would literally have to spend all day driving, without stopping to enjoy the towns and sights along the way. This would defeat the purpose for most people, I think. 

Don’t get me wrong – the ride itself is my favorite thing about this loop. I love northern Thailand’s scenery, and the views on the Mae Hong Son Loop are some of the best. Rice fields, limestone mountains, hillside temples – it’s all there. Many of the stops along the route don’t necessarily have a lot to “do,” but just spending time in northern Thailand’s small towns is a big part of the experience. Blasting through it will necessarily mean missing out on that piece.

So yes, that was a long-winded way of saying you should take at least four days for the loop. You can certainly take more, especially if you’ve never been to Pai and would like to spend an extra day or two exploring Thailand’s most famous hippie town. 

What is the best time of year to do the Mae Hong Son Loop?

Northern Thailand’s cool, dry season, which runs from roughly mid-November to January, is generally the best time to ride the Mae Hong Son Loop. The temperatures are usually pretty comfortable during the day, and the air quality and visibility are generally good during this time. You will definitely want some warmer clothes, though, as it can get surprisingly cold at night (and when driving) during December and January.

The dry season sticks around until May, but the heat and air pollution from February onward are best avoided. Temperatures usually peak in April, with daytime highs in the high 90s Fahrenheit/high 30s Celsius. The lush greens of the rainy season will have turned to brown by then, and the smoke from agricultural burning in the region will impact the views as well as your health. I’ve unfortunately spent some time in northern Thailand during “burning season,” as it’s known locally, and it is zero fun wearing an N95 in 100-degree heat. Seriously. 

The rainy season from June to late October/early November is less than ideal for obvious reasons. The Mae Hong Son Loop is often steep and winding, and driving it in a downpour would really be quite dangerous in some places. A big draw of this loop is the landscapes along the way, so rainy, cloudy weather could really put a damper (pun intended) on the experience. 

That said, if you are in Chiang Mai either before the rain arrives in full force or after it has started to taper off (perhaps in June or late October), I would keep an eye on the forecast. It’s definitely possible to find a streak of good weather for a few days on either end of the rainy season. As a bonus, you would be treated to some of the lush greenery that starts to disappear in the cool season as the rice fields are harvested. 

Is it better to drive the Mae Hong Son Loop clockwise or counterclockwise?

In terms of views, there is no right or wrong way to drive the Mae Hong Son Loop. The route winds around enough that there is always beautiful scenery within your field of vision as you ride. It may be better to drive clockwise for certain segments and counterclockwise for others, but of course you can always find a safe area to pull over and admire the view.

Reasons to ride clockwise

Still, my opinion is that it’s better to drive the Mae Hong Son Loop clockwise if you’re new to riding in Thailand. You’ll put a few days of driving behind you before attempting the notoriously curvy road between Chiang Mai and Pai. (The turns are one thing – the minivan drivers are quite another.)

The long stretch from Chiang Mai to Mae Sariang is pretty flat and straightforward. It’s also not super interesting, unless you take a detour to Doi Inthanon. It doesn’t even get particularly scenic until you’re halfway to Mae Sariang. Driving this segment on your first day can serve as a kind of warm-up. If you’re renting a bike, it gives you a chance to get used to it on a fairly easy drive. (Of course, “easy” is relative. You still need to be very cautious on this road – especially of other drivers.)

The road starts to get twistier on the second day, especially on the final stretch between Khun Yuam and Mae Hong Son, but it’s still not too challenging. You won’t see most of the big hills until the third day, as you make your way to Pai through some seriously stunning scenery. 

There is also a lot to do in Pai, so it’s arguably the best place along the loop to spend an extra night and take a day “off.” You’re more likely to want a break towards the end of your trip than right at the beginning. 

On the other hand… 

Reasons to ride counterclockwise

Having done the loop in both directions, I have to say that I personally preferred riding counterclockwise. When I start out on a motorbike trip, I’m always eager and full of energy. After a few days, I’m often kind of over it and ready to just get home. 

On my second go, I took the long way to Pai (more on this later), and I liked having a long, beautiful, twisty ride for my first day of the loop. By the time I was heading back to Chiang Mai later in the week, wanting nothing more than to curl up in the corner of a cozy coffee shop all day, I had already seen the most interesting sights along the way. (I skipped Doi Inthanon – again! – because it was a weekend and I was not in the mood for high season crowds. It’s an easy enough overnight trip from Chiang Mai – I swear I will go one day!) I didn’t feel compelled to sightsee or even to stop and take that many photos because I had saved the “worst” for last. 

So I really think it’s up to you, your travel style, and your comfort level on the bike. But don’t think too hard about it, because you really can’t go wrong in either direction!

Chiang Mai to Mae Sariang – Day 1 of the loop

So let’s get to it then! I’ll outline the clockwise route, since I imagine most people reading this are heading out on the loop for the first time. You’ll want to make your way from wherever you are in Chiang Mai to route 108, heading southwest. 

If you’re staying in Nimman, Jed Yod, Suthep, or any other neighborhoods in the west of Chiang Mai, you can also take Canal Road out of town. Stay on route 121 when it turns east and you will meet route 108 a few minutes later. Turn right here to continue south. (If you miss this turn and continue onto route 3035, that is fine. It eventually intersects the 108 later on; it will just take you a little longer.) 

The 108 highway is, unfortunately, not particularly inspiring – especially for the first 100 kilometers or so. However, as I said above, it is pretty flat and easy to drive, giving you a chance to get used to the road and the other drivers. You’ll quickly notice that motorbikes tend to drive on the lefthand shoulder unless they need to pass someone. Follow their lead to stay out of the way of larger vehicles. 

To head straight to Mae Sariang without stopping at Doi Inthanon, you will just stay on the 108. Easy peasy. Note that the highway narrows after about an hour or so. You won’t have much room to hang out on the shoulder, so just be a little more cautious. From Chiang Mai, count on anywhere from three to six hours to Mae Sariang, depending on your bike, how fast you drive, and how often you stop to stretch your legs. 

Side trip to Doi Inthanon

If you, unlike me, leave Chiang Mai at a reasonable hour, you probably have time to fit in a visit to Doi Inthanon. This is Thailand’s highest mountain, and the national park surrounding it features waterfalls, hiking trails, and a beautiful garden. There is an entrance fee of 300 baht. 

To get there, you’ll turn off on route 1009 a little over an hour outside of Chiang Mai. If you would rather take your time and explore the park thoroughly, there are guesthouses and homestays near Doi Inthanon. You could spend the night here and add a day to your loop. (Honestly, I recommend doing this, especially if you’re on a small bike. The ride from Chiang Mai to Mae Sariang is long enough as it is.) 

What to do in Mae Sariang

Mae Sariang is a small, low-key riverside town. There are several beautiful Burmese temples here, including Wat Jong Soong in the center of town and Wat Phrathat Chom Mon about ten minutes north. 

Five minutes south of town, Wat Chom Thong features a large seated Buddha overlooking mountains and rice terraces. 

Go for a little exploratory drive through the rice fields on the other side of the river. There are a few cute little restaurants and coffee shops surrounded by greenery. 

It’s also possible to go trekking and river rafting in nearby Salawin National Park if you can spare an extra day. 

🛏️ Where to stay in Mae Sariang

Ban Suan Sukjai : Great value bungalows just a bit outside of town (about a 10-minute drive south). Surrounded by plants and greenery with lovely views. 

Chill House Mae Sariang : Private rooms and bungalows that are practically floating over the surrounding rice paddies. Clean and modern with beautiful views. 

Mae Sariang Home : Simple but clean dorm beds great for anyone on a budget. Great location right in the center of town. Private rooms have balconies. 

Dream Riverside : Clean, spacious rooms with comfy beds (you know, for Thailand) and mountain views. Modern buildings located about 10 minutes outside of the town proper. They also have rooms/villas that sleep 4-5 people if you’re traveling with a group. 

Mae Sariang to Mae Hong Son – Day 2 of the loop

To continue to Mae Hong Son, head north from Mae Sariang on route 108. This part of the loop is rural and nice to drive – some parts are curvy, but it’s not very steep. There are some really beautiful stretches through verdant green forest and gorgeous mountain scenery. 

You won’t want to miss the Pha Bong viewpoint . (And it’s hard to miss, as there are so many cars and tour vans parked next to it.)

The Pha Bong hot springs are also nearby – if you’re traveling in a season that makes that sound at all appealing. From here, you only have 20-30 minutes left until you reach Mae Hong Son. 

What to do in Mae Hong Son

As you enter Mae Hong Son, one of the first places you’ll pass is Chong Kham Lake. The beautiful Wat Chong Kham sits on its south shore. In the evenings, there is a lively night market with all kinds of delicious Thai and Burmese street food on the western side of the lake. 

The highlight of Mae Hong Son, in my opinion, is Wat Phra That Doi Kongmu, which sits on a hill overlooking the entire town and surrounding mountains. I had a particularly magical experience there on New Year’s Eve, but I’m sure it’s a really special place at any time. 

Mae Hong Son’s most Instagram-famous spot is the Su Tong Pae Bridge , located about 25 minutes to the north of town. (I think it makes more sense to stop on your way to Pai the following day, depending on how many things you are trying to squeeze in.)

This wood and bamboo bridge was built by villagers to allow monks to cross the rice paddies between the town and monastery more easily. Lovely! But yes, you might also encounter people posing in floppy hats. 

🛏️ Where to stay in Mae Hong Son

Sarm Mork Guest House : Private rooms and bungalows in a fantastic location next to the lake. (Just a few minutes on foot to the night market and Wat Chong Kham.)

Saiyud Hostel : Cozy, budget-friendly dorm beds and nice common areas. Excellent location near the walking street night market. 

Chanmuang Guesthouse : Basic but great value for a private room in Mae Hong Son. (The catch is that it’s a bit outside the city center. This is only a problem if you’re sick of sitting on the bike – the ride is under 10 minutes. They also offer free bicycle rental!)

Mae Hong Son to Pai – Day 3 of the loop

Route 108 becomes the famous route 1095 about ten minutes after leaving Mae Hong Son. 

This is the most scenic day of the Mae Hong Son Loop – the views as you approach Pai are just incredible. It’s also a very fun and challenging riding day as the road twists and turns through the mountains.

The most beautiful views come in the last couple of hours of the drive. (In my opinion, Ban Luk Khao Lam viewpoint is the most beautiful of the entire Mae Hong Son Loop.)

There are also several cave complexes on and near the route, with the most impressive being Nam Lod Cave. 

If you want to visit all of the interesting detours on the route between Mae Hong Son and Pai (outlined below), I recommend breaking this day up into two. There are some really nice accommodation options near Nam Lod Cave, and there are also a bunch of homestays overlooking the mountains in Ban Jabo. 

Side trip to Ban Rak Thai

You might consider visiting Ban Rak Thai, a beautiful village right next to the Myanmar border. (It is literally one kilometer from the Burmese border, but you’ll be unsurprised to learn you cannot cross here.) 

The village sits on a lake surrounded by endless rows of tea. It was founded by former KMT soldiers after the Chinese civil war, and the strong Chinese influence is evident in the architecture, language, and food of the town. Many signs are written in Mandarin, and beautiful red lanterns hang from restaurants and boats on the lake. 

Unfortunately, Ban Rak Thai’s increasingly popularity in recent years has resulted in overdevelopment and pretty inflated prices. I’m honestly not sure whether to recommend it anymore, as it’s all become a bit kitschy.

Pang Oung Reservoir and Pha Suea Waterfall

If you’d still like to check it out, though (I always like to see and judge for myself), make sure you take a detour to the Pang Oung Reservoir , about three quarters of the way to Ban Rak Thai. It’s about six kilometers off the main road, and it’s lovely. Go for a ride on one of the little bamboo rafts and stop for a coffee at one of the homestays in town. 

I actually stayed in Pang Oung instead of Mae Hong Son (and instead of Ban Rak Thai, where the accommodation was really overpriced) on my second trip around the loop, and that was really nice as well! 

To reach Ban Rak Thai, you’ll need to turn left towards route 4001 about 17 kilometers north of Mae Hong Son. Continue on this road for another 27 kilometers. It is winding, steep, and really beautiful. 

Note: If you’re coming from Su Tong Pae Bridge, you are already on the 4001, and you can just continue north. (This is a really pretty road.)

Make sure to also stop at Pha Suea Waterfall about halfway between the turnoff and Ban Rak Thai. 

🛏️ Where to stay in Pang Oung

Lung Soi Nguen Homestay : Lovely clean bungalows, each with a balcony surrounded by flowers. Minutes on foot from the reservoir as well as food and coffee options in town.

Nithisoonthon Farmstay : Tents and basic bungalows with gorgeous views over the mountains. A bit of distance from town means it’s super quiet and peaceful. The owner often makes a campfire for guests in the evenings.

Side trip to Ban Jabo

Another worthwhile detour from the road between Mae Hong Son and Pai is beautiful Ban Jabo. 

Its famous coffee houses and noodle shops overlooking the mountains have become incredibly popular. You’ll probably cringe when you pull up and see the number of people and minivans crammed onto one tiny rural road. But if you, like me, are a sucker for a good view, it’s still worth it. 

Also, most people seem to cram into the same social-media-famous coffee and noodle shop . I opted for one a couple doors over and it was quiet, just as beautiful, and practically empty.

Ban Jabo is only three kilometers off of the main road to Pai, so if it’s too much for you, you won’t have lost much. Snap a few pictures and be on your way!

Alternatively, continue driving for a bit on Route 1226. The road is in terrible condition, but wow! It is incredibly scenic. 

Also consider sticking around until the crowds of day trippers have gone – there are quite a few homestays dotting the mountainside. They are pretty basic and perhaps a little expensive for what you get (at least in high season), but you’re really paying for the view. There is also a well-known sunrise viewpoint nearby. 

I don’t believe any of these homestays can be reserved online. Your best bet is probably to ask a Thai speaker to call and try to reserve for you, but you can also just show up and ask around. (I would have a backup plan in the busy winter months, though.) 

Side trip to Nam Lod Cave

I have to confess that the first time I did the Mae Hong Son Loop, I skipped this. I mean, there are a lot of caves in Southeast Asia. 

But as I discovered on my second time around, Nam Lod Cave is really worth the detour. It is absolutely massive, and the tours are well run. There are none of those artificial purple and blue lights illuminating the rock formations that you find in some places. (I recommend bringing a head lamp, but your guide will have a gas lantern.)

If you do the full tour, you’ll explore three separate chambers and take a bamboo raft along the river running through the cave. (You can buy fish food for the catfish at the entrance!) You’ll head up and down wooden staircases, with your guide pointing out different points of interest along the way. These include unique stalactite and stalagmite formations, a prehistoric cave painting, and wooden coffins that are over 1,000 years old. 

They do charge per boat, so you might want to hang around and try to join up with someone else or a group if you’re traveling alone. (Really though, I doubt this will be much of a problem. I went late in the day and was able to find a couple to join within minutes. I also saw another group of only two people as I was touring the cave.)

To reach the cave (sometimes written “Tham Nam Lod Cave” – “tham” is “cave” in Thai), get back on the 1095 and continue in the direction of Pai. You’ll reach the small town of Soppong about 10 kilometers past the Ban Jabo turnoff. There, turn north on Tham Lot Road. It’s about 9 kilometers to the cave on a nice, well-maintained, winding road.

🛏️ Where to stay near Tham Nam Lod

Jungle Guesthouse : My favorite spot along the entire Mae Hong Son Loop. Super clean, spacious rooms with great bathrooms and piping hot showers. I could have sat on my balcony listening to the trees and watching the chickens run around all afternoon – I literally had to tear myself away to go see the cave. The owners are really lovely people, and they make delicous food as well. It’s located just off the 1095 (though you’d never know it), so you’ll need to drive to Nam Lod.

Cave Lodge : This one is walking distance from the cave. Simple cabins in a peaceful, forested area with nice communal spaces to meet other travelers. Friendly staff also organize other outdoor activities like kayaking and waterfall hikes.

What to do in Pai

Eventually, after all of that incredible sightseeing along the way, you will find yourself in Pai!

Pai is a laid back, supposedly bohemian tourist town surrounded by a lot of natural beauty. There are hot springs , rice terraces, streams, waterfalls, and – of course – the incredible mountains you drove through to get here. 

Its longtime popularity means there isn’t much left in the way of authentic Thai culture, but there is still a lot to enjoy here. Pai is brimming with healthy cafés, vegan food, and chill bars. (Am I painting a picture for you yet? It may or may not be your scene.)

There are certainly some backpacker party spots as well, but overall the vibe is low key. This is the kind of place where you spend a whole day lying in a hammock. 

Still, there’s plenty of sightseeing around. For a panoramic view of the town and mountains, head to Yun Lai viewpoint . 

There is also a bamboo bridge (similar to the one in Mae Hong Son) and a large Buddha statue overlooking the countryside. (If you’re sick of sitting on the bike, the Big Buddha is walkable from the town center.)

In the evening, head to the Pai Walking Street night market. Here, you’ll find a lively atmosphere, lots of delicious food, and all the hippie pants you could want. 

🛏️ Where to stay in Pai

You’re really spoiled for choice in Pai, but here are just a few suggestions: 

The Countryside Resort Pai : Individual bungalows surrounded by – you guessed it – beautiful countryside, but within easy walking distance to town. There is a pool! The bungalows have roof terraces, and there are also nice common spaces with hammocks.  

Ban Jaipang Homestay : Large rooms just 5 minutes on foot to the night market and center of town, but still quiet. Homey vibe and great value for Pai. 

KK Hut : Simple, budget-friendly private rooms – a bungalow here will run you the same price as a dorm bed at some of the nicer hostels. (Note that bathrooms are still shared though.) Relaxing environment a bit outside of Pai center (a 15-minute walk) with a chill, social vibe in the common areas. 

If you’re still in your hostel era, you have approximately a bazillion options.

For a homey, cozy vibe, check out Yor Song Hostel . 

Society House Luxury Hostel has large, clean dorms, great staff, and a beautiful setting.

And if you want to party, look at Revolution Hostel .

Pai to Chiang Mai – Day 4 of the loop

The traditional route  between Chiang Mai and Pai is famous – notorious, even – for its 762 curves. Many of these bends are very tight and some are steep, so you’ll want to be extra careful on this section.

Like the rest of the route though, it is beautiful, winding through lush mountains and valleys. Driving it beats one of the shared vans that ply the route between Chiang Mai and Pai any day. (I took one once upon a time and I’m telling you – never again. I’m not sure I’ve ever felt so carsick in my life. And that’s far from the worst that could happen .) 

On your way out of town, stop by Pai Canyon , which contains a series of elevated paths overlooking the area’s beautiful scenery. (That is, if you haven’t already. It is a popular place for sunset, so you might want to check it out the day before.) 

Stop at Mork Fa Waterfall

A little past the halfway point, making for an excellent rest stop between Pai and Chiang Mai, is the impressive Mork Fa waterfall . Drive about two kilometers past the turnoff on the highway to reach the parking lot. From there, walk about 10 minutes along a well-marked jungle path to reach the falls. 

The entrance fee is 100 baht for foreigners and 20 for locals, and there is also a 20 baht parking fee for your motorbike. Even though there are plenty of free waterfalls in the area around Chiang Mai, I think the price is worth it. This one is just picture perfect. It looks like it’s straight out of a movie set!

Drive back to Chiang Mai (or head north for another adventure)

Once you’re ready to move on from the waterfall, continue east along route 1095. If you’re heading back to Chiang Mai, you can stay on this highway until it runs into the 107. From there, turn right (south), and head straight into town. (The 107 will take you all the way to the Old City moat.) 

If you’d rather keep exploring, you have plenty of options! About 45 minutes north of the intersection with route 107 is the peaceful mountain town of Chiang Dao. This is a popular weekend destination for people living in Chiang Mai long term. Alternatively, if you cross the 107 and turn left where the 1095 meets route 1001, you’ll reach northern Thailand’s unique Sticky Waterfalls. The Sticky Waterfalls and Chiang Dao can be combined into an additional multi-day loop through spectacular scenery if you want to keep going! 

Alternate route – The “back road” between Pai and Chiang Mai

On my most recent trip, I drove the back route between Chiang Mai and Pai (which I learned about thanks to a trip report by the incredibly cool and inspirational Motogirl in Thailand ).

This route was only fully paved in the last few years, but it’s now a fantastic alternative to the 1095. It is steep, twisty, and narrow, but I still felt much safer here without the minivans and other reckless drivers with a death wish blazing past.

Note: I did this route on a small semi-automatic bike, and I definitely did some second and even first gear riding from time to time. You don’t necessarily  need  a manual or semi-automatic (I met a domestic tourist on a 150cc automatic that day), but I always feel safer with the option to engine brake on steep hills. Just something to consider when you’re choosing your route (and perhaps your bike).

This is a much more rural route than the 1095, and I personally think it’s more beautiful as well. 

The only real downside, as I see it, is that you won’t pass by Mork Fa waterfall. There are hot springs not far from Pai, though, and an incredible panoramic viewpoint in the middle. 

To drive this route from Pai to Chiang Mai, you’ll head east on the 1095 until you reach a turnoff for the 1265 on your right, a little under 5 kilometers past Pai Canyon. It is slightly shorter if you instead turn off here , on an unnamed road about 2 kilometers before the Canyon, and then cross this small bridge to join up with the 1265. 

If you want to stop by Pai Canyon, or if you don’t like to navigate with your phone as you ride, it’s easier to just turn directly onto the 1265. It’s right across from a police station , so it’s hard to miss. 

You’ll continue on 1265 until you reach Wat Chan , about 50-55 kilometers from Pai, depending on where you started and which route you took out of town. Just past the temple, you’ll need to turn left onto the 1349. This is really the only junction you need to pay attention to for the next 90 kilometers or so. 

Follow the 1349 all the way to Samoeng , and then turn east onto the 1269. This will bring you right to the western edge of the Samoeng Loop. You can head north on the 1096 or south on the 1269 – if you’re staying in central Chiang Mai, they are probably about equidistant from your destination. 

From the 1096, you’ll head south on the 107 into Chiang Mai. From the 1269 you can head north on the 121 (Canal Road) or the 108.

Renting a motorbike for the Mae Hong Son Loop

If you’ve spent even one afternoon strolling through Chiang Mai’s Old City or Nimmanhaemin district, you’ll have already seen motorbike rental shops right and left. Some due diligence is definitely recommended in order to sort out which rental shops have a reputation for being honest and trustworthy – unfortunately, it’s not all of them. (Thailand’s strict defamation laws can make this a little tricky, but Google reviews will usually give you a pretty good idea. You might also want to run some searches in Facebook groups for digital nomads or expats living in Chiang Mai.) 

I included some recommendations for renting a bike in Chiang Mai in my post on the best motorbike trips from the city. To summarize – don’t leave your passport, test drive your bike, and document any scratches or dents before leaving. I also highly, highly recommend buying a full-face helmet before you head off. 

I managed the Mae Hong Son Loop on my little 110cc semi-automatic, but you’d be better off with at least 125cc, especially if you will head to Doi Inthanon. For experienced riders, you can definitely rent bigger and faster bikes! 

Is the Mae Hong Son Loop worth it?

The Mae Hong Son Loop is definitely worth driving for anyone who is comfortable on a motorbike. I wouldn’t recommend it for newbie riders, though, due to both the difficulty of the route and the number of vehicles on the road. As mentioned above, I would also avoid it in really wet weather, as slick, steep mountain roads are a hazard for anyone, including other drivers. 

I personally don’t think the trip would be worth it during burning season either, but that has more to do with the heat, air quality, and dry landscapes. There are always those people who swear up and down that smoky season doesn’t bother them! As always, you do you.

In nice weather, though, the Mae Hong Son Loop is completely deserving of its reputation as one of the best motorbike trips in Thailand. (Is it  the  best? I’ve always been partial to the Mae Salong Loop myself, but since discovering the alternate route to Pai… I don’t know. I can’t make up my mind!) Paddy fields, limestone mountains, temples, quaint small towns with friendly people – it is just a quintessential Thailand experience. 

Be careful, my friends, but ENJOY! Sorry for the cliché, but this is really one of those travel experiences you’ll think back on for the rest of your life.

More Thailand posts

The 10 best motorbike routes from Chiang Mai

The Mae Salong Loop: My favorite motorbike trip from Chiang Mai

A fun 3-day motorbike loop to Chiang Dao and the Sticky Waterfalls

What do digital nomads love about Chiang Mai?

Diving in the Similan Islands: A great first liveaboard experience

How to book an overnight in the Khao Sok floating bungalows

The perfect 3-week Thailand itinerary for first-timers

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Chiang Mai Itinerary: 4 (Or More) Amazing Days in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is one of those bucket list-worthy destinations that is worth visiting at least once in your lifetime. The largest city in Northern Thailand, the area is filled with over 300 stunning Buddhist temples . In fact, Chiang Mai has more temples than any other city in Thailand.

The oldest part of Chiang Mai is surrounded by a moat and fortifications that are over 700 years old. Inside the old city, visitors find a bustling city filled with vibrant markets, amazing food, and classic Northern Thai-style architecture. These gorgeous buildings harken back to the city’s roots as the former capital of the Lanna Kingdom.

One of the best things about Chiang Mai is its location. The city is based in a mountainous region that makes it a perfect place from which to go on various Chiang Mai hikes or see an elephant at one of the many Chiang Mai elephant sanctuaries .

An elephant wanders the jungle at Into the Wild Elephant Camp

My husband Daniel and I recently spent a couple of months exploring Chiang Mai and going on day trips to the surrounding area. Since most people can’t spend that long in this fabulous city, I put together a comprehensive Chiang Mai itinerary with all the best things to see in Chiang Mai .

Keep in mind that this is only meant to serve as a guide for you to build upon when planning your trip. If hiking isn’t your thing, skip the hike up the Monk’s Trail and take a cooking class instead!

Note: some of the best Chiang Mai markets are only open one night per week, such as the Chiang Mai Sunday market . You may have to shift the itinerary below based on your arrival date.

Outside of a home in Chiang Mai

Table of Contents

Itinerary for Chiang Mai At-A-Glance

• First Day: wander the old city and visit some important temples and monuments. Then end the day at LamChang Walking Street (Fridays only).
• Second Day: tour an ethical elephant sanctuary on a day trip. Then spend the evening at the Saturday Night Market.
• Third Day: go shopping at some of Chiang Mai’s local markets and visit some additional temples. End the day at the Sunday Night Walking Street.
• Fourth Day: explore nearby Doi Suthep National Park by hiking the Monk’s Trail and visiting Doi Suthep temple. You can also visit Bhubing Palace gardens. End the day with some delicious street food at the Chang Phuak Gate Night Market.
• Additional Days: visit additional markets and temples, take a cooking class, get a message, see a Muay Thai fight, go zip-lining, go jungle trekking, get a sak yant tattoo , visit Doi Inthanon National Park.

Wat Pha Lat Temple

Chiang Mai Itinerary Map

The following map includes all the locations discussed in this Chiang Mai itinerary. Before heading to Chiang Mai, refer to the Preparation section at the end for this article for tips on how to plan for your trip!

Day One: Exploring Chiang Mai’s Old City

On the first day of your Chiang Mai itinerary, spend the day wandering around the heart of Chiang Mai in the old city. Today’s highlights include visiting some of the city’s most important temples and landmarks along with a Michelin-recognized restaurant for lunch.

Afterwards, spend the evening wandering the small Lamchang Walking Street (which only takes place on Friday nights).

Wat Chedi Luang

• Opening Hours: Open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Location: 103 Prapokkloa Road

Wat Chedi Luang is the perfect place to begin your explorations of this historic city.

The temple’s name means “Temple of the Large Stupa” because it used to be the tallest building in the entire Lanna Kingdom. At the time of its construction in the 14th and 15th centuries, the chedi (a tall pyramid-like structure) used to rise over 80 meters (260 feet) tall.

Even though the upper portion of the structure collapsed in 1545, it still remains one of the tallest buildings in all of Chiang Mai.

The chedi features a large staircase on each side that leads to a niche with a Buddha image. One of these statues is a replica of the famed Emerald Buddha which used to reside at this temple (but was moved to Bangkok centuries ago). Be sure to check out the elephants at the base of the chedi on its south side.

Another smaller temple called Wat Phan Tao is located next door and is also worth a visit.

The niche on the south side of Wat Chedi Luang

Wat Phra Singh

• Opening Hours: Open daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
• Location: in the heart of the old city at the intersection of Rachadamnoen and Samlarn Roads

After visiting Wat Chedi Luang, head east on Rachadamnoen Road towards the impressive Wat Phra Singh. One of Chiang Mai’s most important and popular temples, Wat Phra Singh dates back to the Mangrai dynasty in 1345.

The temple gets its name from a famous Buddha statue, the Phra Buddha Sihing, which resides at the temple complex.

Wat Phra Singh is one of the most eye-catching temples in the city as it’s chedi and several other buildings are covered in gold.

One of my favorite aspects of this temple is its surrounding gardens. There are lots of paths around the temple lined with trees and seats in the shade. The garden also features inspirational Buddhist sayings and a small cafe (when it’s open).

It’s a great place to sit and relax for a while and escape the heat.

One of the many Buddhist sayings in the gardens at Wat Phra Singh.

Lunch at SP Chicken

• Opening Hours: Open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (although I advise arriving no later than 1:30 pm before they run out)
• Location : 9/1 Samlan Road Soi 1

Located only a couple of blocks from Wat Phra Singh, SP Chicken is one of the city’s most sought-after lunch spots. A favorite with both locals and tourists alike, this Michelin-recognized eatery is famous for its melt-in-your-mouth rotisserie-style chicken.

Be aware that you may have to wait in line as this place is incredibly popular. During our first visit to Chiang Mai in 2017, Daniel and I waited in line only to watch the last chicken of the day being sold to the people in front of us. So on our next visit in 2021, we made a point to arrive a bit earlier in the day.

Three Kings Monument

• Opening Hours: Open 24 hours a day
• Location: on Prapokkloa Road between Ratvithi and Intrawarorot Roads

After lunch, head to the famous Three Kings Monument in the center of the old city. The statue was constructed in 1984 and portrays the three founders of Chiang Mai: King Mangrai, King Ramkhamhaeng and King Ngam Muang.

The monument is located in the middle of a large square which is a pleasant place to sit a while and enjoy watching life go by. It is also located next to the Chiang Mai Cultural Center and the Lanna Folklife Museum should you like to learn more about Northern Thai cultural traditions.

Wat Chiang Man & Wat Lam Chang

• Opening Hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Wat Chiang Man Location: 171 Ratchapakhinai Road
• Wat Lam Chang Location: Moon Muang Road Lane 7

Continue your Chiang Mai itinerary with a visit to the city’s oldest temple: Wat Chiang Man (also spelled Wat Chiang Mun). Located in the northeast corner of the old city, Wat Chiang Man was constructed in 1297 by King Mangrai (also spelled Mengrai).

My favorite part of this particular temple is the chedi in the back of the complex. Known as the elephant chedi, the structure features elephants all around the base that appear to be holding it up. The temple also has some nice gardens and shady areas to relax and to take a break.

Wat Chiang Man

If you haven’t had your fill of temples yet, head across the street and down one block to Wat Lam Chang. The name translates to “Temple of the Tethered Elephant” because elephants used to be housed here centuries ago.

Pro Tip: Continue through the temple and out the back entrance to the neighborhood behind for access to some nice cafes and restaurants. This is also the best way to reach the next destination: Lam Chang Walking Street.

Wat Lam Chang

Lam Chang Walking Street (Fridays)

• Opening hours: Every Friday night, 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
• Location: Along Ratvithi Alley from Ratvithi Road to Moon Muang Road Lane 7

The Lam Chang Walking Street (Kad Lam Chang) is a small neighborhood affair that runs through a colorful alley in the old city. Every Friday night, the street is closed to vehicle traffic and transforms into a bustling walking street .

Here, you can buy everything from clothes and knick-knacks to snacks and street food.

This is just a warm-up for the bigger Chiang Mai markets that take place later in the weekend. It has more of a local/neighborhood vibe and is a fun alternative if you want to skip the big crowds.

Lam Chang Walking Street

Day Two: Visit an Elephant Sanctuary

Visiting a Chiang Mai elephant sanctuary is one of the most rewarding activities you can do during a visit to Northern Thailand. Elephants are Thailand’s official animal and seeing one up close and in-person is a truly magical experience.

I missed out on visiting an elephant sanctuary during my first visit to Thailand and deeply regretted it. Although I made up for it on my next trip, I advise you not to make the same mistake and to prioritize this activity in your Chiang Mai itinerary.

Note: before purchasing your tickets to an elephant sanctuary, do some research first and learn about ethical elephant encounters . Avoid camps that offer rides to tourists.

Into the Wild Elephant Camp

Elephant Nature Park

• Opening Hours: varies depending on the tour
• Location: approximately 1.5 hours drive northwest of Chiang Mai

The most well-known and largest elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai, Elephant Nature Park (ENP) provides homes for distressed elephants from all over Thailand. Many of the animals in the park are disabled or are recovering from injuries sustained from abuse in the logging or tourism industries.

ENP not only provides a home for over 100 elephants on its property, it also works extensively with small family-run camps to help them transition to more ethical business models. The sanctuary also rescues dogs, cats, buffalo, and other animals as well.

Visits to Elephant Nature Park range in duration from a half-day trip (2,500 THB) to a 2-day sleepover (5,800 THB). Your ticket includes transportation to and from your lodging in Chiang Mai. Tickets to ENP often sell out weeks in advance, so be sure to book ahead.

If you can’t secure tickets to the main sanctuary, consider booking a visit to a smaller camp that is managed in cooperation with Elephant Nature Park. Into the Wild Elephant Camp is another good option if you’d like to visit a smaller facility.

This is Tilly, a rescued elephant at Elephant Nature Park

Saturday Night Walking Street or the Night Bazaar

• Opening hours: Every Saturday from 4:00 pm to 11:30 pm (TEMPORARILY CLOSED)
• Location: Wualai Road

If you’re not too exhausted after your day with elephants, head to the Chiang Mai South Gate for the Saturday Night Walking Street. Also known as Wualai Walking Street, the market travels the length of Wualai Street every Saturday Night.

Full Disclosure: this walking street was not open when I visited in January 2022 due to COVID. I hear that it is amazing though, and a less crowded option than Chiang Mai’s famous Sunday Night Market.

If the Saturday Market is closed, you can also consider the Night Bazaar . However, this was closed for the most part during my visit due to COVID. Hopefully both of these venues will be operational again soon.

If you’re after some nightlife , you can head to the intersection of Chang Klan and Loy Kroh roads where there are some lively bars. Just be aware of any COVID-related restrictions or curfews.

Day Three: Markets and Sunday Night Walking Street

On your third day in Chiang Mai, it’s time to go shopping!

Start your day east of the old city walls near the Ping River at the famous Warorot Market. The day includes stops at some other notable temples and lunch at a restaurant specializing in khao soi, a Northern Thai noodle soup.

Be sure to save plenty of time and energy for the main event of the day, the Sunday Night Walking Street.

Warorot Market (Kad Luang) & Riverside Flower Market (Ton Lamyai)

• Warorot Opening Hours: Every day from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
• Warorot Location: the city block bordered by Chang Moi Road, Wichayanon Road, Kuang Men Road and Lao Chou Alley.
• Flower Market Opening hours: Every day, 24 hours a day
• Flower Market Location: Intersection of Praisanee Road and Chang Moi Road

Warorot Market is a bustling 3-floor market located in a large building that spills into the streets outside. Also known as the Kad Luang , which means big market in Thai, the market sells a variety of local products and Northern Thai food such as Thai sausages and green pepper chile paste.

Warorot also sells various kinds of flowers, dried foods, souvenirs and an endless variety of clothing.

Outside the market, you can find fresh produce stalls on one side and an alley specializing in Chinese and Hmong local products and handicrafts on the other side.

Located one block away from the Warorot Market along the river, Ton Lamyai is a bustling market filled with blooms in every color. Here, you can find a bouquet of blossoms for your sweetie or a brightly colored garland to place at a Buddhist temple.

Warorot Market

Riverside Flower Market

Wat Mahawan

• Opening Hours: Open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Location: Intersection of Thapae Road and Thapae Road Soi 4

Wat Mahawan is a lesser-known temple a 10-minute’s walk from the Warorot Market near the Tha Pae Gate. I wandered into this temple by accident one day and was enchanted by the beautiful buildings and gardens.

Wat Mawahan

Lunch at Khao Soi Khun Yai

• Opening Hours: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, closed Sundays
• Location: Sri Poom 8 Alley

Khao Soi a traditional Northern Thai curry soup that you must try during your visit. While there are many restaurants serving this dish, Khao Soi Khun Yai is one of the best Khao Soi restaurants in Chiang Mai .

This particular restaurant is located inside of the old city walls near the north gate, so it’s a bit of a walk from Wat Mawahan. If you want to save your energy, I recommend grabbing a tuk tuk or calling a ride using Grab (a rideshare app similar to Uber).

Khao Soi from Khun Yai. Photo courtesy of The Wandering Hedonist.

Wat Lok Moli

• Location: 298/1 Manee Nopparat Rd

Wat Lok Moli is a gorgeous temple that is famous for housing the ashes of some members of the Mengrai dynasty . It is located a short walk from Khao Soi Khun Yai across the moat.

There are also a couple of other temples nearby that are worth a visit if you have the time: Wat Rajamontean and Wat Khuan Kharma.

Wat Rajamontean

Sunday Night Walking Street

• Opening hours: Sundays from 4:00 pm to 11:30 pm
• Location: Ratchadamnoen Road from Tha Pae Gate to the Wat Phra Singh Temple

And now for the main event of the day: the Chiang Mai Sunday Market !

The city’s biggest and most well-known market, this walking street market takes place every Sunday night in the center of Chiang Mai’s Old City on Ratchadamnoen Road.

This famous walking street features all kinds of homemade crafts and goods for sale by local Thai people. From silk shirts to sandals and baggy Thai pants, you can find all sorts of things for sale at the Chiang Mai Sunday Market .

Get there early to beat the crowds and be sure to come hungry if you like street food. There is no shortage of food vendors at the market which tend to be clustered together in makeshift food halls at various temples.

Chiang Mai Sunday Market

Vendor at the Chiang Mai Sunday Market

Day Four: Doi Suthep & Chang Phuak Night Market

Spend the last day of your Chiang Mai itinerary at nearby Doi Suthep National Park. Here, you will find perhaps the most important temple in Chiang Mai: Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.

While on Doi Suthep Mountain, you can also hike the Monk’s Trail to a secret jungle temple and visit Bhubing Palace gardens.

End your day at the Chang Phuak Night Market by sampling some incredible street food.

Hike the Monk’s Trail to Wat Pha Lat

• Trailhead location: Google Maps

If you’re looking to get off the beaten path in Chiang Mai, there’s no lovelier place than Wat Pha Lat (also spelled Wat Palad). This picturesque temple nestled in the jungle is a peaceful place to meditate and get away from it all.

The best way to access the temple is by hiking the Monk’s Trail. This easy 3 km (1.8 miles) trail winds through the jungle and follows a stream before reaching the temple partway up Doi Suthep mountain.

Wat Pha Lat

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

• Opening Hours: 6:00 am to 8:00 pm
• Location: Th Huay Kaew, Doi Suthep

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Ratchaworawihan is one of Northern Thailand’s most sacred temples and an important pilgrimage site for many Thai people.

The temple dates to the 14th century during the reign of King Kuena. According to legend, a monk found part of Buddha’s shoulder bone and brought it to the king. He placed the holy relic on the back of a white elephant and sent it into the jungle to look for a new home.

The elephant eventually climbed to the top of Doi Suthep mountain where it stopped and trumpeted three times. Then it died. This was interpreted as an omen and the opulent temple Wat Phra That Doi Suthep was established at that spot.

Bhubing Palace Gardens

• Opening Hours: Open daily from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (except on holidays
• Location: 1223 Sriwichai Alley, Tambon Su Thep

Bhubing Palace is a winter palace that is used by the royal family when they visit Chiang Mai. The extensive gardens are quite lovely and are open to the public whenever the royal family is not in residence.

I visited in January 2022 when all the flowers were in bloom and it was spectacular. Be aware that the same dress code for visiting temples apply at the palace.

Dinner at Chang Phuak Gate Night Market

• Opening hours: Every day from 6:00 pm until late
• Location: Intersection of Manee Nopparat Road and Changhuak Road at the Chang Phuak Gate

After spending the day on Doi Suthep Mountain, head to the Chang Phuak Gate Night Market for some amazing street food. Located on the opposite side of the moat from the North Gate, the market hosts a variety of food stalls selling everything from meat on a stick to Thai omelets.

One of the best-known vendors here is the Lady in the Cowboy Hat . She was featured in an episode of Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations television show when he visited Chiang Mai in 2014. She is best known for khao ka moo , a dish of stewed pork leg served over rice with a boiled egg and sour greens.

Lady in the Cowboy Hat’s food stall

Preparing for a Visit to Chiang Mai

While you can visit Chiang Mai any time of year, there are a few distinct seasons to be aware of.

Most visitors arrive in the dry season which typically lasts from October to March. Temperatures are coolest during the dry season and it’s not as rainy. There are also some important festivals during this time such as the Yee Ping lantern festival (Loi Krathong) in November, New Year’s Eve, and the Chinese New Year (which usually takes place in January or February).

Be aware that air quality tends to get poorer as the dry season progresses. Things take a turn for the worse during burning season , which typically happens in late February/early March. During this time farmers burn their fields to ready them for new crops and air quality is low.

The hot season takes place from April to June. Temperatures soar during these months so avoid strenuous activity int the middle of the day. Some national parks close during hot season, so check before you go. The Songkran Festival (Thai New Year) takes place during this time, in the month of April.

Rainy season (or monsoon season ) takes place from July to September. Most visitors avoid monsoon season, but some prefer it due to improved air quality and the lush green hue the jungle takes on due to the rains.

View of Chiang Mai from Wat Pha Lat on a hazy day in January. The city is barely visible due to poor air quality.

Etiquette for Visiting Temples

It’s hard to go very far in the city without running into one or more Chiang Mai temples .

Many temples are open to the public and you can typically enter as long as the doors and gates are open (in some cases you have to pay a small entrance fee first). But first, keep in mind a few basic rules of Thailand temple etiquette before entering.

First and foremost, remember that it is a place of worship and behave respectfully. Keep your voice down as you walk around the grounds and in the buildings. Be sure to remove your shoes any time you enter into a building or when you see a sign asking you to do so.

It’s also important to dress modestly. This means wearing pants or a skirt that covers your knees and a shirt with sleeves that covers your shoulders. Avoid showing too much skin or wearing clothing with images of the Buddha as this is considered disrespectful.

When you’re inside the temple, don’t turn your back to the Buddha statue or touch it. Taking photos is usually fine, but taking a selfie (or photos of the monks without their permission) is not. Women should not touch monks.

Pro tip: I always carry around a pair of Thai pants and a long-sleeved sun shirt in my pack when I’m in Chiang Mai. That way I can throw them on any time I happen to come across a temple that piques my interest.

Wandering the Wat Phra Singh gardens. I put on a pair of pants under my skirt before entering the complex to ensure my knees were covered.

What to Bring

Here’s a few ideas of what to bring along while you explore the city or surrounding area each day. This is not a complete list, but it will get you started as you think about what to pack.

• Sturdy walking shoes – While some people get by with flip-flops or sandals in Thailand, I wear sturdy walking shoes when I’m sightseeing. I prefer the Altra Timp trail running shoe both in the city and on the trail.
• Camera – I love taking photos and always bring a camera along. I use the Canon PowerShot G7X Mark III because it is lightweight yet has many advanced features.
• External battery – I always bring along an external battery & charging cord so I’m not left stranded in case my phone dies.
• Sun hat – Protect your face (and scalp) with a broad sun hat. This sun hat is great because it has a wide brim and no back so it doesn’t bump into my backpack. Or you could shop for a cute straw hat after you arrive in Thailand.
• Sunglasses & Sunscreen – Apply sunscreen before leaving your lodging and bring some along in case you need to reapply. I like these Banana Boat 1-oz tubes of sunscreen because they are super tiny and hardly take up any room in my bag.
• Water – Always buy bottled water in Thailand or refill your bottle from a trusted source that has been filtered.
• Temple clothing – Bring long pants/sarong covering your knees and a light long-sleeved shirt like this one for visiting temples.

Admiring the view from Doi Inthanon, the tallest mountain in Thailand and a nice day trip from Chiang Mai.

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Hi, i'm unicorn.

I am an avid hiker, traveler, and adventurer who is on the mission to explore hiking trails around the world.  I’m also obsessed with National Parks, long-distance trails and other outdoorsy things.

I hope to share this knowledge with you and inspire you to explore new hiking trails too!

You may also like… Best Elephant Sanctuaries in Chiang Mai: Ethical Animal Encounters

Chiang Mai Hikes: Four Easy Jungle Treks with Great Views

9 Amazing Chiang Mai Markets, Walking Streets and Flea Markets [2022]

Hike the Monk’s Trail to Wat Pha Lat: Chiang Mai’s Jungle Temple

12 comments.

Thank you for sharing this. Sunday market is most definitely making it to my itinerary. I love roaming around in these streets…so much insights into the culture.

Thanks Anukrati! Sunday Market is definitely one of my favorite parts about visiting Chiang Mai!

Our family loved our time in Chiang Mai. The evening market was especially fun to wander through and find interesting mementos.

An amazing itinerary – Chiang Mai is one of the favorite cities in the world. It is so dynamic, so much to see and do and your itinerary covers to much. I just love it!!!

Thanks Paula!

I had no idea there were over 300 Buddhist temples in Thailand. But did you see any Thai (Siamese) cats?

I saw lots of cats but not any Siamese ones.

Awesome post – I am leading a photo tour to Chiang Mai next January and I love some of the places you have included that my guide did not mention – will have to circle back to them. Love your photos too!

Have a great trip. Chiang Mai is amazing!!

That architecture is so incredibly stunning. And love that you suggested an ethical elephant sanctuary. Thanks for these ideas!

Chiang Mai has so much flavor i LOVE it. Need to go back and stay longer. I didnt visit several of these places and great tip on thai pants – they are a MUST!

Thai pants are the best! 🙂

I want to hear from you! Leave your comment below: Cancel reply

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8D7N Northern Thailand Itinerary Starting in Chiang Mai — Sky Adventures, Mountain Road Trips, and Trendy Cafes

A hot air balloon ride, a sheep cafe with a vast mountain view, a picturesque Yunanese village — this itinerary constantly got us asking: is this really Thailand?

If you’ve watched Disney’s Tangled, you’d probably be familiar with this scene of glowing lanterns simultaneously released into the sky.

Yep, that’s how we ended up in Chiang Mai. But if you know us, we weren’t gonna head home after flying over 2,500km. Which meant looking for hidden gems around Northern Thailand!

8D7N Thailand Itinerary

This Thailand itinerary involves renting a car for the first six days, driving about 3 to 6 hours each day with plenty of scenic stops along the way. Definitely more enjoyable if you have at least one other co-driver!

Pre-trip Essentials

SIM card: ฿299 from the Airport (8 days, 15GB) Transport: 6-day Car Rental via Klook , within Chiang Mai it’s easy to get around via Grab Chiang Mai Accommodation: Moose Hotel Chiangmai (Highway Branch) — great location for road-tripping

Day 1: Chiang Mai

Loy kratong festival.

The annual Loy Kratong festival in Thailand marks the end of the rainy season and coincides with the full moon. This year, we managed to capture the event on 27 November 2023.

While videos capture the essence of this vibrant celebration, I have to say, watching thousands of glowing lanterns illuminating the night sky in real life far exceeds the feeling of watching it on the screen.

For such a large-scale event, we expected some chaos but this particular one we signed up for was so remarkably organised! The areas were clearly marked, guiding guests to first collect a Kratong , float it in a lake, then walk down a buffet line where there was every traditional Thai dish you can think of.

We took our food to the next area where there were performances, festival games, even a 10-minute express massage station. Enough to keep everyone entertained until the main event.

At 7:30PM, the MCs ushered the crowd to collect their lanterns and gather at an open grass area divided into sections. Each person had a numbered tag so we had a designated spot and it didn’t feel too crowded. On cue, everyone released their lanterns and the moment truly was magical ✨

*Locals float Kratongs — small decorative boats made of banana leaves — down a river or any body of water to celebrate the water spirits. Special to northern parts of Thailand, apart from floating the Kratongs , they also mass release lanterns into the skies. There’s been a lot of flak about what happens to the lanterns afterwards so nowadays, there are a few companies that use biodegradable materials for the lanterns and also organise clean ups the next day.

Cost: S$87/pax via Klook (seasonal) Event time: 5:30PM – 10PM Meeting point: Horizon Village & Resort ( Google Maps )

Moose Hotel Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai has many great accommodation options but staying at Moose Hotel (Chiang Mai branch) meant we were near to the highway and that would save us 10 minutes on our road trips each day.

Apart from the usual double and twin configurations, they also have triple beds and a double bunk configuration (fit for four).

It’s a great hotel all in all but the kicker for us was the pygmy goats! Yes, there’s a pen of goats, baby ones too just beside the breakfast/bar area. The goats are friendly and affectionate and will bump your hands for extra pets.

Cost: From ~S$93/night How to get there: ~18min drive from Chiang Mai International Airport ( Google Maps )

Day 2: Day Trip to Mon Jam

Drive time from Chiang Mai: 1hr

Mon Jam is known for cafes and glamping and is located on a gorgeous hilltop area, only an hour’s drive from Chiang Mai. Since this was only a short distance away, we booked a few sky adventures near Chiang Mai for the morning.

Sunrise Flight on a Hot Air Balloon

Did you know you could take a hot air balloon flight in Thailand!?

Funny enough, we were back at Horizon Village & Resort where we flew our lanterns the night before.

Slightly hungover from the Loy Kratong fun, we woke up extremely early to catch the sunrise on a hot air balloon! While the welcome coffee wasn’t enough to wake us up, the views really did the trick (not to mention, the roaring sound of the burner)!

From up above, watching the rice fields, mountains, and winding roads float by while the sun and moon was simultaneously rising and setting made everything look extra magical. Jeriah’s favourite part in all of this was waving to the local kids below 👋🏼🤗

As tradition would have it, the flight ended with a glass of champagne before we headed for a buffet breakfast. The package we got also comes with a free two hour spa experience, but we opted to have it done at the end of our trip instead since we had a full day ahead!

Cost: ~S$460/pax (incl. 2hr Spa at Fah Lanna — we did this on the last day) Pick up time: ~5AM Hotel pick up: Available within Chiang Mai city

Paramotor Academy

When we arrived at the academy, we were pretty awed by the view. There were silhouettes of mountains around and the soft morning light made it look extra magical. The setup here is a lot simpler, compared to the hot air balloon. All it took was five minutes to gear up with our flight suit and helmets and we’re good to go.

Each ride is 15 minutes so you get to enjoy a panoramic view of the vast area.

While the view was great, my favourite part of this was the takeoff and the landing. You can imagine being a bird (or an FPV drone) just cruising through the skies.

Note that the weather is extra chilly between November and January so if you’re here around this time of the year, wear an extra layer! Shades are also good to have on the flight. Pick-up and drop-off are included in the package.

Cost: ~S$133/pax Activity time: 8AM – 10AM Hotel pick up: Available within Chiang Mai city

Pit Stop at Ying Yong Flower Garden

Mon Jam is only an hour away from Chiang Mai city but you’ll feel a stark difference once you get to the mountains. The soft windy roads felt like a good warm-up before we hit the infamous Mae Hong Son loop at the end of the trip.

The Ying Yong Flower Garden seemed a little unassuming at first but turned out to be a cheeky hidden gem up on Mon Jam. There were flower fields of purple, red, and white variations across the hilly terrace.

Entrance fee: ฿50 Opening hours: 6AM – 6PM How to get there: 1hr drive from Chiang Mai ( Google Maps )

Pongyang Jungle Coaster & Zipline โป่งแยง จังเกิ้ล โคสเตอร์ & ซิปไลน์

This adventure park in Mon Jam is every kid’s dream come true — but honestly, we had way more fun than we expected too.

As the name suggests, there’s a roller coaster that weaves through the lush jungle. But the coaster aside, there’s also a 34-course zip-line course with fun obstacles which includes cycling on a wire, a mini bungy jump, and the usual swingy bridges.

My favourite ride here was the roller coaster which functions like a luge but on tracks — which honestly is way more fun because you can go full speed at the corners, without worrying about your cart flipping around.

*Pro-tip: If there’s someone slow in front of you, put your cart in brakes for a bit to allow some space. There’s a safety mechanism that will automatically slow your cart if you approach too close to the cart in front.

This activity has a pickup option but since we wanted to explore around Mon Jam, we decided to drive up (only 45 minutes from Moose Hotel) too! If you’re getting a pick up option, go with Option B, which comes with lunch, the zip-line course, the giant swing, and of course, the jungle coaster.

Cost: From S$7.50 Opening hours: 8:30AM – 5PM (5:30PM on weekends) How to get there: 45min drive from Chiang Mai ( Google Maps ) Hotel pick-up: Available from Chiang Mai

98 Cozy Cafe Camping Garden

There are many cute cafes in the Mon Jam area but our favourite was the 98 Cozy Cafe Camping Garden . We found it by accident since the other one had their drinks sold out but it turned out to be a good detour!

I mean, how aesthetic is this!

The interior is small, with minimalist designs but also has a cosy feel to it. My favourite part though was the ledge where you could dangle your legs, enjoy your drinks while watching the sunset. I’m pretty convinced this cafe is the best place in Mon Jam to catch the sunset.

Cost: ฿60 – 90 for drinks Opening hours : 8AM – 6PM How to get there: 10min drive from Pongyang Jungle Coaster ( Google Maps )

One of the best local Thai meals we had on this 8-day trip was at Krua Chalong Chiang Mai . At 7PM, it was packed with mainly locals. They don’t have an English menu but there are photos of the dishes and Google Translate does a pretty good job.

While waiting for our table, we also took a sneak at the other table to see what they were having (pro-tip if you’re unsure of what to order!) We ended up with a steamed fish (฿380 – ฿520 depending on size of the catch), a soup curry (฿280) , and a glass noodle salad with minced pork (฿150). Every dish we ordered here was really good — I could imagine this to be the place to bring friends if you were a local here!

Cost: ~฿300/pax Opening hours: 10AM – 9PM (closes between 2PM – 4:30PM) How to get there: 50min drive from Mon Jam ( Google Maps )

Day 3: Day trip to Mae Ping National Park, Lamphun

Drive time from Chiang Mai: ~3hrs

The grand plan for the day was to check out Ko Luang Waterfall in Mae Ping National Park, a 2.5 to 3-hour drive from Chiang Mai city. Took some detours to split up the morning drive but turns out, the detours were even better than the final destination.

The Lamp Lamphun Cafe’ & Farm เดอะแลมป์ลำพูน คาเฟ่ & ฟาร์ม 

This isn’t a waterpark .

Not too sure how to describe this place but it’s a nice kinda surprise. The entrance looks like a traditional Chinese restaurant but as you walk in, a couple of ducks greet you. You cross a bridge, and there are cabanas on the edge of a turquoise-blue lake. In it are more swimming ducks and… a giant GOOSE? It’s all a little random but somehow well put together at the same time.

The owner comes by for a chat and tells us there’s a pen with one month old baby pygmy goats. Wow.

Food was also impressive. We got a Coconut Baked Rice (฿150), Som Tam — Papaya Salad (฿90), and a Soft-Shell Crab Curry Toast (฿190). The last item was one of their signature dishes, recommended by the friendly owner, Bo (he might not look friendly but totally is)!

Cost: ~฿220/pax Opening hours: 10AM – 10PM (daily) How to get there: ~1hr drive from Chiang Mai ( Google Maps )

Tham Luang Pha Wiang (Cave)

Another interesting find but made more interesting because of a monk and a dog. TL;DR — pretty cool cave, worth the hike.

But if you’re interested, here’s the story (I’ll try to keep it short).

Google Maps brings us to a car park with a large golden Buddha statue. There are no cave openings in sight.

Confused, we ask a monk — who happens to be the only human in the entire area. We show him an image of the cave from Google Maps, he nods and points to the right. Still confused, we walk past a few more statues until we see a flight of steep rocky steps.

Spot the furry lil tour guide .

It only takes about 5 minutes but the steps are steep and uneven and gets us slightly breathless at the top. Then we see the entrance and think oh, this is pretty cool. But, there’s more! 

We realise the monk had trekked up the steps too, seemingly calm and not breathless at all. Behind him was a shy brown dog who kept close to us the entire time. We reach a dark part of the cave that has a bunch of smaller golden Buddha statues lit but the sunlight streaming from the cave opening.

The monk drops a couple of ฿10 coins into a machine and the back of the cave lights up. He points at a sign written in Thai, “something ฿40 something 10 minutes” was what I could make out of it. Thinking he wanted us to pay ฿40, we started scrambling with our wallet but he waved it off and signalled for us to follow him.

So we did, so did the dog, and we were awed. It was a whole world deep there. Definitely worth the detour!

Entrance fee: Free (but perhaps bring 4x ฿10 coins to light up the cave) Opening hours: None but definitely try to get there before sunset How to get there: 36min drive from The Lamp Cafe ( Google Maps )

Mae Ping National Park

There were three spots we wanted to tick off at Mae Ping National Park. A waterfall, a viewpoint overlooking a valley, and a chill campsite overlooking a calm lake. This area is huge so we only managed to hit up two of the three. If any of you manage to get to the viewpoint, let us know in the comments!

The Ko Luang Waterfall is a 25-minute drive from the national park entrance. We read that swimming used to be possible here but there are now signs that ban it. I can tell why though, the rocks seem to have a layer of minerals on it and are incredibly slippery (yes, tried and bum-tested). We were a little bummed (no pun intended) but just as well! The water also wasn’t as intense a blue as the ones we found online. Could it be seasonal? Let us know if you visit!

The Pha Daeng Luang Sunrise Viewpoint looks like a scene in Norway (from photos) but for some reason, we could not figure a way to get there and the sun was soon setting. Instead, we went for the Kang Ko campsite — a nice chill spot to have a picnic while the sun sets.

Entrance fee: ฿100/pax + ฿30/car Opening hours: 8AM – 4:30PM How to get there: ~1.15hr drive from the cave ( Google Maps )

From Kang Ko Campsite, it’s a 3-hour drive back to Chiang Mai. Stop by the night market in Lamphun for dinner before driving back to Chiang Mai.

Day 4: Day trip to Chiang Rai — Northern Thailand’s most famous temple

Drive time from Chiang Mai: 3hrs

Akha FarmVille อาข่า ฟาร์มวิลล์

A sheep… cafe? Overlooking mountains. Need I say more?

I would be here even without the sheep because the views from this cafe are truly on point! The sheep are also incredibly friendly and will let you approach them for pets. You can pay for a little frying pan filled with strips of carrots (฿30) and the sheep will follow you like you’re Mary.

Don’t be surprised to see the sheep taking shade within the cafe as well. A little gimmicky but worth the visit! Once in a while, you’ll see the talented sheepdog doing his rounds, herding the sheep.

Entrance fee: ฿100 incl. free drink Opening hours: 7:30AM – 5:30PM (closes at 6PM from Fri–Sun) How to get there: 2.5hr drive from Chiang Mai ( Google Maps )

Wat Rong Khun – White Temple วัดร่องขุ่น

It’s been seven years since I first saw the White Temple and I’m blown away by its transformation! While the main building remains striking, it’s the subtle details that steal the show. Once your eyes adjust to the dazzling white, you’ll find reflective bits that the artist has added cleverly to catch the light, adding an otherworldly glow.

Beyond the iconic white structure, there’s now an additional cave, and a waterfall area to explore. We didn’t explore the cave as it was buzzing with curious visitors — let us know if it’s worth the visit!

Entrance fee: ฿100 Opening hours: 8AM – 5PM How to get there: 45min drive from Akha FarmVille ( Google Maps )

Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple)

It’s not every day you see a temple covered in this stark shade of blue and gold. This is a fairly new temple that was only completed in 2016 and took about 11 years to complete.

Interesting details on the sides of the building .

Fun fact: “Wat Rong Suea Ten” translates to Temple of the Dancing Tiger as tigers are said to have roamed freely over the grounds when it was abandoned nearly a century ago. In 1996, the local community initiated the construction to replace another old temple which stood on these grounds.

Entrance fee: Free Opening hours: 7AM – 10PM How to get there: 24min drive from White Temple ( Google Maps )

Baan Dam Museum

Baan Dam is an interesting museum that features works by contemporary artists. When we visited, there was a cool art exhibition that featured artworks that made use of VR technology. Beside each frame there was a QR code — when scanned, directed to an IG filter that brought the artwork to life! This made the whole museum experience a lot more fun and quirky.

Scan the QR code at the side of each painting for a psychedelic art experience.

Entrance fee: ฿80 Opening hours: 9AM – 5PM How to get there: 16min drive from Blue Temple ( Google Maps )

Lalitta Café

Lalitta Café was supposed to be a dinner stopover on our way back to Chiang Mai but this was a whole Gardens by the Bay experience. At the entrance, you’ll see paths lined with flora and fauna, made a little more magical with the fog machine.

As we got to the end, there was a 2-storey tall waterfall everyone was queuing to take photos at. There are a few alfresco areas to dine at, and we picked the second level on the left side of the waterfall.

Food starts from ฿139 on average.

Entrance fee: ฿60, but if you order food at the cafe, it gets knocked off your bill Opening hours: 8AM – 8PM How to get there: 18min drive from Baan Dam Museum ( Google Maps )

From Lalitta Café, it’s a three-hour drive back to Moose Hotel Chiang Mai. For those who prefer not to drive such long distances can explore Chiang Rai on a join-in day tour ! The tour covers the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten), and the Black House Museum (Baan Dam Museum).

Day 5-6: Drive to Mae Hong Son via Pai

Drive time from Chiang Mai: 5.5hrs

Just before the Thai-Myanmar border is a small charming Chinese village, Ban Rak Thai, located 1,180m above sea level. It’s a 5.5-hour drive from Chiang Mai so we split the journey up by staying a night in Pai before driving up to Mae Hong Son.

Note: Between Pai and Mae Hong Son is an incredibly windy journey — it’s famously known as the Mae Hong Son loop and has 1,864 turns on steep elevation. Would not recommend taking this drive after sunset. We saw our lives flash a few times as we were trying to get to Chiang Mai by 9PM. Here are some of the highlights before we arrive at Ban Rak Thai!

What makes Pai Canyon interesting is its distinctive red sandstone cliffs sculpted by erosion over centuries. After a short hike up the carved dirt steps, you’ll find an intricate network of narrow pathways to explore. It gets quite hot in the afternoon so it’s best to arrive at sunrise or sunset.

There are steep drops and the dry dirt can be quite slippery so definitely come with grippy covered shoes.

Entrance fee: Free (฿5 if you want to use the toilets) Opening hours: 6AM – 8PM (there are no gates) How to get there: 2hr 45min drive from Chiang Mai ( Google Maps )

Check in at Yoma Hotel (Accommodation in Pai)

After almost three hours on the road, Yoma Hotel was a welcome pit stop on the way to Mae Hong Son. The hotel is slightly further away from Pai Walking Street where most of the travellers are but there’s a free shuttle that will get you there in under five minutes. The pool overlooks a vast field with mountains in the distance, perfect for a relaxing dip in the afternoon.

Rooms are clean and simple with both twin bed and double bed configurations and come with a large breakfast spread in the lobby that overlooks the mountains. It was quite chilly when we were here in November. And in the mornings, there was a thick mist that slowly revealed the mountains as the sun rose — a very charming sight over breakfast!

Cost: S$59/night Distance from Pai Walking Street: 1km

Sunset at Two Huts Pai

Before the sun sets, save yourself a spot at Two Huts Pai, a charming cafe with spacious alfresco seating. It gets crowded during sunset though so be there earlier to save yourself a seat! Alternatively, bring along a picnic mat so you don’t have to fight for seats!

Opening hours: 10AM – 9PM How to get there: 12min drive from Yoma Hotel ( Google Maps )

Pai Walking Street

There’s not much to do in Pai in the evening but this street closes to vehicles and vendors open up stores at the sides with performances and live music lining the street. You’ll find souvenirs, trinkets, desserts, snacks, and you could even find your dinner here.

A happy Jeriah with his hot-off-the-stove sweet potato pancake

Opening hours: 4PM till late How to get there: 15min walk from Yoma Hotel ( Google Maps )

Pang Oung Lake (Scenic pit stop)

This was a much needed toilet break for us but also a scenic stop to stretch your legs at a break. The toilets here are clean and free to use.

Entrance fee: Free How to get there: 2hr 45min drive from Yoma Hotel ( Google Maps )

Ban Rak Thai

Ban Rak Thai is a Yunnan village right before the border with Myanmar. Words don’t do justice to how charming the place is. But imagine getting out of the car to a light 20°C breeze, the sun shining gently on the still lake, reflecting the unique traditional Chinese architecture around it. Imagine that — then visit this one day and let me know if the description is accurate 😝

Naturally, we spent a lot of time trying to accurately capture the charm in pictures. There isn’t much to do in the area so take it slow and enjoy the cool air and mountainous views around.

You could also take a boat ride on the lake, sip on tea harvested straight from the village, or take a stroll through the tea plantations.

How to get there: 2.5hr drive from Pai ( Google Maps )

Lee Wine Yunnan Restaurant

Finding lunch was actually the first order of business when we arrived in Ban Rak Thai after the 3-hour drive from Pai. We ended up at Lee Wine Yunnan Restaurant which had a 4.4-star rating on Google Maps with reviews of how authentically Yunnanese the dishes were. It also has the best view from the banks of the lake (imo).

We ordered a bunch of dishes to share namely the Stir fry black chicken (฿320), a Spicy tea leaf salad (฿150), and the Yunnan kimchi with minced pork (฿160). Unintentionally, all the dishes turned out to be pretty spicy so the complimentary tea-tasting set of Oolong and Dew Drop tea was a nice addition.

There’s also a tea and snacks shop next door where you can purchase Grade A tea leaves as a gift.

Cost: ~฿250/pax Opening hours: 8AM – 8PM (daily) How to get there: 2.5hr drive from Pai ( Google Maps )

From Ban Rak Thai, it’s a 5.5-hour drive back to Chiang Mai with steep roads and many hairpin bends. We had to drive most of the Mae Hong Son loop in the dark and after that experience, I’d highly recommend leaving earlier so you arrive before sunset. Or book a night in Pai before driving back to Chiang Mai in the morning.

Check-in at Gategaa Village

Gategaa Village is probably the most charming accommodation in Chiang Mai. It’s only a 12-minute walk from the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, but also located in a quiet neighbourhood. The entire space is surrounded by lush greenery, has a rooftop pool and the reception has a fully stocked pantry with snacks and desserts you can access at any time of the day!

Rooms are spacious and stylishly decorated, and come with a mini kitchen with stoves and basic cooking utensils. But the in-house kitchen is known to also serve up some amazing food! I think the breakfast here was our favourite from the entire trip!

There are also bicycles you can rent for free to explore the areas around.

Cost: From S$74/night How to get there: 5.5hr drive from Ban Rak Thai / 20min drive to Chiang Mai International Airport ( Google Maps )

Day 7: Day Trip to Doi Inthanon

Drive time from Chiang Mai: 2hrs

Doi Inthanon is the highest mountain in Thailand, about a 2-hour drive from Chiang Mai city. But after driving extensively over the last few days, we decided to hand over the driving and sign up for a join-in tour to Doi Inthanon instead!

Which turned out great as we could take a nap on the drive up, but also got quite a bit of insight about the history of the place from the very friendly and knowledgeable guide!

The tour includes a stop at two waterfalls, a short 300m hike through the lush forests, and a visit to a local village where we tasted the local coffee, teas and lunch.

Cost: ~S$62/pax Tour time: 8AM – 5PM Pick-up from Chiang Mai Accommodation: Available for some hotels near the airport

Think Park Night Market (Japanese/Korean inspired town)

Think Park is more than just a typical weekend night market. The entire area seems to be modelled to look like a slice of Japan. There’s even a Hachiko statue and Japanese words painted on the tarmac floor.

Can you spot Hachiko?

Instead of the usual tourist souvenirs, there are handcrafted goods, trendy local fashion, and artistic creations. There are also live music performances and stalls selling a range of food from local Thai favourites to international cuisine and even a Froyo booth.

Other than street food booths, there’s also a Korean BBQ restaurant, some trendy cafes, and a few bars to hang out at. Wished we had a little more time here.

Opening hours: Google says 8 – 10PM but it was quite lively when we arrived at 7PM How to get there: 20min drive from Gategaa Village, also located right next to Eastin Tan Hotel which seems like a nice Chiang Mai accommodation to consider as well ( Google Maps )

Day 8: Last min Spa before catching the flight home

Fah lanna spa nimman.

Photo credit: Thailandmassage.com

Stepping into a Fah Lanna Spa felt like entering an oasis of serenity — not exaggerating. The space is so well-thought with a soothing aroma of essential oils wafting through the area.

There are over 30 different treatments ranging from 1 to 4 hours with interesting massages like Office Syndrome Retreat (focusing on the head, back and shoulders), the Fah Lanna Aura (includes a thorough body scrub and an aromatherapy oil massage), and even a Reiki Healing treatment.

Every therapist was skilled and you even get to fill in a form beforehand which asks for your preference of pressure, as well as a diagram to mark out your preferred areas to focus and avoid. I always find my thighs extra ticklish so I marked that out and they actually took note of it — definitely appreciated!

This was the perfect activity before catching our flight out of Chiang Mai!

Cost: From S$27 Opening hours: 12PM – 9PM How to get there: 20min Grab ride from Gategaa Village / 12min drive to Chiang Mai International Airport ( Google Maps )

Planning a road trip in Northern Thailand

Chiang Mai’s charm extends past its ancient walls. It’s also the perfect base to explore the charms of Northern Thailand.

Just a 3-hour drive north, charming temples, fascinating museums, and even a whimsical sheep cafe await in Chiang Rai. Venture 3 hours south and there’s the Mae Ping National Park along with the hidden gems of Lamphun.

But I have to say, some of our favourite experiences were the day trip we did to Mon Jam which was all within a comfortable hour’s drive. The cool mountain air, the trendy cafes and glamping opportunities definitely made it all the more charming.

If you’re planning your own road trip from Chiang Mai, here are some useful tips!

1) Choose the right season: November to March is the most ideal as it’s cooler (~20°C) and also during its dry season, great for driving and outdoor activities. During our eight days here, it only lightly drizzled on one evening.

2) Book accomodation ahead: November and December are peak travel seasons here so book your accommodations ahead!

*Pro-tip: Book Stay+ via Klook to get up to 50% off your accommodation/activity! (i.e. A stay at the Moose Hotel Chiang Mai comes together with a Fah Lanna Spa package )

3) Download Offline Maps: There were a few areas where we could not get data connectivity like in Mae Ping National Park, as well as some parts of the Mae Hong Son loop. To be safe, always use the “Ok Maps” function on Google to download the portion of the map that you’ll be using for the day.

4) Plan to finish your drives before sunset: Once you’re out of the city, most of the roads are pitch dark and without any street lamps. There are even sections without reflective tabs which can be quite dangerous. Most of the day trips felt ok to drive in the evenings as the roads were fairly straight, but I’d probably not drive the Mae Hong Son loop in the evening again if I could replan this.

5) Bonus: Learn to cook a Thai dish! Cooking classes are a fun way to experience local cuisine and culture, while also bringing home a new skill! We tried out this local cooking class which actually allows you to pick specific dishes. We picked three crowd favourites — a Tom Kha Gai (Chicken Coconut soup), Pad Thai (stir-fried rice noodles), and a Khao Soi (a curry-based Noodle dish from the Northern region)

The cooking class took place in a cosy Lanna-style house with helpful instructors and you even get a customised apron with your name printed on it! Overall a great way to bring home a piece of Thailand.

What experience or sight you find most surprising to see in a Thailand itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

This post was brought to you by Klook .

For more travel inspiration, follow us on  Facebook ,  Instagram ,  YouTube , and  Telegram !

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Global Gallivanting

My perfect 3 – 5 day chiang mai itinerary (2024).

If you are looking for a Chiang Mai itinerary that combines the must-see tourist attractions with some hidden gems at a leisurely pace then I hope you’ll find this blog post useful. I’ve put together a comprehensive guide covering how to spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Chiang Mai, Thailand , after living here for several months.

Chiang Mai is one of my favorite places in Thailand and one of the most popular places to visit in all of Southeast Asia. If you’re interested in learning more about Thai history, culture, and spirituality you must include this city on your Thailand itinerary.

As Thailand’s 2nd city, Chiang Mai offers a much more relaxed experience than the Thai capital, Bangkok . It’s is home to a beautiful, historic Old City filled with ancient temples, and surrounded by the mountains and jungles of northern Thailand.

Tips for Planning Your Chiang Mai Itinerary

From the beautiful temples and the buzzing night markets, to the elephant sanctuaries and waterfalls just outside the city, there’s so much to see and do in Chiang Mai. So you’ll need to plan your itinerary for Chiang Mai carefully to make sure you don’t miss anything whilst still allowing time to just wander and explore the old city.

This northern gem also makes a great base for day trips exploring the surrounding nature and the rest of northern Thailand – so however long you spend in Chiang Mai you won’t get bored.

My top tip is to avoid trying to pack too much in to just a few days, or you’ll end up having to rush around in the mid day heat and having a stressful trip.

Also leave yourself time to chill in a cafe, relax with a traditional Thai massage, browse the markets, discover some offbeat temples, and just soak up the magical vibes.

Before you plan your itinerary for Chiang Mai it’s wise to do a bit of research into the best time to visit, how to get there and get around and where to stay, so I’ll cover all this too in this blog post.

Pin This To Read Later 😉

How Long To Spend in Chiang Mai

If you just want to explore the most popular tourist attractions in Chiang Mai then you should spend at least 3 days in Chiang Mai, but if you have time I would recommend spending 4 – 5 days to see more and explore beyond the city.

Spending 5 days in Chiang Mai will give you enough time to explore the old city and night markets at a leisurely pace and to also take some day trips outside the city to visit the elephant sanctuaries, national parks and unique temples of Northern Thailand.

In this 3 – 5 day Chiang Mai itinerary, I’ll give you my recommendations for the famous attractions that you should not miss when visiting Chiang Mai, as well as some suggestions for if you have more time and want to get off the beaten track.

First off, I’ll go through some essential travel tips for visiting Chiang Mai like when to visit, how to get to Chiang Mai and get around, and where to stay. Then I’ll include a detailed itinerary for 3, 4 and 5 days. If you already know the basics then click here to skip to the day by day itinerary .

The Best Time to Visit Chiang Mai

When planning your itinerary consider the weather for the best experience. The best time to visit Chiang Mai is between November and February when the weather is cool, dry and comfortable.

During this period the days are sunny and dry, the temperature is mild and the humidity is low, making it the perfect time to get out and explore the city and its surroundings. It’s also the most popular time so make sure you book your transportation, accommodation, and activities in advance.

The rainy season, from June till October, is not a bad time to visit. The cloud cover and rain showers bring relief from the hot, humid summer weather, but the rain shouldn’t ruin your plans too much.

I don’t recommend visiting Chiang Mai between March and May as this is the hottest time and the burning season decreases the air quality in the city.

It’s also a good idea to plan your itinerary to include a weekend so you can experience the Sunday Walking Street Market which takes over most of the old town as is one of the best night markets in Thailand.

This Chiang Mai itinerary is going to start on a Sunday so you’ll be able to enjoy the famous Sunday market after a day exploring the temples of the old city.

How To Get To Chiang Mai

Getting to Chiang Mai is relatively easy. You can fly directly into Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) which is located just a short drive from the city center.

There are plenty of taxis and songthaew (shared red trucks) offering rides from Chiang Mai Airport to the city center for a fixed fee. You can also book a taxi using the Grab App.

There are many domestic and international flights operating to and from this airport from Bangkok, other places in Thailand, and some other Asian cities.

If you are coming from outside Asia then you’ll probably need to fly into Bangkok first and connect to a short 1 hour domestic flight. I recommend spending 3 – 4 days in Bangkok first though!

Be aware that there are two airports in Bangkok. Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) receives mostly long haul international flights, while Don Mueang (DMK) is where you’ll find most of the domestic and regional budget airline flights.

So check which airport your connecting flight is leaving from! There is a shuttle bus between the two airports, but be sure to allow enough time to travel across the often congested capital city, or you can take the BTS skytrain.

Entering Thailand is straightforward as most nationalities receive either a Visa Exemption or Visa on Arrival which is valid for 30 days. You can extend this once by another 30 days for 1,900 Thai Baht at the Immigration Office.

You can also travel to Chiang Mai by train or bus from Bangkok and other major cities in Thailand. The overnight train journey from Bangkok is quite an experience and better for the environment than flying but make sure you book your tickets in advance as it’s a popular route. The easiest place to book tickets is on   12 Go Asia.

Getting Around Chiang Mai

Grab is a ride-hailing app similar to Uber, while songthaews are shared red trucks that run on routes (like a bus) that you can flag down.

The Old City is quite compact and walkable, and many Chiang Mai accommodations offer shuttle services and bike rentals. If you book a tour or day trip they usually include transportation too.

If you are comfortable driving a scooter or motorbike, renting one can be an efficient, affordable and fun way to explore the city and its surroundings.

• Where to Stay in Chiang Mai

This compact area is surrounded by a moat and walls and contains over 300 ancient temples, plenty of cafes, and boutique heritage hotels which are my top choice for an unforgettable stay.

• Luxury –  Rachamankha Hotel
• Mid Range – Tamarind Village or Pingviman Hotel ,
• Budget – Vieng Mantra Hotel  
• Backpacker –   The Common Hostel .

Aside from the Old City, Chiang Mai has a diverse range of neighborhoods, from this buzzing Chiang Mai night bazaar area and trendy, modern Nimman road, popular with young travellers and digital nomads, to tranquil stays on the riverside that are ideal for couples and families.

Check out my full guide to where to stay in Chiang Mai  to find the perfect area for you and for more hotel recommendations.

Booking Activities and Tours

There’s no shortage of guided tours and interesting activities to enjoy in Chiang Mai. From trekking through the lush mountains and visiting elephant sanctuaries to exploring the beautiful temples, taking a cooking class, and plenty of day trips to explore nearby cities.

Some activities are very popular and have limited space, so I recommend booking these in advance to avoid disappointment, especially if you are visiting Chiang Mai in the peak season.

The best place to find, read reviews and book day trips and tours in Chiang Mai is on  Viator   and  Get Your Guide . Local travel agents sell tours and day trips but I like to be able to read the reviews first so that I know I’m going to get a good experience.

Public transport connections are good to major cities and it’s easy to book bus and train tickets on  12Go Asia .

If you want to visit specific attractions or get more off the beaten track the easiest way to explore is by taking an organised day trip tour. This allows you to see much more in one day than you could by public transport and having a local guide makes the experience deeper.

The top tours and day trips from Chiang Mai include:

• Sunrise Doi Suthep Temple Tour with a Former Monk
• Northern Flavours Chiang Mai Food Tour
• Elephant Sanctuary, Waterfalls and Rafting Tour
• Thai Cooking Class with the Akha Hilltribe .
• Chiang Rai Temples Tour
• Doi Inthanon National Park Day Tour

So now you know all the essential Chiang Mai travel tips you’re ready to start planning your day by day itinerary! If you are planning a 3 day Chiang Mai itinerary just do the first 3 days, if you have more time consider some day trips as well.

My Ideal Chiang Mai Itinerary: How to Spend 3 – 5 Days in Chiang Mai:

• Day 1 – Discover the temples and night markets in the Old City
• Day 2 – Explore Doi Suthep temple and join a Thai cooking class
• Day 3 – Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary
• Day 4 – Take a day trip to Chiang Rai to visit the White Temple and Golden Triangle
• Day 5 – Explore nature in Doi Inthanon National Park

Day 1 – Exploring Chiang Mai Old City: Temples and Markets

The best way to start your Chiang Mai trip is by exploring the walled old city which dates back to 1296. You can see the ancient city walls and moat and explore over 300 temples.

It’s an enchanting place to wander, go temple hopping, and learn about traditional Thai culture. There’s also plenty of cute cafes and some interesting museums if you need to escape the heat. Make sure you wear light, loose clothing that covers shoulders and knees to enter the temples.

Morning : Wake up early to witness the morning alms giving to the monks. Take breakfast at your hotel and then wander around the Old City visiting some of the beautiful temples.

The 3 most famous temples in Chiang Mai that you can’t miss include:

• Wat Phra That Doi Suthep – the most revered golden temple perched on a hilltop above the city
• Wat Phra Singh –  the most stunning and elaborate temple in the old city
• Wat Chedi Luang – home to a dramatic ruined stupa and a good place to do a monk chat. Also located in the heart of the old city.

If you want to understand more about Buddhism, Thai culture, and the history and meaning behind these stunning temples, its worth taking a guided walking tour of the temples and old city with a knowledgeable local guide.

There are hundreds of temples worth visiting so even if you spend 5 days in Chiang Mai you won’t be able to see them all. Don’t miss the top three but do try and see some of the lesser known temples as well as the famous ones. They are all beautiful and unique so take the time to explore and discover your favorite.

Other temples in the Old Town I recommend visiting include:

• Wat Pan Tao – an atmospheric old teak temple next to Wat Chedi Luang.
• Wat Jet Lin – A lesser known serene temple with a lovely pond and gardens
• Wat Chiang Man – the oldest temple in Chiang Mai that dates back to 1296.
• Wat Rajamontean – large temple with a huge buddha by the moat in the north of the old town
• Wat Lok Molee (Moli) – with intricate mother of pearl details opposite Wat Rajamontean

Afternoon : If you visit these temples in this order you’ll end up at a great spot for an authentic local lunch. Get ready for your first taste of the delicious famous northern Thai dish – Khao Soi, a spicy coconut curry noodle soup.

A great local restaurant to taste authentic Khao Soi is ‘ Khao Soi Khun Yai ‘ also known as Grand Ma’s Khao Soi. It’s next to Wat Rajamontean so it’s the perfect place to refuel when temple hopping. It’s only open until 2pm though and get busy so don’t leave it too late.

If you need to recharge while temple hopping there are many cute cafes in the Old City where you can enjoy the AC and try an iced Thai tea or coffee. My favorites include like Stories , near Tha Pha Gate, and My Secret Cafe in Town , near Wat Phra Singh.

After lunch, if you want to learn more there are some interesting, air conditioned, museums near the Three Kings Monument in the heart of the Old City that are worth checking out including:

• The Chiang Mai Historical Centre ,
• Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Centre,
• The Lanna Folklife Museum

Or, if you’d like to explore some more temples there are some outside the old city that are a bit off the beaten track but well worth visiting. Hire a taxi or tuk tuk and check out:

• Wat Suan Dok – A beautiful sprawling Royal temple with hundreds of white chedis
• Wat Umong – an old temple with unique underground tunnels and shrines
• Wat Sri Suphan – Known as the silver temple for it’s ornate metalwork. Women aren’t allowed to enter but it’s still interesting to see from the outside and is illuminated at night.
• Wat Jet Yot – A historic and unique temple with seven spires based in on the temple in Bodh Gaya, India where the Buddha attained Enlightenment.

Stroll around the old town and browse the many stalls selling clothing, souvenirs, art and handicrafts. For dinner, make sure to pop into the temple courtyards where you’ll find street food courts offering a huge array of delicious and affordable street food like pad thai, spring rolls, mango sticky rice, and fruit shakes.

If it’s not a Sunday, don’t despair, you can visit the Chiang Mai night bazaar , near the riverside, which is open every night with food, stalls and live music and even Muay Thai matches to get your Chiang Mai night market fix!

If you’re not sure about trying the street food I always find taking a food tour is a good way to learn about the cuisine and culture. This Northern Flavours Chiang Mai Food Tour includes over 15 tastings and takes you to spots popular with locals.

If you feel like parting afterwards check out Zoe in Yellow or North Gate Jazz Co-op in the Old Town. Or head to the bars and clubs in Nimmanhiem that are popular with Thai students and digital nomads.

Day 2 – See Sunrise at Doi Suthep and take a Thai Cooking Class

Morning : They say that it you haven’t seen Doi Suthep then you haven’t been to Chiang Mai so this morning head up the mountain just outside the city to check out one of Thailand’s most stunning, revered temples – Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.

This incredible golden temple is perched up on a mountain overlooking the town and offers amazing views. Climb up the 306 steps or take the funicular and marvel at the beautiful Doi Suthep temple.

It’s quite easy to take a taxi or red truck (songthaew) to get there but I recommend considering this sunrise Doi Suthep temple tour with a former monk which makes it an extra special experience. As well as seeing the temple without the crowds and witnessing the sunrise over the city you will experience the monks chanting and the alms-giving ceremony.

You also get an amazing insight into Buddhism and Thai culture from the lovely guide who is a former monk. After Doi Suthep, the tour also includes a Thai breakfast and then visits Wat Pha Lat, a magical temple hidden the jungle that is one of my favorite temples in Chiang Mai, and Wat Umong. More details here.

If you’re up for an adventure, a great way to experience Doi Suthep is to hike there up The Monks Trail , a steep, short climb up through the jungle that allows you to visit Wat Pha Lat on the way.

Another option, if you’d like to combine temples with nature, is to take this Doi Suthep and Sticky Waterfalls Tour . After visiting Doi Suthep, and having the chance to receive a blessing from a Buddhist monk, you can experience climbing up the unique sticky waterfalls (also known as Bua Tong waterfalls) and cool off in the mineral pools.

Afternoon : If you’d like a fun and tasty way to learn more about Thai culture through it’s cuisine and to learn how to cook delicious thai food at home then book yourself onto a  Thai cooking class .

The experience starts with shopping in the local market for fresh produce and then you’ll learn how to cook 11 delicious Thai dishes like pad thai, spring rolls, green curry, red curry, and yellow curry, (and eat them!) You’ll also get an insight into hill tribe life in northern Thailand from your guide from the Akha tribe.

If cooking’s not your thing there are plenty of other activities to try in Chiang Mai from Muay Thai boxing lessons to Buddhist meditation, monk chats, and yoga classes.

Evening : You probably won’t want a huge dinner after eating all your creation at the cooking class so you could snack on some street food.

Or, if you’re feeling tired from all the exploring, relax with a Thai massage at one of the many spas and massage parlours.

For a luxury experience try Fah Lanna Spa or Makkha Spa.   If you’re on a budget, consider supporting the Chiang Mai Women’s Correctional Institution Vocational Training Centre for an affordable massage and a god cause..

Day 3: Visit an Ethical Elephant Sanctuary

Daytime : One of the most popular bucket list activities in Chiang Mai is having an elephant encounter. There are many elephant camps just outside the city but it’s important to choose an ethical elephant sanctuary that prioritizes the well-being and conservation of these amazing animals and does not allow elephant riding.

The most reputable and ethical elephant sanctuaries in Chiang Mai are the Elephant Nature Park  and the  Rescue Elephant Center   where you can have a magical encounter with these gentle giants in their natural environment without harming them.

At Elephant Nature Park you can choose between half day and full day packages but make sure to book in advance as this well known sanctuary has limited capacity and is often fully booked.

Another option is this elephant sanctuary, waterfalls and rafting tour package . It’s a popular way to combine seeing elephants with exploring more of Chiang Mai’s natural beauty spots.

Evening : Treat yourself to a meal at one of the best restaurants in Chiang Mai.  Baan Landai Fine Thai Cuisine , is a Michelin starred Thai restaurant in a cute garden within the old town. It’s open for lunch and dinner but you should make a reservation as it’s deservedly popular.

Alternatively, if you fancy a taste from home there are many modern restaurants and bars in the Nimmanahaeminda area serving food from all over the world.

I’d recommend getting an early night because tomorrow is going to be a long, but amazing, day out!

Day 4 – Chiang Rai, White Temple and Golden Triangle Day Trip

Now that you’ve seen the highlights of Chiang Mai city if you have more time why not explore some more of Northern Thailand. There’s also some great day trips from Chiang Mai that make exploring the nearby places easy and stress free.

So on day 4 of your Chiang Mai itinerary I’d recommend taking a day trip to Chiang Rai to see some of the most unique temples in the world and the Golden Triangle.

This top rated small group Chiang Rai Temples Tour takes you to the three best temples and gives you plenty of time to fully explore each and is the easiest way to see all the highlights in one day. It takes about 3 hours to get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai where you’ll visit :

• The White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) – one of the most amazing temples and sights I’ve ever seen (and I’ve seen lots  of temples!). This striking contemporary structure that’s unlike any other temple in Thailand. It’s more like an art exhibit than a temple, with intricate and interesting designs that you might not expect to see in a Thai temple.
• The Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten) – a unique and beautiful temple that showcases the region’s artistic heritage
• The Black House Museum (Baan Dum) – a unique collection of art and architecture that reflects the region’s diverse cultural heritage

Further north from Chiang Rai is the Golden Triangle , an area traditionally known for growing opium where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet at the Mekong River. Nowadays you can visit the Hall of Opium museum and take a boat trip on the river where you can see three countries at once!

This White Temple and Golden Triangle Tour makes it possible to see it all in just one day. As well as visiting the White Temple and The Golden Triangle, you also visit hot springs, the opium museum and it includes lunch and a boat ride on the river where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar (Burma) meet. It’s a bit of a long day as you cover all of ground but I think it’s worth it and without joining a tour it would be very difficult to see it all in one day.

You’ll probably be pretty tired after this epic day of exploring northern Thailand so I wouldn’t make any fancy dinner reservations. Just have dinner at your hotel and get some rest.

Day 5 – Doi Inthanon National Park Day Trip

Daytime : If you are a nature lover then on your last day in Chiang Mai don’t miss the chance to visit Thailand’s highest peak and explore Doi Inthanon National Park.

It’s a popular day trip from Chiang Mai with plenty to do. You can hike the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail, enjoy the picturesque waterfalls and stunning views, see the famous Twin (King and Queen) Pagodas and enjoy the cooler temperatures at the top. (bring a jacket)

Doi Inthanon is an hour and a half drive from Chiang Mai so it makes an easy escape into nature and perfect for your last day. This Doi Inthanon National Park Day Tour includes an easy hike and visits the twin Royal pagodas, waterfalls, viewpoints, a Karen tribal village and a Hmong market. As it includes transport and lunch it’s by far the easiest way to see the highlights in one day.

Evening : For your last night in Chiang Mai you might want to visit the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar for some last minute souvenir shopping and to soak up the lively night market vibe and savour some more street food.

If you’d prefer a romantic meal head to one of the many restaurants and bars along the Ping River. For something special head to The Service At 1921 House , part of the Anantara Resort. Situated in a historic colonial building on the riverside dinning at this steak house and gourmet restaurant is sure to be a memorable experience for your last night in Chiang Mai.

Also Consider: Pai and Motorbike Adventures

While my 5 day Chiang Mai itinerary covers all the highlights, there’s still plenty more to explore in Northern Thailand. The city makes a great base from which to explore the surrounding mountains with many trekking, mountain biking, rock climbing, white water rafting and kayaking trips on offer.

I also recommend just getting out and exploring the nature, either by renting a scooter or joining an organised day trip. If you prefer nature and adventure over temples then you might want to consider exploring Pai and more of the countryside that offers some epic motorbike adventures.

Pai is a small, laid-back town nestled on the banks of the river in one of the most beautiful valleys in Thailand. There’s plenty of natural beauty to explore from forests and mountains, rivers, waterfalls and hot springs. Don’t miss experiencing the sunset at Pai Canyon.

Pai’s chill vibes and stunning nature have made it a popular hangout with relaxed, hippie vibes and plenty of cosy and colourful vegan and vegetarian cafes, galleries, boutiques and yoga classes .  There’s also bars with live music, a night market and walking street with all the Thai street food delights. Tipsy tubing is also a popular activity here for backpackers.

You can do a day trip to Pai from Chiang Mai , but it takes about 3 hours to get there on windy mountain roads. I feel it’s more of a place to relax, soak up the hippie vibes, rent a bike and explore the nature at a leisurely pace so I’d recommend spending at least 2 days in Pai to properly explore the gorgeous scenery of Thailand’s most beautiful valley.

Pai is the first stop on the Mae Hong Son Loop , a scenic 600 kilometer journey through Northern Thailand’s mountains, valleys, and villages, best done on motorbike. The breathtaking route contains over 1,800 curves, amazing views and is one epic adventure.

You should allow 4 – 7 days to drive the loop, depending on how long you want to stop in the cute mountain towns like Pai  and  Mae Hong Song City  along the way. There are many places offering motorbike rental in in Chiang Mai but, for safety reasons, it’s best if you are already confident riding a motorcycle before tackling this epic ride.

If you don’t have time, an alternative nearer to Chiang Mai the Mae Sa-Samoeng Loop  makes a nice mini adventure that can be done in a day with stops for hikes, waterfalls, viewpoints and lunch.

Another option is Chiang Dao , a small town located about 1.5 hours north of Chiang Mai home to massive caves and beautiful mountain scenery with plenty of adventure activities to try. This Chiang Dao Day Tour includes kayaking, caving, jungle trekking, lunch and transport.

Read my post about all the  best attractions, activities and things to do in Chiang Mai for more inspiration.

Ready to Plan Your Itinerary for Chiang Mai?

As you can see, there is no shortage of things to do in and around this beautiful northern Thai city so to make the most of your time it’s best to plan your itinerary for Chiang Mai carefully to make sure you don’t miss out on anything.

I recommend spending a minimum of 3 days in Chiang Mai so you can explore the highlights of the old city and the night markets, see the beautiful temples, learn how to cook Thai cuisine, have an amazing elephant encounter, and relax with a massage.

The city is such a great base to explore more of northern Thailand if you have time I highly recommend you spend 4 or 5 days in Chiang Mai. Then you can also explore some hidden gems and do some day trips to see Chiang Rai’s stunning unique temples, explore Thailand’s highest peak at Doi Inthanon, or go on a motorbike adventure to explore the nature.

I hope my Chiang Mai itinerary has given you plenty of inspiration and helped you plan your trip and that you love Chiang Mai as much as I do.

If you are planning a longer trip around the whole country check out my 2 week Thailand itinerary to know how to see the best of north and south. If you need more tips check out my Thailand travel guide and my other Chiang Mai blogs:

• Things to do in Chiang Mai
• Best Heritage and Boutique Hotels in Chiang Mai
• The Complete 3 – 4 Day Itinerary for Bangkok

My Guide To The Best Things to Do in Bangkok (2024)

My perfect 3 – 4 days bangkok itinerary (2024).

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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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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!

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Chiang Mai itinerary – perfect 3, 4 or 5 days in Chiang Mai

This post may contain affiliate links to tours and hotels. These help us earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.

Chiang Mai should be on every Thailand itinerary and is a must-visit destination when exploring the northern regions. From the incredible food produced using local ingredients procured from the markets to the religious retreats found in the mountains, Chiang Mai can be a laid-back affair or a Thai adventure full of activity. 

We have been to Chiang Mai several times and return most times we are in Thailand. With the main metropolitan area housed with ancient city walls and with trendy neighbourhoods popping up on the environs, there are lots of things to do in Chiang Mai.

Here is our ultimate itinerary for making the most of your time in Chiang Mai….

Click to skip to the Chiang Mai itinerary >

Table of Contents

Best time to visit Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a great place to visit most months of the year and the city has 3 distinct seasons: cool, hot and rainy!

Cool season (October – February) This is the best time to visit Chiang Mai with pleasant and dry temperatures. It is also peak tourist season so accommodation prices will be a bit higher.

Hot season (March-April) This is the hottest time of year to visit Chiang Mai. It is also the least preferable as it is ‘burning season’ which is when local farmers burn the fields and forests, so air pollution in the city is very high.

Rainy season (May-September) During these months there are less visitors to Chiang Mai but it isn’t really a bad time to visit. Accommodation prices are slightly lower and the heavy rain usually only comes in short downpours in the morning, with the rest of the day being warm and sunny.

How to get to Chiang Mai

If you are visiting Chiang Mai from Bangkok as part of your Chiang Mai itinerary then there are three different ways to get there: either by bus, train or plane.

This is the easiest and quickest way to reach Chiang Mai. The city has a small international airport that serves budget airlines such as  Air Asia , Thai Smile and  Nok Air , with direct routes from Bangkok, Phuket, China, Hong Kong, Seoul and Doha.

The flight time from Bangkok is 1 hour 20 minutes and there are regular flights throughout the day – check  SkyScanner  for the best times and air fares. If you book far enough in advance you can get fares that are just as cheap as taking the train!

The train from Bangkok takes somewhere between 12 and 15 hours and is a good option for travellers who are more environmentally minded, have plenty of time on their hands and are travelling on a budget.

We would recommend taking a night train over a daytime one, as the daytime trains only have seating, whilst night trains have air-conditioned sleeper berths (1st class is private, 2nd class is a shared unit).

Travelling from Bangkok to Chiang Mai by bus is very cheap and takes around 10 hours with both day and overnight options available to book.

There are several companies that operate that route – the ones that are usually recommended include Bangkok Busline and Lignite Tour . Water and snacks are normally included in the ticket price.

Use 12Go Asia to research public transport timetables and book tickets. Book far in advance to avoid disappointment.

Getting around Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai old town is fairly compact and easily walkable, but if you need to get somewhere quickly or anywhere across town then we recommend hailing a Songthaew (a taxi truck).

Simply wave one down in the street and tell the driver where you want to go and they will tell you the fare. This is a shared ride but the prices are super cheap (usually from 30 baht per person).

Tuk Tuks are also found in the city and are the second most common mode of transport in Chiang Mai – they are a little more expensive than Songthaew’s, costing 60 baht upwards per trip.

Alternatively you can request a Grab taxi (a bit like Uber). Grab is widely used by both tourists and locals across Southeast Asia, and the fares are really cheap – download the Grab app.

Looking for cheap Chiang Mai day-trips, attractions or group/private tours? We recommend visiting Vi ator, GetYourGuide , and Klook!

Festivals in Chiang Mai

Here are some popular festivals you may want to consider when planning your Chiang Mai itinerary:

Flower festival (February)

On the first weekend of every February a three day Flower Festival is held in Chiang Mai, with parades, street markets, concerts, and amazing floral displays.

Songkran festival (April)

Songkran is the Thai New Year’s national holiday and a huge multi-day water festival is held every year on the 13th- 15th April throughout Thailand. The streets become a huge giant water fight with water guns, and there are stages with music and a parade.

Yi Peng and Loi Krathong festival (November)

This festival is otherwise known as the Lantern Festival and involves releasing paper lanterns into the sky to symbolise letting go of misfortunes.

The festival is held on the full moon of the twelfth lunar month, normally in November. Advance booking is recommended for accommodation as Chiang Mai is very busy at this time.

Read our full guide to celebrating Yi Peng and Loi Krathong festival >

SIM Card and Internet

Having data on your phone whilst exploring Chiang Mai is super handy especially if you plan on using the Grab taxi app. SIM cards are cheap in Thailand and have generous data allowances.

Tourist SIM cards are available to purchase in airports, malls and 7-Elevens (bring your passport along for identification purposes). Alternatively you can  prepay online and collect a SIM  on arrival to Thailand. Just remember to make sure your phone is not locked to your local network provider before purchasing one.

If you do not want to change your SIM then renting a  pocket WIFI device  with  unlimited high speed internet access  might be for you.

We have used portable WIFI’s several times on our travels and love the ability to connect both our devices to it at the same time.  Pre-order one online with Klook  for collection when you arrive in Thailand at either Suvarnabhumi or Don Muang Airport in Bangkok. 

Chiang Mai accommodation

We have visited Chiang Mai several times in the past few years and have stayed at the gorgeous 99 The Heritage Hotel three times .

This 4 star boutique hotel is set in a colonial building in the old town just across the street from the epic Wat Phra Singh temple and a short walk away from the weekly Sunday Walking market (more on this later).

The rooms are beautifully decorated and facilities include an outdoor pool, fun group activity classes and complimentary snacks and drinks. 

Check out prices and availability for 99 The Heritage >

Here are some other Chiang Mai accommodation suggestions for all budgets:

Budget Accommodation

Family Home Hostel This hostel is highly rated and located a short walk away from the old town.  Check out prices and availability for Family Home Hostel .

Chedi Home Hotel Cute and cosy hotel with small pool and amazing breakfast.  Check out prices and availability for Chedi Home Hotel . ( read our review on Chedi Home Hotel )

The Islander Chiang Mai Highly rated Thai style hostel with rooftop area. Located 2 minutes away from the famous Saturday Night Market.  Check out prices and availability for The Islander .

Mid range hotels

Rimping Village Highly rated hotel located a 10-minute walk from Chiang Mai Night Bazaar with outdoor pool.  Check out prices and availability for Rimping Village .

Amata Lanna Village Beautiful 4-star resort located a short drive from Chiang Mai old town.  Check out prices and availability for Amata Lanna Village

Villa Sanpakoi 3-star hotel with pool, restaurant, garden and buffet breakfast.  Check out prices and availability for Villa Sanpakoi.

X2 Chiang Mai Riverside Resort Luxurious hotel set on the banks of the majestic Ping River with rooftop gym, spa, pool and bar that overlooks the river.  Check out prices and availability for X2 Chiang Mai Riverside Resort

Anantara Chiang Mai Resort Hotel with minimalist Asian design, located along the banks of the Ping River with a spa, cocktail bar and pool.  Check out prices and availability for Anantara Chiang Mai Resort

Ping Nakara Boutique Hotel & Spa Hotel set in a colonial-style building with outdoor pool, a restaurant and lobby bar. Just a 5-minute walk to the Night Bazaar.  Check out prices and availability for Ping Nakara Boutique Hotel & Spa

Weekend Walking Street Markets

Every weekend from around 5pm on a Saturday and Sunday, Chiang Mai holds an evening market where a huge stretch of road is closed to traffic creating a temporary walking street. Here you will find hundreds of market stalls, wide range of street food and some entertainment.

We personally preferred the Sunday walking market held at Ratchadamneon Road, and would recommend timing your Chiang Mai itinerary to coincide with this day if possible. It is a very popular attraction and can get very busy. We found it a bit more relaxing to visit around 8.30pm onwards when the crowds have calmed down.

Saturday’s smaller Wualai Walking Street is also worth a visit too and has a great range of locally-made products and has a bit more space to walk around.

Read more about the Sunday Walking Street in our blog post and our guide to the best night markets in Chiang Mai .

Chiang Mai itinerary: Day 1

Explore chiang mai old city.

Start your first day of your Chiang Mai itinerary by soaking up the sights in the old town and visiting some of the many historic attractions and temples. The 1.5km square old town is located inside the medieval city walls and has over 300 temples! Here is a round up of some of the best places that we recommend visiting;

Check out this Chiang Mai city and temples half day tour . Don’t fancy walking? Check out this Private Tuk Tuk Tour of City Temples With Pickup >

Tha Pae Gate There are four gates to enter the 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.

Wat Phra Singh known as “The Monastery of the Lion Buddha”, this is an an active temple, with hundreds of monks living there. The temple complex features classic Lanna architecture, gilded rooftops, golden chedis and an elegantly decorated assembly hall.

Wat Chedi Luang Huge ruined Lanna-style chedi restored by UNESCO in the 1990s. Entry is 50 baht per person.

Wat Jet Lin Simple, tranquil Buddhist temple with a lily pond, bamboo bridge, ornate carvings and cafe. The bridge has become a little overgrown during covid but it is worth visiting to feed all the fish in the small lake here!

Wat Chiang Man This wat is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai. The temple complex has lots of different styles of architecture and is surrounded by stone elephants.

Note: make sure you dress appropriately when visiting the temples – wear clothing that covers your knees, cleavage, midriff and shoulders.

Check out our guide to the best temples in Chiang Mai >

Chiang Mai Itinerary Lunch

For lunch we recommend you try the famous local dish – khao soi noodles . This northern Thai dish is made with wide rice noodles in a coconut milk curry-based broth, served with either chicken or beef and is absolutely delicious!

Check out the following restaurants for some of the best versions of khao soi: Khao Soi Khun Yai , Khao Soi Islam or Huen Ph e n Restaurant . Check out our guide to the best Khao soi restaurants in Chiang Mai >

Get a massage

After a long day of sightseeing treat yourself to a massage! You will find many massage parlours that offer a variety of massage packages and spa treatments around the old city. Check out these Chiang Mai spa massage experiences on Klook >

Dinner / evening

In the evening head over to Chiang Mai’s Night markets (if the weekend markets are not on). The night bazaar area runs every evening from 6pm to 10.30pm and you’ll find street food stalls, local and international chain restaurants, travel agents, souvenir, clothing and craft stalls, music and other entertainment.

The stalls spread out over several blocks and sidewalks at the intersection of Chang Khlan Road and Loi Khro Road and include Anusarn Night Market ,  Pavillion Night Market, Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, Kalare Night Bazaar and Ploen Ruedee Night Market .

Check out our guide to Chiang Mai’s best night markets or our guide to the best things to do in Chiang Mai at night .

Chiang Mai itinerary: Day 2

Elephant nature park.

For the second day of your Chiang Mai itinerary we recommend heading out into the countryside to visit some rescued elephants.

Elephant Nature Park is the most famous rescue sanctuary but there are several parks in the region that you can also visit (make sure you do your research before to ensure you are visiting an ethical sanctuary).

Check out the elephant experiences on  GetYourGuide , Viator  and  Klook .

Elephant Nature Park is an award winning rescue and rehabilitation centre, home to dozens of elephants who have been saved from mistreatment in the entertainment or logging industry. O

n a visit here you will get to see these gentle giants up close, help feed them and learn more about the work the volunteers do.

We booked a full day trip to Elephant Nature Park for around 3,500 THB per person, which includes transport to and from your hotel and a buffet lunch. We would recommend booking your day trip here far in advance, especially if you are visiting during peak seasons.

Read more about our day trip to Elephant Nature Park >

Check out these other elephant sanctuary day tours

Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary Small Group Ethical Tour

One day Elephant Experience In Chi a ng Mai, by Chiang Mai Elephant Home

Chiang Mai: Elephant Care at Elephant Retirement Park

Chiang Mai Itinerary Evening / dinner

In the evening head over to the Chang Phuak night market at the North Gate for dinner which is visited by locals and tourists alike.

The famous Cowboy hat lady has a stall here called Khao Kha Moo Chang Phueak , and the food is considered so good that she has been featured on one of Anthony Bourdain’s TV shows.

For 30 baht you can order a delicious plate of stewed pork leg over rice served with an egg and Chinese broccoli. The sukiyaki stall seemed to be the most popular one there with long queues and a ticket system in place.

After dinner take a short walk over the The North Gate Jazz Co-Op – a laid-back venue that hosts a regular lineup of live jazz artists and is a famous Chiang Mai institution. Doors open at 7pm and bands start playing at 7.30pm, but arrive early if you want to get a seat as the crowd spills out onto the sidewalk later on.

Chiang Mai Itinerary: Day 3

Chiang mai cooking class.

For the third day of your Chiang Mai itinerary we recommend taking a cooking class then visiting a mountain temple!

Chiang Mai has heaps of culinary schools and it is a really fun way to spend half a day and learn how to cook authentic Thai dishes.

We booked a half day cooking class at Thai Farm Cooking School for 1200 THB per person which includes hotel pick up/drop off. This school is located in the countryside just outside of the city and has some great online reviews.

The class starts with a trip to a local market where you will learn about basic Thai ingredients, and a tour around the beautiful and tranquil grounds of the school. You then get to prepare and cook around 5 classic Thai dishes and eat them all at the end! Read more about our day at the Thai Farm Cooking School >

Check out these Chiang Mai cooking classes:

Chiang Mai: Authenti c Thai Cooking Class & Local Market Tour

Thai and Akha Cooking Class in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai: Authentic Thai Cooking Class and Farm Visit

Half Day Thai Cooking Course at Farm 

Here is a short video we made about our cooking class experience at Thai Farm Cooking School:

After you are dropped back into town at the end of your cooking class, make your way over to Doi Suthep temple.

Located 40 minutes outside of Chiang Mai old town, this mountain temple has some gorgeous golden pagodas and amazing panoramic views of Chiang Mai (which would look amazing at sunset).

From around 6pm you can experience the monks chanting which is a very spiritual experience.

To get there ask your hotel to call a taxi for you, or if you are on a. budget, head to the Chang Pauk Gate where Songthaew’s leave for Doi Suthep (they will drop you at the Zoo and then you take another one to the temple).

A shared Songthaew will cost 60 baht one way per person. Doi Suthep Temple entrance fee is 30 baht.

Alternatively you could book onto this 4-Hour Wat Umong and Doi Suthep Evening Tour which starts at 3pm (make sure you check with the cooking school that you will back in the city in time for this pick up).

If you are an early riser you could visit Doi Suthep first thing in the morning when the crowds are much lighter, and then do a full day or afternoon cooking class afterwards. Check out the Doi Suthep, Wat Umong & Wat Pha Lat Sunrise private tour which starts at 4.30am – perfect for a peaceful visit without the massive noisy tour groups!

YOU MIGHT LIKE: Chiang Rai itinerary – the perfect 1 or 2 days in Chiang Rai >

New for June 2024 – our Facebook Thailand Travel Planning and Tips Group! Need help with your itinerary or have any Thailand related questions? Head on over to our Facebook group! Click here to join our group >

Morning food tour

If you are a food fan then we recommend booking a food tour for the fourth day of your Chiang Mai itinerary!

We did a 4 hour morning tour with a company called A Chefs Tour and explored restaurants and local markets a little off the beaten track.

The tour costs $55USD per person and includes 20-25 tastings of northern Thai snacks, dishes and drinks such as khao soi noodles, papaya salad, dumplings, Thai crepes, Thai sausage and coconut cream desserts.

A Chefs Tour also offer night food tours which include a visit to the Cowboy hat lady that we mentioned earlier. The tour starts at 5pm and is a good option if you would prefer to do a different activity during the daytime.

Read more about our morning food tour with A Chef’s Tour and click here to book the tour >

Here is a short video we made about our food tour with A Chef’s Tour:

Check out these other Chiang Mai food tours

Chiang Mai: Evening Local Street Food Market Tour

Small-Group Chiang Mai Evening Street Food Tour

Chiang Mai Street Eats

Chiang Mai Northern Food Tour by Truck

Afternoon – Nimmanhaemin

The food tour with A Chef’s Tour finishes around early afternoon in the Nimman ( Nimmanhaemin ) district. This is the trendiest part of Chiang Mai that is filled with hip cafes, live-music lounges, fashion boutiques, malls, bars and restaurants.

Spend a couple of hours exploring the area and grab a coffee at Ristr8to , where they serve up award winning lattes in quirky test tube glasses or glasses that look like skulls. Nearby Maya Mall has some shopping options too.

Check out our guide to Nimman, Chiang Mai >

Day trip to Doi Inthanon National Park

For the final day of your of your Chiang Mai itinerary, take a full day trip to Thailand’s highest point at Doi Inthanon National Park.

There are many things you can do here including visiting the twin pagodas of King Bhumiphol and Queen Sirikit of Thailand, hike through lush green forests, visit a local hill tribe and admire some beautiful waterfalls.

We booked onto a small group tour called Doi Inthanon with Pa Dok Siew Nature Hike with The Travel Hub for 1,600 Baht per person. The tour takes you to some of the main iconic spots, followed by a 2 hour walk off the tourist trail through rice paddies and forests.

The tour is a full day activity and you will be dropped back at your hotel in Chiang Mai at around 5pm. Alternatively you can hire a private driver for around 3000 Baht. You get to travel in a private air-conditioned car and create your own itinerary. Take a look at Tripadvisor forums for private driver recommendations.

Tip – Doi Inthanon is situated at a high altitude and is generally a bit cooler than Chiang Mai city so bring an extra layer!

Other group tours to Doi Inthanon National Park

Doi Inthanon National park + Pha Dok Siew 2hr Trekking

Doi Inthanon National Park Small Group Full Day Tour

Full-Day Doi Inthanon National Park Small-Group Tour

Other Chiang mai day and night activities you might like

Flight of the Gibbon Fly through a primal Thai rainforest with a full day eco zip line journey. Click here to book your Flight of the Gibbon: Chiang Mai Eco Zip Line Adventure

Traditional Khan Toke Meal and Cultural Performance Explore Chiang Mai’s largest wet market before experiencing a traditional northern Thai dinner and a variety of hill tribe dance performances. Click here to book your Traditional Khan Toke Meal & Cultural Performance

Grand Canyon Water Park Visit the biggest inflatable water park in Chiang Mai, with multiple activities including canoeing, kayaking, zip lining and wakeboarding. Click here to book your Grand Canyon Water Park Ticket.

Caving and Jungle Kayaking Enjoy a kayaking tour and discover the Northern Thai jungle. Click here to book your full-Day Chiang Dao Caving & Jungle Kayaking

Jungle Horse Trekking Explore the untouched jungle and mountain area around Chiang Mai on the back of a Himalayan mountain horse. Click here to book your Jungle Horse Trekking Full-Day Tour

Afternoon Tea at the Four Seasons Resort Enjoy an afternoon Tea set served by the pool overlooking the misty mountainside. Click here to book your Afternoon Tea

Bike Tour Discover the charms of Chiang Mai’s Old City on a 4-hour bike tour of the back lanes. Click here to book your Historic Old City 4-Hour Bike Tour

Chiang Mai Night Safari Park Get close with wild animals in an enclosed tram ride at night. Click here to book your Chiang Mai Night Safari Park ticket

ATV and Buggy Riding Experience Enjoy an off-road buggy extravaganza that will take you up into the rainforest and through some true off-road terrain. Click here to book your ATV and Buggy Riding Experience and Tour

Other Chiang Mai and Thailand posts you might like

• Top things to do in Chiang Rai 
• Best night markets in Chiang Mai
• Chiang Mai at Night – Things to do + Photos
• Guide to Jing Jai (JJ) Weekend Farmers Market in Chiang Mai
• Guide to Chiang Mai Friday Night Market (Kad Kongkao Walking Street)
• Top things to do in Bangkok at night
• 99 The Heritage hotel in Chiang Mai review
• Guide to the best temples in Chiang Mai
• Things to do in Nimman, Chiang Mai (Nimmanhaemin Road)
• Best Khao soi noodle restaurants in Chiang Mai 
• Bangkok on a Budget – Backpacking in Thailand
• Khlong Mae Kha canal village guide, Chiang Mai
• How to get from Ao Nang, Krabi to Railay Beach by long-tail boat
• Exploring Bangkok at night by Tuk Tuk
• Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok – the ultimate guide
• Visiting Mahanakhon Skywalk – Bangkok’s Newest Observation Deck

Did you enjoy our  Chiang Mai itinerary  blog post? Let us know in the comments or by sharing it on social media. You can follow us on  Instagram ,  TikTok  and  YouTube ! 

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The Perfect 3 Days in Chiang Mai Itinerary

• Last Updated: January 20, 2024

Travel tips, advice and activities for the perfect 3 days in Chiang Mai itinerary.

No trip around Thailand would be complete without stopping in Chiang Mai.

Located in the north of the country, Chiang Mai reveals authentic Thai culture and history but still manages to have a thriving and modern entertainment scene.

It is more relaxed than the capital city of Bangkok, but still packed with things to do.

CHECK OUT OUR FULL SEPARATE GUIDE TO THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN CHIANG MAI, THAILAND !

This humble yet thriving city dates back to the 13th Century, and the square-shaped “Old City” is still surrounded by a moat with four bridges guarded by gates that used to connect people to the outside world.

Most of Chiang Mai’s attractions lie within the Old City, so this is where travellers tend to congregate.

There are a fair few tourists in the Old City of Chiang Mai, but it still retains a laid back atmosphere.

Stunning Buddhist temples and Thai massage centres are scattered all over the city, beckoning travellers to come to relax and soak in the culture.

At the same time, bustling street markets, drag shows and Muay Thai boxing matches occur every night, where locals and travellers alike can indulge in the sensory explosions of Chiang Mai’s nightlife.

To really absorb all the charm of Chiang Mai, all you need is 3 perfect days in Chiang Mai itinerary.

This gives you enough time to explore the city, check out the nightlife, and even take a day trip into the surrounding nature.

This Chiang Mai 3 day itinerary will outline the best things to do in the area and include some tips on where to stay, where to eat, when to go, and how to get around.

READ MORE: Check out our awesome travelling in Thailand guide !

Table of Contents

Explore the Temples and Shops

Take a thai cooking class, thaphae boxing stadium, chiang mai boxing stadium, loi kroh boxing stadium, sticky waterfalls day trip, go to the ladyboy cabaret, visit the hilltop temple, wat phra that doi suthep, get a thai massage, explore the street markets, visit elephant nature park, get a sak yant tattoo, visit doi inthanon national park, when to visit chiang mai, thailand, street directions, best budget option in chiang mai: the islander hostel, best mid-range option in chiang mai: art house, best luxury hotel in chiang mai: 137 pillars, budget: khao soi khun yai, mid-range: dash restaurant and bar, luxury: ginger & kafe, how to spend a perfect 3 days in chiang mai itinerary.

There are plenty of things to do in any Chiang Mai itinerary, from temples to cuisine to markets and so much more.

Here is our ultimate 3 days in Chiang Mai itinerary designed to give you the best possible experience here.

Day 1 – Morning

To get acquainted with the city, spend the first morning of your 3 days in Chiang Mai itinerary exploring on foot.

With over 300 Buddhist temples and lots of unique local shops, you can enjoy a lovely introduction to the local culture and lifestyle with a little sightseeing.

There are too many shops and boutiques in Chiang Mai to list, but just wandering around you’ll definitely stumble upon a few little stores run by smiling locals.

Common finds in Chiang Mai’s shops include ceramics and sculptures, paintings and art, and beautiful jewellery and clothes.

Elephants inspire lots of figurines and art, and you’ll also find lots of health stores selling natural beauty products infused with coconut, rice, ginger, lemongrass, and other types of classic Thai ingredients.

In addition to Chiang Mai’s charming shops, you’ll definitely see lots of impressive and ornamented Buddhist temples. Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh are two of the most popular temples in Chiang Mai.

Most temples are open from 6 am until 9 pm , and you must wear appropriate clothes that cover the shoulders and knees and remove your shoes before entering.

Also, make sure you double-check that photography is allowed inside at the temples in Chiang Mai before snapping photos.

A few noteworthy temples to visit during your 3 days in Chiang Mai itinerary include:

• Wat Chiang Man : the oldest temple in Chiang Mai
• Location: 171 Ratchaphakhinai Road
• Wat Sri Suphan
• Location: 100 Wua Lai Road
• Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phan Tao : Right next to each other
• Location: right next to each other at the crossing of Ratchadamnoen and Prapokkloa Roads.
• Wat Phra Singh : The most popular temple in Chiang Mai and home to the famous “Lion Buddha” image.
• Location: 2 Samlarn Road
• Cost: 40 Baht (The only temple in the Old City with an entrance fee for tourists, all the others are free!)

READ MORE: Here’s our guide to the best spots to visit in Thailand !

Day 1 – Afternoon

Thai food has become a worldwide phenomenon, with spring rolls, green curries and pad thai being readily available all over the globe.

While visiting Chiang Mai, take a cooking class to learn more about this healthy and flavorful cuisine at the source.

There are plenty of reputable cooking schools all over the city and most are very reasonably priced (~USD$25-30).

Almost all cooking schools take you on a tour through the local market to buy the ingredients for the day.

You’ll learn about the staple ingredients and flavours of Thai cuisine, such as garlic, chilli, ginger, Thai basil, turmeric, shallots, peanuts, oyster sauce, fish sauce, coconut milk and coriander.

After this brief education, the rest of the day consists of cooking and eating.

Popular dishes to cook in a class include pad thai, spicy tom yum soup, cashew stir fry, coconut soup, papaya salad, mango and sticky rice, Thai iced tea, and curry using your own, hand-ground curry paste.

Make sure you arrive at your cooking class with an empty stomach because you’ll have an abundance of food to try.

Day 1 – Evening

Spend one night of your 3 days in Chiang Mai itinerary watching Thailand’s favourite sport, Muay Thai boxing.

Muay Thai Boxing Match

This combat sport evolved from fighting techniques during the Siamese empire and the athletes are quick and agile.

Muay Thai boxing is very fast-paced and exciting to watch, so buy yourself a ticket and go cheer among the locals.

There are three main boxing stadiums in Chiang Mai:

The most popular stadium among tourists

• Cost: 500 Baht for a standard ticket
• Hours: The matches usually run from 9 pm until midnight every night except Sunday
• Location: 319 Moon Muang Road near the Thapae Gate of the Old City.

Outside the Old City, there are two more boxing stadiums where you’ll find more locals and fewer tourists.

• Cost: 600, 1000, or 1500 Baht depending on the quality of seat you want
• Hours: Fights run from 8:30pm until 11:30pm, every day except Sundays
• Location: 177 Chang Phuak Road
• Cost: Tickets ranging from 400 to 600 Baht
• Hours: Fights run from 8:45 pm until midnight, Tuesday through Saturday
• Location: 96/98 Loi Kroh Road

Day 2 – Morning and Afternoon

You’ve made it to day 2 of your 3-day Chiang Mai itinerary, and today I recommend you head out of the city to check out one of the city’s most beautiful natural wonders.

One of northern Thailand’s coolest attractions is the sticky waterfalls, located about 50 km from Chiang Mai in the Jedsee Fountain Forest Park.

This is an easy and affordable day trip from the city and it is perfect for anyone who loves nature and a bit of adventure.

Formally known as the Bua Tong Waterfall , the sticky waterfalls are so special because you can climb them!

Though the falls are pretty steep, the rocks are covered with mineral deposits that create friction and make the rocks easy to grab on to.

You don’t need any gear or even any shoes. Just throw on a bathing suit and start climbing like Spiderman.

There are a few ropes to help you up in the steeper parts, but overall climbing the waterfalls is easy and fun, and it’s a great way to cool down in the heat of the day.

From the top of the falls, you have an amazing view of the lush green jungle.

And at the bottom of the falls, there are wide pools for swimming.

There is no entrance fee, but bring your own drinks and snacks as there are no shops in this remote area.

To reach the sticky waterfalls from Chiang Mai, you can take a songtaew with other travelers.

Just ask at your accommodation’s reception where to find the songtaews, and they’ll point you to the closest pickup spot.

The price of the ride will depend on how many people are splitting the cost, though one way the total cost is usually about 1,000 Baht.

READ MORE: Looking for more Chiang Mai attractions to fill your itinerary?

Day 2 – Evening

After an adventurous day at the Sticky Waterfalls, relax for a couple of hours when you arrive back in Chiang Mai to prepare for a fun evening.

Any 3 days in Chiang Mai itinerary must include a ladyboy show, as this is an amazing form of local entertainment in Thailand.

Ladyboys ( kathoey , in Thai) are men who look like women.

Whether they are actual transgenders or just dressing in drag, the ladyboys in Thailand are incredibly feminine and beautiful.

Ladyboys are a very well-accepted part of Thai society and face little discrimination, so they host wildly entertaining shows and cabarets around the country.

Chiang Mai has a wonderful Ladyboy Cabaret at the Chiang Mai Cabaret venue located in the Anusarn Market section of the Night Bazaar.

This is a 15-minute walk outside the Old City, but you can always take a tuk-tuk for convenience.

Grab some dinner at the Night Bazaar, which opens at 5 pm and is full of restaurants, food courts and street food stalls, then head over to the Chiang Mai Cabaret for the show.

Prepare to be dazzled as you enter the venue, for the Ladyboys put on an extravagant performance.

There will be singing, dancing, lip-syncing, games with the audience and fabulous costumes, so you will undoubtedly feel impressed by the gorgeous Thai ladyboys.

Day 3 – Morning

I hope you didn’t have too many drinks at the Ladyboy Cabaret last night, because we have another great day lined up today! Let’s get into day 3 of your Chiang Mai itinerary.

One of Chiang Mai’s most impressive temples lies just outside the city atop a large hill.

Many people refer to the temple as just “Doi Suthep”, though its full name is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and “Doi Suthep” just refers to the name of the mountain it sits on.

To reach Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, take a songtaew from the Old City for about 80 Baht one way and ride for 45 minutes outside the city.

You’ll have to pay a 20 Baht entrance fee and climb a monstrous staircase of 306 steps to reach the temple, but the views at the top make the climb very much worth it.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is truly stunning, with towering pagodas, glittering temples and Buddha statues bathed in gold.

You can easily spend a couple of hours here admiring all the detailed and captivating religious artwork and architecture.

There is also a nearby viewpoint where you can gaze over Chiang Mai from above, and across from the temple lies a Jade factory specializing in jewelry and trinkets made from the beautiful green mineral.

This is also a great place to try out a Vipassana course in Chiang Mai .

Day 3 – Afternoon

Head on back to town after your visit to the Doi Suthep, and treat yourself! No Chiang Mai itinerary is complete without a Thai massage.

Thai massage is an ancient practice that is a bit different from the more well-known types of massage.

Rather than just lying down flat and enjoying a relaxed, soothing massage, Thai massage is more energetic.

The trained masseuses stretch and bend your body into different shapes and positions that are meant to heal and strengthen the body, and you usually keep your clothes on.

For a first-timer, Thai massage can seem quite intense and you may feel like a contortionist as you twist and turn at the mercy of the Thai masseuses.

But consider it a unique, cultural experience that can benefit the body and has been practised in Thailand for centuries.

One of the most famous places to get a Thai massage in Chiang Mai is the Women’s Massage Center by Ex-Prisoners .

Exactly as it sounds, this organization helps improve the lives of former prisoners by employing them as professional masseuses.

Throughout Chiang Mai, there are plenty of other traditional Thai massage centers and spas ranging from cheap to expensive.

A cheap Thai massage is usually performed in a communal space so the atmosphere is less private.

Day 3 – Evening

Are you feeling hungry? Good! Because it’s time to explore the markets and eat your weight in delicious Thai food at a Chiang Mai night market.

Street markets are an essential aspect of Southeast Asian culture.

They showcase all the best food, art and local crafts at very cheap prices, so budget travelers would be wise to do most of their eating and shopping in the streets.

Chiang Mai is loaded with street markets, some big and some small.

The biggest markets occur on Saturday and Sunday nights, so definitely stop by these markets if you’re visiting Chiang Mai on a weekend.

• Saturday Walking Street Market
• Location: Wua Lai street on the southern edge of the Old City
• Hours: 5 pm until 10 pm
• Sunday Night Market
• The biggest market in Chiang Mai
• Location: Fills the entire centrally located Rachadamnoen Road
• Hours: 5 pm until Midnight

Both Chiang Mai markets have a massive assortment of food and crafts on display.

You’ll see beautiful paintings, sculptures, jewelry, pottery, handmade dreamcatchers and clothes, Buddha figurines, and more traditional handicrafts.

Between the long rows of stalls, the street performers, the food carts, and all the tourists, you may feel a bit overwhelmed or even claustrophobic at these markets.

But they are an incredible representation of the culture so it is definitely worth braving the crowds.

If you aren’t in Chiang Mai on a weekend, the Night Bazaar is open daily and is great for shopping for souvenirs.

Another reliable street market in Chiang Mai that specializes in food is the Chang Phuak Gate Night Market which is located on Manee Nopparat Road and opens at 5 pm.

This is the perfect spot to try classic Thai street food for cheap, such as dumplings, pad thai, sweet Thai pancakes and crepes, spring rolls, fried banana and pumpkin, lots of meat and rice dishes, and fresh fruit smoothies.

This place is a food lover’s heaven!

Bonus Activities for Extra Days in Chiang Mai

Are there a few things on my Chiang Mai itinerary that you feel like might not be your scene, or have extra days up your sleeve?

Then check out these bonus activities to fill up your time in Chiang Mai!

Thailand has a large elephant population, however many of these beautiful creatures are often exploited for tourism.

You will see plenty of advertisements for elephant riding around Chiang Mai. DO NOT RIDE AN ELEPHANT!

The whole practice of riding an elephant is extremely horrible for the animal and causes immense pain and stress on them.

If you want to spend time with an elephant though, you can do so ethically by visiting Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai.

The owner of Elephant Nature Park, Lek, rescues elephants from various companies and mahouts around Southeast Asia and brings them to her gorgeous property to let them live out their lives in peace.

As a visitor, you can watch these beautiful animals wander around happily the way nature intended, and with a select few, you can even get up close to them.

Elephant Nature Park is not the cheapest elephant visit in Chiang Mai, but it’s by far the most responsible and ethical.

You probably have seen those amazing Buddhist tattoos done by monks around the place (Angelina Jolie famously got one), and you can get one yourself in Chiang Mai!

For more on this, check out our dedicated blog post on getting a traditional Sak Yant tattoo in Chiang Mai .

Just 1.5 hours away from Chiang Mai is Doi Inthanon National Park, home to the tallest mountain Thailand and an impressive array of waterfalls, nature trails and cultural experiences.

If you want to visit Doi Inthanon on a day trip, check out our blog post here .

Chiang Mai Itinerary Travel Guide

Now that you know what to do during your 3 days in Chiang Mai itinerary here are some highlights to help you plan when to visit, where to stay, what to eat, and how to get around Chiang Mai

There is no bad time to visit Chiang Mai Thailand.

Thailand is hot all year round and has basically two seasons: rainy season and dry season.

October through April is dry season and has the best weather, with sunny days and little rain. But it is peak tourist season so the whole country gets more crowded.

May through September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai, so the weather is hotter, more humid, and it rains more frequently.

But even during the rainy season, it usually only rains in the afternoon so you can still get a good day of exploring. Flights to Chiang Mai, Thailand also tend to be cheaper during the rainy season.

If you want to witness the famous Chiang Mai Lantern Festival, visit from mid-October to mid-November.

Chiang Mai used to be the capital of the Lanna Kingdom, and the Lantern Festival is a cherished Lanna tradition where locals release lanterns made of rice paper into the sky, in hopes of obtaining good fortune.

This lantern festival, locally known as Yi Peng, is not to be confused with the Loy Krathong, a similar festival where people release floating baskets made of banana leaves adorned with candles, incense, flowers into the water.

Both festivals are beautiful to watch, though the exact dates change every year because they depend on the lunar cycles of the Lanna calendar.

Double-check the dates before you go, but the festivals usually occur in October or November in Chiang Mai.

Getting Around Chiang Mai, Thailand

It is very easy to have 3 perfect days in Chiang Mai itinerary because most of the attractions are inside or near the Old City.

The square of the Chiang Mai Old City is roughly 1.5km on each side, so it is quick and easy to walk everywhere within the surrounding moat.

You can even walk to most attractions outside the Old City, such as the bustling indoor market hall known as the Night Bazaar. Walking is free, great exercise, and the best way to catch all the details of the city during your Chiang Mai itinerary.

For your 3 days in Chiang Mai itinerary, try to walk as much as possible!

If you want to save time, take a tuk tuk around Chiang Mai, Thailand. These little three-wheeled, open-air taxis are super cheap and convenient for whizzing around the city.

Rides within the Old City usually cost around 100 baht, but you try negotiating the price down a bit.

If you’re taking a day trip outside Chiang Mai, the best and cheapest form of transport is a songtaew.

These are red pick-up trucks that act as shared taxis, so you can wait for the truck bed to fill up and split the cost of the journey between everyone.

The maximum capacity is normally 10 people.

Another tip to keep in mind when reading directions in Chiang Mai: “Soi” means “side street.”

So a street address will often have “Soi” with a number before the main road, indicating the side street that branches off from the main street.

Where to Stay in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Stay within the Old City during your 3 day Chiang Mai itinerary.

All the best things to see in Chiang Mai, Thailand are set within this square, and there are countless accommodation and food options here that suit every budget.

Most Chiang Mai attractions are accessible on foot, and it never feels too crowded or overly touristy even though this is where most travelers stay.

Because Chiang Mai is growing as a popular tourist destination in Thailand, it is crawling with wonderful backpacker hostels, guesthouses and Airbnbs, and nice hotels.

Here are a few top-rated Chiang Mai accommodations that suit budget, mid-range, and luxury travel styles.

Located right in the middle of the Chiang Mai Old City, The Islander Hostel is cozy, welcoming, and most importantly, cheap.

Dorm beds cost only $6 USD per night, and there are 300+ positive reviews on Hostelworld with a 10/10 rating. So if you’re looking to stay in Chiang Mai on a budget, this is the place to be!

This guesthouse is laid back and run by a local Chiang Mai family dedicated to excellent customer service. It feels homey but has all the amenities of a nice hotel.

Located at 11/2 Soi 7, Moon Muang Road, Arte House is a great place to stay in Chiang Mai.

If money isn’t an option and you really want to splurge out on the most brilliant accommodation in Chiang Mai Thailand, 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 Chiang Mai, 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 during your 3 day Chiang Mai itinerary, this is the place to do it.

Best Places to Eat in Chiang Mai

Supplement your Thai cooking class and local street market tastings with high-quality meals at some of Chiang Mai’s best restaurants.

Food in northern Thailand is extremely affordable, so even the expensive meals at nice restaurants won’t break the bank. Here are some places to consider during your trip to Chiang Mai!

Khao Soi Khun Yai is a small local Chiang Mai restaurant perfect for trying the classic northern Thailand dish of egg noodles and pork in a spicy, creamy curry broth, known as Khao Soi.

• Location: 8 Sri Poom Road near the Chang Phuak Gate
• Hours: Open from 10 am to 2 pm and closed on Sundays.

This Chiang Mai restaurant has peaceful outdoor seating and rustic architecture and is a great place to try traditional Thai dishes like spring rolls and fresh papaya salad.

• Location: 83/2 Moon Muang Road
• Hours: 8:30am – 2pm and 5:30pm – 9pm every day except Monday

This trendy bistro puts a unique and modern twist on Thai cuisine.

The restaurant is part of the whole House by Ginger establishment, which combines Ginger & Kafe with a snazzy cocktail bar and eclectic home goods and furniture store.

The glamorous yet quirky ambiance of this place turns a simple meal into a stylish experience in Chiang Mai.

• Location: 199 Mun Mueang Rd
• Hours: Open daily from 11am to 10pm

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Gabby Boucher

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

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• The Perfect 3 Days in Chiang Mai Itinerary for First Timers

While it doesn’t have those golden beaches found in Southern Thailand, Chiang Mai more than makes up for it with its mountains, waterfalls, ancient architecture, and mouth-watering eateries.

With hundreds of Buddhist temples, immersive (and ethical!) elephant sanctuaries, and breathtaking nature, there is much to fill your Chiang Mai itinerary.

Although Chiang Mai is a pretty large city, you can absolutely see the most spectacular parts of the area in a couple of days. And this is where my Chiang Mai 3 day itinerary comes into the equation.

I’ve pulled together a little bit of everything the region has to offer so that you can have an unforgettable experience. Read on to find out exactly what to do in Chiang Mai in 3 days!

* Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link. *

Table of Contents

Overview of Your 3 Days in Chiang Mai Itinerary

Breakdown of what to do in chiang mai in 3 days.

And now, it’s the crux of the blog – what to do in Chiang Mai in 3 days! Below you can find a breakdown of what I’ve got planned for you.

• Day 1: Temple-hopping in Old Town, Discover Chiang Mai’s cafes, Visit a Museum, Thai Cooking Class
• Day 2: Chiang Mai Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, Sticky Waterfalls, Nimmanhaemin Road
• Day 3: Doi Suthep Temple, Bhubing Palace, Huay Kaew Waterfall, Night Market

Map for your 3 days in Chiang Mai itinerary

Below you can find a customized map that includes all the locations you’re going to visit on this Chiang Mai itinerary.

I marked your 3 days in Chiang Mai with different colors – I used blue for the first day, green for the second day, and red for the third day, so you can easily see which places you’re going to visit each day.

How to use this map: This map is fully interactive, so you can move around, zoom in/zoom out, and click on the icons. If you want to see a larger map, click on the bracket in the upper right corner. To see more details and the different layers, click on the tab in the upper left corner. If you want to save it for later, click on the star icon next to the name of the map. Then simply open Google Maps either on your desktop or phone, go to ‘Saved’/’Maps’, and open the map whenever you need it.

Day 1 of Your Chiang Mai Itinerary

Chiang Mai’s historic Old Town is located within the ancient walls of the city which are in turn surrounded by a moat. For your first morning, you’ll get to explore this fascinating downtown area.

Discover the Temples of Chiang Mai

If you’re wondering what to do in Chiang Mai in 3 days then the answer is easy. With over 500 temples in Chiang Mai, it’s time to slip on your sarong, cover your shoulders and go temple-hopping!

Because there are so many temples to choose from, I’ve pooled together my favorites that you simply must visit. You can easily walk to all of these over the course of the morning if you start early.

Wat Chedi Luang

Opening hours: 8 am – 5 pm Entrance fee: 50 THB ($1.50 US)

This temple isn’t quite as grand as some of the other temples you’ll see on your Chiang Mai itinerary but it’s just as atmospheric.

Built during the 14th and 15th centuries, the Emerald Buddha that you can now see in Bangkok’s Grand Palace used to be housed in this temple! The stupa (chedi) used to be much taller but an earthquake caused major damage to it.

You will see four nagas (mythical sea serpents) guarding the stairways in each of the cardinal directions, plus five elephant sculptures on the southern side.

Wat Chiang Man

Opening hours:  8 am – 5 pm Entrance fee:  Free

As construction started in 1306, this is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai. However, it was developed over several centuries so you will see that the styles vary significantly.

You will see a standing Buddha statue that is believed to bring the rain that the local farmers require to grow their rice. The crystal Buddha is considered to have special healing powers.

Wat Phra Singh

Opening hours:  9 am – 6 pm Entrance fee:  20 THB ($0.60 US)

The 14th-century Wat Phra Singh features the most spectacular mosaic artwork you’ll see during your temple tour! Its grand Lai Kam assembly hall also features murals that portray local life.

The main entrance to the sanctuary is guarded by lions, which explains the nickname, the Temple of the Lion Buddha. It’s also known as the Golden Temple for its blinding stupa.

Wat Sri Suphan

Opening hours:  6 am – 6 pm Entrance fee:  50 THB ($1.50 US)

Located just outside the walls, the Silver Temple is shrouded entirely with silver. Even the Buddha sculptures are silver, which is quite startling to see in place of the typical gold.

It was built around 1500 to serve as the temple for a local silversmith village. Around the temple, you will see workshops with craftspeople at work – and in fact, you can commission your own item.

Sadly, women are unable to enter the temple. However, the exteriors are a real sight to behold so it’s still worth adding this one to your Chiang Mai itinerary.

Sip an iced coffee or have lunch

When exploring all these magnificent temples, it’s important to stay hydrated! Which in Chiang Mai is super easy thanks to all the wonderful cafes you’ll find on every street. Two of my favorites are My Secret Cafe in Town and Artisan Cafe.

My Secret Cafe in Town is located right next to Wat Phra Singh. They serve light Western-style lunches like sandwiches and veggie platters and homemade cakes. It’s a great place to start your morning.

Artisan Cafe is just south of the walls, close to Wat Sri Suphan. They have a vintage vibe inside and serve some of the tastiest coffee in Chiang Mai. Oh, and more cake – you’ll earn two slices today with all the walking. You can also make this your lunch stop!

Visit a museum in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is the cultural heart of Thailand so you simply must squeeze in at least one museum in your 3 days in Chiang Mai itinerary.

The Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Centre is located next to the Three Kings Monument. The collection spans art and artifacts from prehistoric times so it’s a great opportunity to learn how the culture and lifestyle have evolved over centuries in the region.

The Chiang Mai National Museum is an alternative, however, it is not in the Old City so you will need to drive there or hail a songthaew. The museum has a phenomenal number of Buddha statues and relics that glean insight into the ancient Lanna kingdom.

For either museum, plan to stay for at least 1 hour.

Thai cooking class

Thai food is utterly delicious so what could be a better keepsake from your 3 days in Chiang Mai than learning the secrets behind your favorite dish?

Cooking classes in Chiang Mai are fully immersive – you will cook your own dishes under careful supervision from an expert Thai chef. The best thing is that you get to eat your own creations!

While there are lots of cooking schools in Chiang Mai, these classes are very popular so definitely book your place in advance.

One of the top-rated tours is this  Authentic Thai Cooking Class and Farm Visit where you can not only choose between a morning (8.30 am) or afternoon class (4 pm), but you can also spend a full day learning how to prepare the best Thai dishes (starting from 9 am).

Moreover, you can visit a local organic farm before the cooking starts and you can also create your very own curry paste.

Day 2 of Your Chiang Mai Itinerary

For the second day, you’ll be leaving the Old Town and seeing the wilder side of Chiang Mai! Set your alarm for today, you’ll have an early start.

Chiang Mai Elephant Jungle 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 to check that no elephant rides are permitted.

I’ll be honest with you, I was very hesitant to go first as I don’t like supporting animal tourism in general. But meeting with the elephants was one of my life-long dreams so after careful research I chose to book a tour at Chiang Mai Elephant Jungle Sanctuary .

After my personal experience, I can safely say that they are indeed the bests! The elephants are treated with the respect they deserve and the guides are passionate and knowledgeable about the majestic creatures.

The only thing I did not like was the mud bathing with the elephants because it felt a little bit forced. Nevertheless, you can choose not to participate like I did and photograph the elephants instead.

You can book either a morning, afternoon, or full-day visit. We opted for a half-day morning visit and this is what I recommend to you as well.

Even the half-day visit will provide an experience you will never forget! This is another part of your Chiang Mai itinerary that you need to book in advance as group sizes are limited.

The sanctuary is located 1.5 hours out of downtown Chiang Mai and a free transfer is arranged at the cost of your visit. Due to the terrain for the final stretch of the journey, the sanctuary does not permit visitors to drive themselves to the site.

Admission costs 1,900 THB ($55.80 US) per adult and your visit includes the opportunity to meet and feed the elephants. Touching is permitted and you may apply a mud treatment to the elephants but you are not allowed to ride them.

Apart from meeting the elephants, your ticket also includes transport to and from the sanctuary, some scrumptious Thai food, and the hire of traditional Karen clothing.

Sticky Waterfalls

If you follow my suggestion and book a morning at the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary then that leaves your afternoon free. Free for visiting a one-of-a-kind waterfall!

The Bua Tong ‘Sticky’ Waterfalls are so-called because the limestone rocks create friction which makes it easy to clamber around without slipping. Definitely take your swimsuit and a towel. They are totally free to visit, which is amazing!

The Sticky Waterfalls are located just over an hour north of Chiang Mai. This gives you a chance to freshen up at your hotel once you return from the elephant sanctuary.

If this is too much driving for today, my alternative suggestion is to hike the Monk’s Trail, which starts a short ride from Old Town. The hour-long hike takes you through the jungle at the foot of Doi Suthep mountain to Wat Pha Lat.

It’s named the Monk’s Trail because the route is marked by the orange robes of monks. The trek is not challenging but if you do this in the afternoon it could be very hot so take plenty of water.

Nimmanhaemin Road

After a busy day, it’s time to let your hair down and experience the best food and nightlife Chiang Mai has to offer. Nimmanhaemin ‘Nimman’ Road is a popular spot for Thais, expats, and tourists alike.

Here is where you can find the best cafes in Chiang Mai , along with many great restaurants and exciting bars.

I’m going to suggest you either choose  Khao Soy Nimman for some of the best noodles in town or  Anchan Vegetarian for wholesome veggie Thai dishes. If you’re in the mood for a little night out, visit Rise Rooftop Bar for wonderful views and excellent cocktails.

Day 3 of your Chiang Mai Itinerary

For your last day in Chiang Mai, you’ll explore the incredible mountain of Doi Suthep that towers over the city.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

If you thought you’d seen the best of Chiang Mai’s temples already, think again! Perched high into the mountains, you’ll find what is arguably the most stunning of all the temples in town.

Officially called Wat Phra That Doi Suthep but generally referred to as Doi Suthep, is one of the most sacred temples in the whole of Thailand.

King Keu Naone established the monastery in 1383 to enshrine a piece of bone that was believed to come from the shoulder of Buddha. A white elephant carried the bone into the hills, which is how the location was chosen. This is why you’ll see a sculpture in honor of the elephant.

To reach the huge golden chedi at the heart of the complex you need to ascend a 306-step staircase flanked by naga . Once inside the premises, you can see incredible relics, statues, and art, and observe monks and locals praying.

Entry to foreigners is 30 THB ($0.90 US). Plan to spend 1-2 hours checking out the complex and the views. Note that you again must cover your knees and shoulders when you visit the monastery. You will also need to leave your shoes at the entrance.

If you’re feeling hungry, I recommend grabbing a bowl of khao soi. This is a coconutty, spicy broth served with meat (usually chicken) and crunchy noodles. It’s a Chiang Mai specialty and there’s no better place to enjoy it than from the top of Doi Suthep!

Bhubing Palace (currently closed to the public)

Continue 10 minutes up the road and you can explore Bhubing Palace. This is one of the royal residences in Thailand used during January and February, during which time you can only visit the grounds.

It’s the rose garden and giant bamboo that steals the show here – they’re utterly gorgeous and fun to photograph.

Entry to Bhubing Palace is 50 THB ($1.50 US) and you will spend around 30-45 minutes here.

Namtok Huay Kaew Waterfall

As you head back down the mountain, there is a small waterfall that I recommend stopping off at to cool down. Namtok Huay Kaew Waterfall is located just behind the zoo and is clearly signposted.

The 10-meter falls crash into a pool where you can take a dip and enjoy the tranquility of nature-only moments from downtown Chiang Mai!

You’ll have a bit of free time for the final afternoon of your 3 days in Chiang Mai itinerary. Take this as an opportunity to explore more coffee shops, temples, or museums. Or you can treat yourself to a traditional Thai massage!

Night Market

There are several night markets in Chiang Mai and it’s worth exploring at least one during your 3 days in Chiang Mai.

The Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is held every night between 6 pm and 12 am. It’s located in a trendy neighborhood east of the moat. There is a real mixed bag of things to buy – there are some more authentic souvenirs but there are a lot of fakes too!

However, it’s a cool experience with a lively atmosphere and good food choices. Note that this is the most popular market so it does get very busy.

If your Chiang Mai 3 day itinerary falls over the weekend, then you can check out either the Saturday Night Market or Sunday night market.

The Saturday market takes place on Wua Lai Road, just south of the walls. Meanwhile, Sunday’s offering takes place just behind Wat Chedi Luang and is the best option for finding arts and crafts.

Useful Info for Visiting Chiang Mai

Where to stay in chiang mai.

This popular city is teeming with hotels, hostels, and guest houses for you to choose between. Because Chiang Mai attracts backpackers, honeymooners, and families, there’s loads of variety in terms of accommodation.

For your Chiang Mai 3 day itinerary, I recommend that you stay either within the Old Town or in the popular Nimmanhaemin Road area. This way you’ll be close to all the places on my itinerary.

Below you can find the top-rated places to stay in Chiang Mai based on your budget.

• Luxury |  The Inside House
• Mid-range |  El Barrio Lanna
• Budget |  Hotel De Nara

How to get to Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai might feel remote but it’s actually one of the easiest cities in Thailand to reach.

Domestic flights to Chiang Mai depart from Bangkok’s two airports, as well as most other Thai cities (and islands) and other Southeast Asian cities. If you are flying to Chiang Mai from an international destination you’ll most likely have to transfer in Bangkok.

The great thing about Chiang Mai is that the airport is super central so it won’t take you long to transfer to your accommodation. That saves valuable time out of your Chiang Mai itinerary!

Alternatively, you can also take a train or bus to Chiang Mai from Bangkok which is definitely cheaper, but on the other hand, it takes between 11 and 13 hours, and delays aren’t uncommon.

Best time to visit Chiang Mai

When planning your 3 days in Chiang Mai itinerary, it’s important to consider what the weather might be doing! Chiang Mai has three seasons; hot, rainy, and cool.

The hot season runs from March until June and temperatures can reach 40°C (104°F). If you travel during these months, plan your activities as early in the morning as possible. That midday sun is a real scorcher!

The rainy season runs from late June/early July until late September. The city is cooler but more humid and heavy rain can be expected for at least an hour or two each day.

Once the monsoon season ends, from October until early February, the weather is lovely. For this reason, Chiang Mai can become quite crowded.

It’s warm during the day and cool enough to warrant a sweater in the evening! During the day, average temperatures linger around 25°C (77°F), and at night, it can be as cold as 13°C (55°F).

The only time I advise you not to visit Chiang Mai is the period between mid-February and the end of March.

This is when the local farmers burn their leftover crops and that is why the period is referred to as ‘burning season.’ The smog and pollution are not pleasant and it’s best to avoid the area during these times.

If you want to schedule your Chiang Mai itinerary around some incredible festivals, then you have two options.

April is when Songkran (Thailand’s New Year) takes place. Between 13-15 April, the streets become a giant water festival which is a really unique experience.

An alternative month to consider is November which is when the Yi Peng Lantern Festival takes place. Thais release paper lanterns into the night sky on the eve of the Full Moon, making wishes as they do so.

Tourists are welcome to take part so if you plan your 3 days in Chiang Mai to coincide, you can make your own wish.

How to get around Chiang Mai

One of the best things about Chiang Mai is how easy it is to get around. Much of the Old Town is walkable but when you want to go further afield you have a bunch of options available.

Rent a motorbike

The best way to get around Chiang Mai is via motorbike. Usually, your hotel or Airbnb host can help you hire one. If not, you can find a rental on every street corner. Expect to pay around 250 THB ($7.30 US) for your rental.

Keep in mind that you’ll need to have a valid driving license from your home country with an International Driver’s Permit (IDP). Without these, you are driving illegally and may receive a fine from the Thai police. Not the best souvenir from your 3 days in Chiang Mai!

If you are not qualified to drive or would rather not ride a motorbike around these busy streets, then you have plenty of other options.

One of the best forms of public transportation in the whole of Thailand, songthaews are open-backed trucks with two rows of seats. They’re red so you can’t miss them.

When you see one, just flag it down and let the driver know where you want to go. If he’s going the right way, you can hop onboard. Most short rides cost 30 THB ($0.90 US).

You can download the Grab app which is the Southeast Asian equivalent to Uber. Short rides around downtown Chiang Mai and the surrounding area will cost no more than a couple of dollars each time. This is the faster alternative to riding the songthaews during your 3 days in Chiang Mai.

Planning a trip to Thailand?

Then you might want to take a look at all our other travel guides about Thailand. I promise, they are just as awesome as this article was!

• Where to Stay in Bangkok: 7 Best Areas & Hotels
• 28 Stunning Bangkok Hotels with Best Views
• 15 Incredible Bangkok Hotels with Infinity Pools
• 24 Hours in Bangkok: The Perfect Bangkok One Day Itinerary
• 4 Days in Bangkok: The Ultimate 4 Day Bangkok Itinerary
• Hotel Review: Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River
• Hotel Review: The Okura Prestige Bangkok

Northern Thailand:

• Breakfast in Chiang Mai: 14 Amazing Cafes You Need to Try
• Chiang Rai Itinerary: Best Things to Do in Chiang Rai in 2 Days

Southern Thailand:

• The Ultimate 3 Day Phuket Itinerary for First-Timers
• Hotel Review: Soneva Kiri, Thailand

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Your Trip to Chiang Mai: The Complete Guide

• Best Time to Visit
• Weather & Climate
• Getting Around Chiang Mai
• Airport Guide
• Neighborhoods in Chiang Mai
• 48-Hour Itinerary
• Top Things to Do
• Best Museums
• Where to Go Shopping
• Best National Parks
• Foods to Try
• Best Restaurants
• Nightlife Guide

The capital of an expansive, independent Lanna Kingdom that maintained a separate identity till the 19th century, Chiang Mai retains a unique culture that is both a part of Thailand and yet separate from it. As the urban center for Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai goes beyond its roots as a Lanna heartland to become a destination for digital nomads, an example for world ecotourism, source of high-quality handicrafts, even a noted foodie stop for world-hopping gourmands!

For first-time visitors, Chiang Mai can be hard to make sense of at first glance: before planning your trip, read the information we’ve provided below.

Planning Your Trip

• Best Time to Visit: Between November and February, Chiang Mai experiences the lowest overall temperatures and humidity for the year, making this period the best time to visit . This time of year also coincides with festivals like Loi Krathong and the Chiang Mai Flower Festival.
• Language: The majority of people speak Thai, with older and rural folk speaking Lanna (the Northern Thai language) as a first language. Local English proficiency is all right for workers in the city’s service industries, but don’t expect to be understood the further you venture out to the countryside.
• Currency: The local currency is the Thai Baht (THB), with its value hovering around 33 baht to the U.S. dollar. You can convert money at one of Thailand's many banks.
• Getting Around: The best way to go places in Chiang Mai is by riding the songthaew, the cheapest way to travel in the city. Red songthaew (rod daeng, Thai for “red car”), are the most common type, running throughout the city; other colors can go as far as neighboring provinces.
• Travel Tip: Chiang Mai is an excellent jump-off point for exploring the rest of Northern Thailand, with easy transport access to Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai, and Pai . The city of Chiang Rai , for instance, is just a three-hour bus ride away.

Things to Do

The Chiang Mai experience begins at the Old City and radiates out to the countryside into your choice of adventures. From buying Thai handicrafts to climbing waterfalls to browsing through night markets, Chiang Mai offers different travel experiences to suit a wide variety of tastes.

Consider the following experiences when you’re planning a trip to Chiang Mai.

• Walk inside the Old City: This 370-acre walled district houses the oldest part of civilized Chiang Mai, along with many of its finest temples, restaurants, and attractions. Set your own itinerary on foot, and you’ll discover many of the Old City’s hidden gems.
• Buy Northern Thai handicrafts: Many Thai handicrafts sold in Bangkok and abroad originate from the handicraft specialty villages outside Chiang Mai city. Cut out the middleman and visit villages like Bor Sang (for mulberry-paper umbrellas) and Ban Tawai (for hand-carved wooden crafts) to buy Thai artisanal crafts straight from the source.
• Experience an ethical animal encounter: The wilds around Chiang Mai also host a number of ethical elephant sanctuaries that permit care activities like feeding or bathing the animals, but no riding or abuse of the pachyderms in their care.
• Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep: Chiang Mai’s most sacred temple is set on a mountain slope some 10 miles from the city center, at an altitude of 3,500 feet above sea level. Despite the distance, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep remains a singular must-visit temple: take in the culture, the crisp mountain air, and the gorgeous views of the city from above.
• Shop at Chiang Mai’s night markets: The O.G. Night Bazaar is still going strong, but it’s getting some serious competition from the weekend night markets in the Old City. These night markets have everything—cheap souvenirs, jewelry, home furnishings, and as much Thai street food as you can eat!

Explore more things to do in Chiang Mai with our full-length articles on the top things to do in Chiang Mai , top shopping stops in Chiang Mai , Chiang Mai’s nature parks , and the top temples to visit in Chiang Mai .

What to Eat and Drink

The former capital of the independent Lanna Kingdom is the best place to try Northern Thai food—a regional cuisine with close links to Lao , Burmese, and Yunnanese Chinese food traditions.

Don’t be fooled by the foreign influence, Chiang Mai’s cooks have perfected the use of local ingredients to create something completely unique to the province, and is completely tied to the Chiang Mai tourist experience today.

You can’t say you’ve visited Chiang Mai until you’ve had khao soi (flat egg noodles in a coconut-based curry), sai oua (Lanna sausages) and som tam (papaya salad); in fact, these dishes have become iconic all-Thai dishes in their own right!

Explore our full-length articles on the foods to try in Chiang Mai and the best restaurants in Chiang Mai to try them.

Where to Stay

As one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations, Chiang Mai offers tourist accommodations for every budget, from backpacker-friendly hostels to five-star resorts.

Look through Chiang Mai’s individual neighborhoods for a hotel, hostel, or resort that fits your needs: budget guesthouses and boutique hotels in the Old City; mid-to-high-end boutique hotels in Wat Ket; and luxury, mid-range, and economy hotels around the Night Bazaar, among others.

Beyond city limits, you’ll find a cool assortment of mountain resorts promising eco-friendly stays with nature encounters as part of the mix. The Anantara Golden Triangle, for instance, sells overnight stays in their Jungle Bubbles , where you can sleep in transparent hemispheres next to roving bands of elephants!

Getting There

Most international visitors fly in to Chiang Mai via Chiang Mai International Airport , located only 3 miles from the Old City. From Chiang Mai, you can take buses, trains, or domestic flights to other parts of the country, including Pai, Mae Hong Son, and Chiang Rai.

Citizens of over 60 countries (including the U.S.) can visit Thailand (and Chiang Mai) without a visa for up to 30 days. Check with the Ministry of Tourism for any rules changes before planning your trip.

Culture and Customs

Cover up in Buddhist temples: Thailand’s Buddhist temples, as a rule, require modest clothing from its visitors; any skimpy clothing signals disrespect for the monks. Cover your shoulders and legs when visiting active Buddhist temples , whether you’re in the Old City or visiting Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.

Tipping is not necessary: As a rule, service personnel do not expect tips from their guests. If you do feel authentic satisfaction with their service, tips will not be discouraged.

Don’t lose your temper: Showing strong emotions is a big no-no in Thailand. The locals prize saving face above all , so they smile and stay cool even when they have every reason to blow their top.

Read these articles about tipping in Asia , Thai temple etiquette ; dos and don’t’s to observe in Thailand , and table manners in Thailand .

Money-Saving Tips

Stay at a hostel: Thai hostels and budget hotels are great deals for scrimping travelers; chosen well, your hostel will have just the right amount of comfort, with walking-distance access to local tourist sights. Many budget hotels in the Old City fit this description—for not a lot of dollars per night, you can sleep well and explore the Old City’s sights from your doorstep.

Learn to ride the songthaew: Red songthaew run all around the city, costing as little as 30 baht (around $0.90) per ride. They don’t follow set routes but will take a general direction where they’ll pick up and drop off passengers on demand.

Look for free stuff to do: In several Old City temples, for instance, you can sign up for “monk chats” where you can ask questions about the local religion and culture; and the monks get English-language practice. Win-win!

Eat local: Go where the Thais go to eat in Chiang Mai, generally, food courts or eateries where they serve only local food. You’ll be fed delicious Northern Thai food at a fraction of the cost of a comparable meal at a touristy restaurant.

Buy a local SIM card for phone and mobile internet use: Using Chiang Mai’s cellular and 4G network is just a matter of buying a local SIM card and slapping it into a compatible handset. You can choose from a variety of cellular providers in Chiang Mai—the top three brands (AIS, DTAC, and True Move) can be found at almost every convenience store around the city.

For more details on saving costs in Chiang Mai, read our articles on how much money you’ll need for a trip to Thailand and what $100 buys in Southeast Asia .

Encyclopedia Britannica. " Chiang Mai ."

Tourism Authority of Thailand. " Language & Culture ." Jan. 9, 2020.

Tourism Authority of Thailand. " Thailand Currency ."

• Royal Thai Consulate - General. " List of Countries – Allowed 30-Day Stay Without a Visa ( For Tourism Only) – Passport MUST be valid for at least six more months ."

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10 day itinerary in chiang mai – 2024 travel guide.

Table of Contents

A fun, varied and action packed 10 day itinerary in Chiang Mai for an adventurous and active traveller

If you’re looking for an ultimate 10 day itinerary in Chiang Mai look no further. So much has changed in the past couple of years and there is a lot of out of date info kicking around. This 2024 itinerary in Chiang Mai has been designed to help you plan the perfect trip to Chiang Mai. 

There are so many AMAZING hidden gems around Chiang Mai – planning a trip here actually takes a lot of time and research. We have done the legwork for you! Having visited Chiang Mai many times and travelled extensively in Northern Thailand, we are in a unique position to help you plan the most amazing trip possible.

We have included a variety of activities and things to do. This 10 day itinerary in Chiang Mai includes art, culture, history, food, adventure, nature and more. What’s more, following this itinerary in Chiang Mai is genuinely the CHEAPEST and BEST way to see all of the MUST DO attractions around Chiang Mai. At the end we have also included some extras which we couldn’t squeeze into the itinerary. If you’re only in Chiang Mai for a short blast then check out this action packed 3 day Chiang mai itinerary .

Looking for more inspo?

Just a quick note. We haven’t included any of the things to do in or around Pai here. We believe Pai is so epic that it deserves its own itinerary . So if you do have time, make sure you visit Pai as well. 

Looking for somewhere to stay in the Old Town? Don’t miss these AMAZING Chiang Mai old town hotels

Overview: 10 day itinerary in Chiang Mai

Day 1 Old town tour: Morning Market, Buak Haad Park, Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang 

Day 2 Royal Park Rajapruek, Wat Phrathat Doi Kham and the Carp Cafe

Day 3 sticky waterfall, the buatong temple, aeroplane cafe and hidden village .

Day 4 Ginger farm, Wiang Kum Kam temple tour and Much Room cafe 

Day 5 Monks trail, Ping River Cruise, Warorot market and Brewginning Coffee 

Day 6 Siam Insect Zoo, Jungle roller coaster, strawberry plantation and the Mae Sa waterfall

Day 7 Day trip to the Doi Inthanon National Park (Chai Lai Orchid hotel with elephants)

Day 8 Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary and the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

Day 9 Thai cookery course, San Khamphaeng Hot Springs and Muang On Cave

Day 10 visit a water park, khom chocolate house and get a thai massage.

Make sure you don’t miss the big Chiang Mai night market. On Sunday evenings only, 4pm-10pm along Ratchadamnoen Road and the surrounding streets.

This itinerary in Chiang Mai packs a lot of activities into ten days and so the pace is pretty high. If you would like a more relaxed pace consider cutting a few activities out and just spending a day by the pool. Alternatively consider staying a little longer if you have time and taking some down days.

Map of your 10 day Itinerary in Chiang Mai

Here is an overview of the 10 day itinerary in Chiang Mai. Click on the pins for more details.

Is Chiang Mai a cheap place to travel? 

Prices are very cheap in Chiang Mai. Even cheaper than other areas of Thailand. Whether you are planning a luxury family holiday or you are budget backpackers, you will probably be surprised how far your money goes in Chiang Mai. The chances are, things will be a lot cheaper than they are in your home country. 

Some of the things that are surprisingly cheap include:

• Local food – you can find dishes of street food for around 40 baht
• There are loads of Seven Elevens in Thailand offering cheap food, drinks and snacks
• Accommodation is surprisingly cheap generally starting around 200 baht for a private fan room (usually shared bathroom) 
• Some activities are surprisingly cheap. For example you can find all inclusive two day one night treks as cheap as 1,100 baht with bartering
• Transport can be cheap if you do it well: renting a motorbike or a bicycle is very cheap but may be tricky with family. Songthaew (shared taxis buses) are pretty cheap. Tuk tuks and taxis can be cheap if you barter well.  

Best budget tips for travel in Chiang Mai

• Take red Song thaws for small trips around the old town (20 baht) Use the BOLT app to book taxis for medium length journeys. Book longer journeys in advance.
• Bartering is fine and sometimes essential in Chiang Mai. Bartering is especially important with drivers and with sellers in the markets. You can also barter for tours and activities.
• Top up your water from water machines on the streets for a few baht (bring your own water bottle) 
• Go for fan rooms rather than air conditioned rooms
• If cheap street food is not available try Seven Elevens
• Have a budget in mind for the night markets and only take that much money. There are some very beautiful creative products available, so it is easy to blow the budget. 
• Avoid western food – local food is generally cheaper
• The cheapest way to do laundry is to find a laundrette or do it yourself on streetside washing machines. Laundry typically costs 30 – 40 baht per kilogram at a laundrette. They will normally wash dry and fold clothes (normally available on the next day). Alternatively most street side washing machines charge around 30 baht and in some places you can also find driers (charging around 50 baht for an hour). 

Top tip for bartering: Try to keep it positive, friendly and in good humour. Don’t get upset if they don’t budge on the price, but also don’t let anyone pressure you into buying something at a higher cost that you are comfortable with. Remember you can always walk away. Also remember that they will never sell you anything at a loss to themselves. So bartering is all about finding a fair price that you are both happy with. 

How much does a 10 day itinerary in Chiang Mai cost?

This 10 day itinerary in Chiang Mai is likely to cost in the range of £350 – £2,500 (roughly $450 – $3,250) depending mostly on where you choose to stay and what food and drinks you choose on your trip. 

These costs do not include costs of travel to and from Chiang Mai, visas and travel insurance. So remember to add these things to work out a total budget for your trip. These costs are just to give you a feel for the cost of a trip following this itinerary. A motivated budget backpacker could probably do it more cheaply and a lavish holiday maker could probably spend more. But these prices should give you a good feel for the likely range of prices for your trip. 

10 day itinerary in Chiang Mai cost breakdown…

This budget is designed to give you a rough idea of the cost of this itinerary in Chiang Mai for an adult. If you are travelling as a couple, family or group remember that you will save money per person based on sharing accommodation and also childrens entry tickets tend to be cheaper too. 

Which taxi journeys do you need to pre-arrange for this 10 day itinerary in Chiang Mai?

This 10 day itinerary in Chiang Mai has several day trips to visit attractions in the greater Chiang Mai area. If you are planning to rent a car or bike you wont need to pre-book any transportation.

However, if you plan to use private taxis we recommend that you arrange the longer day trips at least one day in advance. Remember to agree on pick up time, number of stops and waiting times in advance. Most drivers will happily give you their phone number. 

Important note: The Grab App is quite expensive and many Bolt App drivers will not be willing to take longer journeys for the cheaper Bolt App prices. So it is definitely worth booking a driver in advance to get a fair price. The Red Songthaew buses are always happy to arrange day trips for an inclusive price. 

Here are the longer day trips and the rough cost of a private taxi. Drivers may try to charge more than these prices, however, these are fair local prices and if you barter confidently you should be able to get prices in this range…

What activities do you need to pre-book for this 10 day itinerary in Chiang Mai?

The following activities should be pre-booked for this 10 day itinerary in Chiang Mai. This doesn’t need to be done a long time in advance. It would be fine to book these things on the first day of your trip.  

There are lots of tour agents around Chiang Mai old town. There is a good chance that you will be able to book all of these activities for a good price through a tour agent. We have left some time on the first day of the itinerary for you to book activities for the rest of your trip. You may also be able to ask for better deals if you give one tour operator a lot of business. Any activities on the itinerary that are not on the table above do not need to be pre-booked, you can just turn up. 

The 10 day itinerary in Chiang Mai – in depth

Day 1 old town tour: morning market, buak haad park, wat phra singh and wat chedi luang.

Your 10 day itinerary in Chiang Mai starts with a self-guided tour of the old town. The route of this tour is roughly a loop which can be modified according to your starting point. This tour includes the most prominent sights of the Chiang Mai old town. You will need a day bag and you will be around town so it will be easy to buy snacks and drinks on the go. Be aware of how you carry valuables in the market. Also make sure you dress respectfully for the visitors to the temples. Visitors must cover knees and shoulders in the temples. 

The Chiang Mai old town is a beautiful ancient walled area of Chiang Mai packed with ornate temples, quaint coffee shops, boutique hotels and irresistible street food. There are four walls and a moat runs all of the way around the old town with regular bridges. Each wall is approximately 1.6km in length (or roughly 1 mile). The Chiang Mai old town walls are over 700 years old and some of the sections of these ancient walls are still in very good condition. 

Any good itinerary in Chiang Mai should include a tour of the old town. All of the sights on this first day are all within the Chiang Mai old town. It is possible to walk between these sights, which makes this a perfect first day if you haven’t yet sorted transport out. It is very easy to find red Songthaew buses running around the old town and it normally costs 20-30 baht per person to travel anywhere within the old town. Remember to be confident about the price as some drivers will try to charge more. 

Start your day at the Morning Market at Chiang Mai gate (which is on the south east side of the old city walls). The Chiang Mai gate, also known as the Pratu Chiang Mai (ประตูเชียงใหม่) is one of the main gates in the Chiang Mai old town and there is both a morning and evening market here every day of the week. 

The morning market starts around 6am and runs for several hours. You can normally find stalls selling fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, meat and breakfast snacks. There is an indoor section of the morning market with rows of stalls. You can also see stalls set up around the back of the market along Phra Pok Klao road Soi 2. The evening market at the Chiang Mai Gate tends to sell more street food and it is a very popular spot both with locals and travellers. The evening market normally starts around 6pm and runs until late evening. 

You can also see many monks walking all around Chiang Mai old town taking alms. The best time to see monks is between 6am – 8am. 

After embracing the hustle and bustle of the morning market at the Chiang Mai gate, walk west along the south wall of the old town. Stay on the old town side of the water. At the west end of the south wall you will come to Buak Haad park. This is a beautiful small park. You will find a cafe, ponds, grassy areas, a massage spa and a kids play park here. 

After exploring Buak Haad park head back to the old town to visit the beautiful Wat Phra Singh – the Golden temple (วัดพระสิงห์วรมหาวิหาร). This is around 1 km from Buak Haad park. You can explore the temple grounds for free or make a donation.

This is a beautiful Buddhist temple that dates back to the 14th century and it is beautifully decorated with golden and wooden carvings. Behind Wat Phra Singh there is also a fish pond – you can buy bags of food to feed them too. Remember to dress respectfully in the temple (knees and shoulders covered). 

After exploring Wat Phra Singh, walk east along Arak 5 road towards the Three Kings monument. Just before the monument (on Intrawarowot road) you will see lots of street small food cafes to the right. This is the perfect opportunity to try some amazing local Chiang Mai food for lunch. If you want to learn more about northern Thailand culture take a visit to the Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Center. 

Now head down to Wat Chedi Luang. This beautiful ancient temple is around half a kilometer north of the Chiang Mai gate (where this tour started). Wat Chedi Luang is an ancient and prominent temple, over 600 year old, and located in the Chiang Mai old town.

The partially crumbled stupa is one of the most fascinating historical structures in the old town. It is free to visit Wat Chedi Luang, however you can make donations. Remember to dress respectfully. 

You could complete the loop by returning to the Chiang Mai gate for the night street food market in the evening. As an alternative to walking this route you could also do this route by bicycle or motorbike. Depending on your pace you may have some time to rest and relax at the end of this tour of the old town. 

This is a delightful day of your itinerary in Chiang Mai. The pace of this day is not too high. You should be able to visit all of these attractions with time to spare, especially if you have your own transport (car or bike rental). So you can afford to take a relaxed start to the day. If you plan to use a private taxi it may be worth booking in advance. This should cost around 400 – 800 baht (£8 – £16 or $10 – $20) for the 30km round trip. 

The day starts with a visit to the Royal Park Rajapruek. The area is pretty exposed so remember to bring sun protection. This beautiful park to the south of Chiang Mai is sometimes known as the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek Park (อุทยานหลวงราชพฤกษ์). The Royal Park Rajapruek is very well maintained and the area includes tropical gardens, a play park and the Grand Pavilion with a Buddha shrine. This park also affords an impressive view of Wat Prathat Doi Kham on the hill, this is the next location on this itinerary in Chiang Mai. You do need to purchase a ticket to enter this park. Prices are as follows: 

200 baht for adults

150 baht for children (100 – 140cm high)

The Royal Flora Ratchaphruek Park is open daily from 8.00am – 5.30pm

After visiting the Royal Park Rajapruek, head up to Wat Prathat Doi Kham. This is located a few kilometers north west of the park. You can either walk up the steps to the temple from the bottom of the hill or drive up the road to the temple. At the top of the hill you will find a car park and some shops selling snacks, drinks and jewelry.

Wat Prathat Doi Kham, also known as Golden Temple (วัดพระธาตุดอยคำ) is a very beautiful and unique Buddhist temple located on to of Kham hill. The location affords a panoramic view over Chiang Mai and the surrounding areas. 

As ever, remember to dress respectfully when visiting temples. 

Wat Prathat Doi Kham is FREE to visit. However you can make a donation if you wish.

After visiting the impressive Wat Prathat Doi Kham, visit the Carp Cafe. This is an impressive themed cafe located to the south of Chiang Mai. Seating areas are surrounded by a maze of waterways and bridges filled with Carp fish. There is also a section that recreates a mossy jungle. The cafe serves a range of hot drinks, fruit shakes and decadent cakes. You can also buy food, they serve suspiciously fresh sushi here too. Prices at the Carp Cafe are a little higher than other places in Chiang Mai. But overall the prices are still very good and well worth the unique experience. 

Today you are going to do a day trip to Sticky waterfall. Remember to pack for a long day including swimsuits, sun cream and plenty of water.

Don’t miss our FULL guide – everything you need to know to visit Sticky Waterfall Chiang Mai

The round trip is approximately 120km. If you have not rented a car or a bike you will need to arrange your transportation in advance. There are places to buy food and drink when you get there but we recommend taking drinks and snacks for the day.

Sticky waterfall is called Bua Tong waterfall (อุทยานแห่งชาติน้ำตกบัวตอง-น้ำพุเจ็ดสี) and is located 60km (around 40 miles) north of Chiang Mai. It is called “sticky waterfall” because the bedrock is made from crystalised limestone which creates enough friction to stop you from slipping if you try to climb the waterfall. Although the surface is very rough on the microscopic scale, it is not painful to walk on. 

This place is genuinely very impressive. The high friction on the waterfall means you can climb remarkably steep surfaces (with water flowing over them) and not slip, leaving you feeling like spiderman. If you are feeling adventurous they have actually included some ropes to enable you to climb up certain routes from the bottom. Alternatively there is a set of steps leading all the way from the top to the bottom and allowing you to see different parts of the waterfall without getting your feet wet. 

Buatong waterfall also has some excellent facilities – there are showers and toilets in the area. Don’t miss the Bua Tong Spring close to the waterfall. This is a remarkable cold pool (not for swimming). The water has a mysterious blue tinge. Also make sure you check out Wat Tham Buatong. This is an awesome Buddist temple located in the jungle on the road to the waterfall. 

How do you get to the Bua Tong waterfall? 

You can go by private taxi, songthaew or tuk tuk: This will cost around 800-1000 baht for the return trip depending on your bartering skills (this is around £16 – £20 or $20 – $25). If you are trying to arrange a taxi we recommend arranging this in advance. Alternatively you can rent a motorbike for around 200 baht for the day (£4 or $5) and use this to get there. You can also organise tours to Sticky waterfall with tour agents in Chiang Mai. This day trip is likely to take around 6 hours depending how long you spend at the waterfall. 

Bua Tong waterfall is FREE to visit. You will probably be asked to show proof of vaccination status before entry. 

After visiting the Sticky waterfall there is a novelty aeroplane cafe located on the junction of the route 1414 and the route 107 (which leads back into Chiang Mai). This one is hard to miss on the route between the sticky waterfall and Chiang Mai. There is a decommissioned Airbus A330 which has been converted to a cafe. If you don’t want to eat on the airplane itself, there are some other food places and coffee shops located in the precinct. You can sit inside the aeroplane for 120 baht and have a free drink (£1.40 or $1.60). 

After the aeroplane cafe, head to the Hidden Village for a last bout of Thai novelty. The Hidden Village is a themed park north of Chiang Mai. It includes a small animal farm, cafe, play park and a dinosaur park with full sized models of dinosaurs. This is a particularly good activity for families with kids. An alternative to the hidden village in the area is the Chiang Mai Astropark . Another great spot for families with kids to learn about space. 

The Hidden Village is located around 5km north of Chiang Mai old town

Adult ticket: 200 baht

Child’s ticket: 100 baht (free for children under 100cm tall)

Open daily from 10am – 6pm

Day 4 Ginger farm, Wiang Kum Kam temple tour and Much Room cafe

This day of your itinerary in Chiang Mai explores some attractions to the south of the city. Start your day at the Ginger Farm. This is a delightful little farm with a cafe, play park, herb garden and some animals. The site is not very big, so it is unlikely that you will spend a long time here. The cafe serves an impressive range of fresh juices and smoothies for a very reasonable price. 

It is FREE to enter the ginger farm. You can feed the animals for 20 baht. They offer farm tours for 290 baht at 11am and 2pm. This is a fantastic spot for families with kids. Tours include the following activities: 

• Collecting eggs
• Meeting the water buffalo
• Washing the water buffalo

The Ginger farm is open daily from 10am – 7pm 

After visiting the Chiang Mai Ginger Farm head over to Wiang Kum Kam. This is an ancient city located to the south of Chiang Mai old town. 

Wiang Kum Kam was built by King Mang Rai the great. However, it was abandoned over 700 years ago due to flooding.

Getting to grips: There are around 10 main temple ruins that you can visit in Wiang Kum Kam.

Some of the temples are still in relatively good condition. Most of the temples that you can visit can be found within an area of around 2km (north-south) by 1km (east-west). It is possible to explore Wiang Kum Kam without taking an official tour. There are no tickets or entrance fees for the area itself. However, you can arrange official tours at the Wiang Kum Kam information centre located to the south of Wiang Kum Kam on route 3029. The classic way of seeing Wiang Kum Kam is to take a tour by horse and cart. Tours take around 60 – 90 minutes and cost 300 baht per carriage (around £6 or $8). A horse and cart can take roughly 4-5 people. 

Tours of Wiang Kum Kam will normally include the following temples: 

Wat Ku Pa Dom, Wat Chang Kam, Wat E-Kang, Wat Nan Chang, Wat Pu Pia, Wat That Khao, Wat Phra Chao, Dong Dam, Wat Pha Ya Meng Rai, Wat Chedi Liem

After completing a tour of Wiang Kum Kam check out Much Room cafe. This is an impressive themed cafe located only around 1km from Wiang Kum Kam. Much Room cafe has an artificial waterfall and mushroom shaped buildings.

There is a large outdoor seating area, indoor seating areas and a seating area in the top of the mushroom as well. Much room cafe sells a range of decadent cakes and treats, high quality hot drinks and some very impressive food. Much Room is one of the more expensive cafes around Chiang Mai, but it is a great price for the quality. 

Drinks range in price from 70 baht – 150 baht (around £1.40 – £3.00 or $1.80 – $3.50)

Most food ranges in price from 100 baht – 200 baht (roughly £2 – £4 or $2.50 – $5)

Pack a day back with snacks, water and remember to bring sun protection. Wear appropriate footwear for hiking. You also need to dress respectfully for the temple.

The day starts by trekking up the Monks Trail to an atmospheric hill temple called Wat Pha Lat (วัดผาลาด). The monks trail is a beautiful jungle path approximately 1.2km in length. The trail has some relatively steep sections and is rocky at points. Although there are no signs on the trail itself, the trail is relatively straightforward to navigate.

Wat Pha Lat has a well, small waterfalls, buddha statues, temples of varying ages and styles and also affords impressive views over the Chiang Mai area. If you are lucky you may well see monks using the monks trail in the morning. 

The start of the Monks Trail is located approximately 5km west of Chiang Mai city centre and just to the south of Chiang Mai zoo. It is FREE to hike up the Monks Trail and visit Wat Pha Lat. You can make donations if you wish. 

Keen on hiking further? The great news is you can continue hiking further up the mountain if you wish. A few more kilometers gets you to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Follow the road east further to reach Bhubing Palace. You can also take a visit to Wat Doi Suthep Pui (which is further up the mountain) – this is one of the most prestegious and important temples in the Chiang mai distirct.  

If you love visiting temples don’t miss our FULL GUIDE on the best temples in Chiang Mai

After trekking up the Monks trail, return using the same route and head back into Chiang Mai. Take a Mae Ping river cruise. It is always worth trying to barter as you may be able to get tickets at a reduced price. In addition to sightseeing along the river, the cruise includes a visit to a Herb Garden, ice cream and juice.

Mae Ping River Cruise details:

Cruises depart from the port at the back of Wat Chaimongkol (you actually have to walk through the temple grounds to get to the port). There is a small cafe where you can buy tickets for the cruises. Advanced booking is not generally required.  

Cruises depart daily every hour from 9am – 5pm and take around 2 hours 

The Mae Ping River cruise costs 550 baht for adults. Children under 10 are half price and children 3 years old or under are free.

https://maepingrivercruise.com/

Address: Mae Ping River cruise, 133 Charoen Prathet Rd, Tambon Chang Khlan, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand

After the Mae Ping River cruise head up to the Warorot market (ตลาดวโรรส). The Warorot market is located a few kilometers north of Wat Chaimongkol. The walk up the river passes some of the prominent Chiang Mai bridges, such as the Iron Bridge and the Nawarwat Bridge. Warorot market is located around 1km east of the old town. Warorot market is particularly well known for its selection of local foods and it is a great way to experience the buzz of local life in Chiang Mai. 

Address: Warorot Market, Wichayanon Rd, Tambon Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand

After exploring Warorot market, go east (towards Chiang Mai old town) to visit Brewinnging Coffee. This trendy coffee shop is located on the intersection of Chang Moi Road and Chang Moi Kao Road. If you’re a coffee lover, this place really is worth a try. Alternatively stroll down to Thapae Gate (the east gate of the old town) to take in the atmosphere. 

Day 6 Siam Insect Zoo, Jungle roller coaster, strawberry plantation and the Mae Sa waterfall 

This is another action packed day of your itinerary in Chiang Mai. These attractions are quite far from Chiang Mai. The full round trip from Chiang Mai is approximately 70km so if you have not rented a car or a bike you will need to arrange your transportation in advance. If you are planning to use a taxi expect to pay in the region of 600 – 1,000 baht for a private taxi or songthaew for the day (this is around £12 – £20 or $15 – $25). Pack for a long day trip and aim for a relatively early start. The Pong Yang adventure park can be busy on weekends. 

The day starts with a visit to the Siam Insect Zoo. This is a small attraction with a range of insects to see. They have a butterfly garden, beetle world, insect breeding farm and an insect museum. Staff are very friendly and welcoming and there is information in both Thai and English. The Siam Insect Zoo is open daily from 9.00am – 5.00pm. 

How much does the Siam Insect zoo cost? 

Adult tickets 80 baht

Children’s tickets 60 baht (3 – 12 years old)

After a visit to the Siam Insect Zoo visit the Pongyang Jungle Coaster & Zipline park (โป่งแยง ซิปไลน์ แอนด์ จังเกิ้ล โคสเตอร์). This is an outdoor adventure park located in the hills to the north of Chiang Mai. 

The Pongyang Jungle Coaster & Zipline park has the following attractions: 

• A couple of cafes selling food and drinks (we recommend Jungle De Cafe towards the bottom of the park for its great spot by the waterfall)
• A jungle roller coaster (you can control the speed of cars along the track)
• A canopy zipline course
• A bicycle tightrope experience
• Several small attractions (giant swing, quick jump platform, slide and trampoline)

How much do tickets for the Pongyang Jungle Coaster & Zipline park cost? 

You do not need to buy tickets in advance for the Pongyang Jungle Coaster & Zipline park. Tickets can be purchased from the ticket office at the park on arrival. 

Tickets for a single go on individual attractions are 150 baht (roughly £3 or $4). This includes one go on any of the following: the roller coaster, quick jump platform, bike tightrope, giant swing, slide and trampoline. Adult and children’s tickets are the same price. 

They also offer a range of inclusive packages ranging from 2,000 – 2,750 baht (approximately £40 – £60 or $50 – $80). 

• The simplest package for 2,000 baht (£40 or $50) includes 18 platforms of the zipline course, roller coaster, tightrope bike, quick jump, the giant swing and lunch or coffee and cake. 
• The Gold Package for 2750 baht (£60 or $80) includes 36 platforms of the zipline course, roller coaster, tightrope bike, quick jump, the giant swing, slide, trampoline, coffee and cake, dinner and a T-shirt. 

After visiting the Pongyang Jungle Coaster & Zipline park you will see some strawberry plantations on the route 1096 on the way back to Chiang Mai. This is a great place to stop, buy some strawberry products and in season you can also pick your own strawberries. There are also some very scenic Thai restaurants by the river along route 1096. Depending on time you could also stop at the Mae Sa waterfall (น้ำตกแม่สา) on the way back. Entry to the waterfall costs 100 baht per person (£2 or $2.50) and 30 baht (60p or $0.80) for a car to drive up to the waterfall which is around 500m from the main road. The Mae Sa waterfall has 10 tiers and there is a path leading alongside the waterfalls. Some people also swim in the pools here.  

This is a big road trip. If you don’t have your own transport we recommend arranging something in advance. It is likely to cost 1,500 – 2,500 baht for this day trip (approximately £30 – £50 or $40 – $65). Be prepared to barter and try different options. The return journey is likely to be over 200km by road and involves some slow mountain roads. Pack for a long day and try to get a reasonably early start. 

This day of your itinerary in Chiang Mai is a day trip to the Doi Inthanon National Park with the option of staying at the Chai Lai Orchid hotel with elephants . The Doi Inthanon National Park has many beautiful waterfalls and jungle mountains. It is also home to the famous Chiang Mai Royal twin pagodas (the most iconic image of Chiang Mai). A little further up the road from the twin Pagodas you can reach the peak of Doi Inthanon – the highest point in Thailand. Here are all the details step by step: 

On the way to Doi Inthanon National Park you can grab a coffee from a temple themed Starbucks (located at Farang Village around 15km south of Chiang Mai on route 108). As you drive into the Doi Inthanon National park on route 1009 you can stop at waterfalls such as the Mae Klang waterfall (300 baht for adults and 150 baht for children). 

As you drive up through the national park you can see beautiful rice paddies. Before you get to the final junction leading up to the twin pagodas there is a Doi Inthanon National Park ticket office. You actually need to buy two tickets to visit the Twin Pagodas (one for the national park and one for the site itself). 

The Doi Inthanon National Park tickets cost 300 baht for adults (roughly £6 or $8), 150 baht for children (roughly £3 or $4.50) and a 30 baht car fee (60p or $0.8). The twin pagodas have an entrance fee of 40 baht per person (80p or $1). 

Royal Twin Pagodas, also known as the Grand Pagoda Nabhapolbhumisiri (พระมหาธาตุเจดีย์นภพลภูมิสิริ) are located a few km below the summit of Doi Inthanon mountain. Although the area is more of a tourist attraction than a temple, visitors are still expected to dress as they would in a temple (shoulders and knees covered).

There are viewing platforms here, beautiful gardens, and there is also a small cafe selling simple drinks and snacks. There are toilets located here too. On a clear day you can get a stunning view over the Doi Inthanon National park from this location. There is also a lovely trekking area a short distance up the road above the twin Pagodas.

A few kilometers up the road you can reach the summit of Doi Inthanon mountain. We recommend enjoying some of the woodland trails in this area. The hiking trails allow you to experience the unique ecosystem of the damp high altitude jungle.

A final highlight of this epic road trip is to stop for a coffee and cake at a small beautiful local cafe on the route 1284. This little cafe has a stunning view of the Ban Khun Klang valley and the Impressive Sriphum waterfall (น้ำตกสิริภูมิ). We have marked the exact location of the cafe on the map for this day of the itinerary. 

After this there are two options. You can return to Chiang Mai. Alternatively, if you want to meet elephants in a caring and innovative project, check out Chai Lai Orchid hotel with elephants . This beautiful hotel is located to the north of the Doi Inthanon national park and is very affordable. You can get a wakeup call from elephants. Have breakfast with elephants and take elephant treks. The Chai Lai Orchid is based to the south of Chiang mai near the Doi Inthanon National park. 

If you do stay at Chai Lai Orchid, it is likely that day 8 of your itinerary will be different. Rather than visiting the elephant sanctuary to the north of Chiang Mai, we recommend staying at Chai Lai on day 8. Alternatively, if you want to return to Chiang Mai after the day trip to Doi Inthanon national park, you can visit the Elephant Nature park on day 8 of this itinerary in Chiang Mai. 

Day 8 Visit the elephant sanctuary, and the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

Take a visit to the Elephant Nature Park. This visit will need to be booked and arranged in advance. This will probably be one of the highlights of your itinerary in Chiang Mai. If you stayed at Chai Lai Orchid, we recommend spending day 8 enjoying this lovely place. 

Packages at the Elephant Nature Park vary in what they offer. In some of the simple packages you get to meet the elephants but you don’t get to feed them. Most of the packages do not include bathing the elephants, but in some you can observe elephant bathing. If your package includes elephant washing, remember to bring clothes that you don’t mind getting wet – swimming costumes are fine and also bring a towel and a change of clothes. The trip includes an excellent lunch but we recommend bringing some water for the journey each way. 

Visiting the Elephant Nature Park 8am – 5pm depending on the package that you choose. Meeting these majestic animals will probably be one of your highlights of the holiday. Note some packages are not family friendly. See their website for further information on each package: https://www.elephantnaturepark.org/enp/

Packages range in price from 2,500 baht – 3,500 baht (roughly £50 – £70 or $65 – $100) and include transfer from Chiang Mai. 

In the evening head over to the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar (ไนท์บาซาร์เชียงใหม่). This is well worth seeing, even if you don’t plan to do any shopping. The night market is a sensory overload in the best way. It is a visual overload of colours and smells. Enjoy all sorts of delicious street food as you wander around taking it in. If you do plan to shop, then we recommend bartering. In our experience, a fair price is normally about two thirds of the starting price. Remember when you buy items, there is no after care. So a bag that looks like it would cost £20 in the UK should actually be a lot cheaper in a Thai market. 

Keep an eye on local information to check whether this market is running when you visit. 

Address: Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, Chang Moi Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand

It is recommended that you book your cookery course at least one day in advance. The cookery course can normally include pick up and drop off from your hotel in the course price. We also recommend that you arrange transportation to the hot spring in advance, unless you have your own transport. You can go by private taxi, songthaew or tuk tuk. It will cost around 600-1000 baht for the return trip depending on your bartering skills (this is £12 – £20 or $15 – $25). Remember to agree on timings.

In the morning do a half day cooking course with MaMaNoi. The courses are very sociable and a lot of fun. Teachers and staff are very fun and friendly. Classes are advertised for 800 baht (£16 or $20) for half a day but some agents may be willing to sell classes for 600 baht (£12 or $15). On the course you will make four delicious local dishes: choose a stir fry, soup and curry. You will also learn to make spring rolls. They also give you a dessert and a FREE recipe book so you can impress your friends at home. 

After the cookery course visit to the San Khamphaeng Hot Springs (น้ำพุร้อนสันกำแพง อ.แม่ออน) and Muang On Cave (ถ้ำเมืองออน). Pack swimming costumes and towels for the hotspring. Bring a torch for the caves and bring plenty of water and snacks. 

Khamphaeng Hot Spring is located around 40km (around 30 miles) to the east of Chiang Mai. This is a great activity for families. You can watch geysers, boil eggs in the pool close to the spring. You can buy baskets of eggs so you don’t need to bring your own! 

At the source of the hot springs you can see impressive piped hotspring fountains shooting superheated water high into the air. As the water flows away from the spring and cools you can dip your legs in. And further still you can go to a mineral swimming pool. There is also a children’s pool and a playground for children. There are also private pools and massages. 

How much does the Khamphaeng Hot Spring cost?

The entrance fee is 100 baht for adults and 50 baht for children (£2 or $2.50). It costs a further 100 baht for adults to swim and 50 baht for children. Children 6 and under are free. Private hot tubs cost around 300- 500 baht (£6 – £10 or $8 – $13). You can swim in the smaller children’s pool for 10 baht. You can also buy eggs to boil in the hot springs for 40 baht. There is a restaurant and cafes selling food and drinks.  Khamphaeng Hot Spring is open daily from 7am – 6pm.

Address: Khamphaeng Hot Spring 7 Ban Sa Ha Khon, Mae On District, Chiang Mai 50130, Thailand

If you have time after the hotspring, visit the Muang On Cave. It is a beautiful complex of caves with stalactites, stalagmites and Buddhist statues. Entrance to the caves cost 30 baht per person. These caves are quiet compared to other sites of interest around Chiang Mai. Opening hours 8am – 5pm. 

Address: Muang On Cave, Ban Sa Ha Khon, Mae On District, Chiang Mai 50130, Thailand

Your itinerary in Chiang Mai finishes with an exhilarating splash and then some much needed pampering. Chiang Mai Grand Canyon is a large natural outdoor waterpark. You can often arrange tours to the Grand Canyon water park with tour operators in Chiang Mai. Tours range in price from 1,000 – 2,500 baht (£20 – £50 or $25 – $70) and include return transportation. We recommend doing this one independently. It will be cheaper AND you can choose to spend as long as you want there. Pack a bag with water, swimming stuff and sun protection. 

Don’t miss our FULL GUIDE on the Grand Canyon Waterpark Chiang Mai

Getting to grips: There are actually two separate water parks located right next to each other (the walk between these water parks in only a few minutes). The first one is just called “The Grand Canyon” and is to the north east and is smaller. This first site is cheaper and there are less activities. It costs 30 baht to enter and activities cost 50 baht. They have a zip line, jump platform, air cushion jump, kayaking and pedal boats. The Second site is bigger and it is to the south west is called “The Grand Canyon Water Park”. This second site is more developed and in better condition. The second site has more activities and it is more expensive. They have an inflatable obstacle course, zipline, wakeboarding circuit and a children’s water park. The water slide is very fast and has a big drop at the end. Take care if you plan to do this activity. If you are limited on time we recommend only visiting the second site. Both sites have restaurants serving Thai and western food (more expensive than local food). Here are a few more details:

The Grand Canyon Water Park (south west – big park)

They have a wide range of activities including slides, cliff jumping, wakeboarding, a zip line and an inflatable obstacle course. They also have an excellent children’s water play area. The Grand Canyon Water Park has excellent facilities including toilets, showers and changing areas. They have a strict no outside drinks policy here and may check bags! We recommend bringing water anyway, just keep it discreetly in your bag.

Discounted ticket prices: Recently the Grand Canyon waterpark has been offering discounted ticket rates. Adult tickets cost 300 baht (£6 or $8) and include access to the aqua park, kids play area, zip line, kayaking and water slide. Children’s tickets allow access to the children’s water park for 150 baht (£3 or $4). 

Normal prices: Adult tickets cost 650 Baht per person (£13 or $16). Children’s tickets cost 500 baht (£10 or $13) height between 90-120 cm. Children under 90cm get free entry. Ticket includes entrance to the water park, canoeing and kayaking, cliff jumping, giant sliders, life jacket and one ride of the zipline. 

Wakeboarding costs 550 baht for 1.5 hours

For more information: 

http://grandcanyonwaterpark.velaeasy.com/

Head back to the Old Town for some well earned decadence. Start at the Khom Chocolate House located in the northwest side of the old town. This is a small cafe dedicated to all things chocolate. The prices are a little higher than average but well worth it. The Khom Chocolate House is open 10.30am – 6pm every day except tuesdays. 

Finally take a massage at the Tha Lanna Spa . Thai Massages are beautifully relaxing. Although there is some kneading and rubbing, a lot of Thai massage is about bending and manipulating your body to release tension and find pressure points. It is the perfect type of massage if you have been active – and this is a very active itinerary. 

Most massages range from 500 baht – 1,000 baht (roughly £10 – £20 or $13 – $26)

What are the best places to stay for this itinerary in Chiang Mai?

If you’re planning a family holiday in Chiang Mai don’t miss our full guide on the best family hotels in Chiang Mai .

Wherever you choose to stay in Chiang Mai we do recommend staying inside or close to the Chiang mai old town. This area is best for food and also experience. In the old town you can explore quaint temples and easily get to coffee shops and restaurants. We have selected a range of THE BEST hotels in Chiang Mai based on price, location, character and facilities. 

A bit cheeky, but we do ask that if you go for any that we’ve shown you could you pretty please use our links to book Chiang Mai hotels as we get a little commision (at no extra cost to you – it’s the big boys at booking.com that take the hit, not you or us) This helps keep us on and our family on the road writing articles to empower you to travel…

Rati Lanna Riverside Spa Resort – BEST hotel for luxurious royal decadence

This stunning resort is excellent situated on the bank of the Mae Ping river around 2km to the South East of the old town walls. The Riti Lanna Riverside Resort has a tasteful regal, lush east asian style and rich warm furnishings. Rati Lanna Riverside Spa Resort has luxurious spacious rooms and beautiful views of Chiang Mai’s Mae Ping River. There are 3 dining options, a spa, and an infinity pool spanning. The bathrooms feature a flat-screen TV mounted by the bathtub, a separate rain shower stall and complimentary aromatherapy toiletries.

Rooms range in price from 8,000 – 15,000 baht (roughly £160 – £300 or $200 – $400). We adore the Executive Suite . The Mira Terrace Restaurant is open all day and serves a breakfast buffet and international a la carte dishes at both their indoor or outdoor dining areas. Buffet and barbecue dinners are offered at Rio Restaurant & Bar. Drinks can be enjoyed at the swim-up Dips and Sips bar or at Malin Pavilion. They also offer a free shuttle bus to the Chiang Mai night Bazaar. 

Akyra Manor – TOP PICK comfort, epic views and contemporary style

We love the rooftop infinity swimming pool at the Akyra Manor hotel – swim in style and with a view. There is a clean contemporary style running through the hotel. Rooms include an amazing American style breakfast which impresses most guests. We also love the stylish Premier Suite with its spacious design and freestanding bathtub.

Rooms range in price from  4,000 – 10,000 baht (Roughly £80 – £200 or $100 – $250). Find out the latest prices . You can also enjoy an exquisite Italian meal at Italics with a state-of-the-art show kitchen and pizza oven. Drinks can be ordered at Rise, the hotel’s rooftop bar. The Ankyra Manor is well located around 1km from the northwest corner of the Chiang Mai Old City. 

Shangri-La Chiang Mai – The BEST hotel for luxurious family holiday

Shangri-La Hotel Chiang Mai earns it’s 5 stars with style. This large luxurious hotel is stylish and well equipped with all of the facilities and amenities you would hope for. Rooms are designed with a beautiful Northern Thai decor and charm . The hotel’s signature Spa provides private suites and relaxing beauty treatments. The Kad Kafe serves a selection of all-day international dishes and a buffet breakfast spread.

Authentic Szechuan and Cantonese dishes can be sampled at the chic and modern China Kitchen. Drinks can be enjoyed at Dhala Pool Bar while afternoon tea can be found at the Lobby Lounge. We were super impressed with the facilities for families. The outdoor pool features a waterslide.

There is also a soft play space for kids and kids clubs are offered here. Rooms range in price from 3,000 – 12,000 baht (approximately £60 – £240 or $80 – $300). Located less than 1km from the south east corner of the old town, the Shangri-La Chiang Mai is a great location to see the Mae Ping river and also to access the bustling Chiang Mai gate of the old town. 

Saran Boutique Hotel – TOP PICK for location and value for money

We love the zen east asian style of this boutique hotel. This place really stands out due to the price and excellent location. Located in the heart of the Chiang Mai old town you can literally stroll out your door to quaint streets and ancient temples.

It is located on the bustling east side of the old town near Thapae gate. It is also under 1km from the Chiang Mai gate with its markets and happy vibes. Rooms range in price from 1,500 – 2,500 baht (roughly £30 – £50 or $40 – $65). Find out the latest prices here . We love the suite with a balcony and bathtub.

Yak Guest House – Budget and great location

Yak Guest House is a cheap, clean and simple guest house located a few minutes walk from the east side of the old city. We love the area for its buzz and good vibes. Yak Guest House has a happy welcoming atmosphere. They offer a simple free breakfast (toast, tea and coffee).

Rooms are simple, comfortable and well equipped for a budget guest house. This area is fantastic for visiting Warorot market, Thapae Gate which are both around 5-10 minutes walk away. Find out the latest prices . Rooms range in price from 400 – 800 baht and they do have options for families too.

Other things to do around Chiang Mai (not included on this itinerary in Chiang Mai)

There really is SO MUCH to do in and around Chiang Mai. Here are some more ideas. Any of these could be substituted into this itinerary or done as an extra if you have more time in the area.  

1 The weekly old town night market

Every Saturday and Sunday evening from 4pm-10pm there is a lovely night market along Rachadamnoen road (through the old city). Stalls spill out into the surrounding streets and temples. Lovely clothes, bags, gifts and plenty of tasty street food. We have not included this on your itinerary because it depends what day of the week you arrive. 

Due to an increase in tourism in recent years it has become increasingly important to barter if you do want to buy things. Locals will often try to charge western prices for products, however there may not be the same quality. And if your product breaks, you will not be able to return it. 

2 Get a rush with Adventure sports at the X centre  

Check out the X centre Chiang Mai . We have not included this on the itinerary which is already packed with fun activities. However, if you are one of those crazy families who like to do crazy things, then you will love the Chiang Mai X centre. They offer activities like Gokarting, Paint balling, Zorb balls, Off road buggies, ATVs and Trail bikes and of course bungee jumping.

3 See the world from a hot air balloon

You can take hot air balloon trips over Chiang Mai. A stunning and unique way to see the beautiful landscape of this region. Flights are around 45 minutes – 1 hour. The cost is normally around 8,000 baht for an adult (£160 or $200) and 5,000 baht (around £100 or $130) for children 5 – 10 years old. There may be some flexibility in the price. For more information contact Balloon Chiang Mai by Tethering Balloon Thailand: ​​[email protected]

4 Try out Muay Thai at the Chiang Mai Muay Thai Gym

This is a great activity for anyone who wants to be physically and metally challenged and learn some epic skills. We highly recommend the Chiang Mai Muay Thai Gym. They offer a range of courses and classes to meet everyone’s needs. Whether you’re a total beginner or experienced fighter, this place offers training, challenge and fun. The Chiang Mai Muay Thai gym is a very well equipped indoor gym with a ring, training stations and very experienced friendly staff. 

Public classes involve stretching, warm up, routines and sparing, bag work and feedback from highly experienced instructors. They have a range of prices depending how many sessions you wish to do in a month. One off sessions cost 390 baht (around £8 or $10) up to 6,500 baht (£130 or $160) for 20 sessions in a month. If you’re looking for something more intense, a month’s course with one session per day costs 8,000 baht (£160 or $200) and a month with 2 sessions per day costs 10,000 baht (around £200 or $250). Private one-to-one training costs 1,000 baht for an hour (£20 or $25). The training schedule may be changed over time so drop them a message to check: [email protected]

5 Visit a butterfly farm

The Bai Orchid butterfly farm (ใบออร์คิด-บัตเตอร์ฟลายฟาร์ม) is a beautiful place to drop in.. Entrance costs 40 baht for adults and 20 baht for children. You will probably only spend 30 minutes at the butterfly farm as it is not very big. Open daily from 7.30am – 5pm. This is not too far from the Siam Insect Zoo. 

6 Explore the Doi Suthep-Pui national park

In the Doi Suthep-Pui national park you can visit a beautiful pagoda called Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (วัดพระธาตุดอยสุเทพราชวรวิหาร) on the way to the Doi Pui Waterfall. The Doipui waterfall is located next to Hmong ethnic village and you can also visit the Pan dow strawberry farm if you have time. This is a great place to get an amazing view of Chiang Mai and the surrounding hills. It would be too far to walk through the national park in one day, however a red songthaew (shared taxi) runs up the road and can drop you off at various points along the way. It will cost you around 50 Baht for each section of the journey. Songthaews wait on Huaykaew road, near the zoo, and once they are full they will set off. 

Alternatively, you can find many tour agents in Chiang Mai old town where you can pre-book tours to the Doi Suthep-Pui national park for 500 baht (around £10 or $13) and this includes transport to and from the national park. 

7 Check out the Tad Mork Waterfall

The Tad Mork Waterfall (น้ำตกตาดหมอก) is a beautiful quiet waterfall located around 30km (around 20 miles) northwest of Chiang Mai. Take route 107 north out of Chiang Mai for around 20km then turn left on route 1096 for a further 10km. The entry fee costs 100 baht for adults (£2 or $2.50) and 50 baht for children (£1 or $1.30)

8 Learn about space at the Astro Park 

This is a great one for the kids. The Chiang Mai Astro Park is a space museum with exhibitions and a daily space show. It is located in the north of Chiang Mai. The Astro Park is open Tuesday – Fridays 9am – 4pm and Saturday and Sunday 10am – 5pm. 

9 Visit two epic waterfalls to the north

This would be a long day trip from Chiang Mai. The impressive Mork Fa waterfall is an idyllic jungle waterfall. There is an impressive sheer drop into a plunge pool which is deep enough for swimming. You can also follow a small trail to a path that leads along the side of the waterfall to a small cave. The Mork Fa waterfall costs 100 baht to visit (£2 or $2.50). In the area you can also visit the Sagee waterfall. People do slide down this waterfall. Such high risk activities need to be done with risk assessment and care.

10 Expand your mind at Art in Paradise

Art in Paradise is a 3D illusion art exhibition where you can literally step into the artwork. There are six zones with different themes and over 130 pieces of illusion artwork. Art in Paradise is genuinely a lot of fun – it’s almost impossible to resist doing crazy poses to get an awesome insta snap. Entrance tickets cost 460 baht for adults (around £10 or $13) and 260 baht (around £5 or $6.50) for children under 140cm. This is likely to take around 2 hours if you love getting photos. Art in Paradise is located around 1km southeast of the old town. Art in paradise is open daily from 9am – 7pm. 

  http://chiangmai-artinparadise.com

Short of time? Alternative three day itinerary in Chiang Mai

Because you don’t always have the luxury of time you may need a shorter itinerary in Chiang Mai. If you only have a few days, we recommend focusing on the activities that are closer to Chiang Mai and missing out on the longer day trips (where a lot of time is lost travelling). It is still possible to have an amazing time even in three days. Don’t miss our EPIC 3 day Chiang Mai itinerary .

Things to know before your 10 day itinerary in Chiang Mai

Do you need a visa to travel from the uk to thailand.

If you are from the UK and have a British passport you can stay in Thailand for 30 days without needing a visa. This is called the 30 day visa exemption period. You can also apply to extend your stay for up to 30 days. To reduce people staying long term and doing “visa runs” you can now only enter Thailand two times per year overland. Remember to keep up to date with the latest information: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/thailand/entry-requirements

When is the best time to visit Chiang Mai? 

Chiang Mai is very pleasant to visit in any season, although the cool season from November – February is probably the most pleasant time to visit. Chiang Mai is generally hot throughout the year. However it can be slightly chilly in the hills, especially in the morning or during the rainy season. You may need an additional layer if you are planning to be in the hills. North Thailand has three seasons. The seasons are as follows:

Hot season: January – May 

Rainy season June – October

The cool season: November – February

What is the best currency to take to Thailand?  

Thai Baht is the national currency of Thailand. It is easy to buy Thai Baht before your trip and sell it at the end of the trip. You may get a better rate exchanging money in Thailand. There are also plenty of ATMs around Chiang Mai and many places accept international bank cards. 

Is English spoken in Thailand?

English is widely spoken in Thailand, especially in cities and tourists hubs. However in rural locations people’s level of English may be very limited or they may not speak English at all. Most locals in Chiang Mai speak a good level of English. Many places have menus in English, and if not they generally include pictures. Hostels and hotels almost always have staff who speak English. 

What is child care like in Chiang Mai? 

There are several nurseries and daycare centres around Chiang Mai. The normal rate for child care is 800 baht – 1000 baht per day. They will normally include snacks, lunch and a nice range of activities. Some of the higher end hotels also offer babysitting services for guests. This typically costs around 300 baht per child per hour. To get a feel for what you can find in Chiang Mai, check out Egg Tots House: http://www.eggtotshouse.com/

What is Thai culture like?

Northern Thai culture is wonderfully friendly. Locals are generally very cheerful and helpful. Northern Thailand is less affected by mass tourism compared to the south. Having said that, there is still a lot of tourism in Chiang Mai so the locals are very accustomed to having foreign guests in the city. 

The only thing to be aware of is that Thai people can sometimes be a bit intense, especially when they are selling something. Remember to try to keep it friendly and walk away if you need to. In terms of a dress code, in the city you can dress for the climate – showing knees and shoulders is generally fine. However we recommend that you cover your knees and shoulders when you are visiting temples and rural villages. 

Is Chiang Mai safe?  

Chiang Mai is very safe for travel. Crime rates are low in Chiang Mai. There are less scams in northern Thailand compared to the south. In fact we haven’t come across any scams in the north. That doesn’t mean that people wont occasionally try to charge too much for a taxi ride but you don’t seem to find the more elaborate and intentional scams that you find in south Thailand. 

What is the best way to get to and from Chiang Mai?

DON’T miss our guide on HOW TO TRAVEL FROM BANGKOK TO CHIANG MAI

This 10 day itinerary in Chiang Mai shows you all of the best things to do in and around Chiang Mai. But we also wanted to take a moment to mention travel to and from Chiang Mai. 

Bangkok is the main international hub to access Thailand. In general the cheapest option is to fly to and from Bangkok and then travel to Chiang Mai overland. If you are short of time and you can afford it, Chiang Mai has a small airport and you can fly all the way to Chiang Mai. If you do this it is likely that you will need to transfer in Bangkok. 

In order to get to Chiang Mai overland the easiest and most comfortable option is to take a night train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.

• There is a night train with air conditioning and beds with bedding. The train journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes around 13 hours. 
• You can book tickets directly from the main train station (Hua Lamphong station) – ideally a few days in advance. Alternatively travel agents around the Khaosan road area may be able to book tickets. You could also ask your hotel or hostel to help you book tickets.
• A lower bed costs around 900 baht and an upper bed costs around 800 baht. We recommend that you go for a lower bed if possible. The top beds are closer to the over zealous aircon and they leave the lights on overnight. The lower beds are wider and you can enjoy the sunrise and views from the comfort of your bed. 

Transport connections from Chiang Mai to other places:

Don’t miss out FULL GUIDE on how to travel from Chiang Mai to Pai

Arcade bus station terminal 2 and 3 are two buildings next to each other. Overnight sleeper bus to Bangkok starting around 500 baht or 569 baht for a VIP ticket. 

You can also take an overnight sleeper train to Bangkok. Book tickets in advance. This is  a very beautiful journey. Avoid the top bunk in the A.C. carriage – it is very cold!

Aya Services have A.C. minibus connections to various locations. 150 baht to Pai. The journey takes around 3 hours from Chiang Mai to Pai. You can take buses from the railway station. The office is very close: As you come out the station exit, exit the car park to the left. Cross the road and go right, take the first left. Follow the small street 1 minute to the office.

Chiang Mai also has a small airport offering domestic and international flights. We do not recommend taking internal flights unless you have a large budget or are very short of time. 

What is the best way to get around in Chiang Mai? 

This itinerary in Chiang Mai does involve quite a lot of travel around the area. 

Tuk tuks are small motorbike powered vehicles that zip around. They usually seat 2-4 people and go where you need. They can be more expensive than you might expect.  Songthaews are small pickup trucks with benches in the back: You normally flag these at the roadside. They charge a price per person and generally follow set routes. You can also find car taxis around Chiang Mai: again agree on a price at the start of the journey unless they agree to use the meter. 

Note on using Apps to book taxis in Chiang Mai

For short journeys around the old town the red songthaew buses are likely to be cheapest. They normally cost around 20-30 baht for short journeys (bartering may be needed). For medium length journeys we recommend the Bolt App. For long journeys arrange your transport in advance with a driver. Red Songthaew drivers are normally very happy to agree prices for longer day trips. 

You can arrange taxi journeys using the Grab App or the Bolt App. Grab is more expensive but more user friendly. Due to the higher prices people are very quick to respond to Grab so you will always be able to find a driver. However, in Chiang Mai Grab is likely to be more expensive than agreeing a price with a driver at the roadside. Alternatively the Bolt App is much cheaper, but drivers can be less committed and it can be hard to find rides with Bolt. Especially if you want to go further out of town. For the longer day trips in this itinerary we recommend arranging your taxi in person with a driver in Chiang Mai rather than trying to use an app.

Tuk tuks, private Songthaews and car taxis can be quite expensive for day trips. Always negotiate a price at the start of the journey. Make sure you agree on all of the details such as pick up and drop off locations, timings and stops throughout the day. A day trip is likely to cost 800-1,000 baht for the day depending on your bartering skills. Short trips around Chiang Mai are likely to cost 50 – 150 baht or more depending on the distance. 

Local bus: May be flexible with their route. 20 baht. Run from 5.30am until around 8-9pm

Bike rental. Most families will not be able to do this – but if you can, bike rental is a very cheap option. Many places start at 250 baht for 24 hours. Some places will go down to 100-200 baht. Negotiate especially if you want to rent for a few days.

Top tip: Consider car rental for a family. You can rent a small car in Chiang Mai for around £150 – £200 (7,500 – 10,000 baht) for 10 days. By the time you add up the cost of doing some of the long journeys by tuk tuk, it may be a similar price, but a lot more convenient to rent a car. Make sure that you check the license requirements for your nationality e.g. do you need an international driver’s license from your country? 

For car rental check out Chiang Mai wheels for excellent deals and friendly staff

What are the best places to eat around Chiang Mai?

There is so much amazing food available in Chiang Mai. We have already mentioned some amazing places on the itinerary – Much Room cafe, the Carp Cafe and Khom Chocolate House are all well worth a visit both for the experience and food. But there’s always more. Here are some more of the best restaurants and cafes to try in Chiang Mai:

1 Coconut Shell cafe

For super tasty and very affordable Thai dishes Check out the Coconut Shell cafe in the old town. They also run a cookery school so the food really is top end for local Thai prices.

42/4 rachamankha, Muang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 

2 Crispy pork and rice

For the BEST crispy roast pork on rice Yaowarat Chiang Mai Boiled Rice with Pork Ribs. This place is just open in the evenings from 6pm – 10.30pm and can get pretty busy at times. It is one of the best after all! Pork rice costs around 60 baht here. 

Tambon Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50300 

3 Samurai Kitchen

For a Japanese fix don’t miss Samurai Kitchen. They serve a range of sushi, sashimi and Japanese rice dishes. Open at lunch and in the evenings – it can get pretty busy here so arrive early. Everything on the menu is 59 baht. 

A, 147/149 T Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200

4 Khunkae’s Juice bar

If you’re after a super healthy treatful fix try Khunkae’s Juice Bar. They serve an impressive range of juices, smoothies and smoothie bowls. There is also a small waffle shop next door too – very tempting fresh waffles. 

19 3 Mun Mueang Rd, Si Phum Sub-district, เมือง Chiang Mai 50200

5 Fern Forest Cafe

For amazing coffee and tempting treats and an amazing ambiance check out the Fern Forest Cafe. 19 3 Mun Mueang Rd, Si Phum Sub-district, เมือง Chiang Mai 50200

6 Rock Me Burger

Because everyone needs a good burger in their life – check out Rock Me burger. Delicious juicy pates, gourmet recipes and soft fresh bread buns. If you love a good burger this is a restaurant you’re not going to want to miss. 

17, Raming Lodge Hotel & Spa, 19 Loi Kroh Rd, Tambon Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100

7 Wawee Coffee

For a relaxing coffee beside the Ping river check out Wawee Coffee.

1/2 Wat Ket, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 83000

8 Huen Phen

For a great variety of fresh northern Thai food try Huen Phen. Reasonable prices and a great spot of lunch if you’re in the old town. 

เชืยงใหม่, 112 Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang Mai District, 50200

9 Indish Restaurant Bar & Grill

If you are just missing curry we get that. Get your curry fix at Indish Restaurant Bar & Grill

15, Soi 6, Moonmuang Road, Si Phum, Chiang Mai 50200 Thailand

AND last but definitely not least… remember to check out the morning and night market at the Chiang Mai gate on the south of the old town wall. 

Make sure you try these local treats in Chiang Mai: 

• Pad thai – stir fried noodles and vegetables -very popular in Thailand
• Sai Oua – Chiang mai sausage
• Khao Soi – coconut crispy noodle curry
• Crispy roast pork rice – served with egg, rice and a marinade and soup
• Mango Sticky Rice

What do you need to pack for a trip to Chiang Mai?

Chiang is a hot climate so we recommend thin loose fit clothing. In addition to the general things that you would want to pack we also recommend the following: 

• Bring a day bag that you can pack up for day trips
• Swimming stuff and a travel towel
• Umbrella or sun hat 
• Sunglasses 
• High factor sunscreen (SPF 30 or more)
• Light scarf for sun protection and nice insta shots
• Insect repellant (ideally containing DEET) – particularly for trekking
• Long trousers for the evenings
• At least one top that covers your shoulders (temple visits)
• One warmer top for air conditioned places
• Bring sandals or flip flops and also bring some trainers or lightweight hiking shoes 
• A waterproof dry sack can be a great way to keep your valuables dry if there is a tropical downpour and you are out and about
• A breathable raincoat is recommended – try to find something with a Pertex material
• Bring a universal travel adaptor: Most plugs in Thailand have two pins. Plug types A, B or C generally work in Thailand.

Where are you going next? 

We highly recommend spending some time in Pai if you get the chance. There really are SO MANY things to do in Pai .

It is a three hour bus journey from Chiang Mai. If you’re planning a trip to Pai definitely check out our epic itinerary for Pai. As ever we also have a shorter itinerary if you have less time.

Why follow our 10 day itinerary in Chiang Mai rather than booking a tour? 

THIS 10 day itinerary in Chiang Mai is designed to help you SAVE MONEY and not miss a thing. If you book a tour to Chiang Mai through a travel agent it will cost thousands of pounds and probably wont include as many activities as we have included. If you follow our FREE itinerary in Chiang Mai we will show you how to do it step by step and save you money. This means you can fit more epic travel into your budget. 

Also tours don’t generally allow much flexibility to go at your own pace. If you use our itinerary in Chiang Mai to plan your holiday and then you fall in love with a waterfall, you can stay as long as you want without needing to panic about getting back to the bus on time. Also you can switch things around and change this itinerary to best fit the needs of yourself and your family.  

Have we helped you? 

If we have helped you plan your trip please help us by SHARING our 10 day itinerary in Chiang Mai on Facebook and using our links to book your accommodation. We use affiliate links, and this means we get a small commission for any booking made through our links – at no extra cost to you. 

We hope that this step-by-step 10 day itinerary in Chiang Mai tells you everything you need to know to have a smooth and enjoyable trip to a truly amazing part of the world. We do everything we can to make sure our travel advice is accurate, clear and relevant. If you think we have missed something important in this itinerary please let us know. What’s more, if you think there is a mistake in this itinerary please let us know.

AND FINALLY. Need more inspiration? DON’T MISS our guide on THE BEST things to do in Thailand

Life loving, adventure chasing, Mum of 3 who loves travel. Over 10 years of travel writing experience. Emma now loves to give the best tips to help other travel loving parents plan adventures with their kids. Whether you need to find the best accommodation or just need to know how to pack your bag Emma is that travelling mum who love to help you.

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Embark on a journey through Chiang Mai 's mesmerizing tapestry with our three carefully designed itineraries. From ancient temples telling the story of a majestic past, to bustling markets and the serene embrace of nature, these itineraries promise a blend of tradition, dynamism and tranquility. Be swept up in a blend of timeless charm and modern dynamism, creating memories that transcend the ordinary, in Thailand 's northern gem.

How to plan a perfect Chiang Mai itinerary

How many days is good for chiang mai, must-see places in chiang mai, itinerary #1: chiang mai sustainable trails, itinerary #2: chiang mai safari adventure.

• Itinerary #3: Thailand's Golden Triangle

When is the best time to visit Chiang Mai?

Getting to & around chiang mai, average cost per day in chiang mai, prepare for your chang mai itinerary, travel ideas for thailand.

Created by local experts

Chiang Mai Safari Adventure

The perfect trip for some family fun and adventure, lovely Chiang Mai with its lush valleys and national parks ticks all the boxes. Expect majestic cliff-top temples, sprawling national parks and exciting safari adventures.

Thailand's Islands and Highlands

Experience the best of Thailand as you discover glitzy Bangkok's temples, markets and waterways. Compare the bustling, lively capital with the glorious rolling hills and lush interior of mountainous Chiang Mai before heading south to beach bliss and unexpected cultural delights in hedonistic Phuket.

Thailand Discovery

A great way to discover Thailand, take in the Central Plain and Bangkok, the north with Chiang Mai and the south at the lively resort of Phuket.

Bangkok-Pattaya Explorer

The perfect trip for adventurers, sun seekers and lovers of island life: take in cosmopolitan Bangkok’s wats or temples, street markets and waterways. Witness the excitement of Bangkok before heading to Thailand’s east coast for island-hopping in the sunshine.

Pattaya Sun

The sandy beaches and tiny offshore islands, dense forests and hidden waterfalls are a natural draw to Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard. Pattaya abounds with activities – from watersports to international-standard golf courses.

Chiang Mai Sustainable Trails

Chiang Mai offers a balmy escape from Bangkok’s humidity. Regarded as the cultural heart of the country, come here for nature, lovely Lanna-style temples, museums and the infamous night bazaar.

Planning the perfect Chiang Mai itinerary will require you to be able to combine cultural escapades with active pastimes and serene relaxation. A good option is to start by exploring the city's historical heritage, and be sure to include a visit to Doi Inthanon National Park for a more tranquil experience.

Include in your itinerary a visit to the bustling markets, sample local cuisine, and attend a cooking class or meditation workshop to embrace the local culture. After a busy day, give yourself the opportunity for a respite, such as a quiet time at the Mae Sa waterfalls. Note, that it's also important to keep a flexible schedule for spontaneous discoveries to create the perfect balance of experiences.

Don't want to do the planning? We are here to help. Contact our Thailand travel experts to discuss your preferences and interests.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Temple, Chiang Mai, Thailand © Shutterstock

Determining the ideal length of your visit to Chiang Mai depends largely on your personal preferences and capabilities, but four or five days is the most appropriate length for exploring the city. The first two days can be spent exploring the historic Old City, visiting temples, and experiencing the local culture. 

Next days can be devoted entirely to outdoor adventures, such as trekking in Doi Suthep or interacting with elephants in the reserve. The 5 days will also allow you to leave room for spontaneous discoveries, or simply the opportunity to move at a pace that is comfortable for you without too much rush or fuss.

Make sure to check out all our Thailand itineraries and find out how to get to Thailand .

Pha Dok Siew Waterfall  © Shutterstock

Known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, Chiang Mai has several must-see places that capture the essence of this northern Thai city:

Wat Phra Singh

If you see only one temple in Chiang Mai it should be Wat Phra Singh, perhaps the single most impressive array of buildings in the city. Just inside the gate to the right, the wooden scripture repository is the best example of its kind in the north, inlaid with glass mosaic and set high on a base decorated with stucco angels.

Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Centre

Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Centre – essentially a museum with the aim of conveying the identity of the city and the region through its history, customs and culture. To this end, scale models and plenty of high-quality English-language audiovisuals are thoughtfully deployed. 

Displays include a recreated streetscape and traditional house, and a whole room devoted to the packed calendar of annual festivals in Lanna, and there’s an engaging exhibit on the hill tribes upstairs.

Elephant Nature Park

Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai is a sanctuary dedicated to the ethical treatment and conservation of elephants. Here you can interact with these gentle giants in their natural environment, and contribute to their well-being while learning about the park's vital role in saving and rehabilitating elephants.

Wat Chedi Luang

Wat Chedi Luang, a historic temple in Chiang Mai's Old City, is a massive chedi (stupa) built in the 15th century. Despite its partial destruction, it is a colourful symbol of the city's rich heritage. The temple complex is also home to a city pillar and intricate architectural details that appeal to culture lovers.

Chiang Mai Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon of Chiang Mai is a former quarry turned into a striking attraction. Surrounded by rugged cliffs, the turquoise waters of the canyon are a popular destination for cliff jumping, swimming and admiring the picturesque scenery. The canyon's unique landscape creates an exciting and refreshing experience for visitors seeking adventure and natural beauty.

Doi Inthanon National Park

Doi Inthanon National Park, crowned as Thailand's highest peak, is a natural wonder located near Chiang Mai. The park is characterised by lush landscapes, vibrant flora and stunning waterfalls. Here you can explore the peak, encounter a variety of wildlife and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the park.

Not quite sure when you would like to go? Read more about the best time to visit Thailand .

Chiang Mai Three Kings Monument © Shutterstock

Chiang Mai is the ultimate getaway from the humidity of Bangkok. On this 5-day Chiang Mai Sustainable Trails itinerary this 5-day trip, you'll explore the local nature, beautiful Lanna-style temples, museums and the infamous night bazaar.

Itinerary overview

On the first day , upon arrival, you'll embark on a magical journey through Chiang Mai at night, experiencing local life and charming sights and on day two , become an artisan as you immerse yourself in the 200-year-old craft of lacquerware making and savor the traditional Lanna style.  

On the third day , you'll discover Chiang Mai's historical treasures, learn traditional crafts and savor local cuisine, and on the fourth day , you'll embark on an eco-adventure: visit a hill tribe museum, raft down the Mae Tang River and explore rural villages. On the fifth day , your journey comes to an end and you will be taken to the airport for your flight home. Read more .

Traditional hill tribe building exterior, Chiang Mai  © Shutterstock

Check this Chiang Mai itinerary:

• Arrival in Chiang Mai & check-in to your hotel
• Chiang Mai Night Ride
• A Day as an Artisan Tour
• The Lost Treasures Tour
• Thai traditional lunch
• Eco Adventure
• Hill Tribe Museum
• Mae Tang River rafting and local village exploration
• Transfer to the airport and departure

Ready to embark on an adventure? Book your trip now .

Wat Phra Singh in Chiang Mai, Thailand. © Shutterstock

Our Chiang Mai Safari is perfect for families looking for an adventure vacation. Majestic cliff-top temples, vast national parks and thrilling safaris await.

Your adventure begins with a rest upon arrival in Chiang Mai, and on the second day you'll immerse yourself in the wonders of culture by visiting Wat Doi Suthep and exploring the city's markets. Day three immerses you in the Hmong village of Nong Khoi and Queen Sirikit Botanical Gardens, followed by a traditional Kantoke-style dinner. 

Day four adds an adventurous touch with a hot air balloon ride offering breathtaking views and an afternoon tour of local life along the Ping River and on the fifth day , your journey comes to an end and you will be taken to the airport for your flight home. Read more .

Chiang Mai cuisine © Shutterstock

• Day at leisure
• Morning tour of the City and Temples with Doi Suthep
• Street Food Tour
• Hmong Nong Hoi with Botanic Garden
• Kantoke Dinner
• Hot Air Balloon Adventure
• Local Life Afternoon Tour

Feeling curious? Take a step forward and book this trip now .

Elephants in Chiang Mai Nature Park @ Shutterstock

Itinerary #3: Thailand's Golden Triangle

On this 5-day Thailand's Golden Triangle itinerary you'll experience romance and adventure. You will travel through the verdant hills and river valleys of Thailand's lush north, exploring the markets, temples and mouth-watering northern cuisine of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai .

Begin with a traditional Khantoke dinner, immersing yourself in Northern Thai cuisine and local performances. On day two , you'll explore the Lanna Kingdom, seeing the province's main attractions, herb gardens and the Mae Ping River. 

On the third day , you will travel to Mae Kampong village, where you will experience local life and take a forest walk to a waterfall. On the fourth day , you'll head to the Golden Triangle, exploring the border areas and enjoying a longtail boat ride on the Mekong River. Finish your adventure on the fifth day by flying out of Chiang Mai Airport. Read more .

Phra That Si Chom Thong Temple , Chiang Mai, Thailand © panda3800/Shutterstock

Check this Chiang Mai itinerary covering Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai:

• Overnight in Chiang Mai
• The Lanna Kingdom Exploration
• The Temples of Chiang Mai Tour
• Mae Kampong Village Tour
• Overnight in Chiang Rai
• The Golden Triangle Tour
• Longtail boat ride on the Mekong River
• Transfer from Chiang Rai to the airport and departure

Create lasting memories in Thailand - book this trip with us .

Buddha in Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong Wora Wiharn © Valery Shanin/Shutterstock

The best time to visit Chiang Mai is usually the cool and dry season, which runs from November to early April. During this period, the weather is more comfortable, humidity is lower and temperatures are more pleasant. The months of November and December are particularly popular when the air is clear and temperatures are cool.

Avoid the rainy season, which runs from May to October, if you want outdoor sightseeing without frequent downpours. The hot season, from March to June, can be quite warm, with temperatures peaking in April.

Tips for visiting Chiang Mai in different months:

Doi Tao Lake along Mae Ping River in Thailand © Shutterstock

Traveling to Chiang Mai is convenient thanks to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX), which receives direct flights from major Asian cities. Domestic flights and buses are also available from Bangkok. 

Once in Chiang Mai, transport within the city is via tuk-tuks, red trucks (songthaews) and taxis. Renting a scooter is a popular option for exploring on your own, and there are car-sharing services in the city. 

Walking is a great way to experience the charm of the Old Town, and bikes are available to rent for those who prefer cycling. The city's compact size makes it relatively easy to navigate, with a variety of transport options to suit different preferences and budgets.

The average cost of a day in Chiang Mai can vary depending on individual preferences and habits. On average, budget travelers can spend around $25-$50, mid-level travelers can spend between $50 and $150, and those looking for luxury accommodations and experiences can spend $150 or more. These amounts usually include lodging, food, transportation, excursions, and other expenses.

Discover the beauty of Chiang Mai with the guidance of our local Thailand travel experts . We handle every detail of the planning and booking for your adventure. 

Explore our fully customizable Thailand itineraries . Whenever you're ready to set off on your journey, contact us , and we'll craft a trip to suit your desires.

Prefer to do it alone? Get yourself a copy of The Rough Guide to Thailand and, perhaps, The Rough Guide to Thailand's Beaches & Islands . Don't forget to read out Thailand travel tips !

The Rough Guides to Thailand and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Travel advice for Thailand

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Thailand

• Getting around Thailand: Transportation Tips
• Khao Sok National Park
• Eating and drinking in Thailand
• How to get to Thailand
• Travel Tips Thailand for planning and on the go
• Best time to visit Thailand

Find even more inspiration for Thailand here

written by Olga Sitnitsa

updated 05.06.2024

Online editor at Rough Guides, specialising in travel content. Passionate about creating compelling stories and inspiring others to explore the world.

Ready to travel and discover Thailand?

Get support from our local experts for stress-free planning & worry-free travels.

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7 Day Northern Thailand Road Trip: Ultimate Off the Beaten Track Itinerary

With incredible scenery, an abundance of national parks and fantastic roads, a Northern Thailand road trip is a must-do for adventure travellers!  It’s a great way to experience the country and explore regions on your own terms.

We’ve developed the ultimate off-the-beaten-track Northern Thailand road trip itinerary. On this Thailand road trip, you’re going to see a completely different part of the country (guaranteed no elephant pants here!). English is not widely spoken and you may even get a few curious stares from locals.

If you’re looking for adventure, epic scenery and want to get off the tourist trail, this is the perfect trip for you. 

Thailand Travel Resources

• Start here: Bangkok’s Top 5 Coolest Neighbourhoods
• Best islands: Koh Adang and Koh Tarutao
• Best for adventure: 4-day Chiang Mai Road Trip
• Guidebook: get a copy of Lonely Planet’s Thailand
• Getting there: search for flights to Thailand
• Where to stay: search for guesthouses, hostels and hotels
• How to get around: search for trains and buses
• Rent a car: search for great deals on car rentals
• Travel insurance: get travel insurance for your trip
• Gear: pick up a Steripen for clean water 24/7
• Money: get a Wise money card to save money in Thailand

Table of Contents

Northern Thailand Road Trip Overview

Thailand is a fantastic country for a road trip. Renting a car or hopping on a scooter to do a Northern Thailand road trip is a favourite backpacker activity, however, most people stick to a pretty well-trodden path that includes either Pai, Chiang Rai or Mae Hong Son.

Relatively few venture east, towards Laos, where this Thailand road trip itinerary takes you.

Loving all things adventure and camping, we’ve done a few multi-day Thailand road trips throughout our travels in the land of smiles. This route is one of our favourites, and we think it could be the best road trip in Thailand .

Read everything you need to know about camping in Thailand

We especially like this trip because it traverses a part of Thailand completely off the tourist trail.

In fact, when we did this trip in January 2022, we only saw two other foreigners the entire time, and we’re pretty sure that they were residents, not tourists. 

If you want to get off the beaten track, this is the Northern Thailand road trip for you.

Northern Thailand Road Trip Itinerary Breakdown

Lampang → Wiang Kosai National Park → Phrae → Khun Sathan National Park → Nan → Doi Phu Nang National Park → Phayao → Lampang

7 days / 6 nights

Accommodation

Camping and guesthouses/hotels

Check out our Epic Chiang Mai Road Trip for a shorter 4-day itinerary

When to do This Northern Thailand Road Trip

The optimal time to do this Northern Thailand road trip would be in December, but it can be done anytime between November and late January.

Due to the smokey season (starting late Jan/early Feb) and then the rainy season (June – October), you’re pretty much limited to this time window. 

You could still do the trip in February, however, it’s probably going to be somewhat unpleasant due to the onset of the smokey season. The smokey season seems to be setting in earlier and earlier each year and if it’s already quite smokey, it will affect the quality of the trip. Not only will the views be hazy and obscured, but the air quality will be pretty terrible. 

We did this in late January and the smoke was just starting to set in. It was fine, but just barely.

Northern Thailand Road Trip: Tips

It gets surprisingly pretty chilly at night in these parts of Thailand, so make sure you bring appropriate clothing and gear! Don’t worry, we’ve put together a packing list for you here . 

We’d also recommend bringing your own cooking supplies . Some of the places we camped had restaurants, but they weren’t consistent and it wouldn’t be safe to depend on them (unless you’re happy eating cold, uncooked food for dinner). 

Car or Scooter?

You can do this Northern Thailand Road Trip with either a scooter or a car – the choice is yours. If you want a breakdown of the pros and cons of each, check out our Chiang Mai Road Trip article.

If you’re going to rent a car, in our experience, it’s cheaper and easier to rent a car online. Hop over to Discover Cars for the best deals – it’s what we personally use and recommend.

Scooters can be rented in Lampang, however, as there’s not the same tourist scene as there is in Chiang Mai, you’ll find better deals and better quality scooters in Chiang Mai.

We got ours in Lampang and not only did we pay a lot more than we had on previous trips starting from Chiang Mai, but the quality of the bike was also very sub-par. (Alright, it was rubbish). 

We would recommend renting a bike at Bamboo Bikes in Chiang Mai and then driving to Lampang. (We are not affiliated with them in any way).

The Route: Northern Thailand Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: lampang to wiang kosai national park .

This Thailand road trip starts in Lampang , Chiang Mai’s cool little cousin full of so much Lanna heritage. 

Day 1 on this Northern Thailand road trip itinerary is pretty short, so you have time to get things sorted and organised before you head off. 

Read about the best things to do in Lampang

From Lampang, you head straight to your destination, Wiang Kosai National Park. 

Leaving Lampang, take Hwy 11 southeast. Here you’ll have your first encounter climbing a mountain pass, so expect a few big hills and descents. If you feel uncomfortable with the traffic, it is perfectly acceptable in Thailand for scooters to drive on the shoulder (sometimes this isn’t a choice!). 

After about 48 km you’ll arrive at a junction and take Hwy 1023 southwest. After you’ve hit the 1023 junction, the road is flat until the turn-off for Wiang Kosai National Park. 

Wiang Kosai National Park Entrance Fees

• 100 THB per person
• 20 THB per motorbike
• 100 THB per car

Camping at Wiang Kosai National Park

Wiang Kosai is a great national park to camp at. In fact, when we showed up, the ranger was so excited to show us the camping spot (looking at the picture you can see why). 

There are two camping areas in the park.

The first one you come to is much more beautiful and is set on a hill overlooking the valley. We would recommend choosing this one. The other campground is further down the road. It is fine, but set in the trees and has more of a school-camp feeling.

Camping costs 80 THB per person. 

Facilities at Wiang Kosai  

Like so many Thai national parks, the facilities at Wiang Kosai are fantastic (especially at the first campground). There are toilets (with toilet paper!), showers and even a cooking area with lights and a table. 

There’s also a restaurant, but it was closed when we were there and didn’t seem to run regular hours, so it’s best not to rely on it. 

There are also lovely-looking cabins near the visitor’s centre for around 1000 THB per night. 

Have you ever thought about camping on the beach in Thailand? Check out our guides to Koh Adang and Koh Tarutao

Things to do at Wiang Kosai National Park

Wiang Kosai is home to a very beautiful 7-tiered waterfall. You can walk up and enjoy all 7 tiers (approx 15 – 30 minutes). Although strictly not allowed, swimming at the top tier is very refreshing, but damn cold. 

You reach the waterfall trail by driving or walking down the park road until it comes to an end. The start of the trail is clearly marked.

There is also a 1 km nature trail, starting from the second campground. This weaves through the forest and ends up at the start of the waterfall. 

Day 2: Wiang Kosai National Park to Phrae 

Day 2 of this Northern Thailand road trip itinerary takes you to the lovely city of Phrae.

From Wiang Kosai National Park, take Hwy 1023. 

Make sure you take the time to stop for lunch or a snack at one of the cute roadside restaurants dotting the highway. 

For an interesting side trip, head to Tham Chakapat . This is a temple located on top of a sandstone mountain, tucked away in the rolling hills of Phrae. It is literally located in the middle of nowhere.

To get to the Buddha, you have to climb 700 steps to the temple. Once you get there, you will be rewarded with million-dollar views. 

The path up to the Buddha is located at the base of the temple where you park. The path is well-paved and easy to navigate, albeit a bit steep. If you watch your footing and take your time, you should have no problems. 

Important: when driving to Tham Chakapat, make sure you take Hwy 3046 from Hwy 1023. Do not let Google take you another way! We made the silly mistake of following Google’s directions and went down a very crazy, muddy, narrow track that was not meant for a motorbike! It was hectic, to say the least. 

Once you leave Tham Chakapat and get back on Hwy 1023, it’s a short drive to Phrae. 

Phrae is a lovely little town with ample greenery, scenic temples and a pleasant riverside location. Its residents are also fabled as the friendliest folks in Thailand!

Despite this, it’s completely off the tourist trail and it’s unlikely you’ll meet another traveller who’s even heard of it. So, a great stop on this ultimate road trip in Thailand.

Where to Stay in Phrae

Come Moon Loft Hotel

Come Moon Loft Hotel is clean and basic and the best budget option in town. You can opt to have breakfast included, but with a couple of pieces of toast and a single fried egg, we’d recommend just sorting yourself out somewhere else. 

Mid – Range

Baan I Inspire  

SuanGlangNa Homestay

Things to to do in Phrae

Most of the activities in Phrae centre around its many temples and lively markets.

Wat Pong Sunan

Wat Pong Sunan is a gloriously white temple with many small chedis on top. There’s also a giant turtle with a man standing on top, which Zandy particularly liked.  

Wat Chom Sawan

Wat Chom Sawan was constructed in 1900 and combines both the Lanna and Burmese-style architecture which is so unique to this part of Northern Thailand. This temple is located right in the heart of the city centre. 

Ban Prathap Chai

There are many teak houses to admire all over Phrae, but none match this large one near the city’s southern edge. It’s actually a reconstruction of several older houses – in this case, nine of them supported on 130 huge centuries-old teak posts.

Thung Hong Market

Thung Hong Market sells the traditional Indigo-dyed clothing specific to Northern Thailand. 

Read next: Bangkok’s Top 5 Coolest Neighbourhoods

Phrae Night Market

If you’re in Phrae over the weekend, also check out the night market. While it’s quite small, it’s a lovely vibe and has some great food.

In our opinion, never pass up a good night market!

Day 3: Phrae to Khun Sathan National Park

Day 3 of this Northern Thailand road trip itinerary is less about the sights and all about the ride. 

This section is best done if you take the smaller roads. This is because the roads leading up to Khun Sathan National Park are very, very curvy and the smaller roads have little to no traffic.

We recommend the following route: Hwy 11 – 1134 – 1342 – 1217 – 1216.  This route is an incredibly scenic ride. 

The Hwy 1342 section is incredibly remote and it’s unlikely you’ll see any other vehicles. There also aren’t any shops, villages or restaurants in this section. It’s just beautiful mountain scenery.

Once you are on Hwy 1216 and approaching Khun Sathan National Park, there are multiple hill tribe villages scattered along the mountain and lots of cute cafes and restaurants. All have incredible views and provide a great stop for a drink. A great way to take a break on the ultimate road trip in Thailand.

Khun Sathan National Park

The gate to the national park is at the bottom of a very steep road.

Khun Sathan is a very scenic national park in Thailand and we highly recommend spending a night there during this Northern Thailand road trip. It is at relative high altitude so make sure you have something to keep you warm.

Khun Sathan National Park Entrance Fees

Camping at Khun Sathan National Park

The camping area at Khun Sathan is set overlooking the valley and is incredibly scenic. We rate it as one of the best camping sites in Thailand .

Want more places to camp in Thailand? Read our Top 5 Places to Camp in Thailand

This park is very popular amongst Thai people and I have both read and heard from friends that it can get quite busy on holidays and weekends. It is better to visit mid-week, as there will be fewer people there. (When we visited mid-week, there were only 4 other tents).

Camping costs 80 THB per person.  

If you don’t have any camping gear, or just feel the cold and want a few extra items, the visitor’s centre will rent out gear. A sleeping bag, sleeping pad and pillow are all 30 THB each.

You can also rent the entire set-up (tent, 2 x sleeping pads, bags and pillows) for 400 THB (inclusive of camping fee for two people). 

There are also two sets of cabins, each with incredible views. They cost around 800 THB, depending on location. All the cabins were booked out when we were there, so if you would like to stay in one, we would recommend booking ahead.

Theoretically, you’re supposed to be able to book via the National Parks Website , however, it appears hard to navigate and we couldn’t find an option to do so. Your best bet would be to get a Thai speaker to call and arrange it for you.

Facilities at Khun Sathan National Park

As with all Thai National Parks, Khun Sathan is chock full of facilities. There is a restaurant and a cafe, and the prices are reasonable at both. For example, at the cafe, it was 50 THB for a drink.  The cafe is only open during the day but the restaurant was open into the evening as well.

There is also a small shop selling basic items. 

The bathrooms are good but were a bit rundown. Bring toilet paper. 

Things to do at Khun Sathan National Park

Khun Sathan National Park has an excellent viewpoint that is sublime for sunset. It’s a surprisingly steep walk but very short (approx 15 – 20 minutes). 

Sunrise is also excellent near the main park sign – a great way to enjoy your morning coffee.

Otherwise, this is a great place to just chill and enjoy nature. 

Day 4: Khun Sathan National Park to Nan

Day 4 on this Northern Thailand road trip itinerary is another very scenic day. You’ll end up in Nan, a remote town on the border with Laos.

From Khun Sathan, take Hwy 1216 to Na Noi. This is a scenic ride with great views from the other side of the mountain. Once you reach Na Noi, change to Hwy 1026 and from there, head straight to Nan. 

Nan is a remote town near the border with Laos and is a very popular spot for domestic tourism. That means there are plenty of attractions and plenty of places to stay in this vibrant and interesting place.

Nan is particularly popular as a nature resort destination, so if you’re willing to splash out a little bit on accommodation, you can find some very beautiful and comfortable places (and maybe extend your stay a day during this ultimate road trip in Thailand).

Where to Stay in Nan

Banban Nannan Library and Guesthome

Baan Suan Leelawadee Resort  

Nan Seasons Boutique Resort

Things to do in Nan

National museum.

You can get a sense of the region’s art at the National Museum, which occupies a mansion built in 1923 for the prince who ruled Nan, Chao Suriyapong Pharittadit.

Wat Phumin is the most popular attraction in Nan. People come to see the intricate and well-preserved 19th-century murals. The murals depict foreigners as well as the French arriving on warships. It’s definitely worth a visit. 

While you’re there, check out the innocent-looking temple. On the insane, there are some crazy murals depicting hell. It’s very weird. 

Entrance is free. 

Wat Phra That Khao Noi 

Wat Phra That Khao Noi is an epic spot to go to for sunset and views of the city. Many locals come up here at sunset to relax and enjoy the view. 

Wat Ming Muang

Close to Wat Phumin is Wat Ming Muang, Nan’s “White Temple”. This is similar to the famous one in Chaing Rai, just much smaller. It’s still pretty cute and definitely worth a visit since you’ll be strolling through the city centre anyway. 

Wat Sri Panthon

Wat Sri Panthon is Nan’s “Golden Temple”. The architecture and intricate design are beautiful, especially the 2 beautiful naga sculptures. 

Eat Fantastic Khao Soi

Get ready for the best khao soi of your life. This little restaurant, down an obscure side street, serves up what is arguably the best khao soi in Thailand. Yes, really.

We loved it so much that we went back twice in as many days and have included it as one of the highlights of our entire 2022 trip through Thailand. 

You can find the restaurant here . 

Read next: The Ultimate Chiang Dao Travel Guide

Great Markets

Nan has a few great city markets worth exploring. You can pick up some fresh produce or just stroll and people-watch. 

There is also a night market on weekends. 

Further Exploration Around Nan

Nan also makes a great jumping-off point for exploring the more remote parts of the province. Sapan and Doi Phu Ska National Park are some of the highlights.

We didn’t have the time to explore these areas but are already planning to visit them on our next trip to Thailand. If you have some extra time on your hands, we highly recommend including a trip to one of these as part of your Northern Thailand road trip.

Day 5: Nan to Doi Phu Nang National Park

Day 5 on this Northern Thailand road trip itinerary is the biggest driving day yet and continues with the theme of windy, steep roads. Whilst the roads are pretty steep and curvy, by this point on the Northern Thailand road trip, you should be used to them.

From Nan, take Hwy 1091 until you reach the junction for Hwy 1251. At this point, there are lots of clear signs directing you to Doi Phu Nang National Park. 

Hwy 1251 takes you directly to Doi Phu Nang National Park. 

Doi Phu Nang National Park

At the gate to Doi Phu Nang National Park, you’ll find a very famous and beautiful sompong tree. Stop and take a look!

We enjoyed Doi Phu Nang but felt there were some very strange vibes going on there. The entire park staff were at a minimum suspicious of us and borderline hostile, which was weird. Fortunately, most of them left at 5 pm and we didn’t have to interact with them too much. That said, we loved our camping spot and thought the waterfall was pretty epic. 

Even though the altitude is not as high as Khun Sathan, we still found that it got pretty chilly at night and was worthwhile having warm gear. 

Doi Phu Nang National Park Entrance Fees

Camping at Doi Phu Nang National Park

There are two camping areas in the park. The second (further one) is much better and more scenic as it faces the mountains. The other is basically a grassy spot in front of a parking lot. 

Camping is 80 THB per person.

If you don’t have any camping gear the visitor’s centre will rent out gear. A sleeping bag, sleeping pad and pillow are all 30 THB each.

There are also a few cabins in the park but we were not able to get any information on the price. The staff were extremely unfriendly here and actually seemed suspicious of us so they weren’t the most forthcoming with information. 

Explore Khao Sok National Park in Thailand’s south

Facilities at Doi Phu Nang National Park

Doi Phu Nang National Park has pretty standard national park facilities. The toilet block was clean and there was a designated cooking area. 

There is a restaurant but it is only open during the day, so you will need to arrange your own food for the evening.

Things to Do at Doi Phu Nang National Park

Than sawan waterfall.

Than Sawan waterfall is really spectacular. It has a real ‘garden of Eden’ feeling going on. You can swim in the waterfall.

Doi Phu Nang Nature Trail

There is a very short nature trail around the park. It’s just okay. Do it, since you’re there, but don’t expect anything amazing. 

Day 6: Doi Phu Nang National Park to Phayao

This is a great day on this Northern Thailand road trip itinerary. The first half of the ride is more mountain passes and as you approach, you can see the hills you’re riding into. The scenery is spectacular, which makes it very enjoyable. 

After you descend the last pass, the final 30 km or so are pretty flat and easy. Enjoy the flat and easy while you have it! 

Phayao 

Phayao is an absolutely gorgeous city with some serious European vibes happening. It’s one of our favourite cities in Thailand and one of the top hidden gems in Thailand .

If you want a rest day on the Northern Thailand road trip, Phayao is a place we’d definitely recommend spending some time in.  In fact, we loved it so much, we did just that.

Where to Stay in Phayao

Khun Tum Farmstay

We stayed at Tum’s Farmstay and absolutely loved it. Tum is a very friendly man and the cabins are great value.

His son runs a very popular cafe on the same property. Being a farm stay, the location is slightly out of town, but you have a bike (or car) to get around anyways, so it shouldn’t be too much of a problem.

Siri Garden

M2 Hotel Waterside  

Things to do in Phayao

For such a little and unknown place, Phayao has lots to keep you busy for a couple of days. Wat Tilok Aram (the Lake Temple), strolling along the lakeside and the Huai Pha Kiang Rock Sculpture Garden are a few of Phayao’s attractions.

Read our complete Phayao guide for the complete low-down on all the things to do in Phayao .

Day 7: Phayao to Lampang 

After many days of mountain passes, the return journey on this Northern Thailand road trip itinerary is pretty easy, relatively flat and straight. Follow Hwy 1 (the main highway) all the way back to Lampang. The distance is 139 km and should take anywhere between 2 – 3 hours.

There are some cool sites to see along the way to break up the journey as you finish up this ultimate road trip in Thailand. 

Tham Pha Thai National Park

At Tham Pha Thai National Park you can find an interesting cave temple. From the parking lot, it’s a bit of a walk up a set of stairs.

The cave is really interesting, with a Buddha statue and other devotional items inside.

There is a large sign on the highway directing you to the park.

Entrance is free.

Wat Chong Kham

Wat Chong Kham is really cool. It’s a new temple and looks like a mix between an Aztec temple and a Scientology church. 

Considering travel insurance for your trip to Thailand? Shop for plans at SafetyWing

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you buy or book anything through them, we’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us run this website and create comprehensive guides to help you get off the beaten track. We only recommend products and/or services that we use ourselves and trust. 

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How to Travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai: Best Ways, Tips & Booking Guide

To travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, choose from these options: 1. Train (11-15 hours) – Best for comfort. 2. Bus (9-11 hours) – Cost-effective. 3. Flight (1 hour) – Quickest choice. 4. Ferry (time varies) – Scenic route. 5. Itinerary (plan ahead) – Ensure smooth travel. Consider cost, comfort, and duration when selecting your method.

When planning your trip, consider booking your travel in advance. This approach secures better prices and availability, particularly during peak seasons. Check online platforms for promotions, and read reviews to select reputable transport providers. Each method offers unique experiences, so choose according to your preferences.

Understanding these travel options lays the foundation for a rewarding journey. Next, we will explore the essential tips for a smooth transition between Bangkok and Chiang Mai. These tips will enhance your travel experience, ensuring you arrive ready to explore the wonders of northern Thailand.

Table of Contents

What Are the Main Transportation Options for Traveling from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?

The main transportation options for traveling from Bangkok to Chiang Mai include flights, trains, buses, and private car rentals.

• Private Car Rentals

Choosing the best mode of transportation depends on factors like budget, time constraints, and personal preferences. Each option offers distinct advantages and disadvantages that can influence travel experiences.

Flights : Flights offer the fastest way to travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. A direct flight typically takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Major airlines, including Thai Airways and AirAsia, operate several flights daily. Booking in advance can yield lower fares, while last-minute prices may be significantly higher. The Don Mueang International Airport and Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok serve as the departure points. Travelers often prefer flights for convenience, especially those with tight schedules.

Trains : Trains provide a scenic and comfortable journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. The train ride can last between 10 to 14 hours, depending on the type of service. Options range from air-conditioned sleeper trains to more basic seating arrangements. The State Railway of Thailand offers both night and daytime trains. Train travel allows passengers to enjoy picturesque landscapes and socialize with fellow travelers. However, it requires more time compared to a flight, which may not be suitable for every traveler.

Buses : Buses are an economical choice for traveling to Chiang Mai. The journey usually takes about 10 to 12 hours. Several bus companies operate from various terminals in Bangkok, with options ranging from standard to luxury coaches. Buses provide an affordable way to reach Chiang Mai, appealing to budget travelers. However, the longer travel time may be a downside for some. Passengers can also enjoy amenities like Wi-Fi in luxury buses, making the trip more comfortable.

Private Car Rentals : Renting a car allows travelers to explore Thailand at their own pace. Driving from Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes about 9 to 12 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Renting a car can be ideal for those looking to visit attractions along the route, such as Ayutthaya or Sukhothai. However, the cost of rental and fuel, along with the need for driving in unfamiliar conditions, may deter some travelers. Additionally, parking and navigating city traffic can add stress to the journey.

Overall, each transportation option presents different characteristics and practicalities tailored to the passenger’s needs.

How Can You Travel by Air from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?

You can travel by air from Bangkok to Chiang Mai by taking a direct flight with several airlines offering this route, resulting in a short travel time of about one hour and fifteen minutes.

Several key points highlight how to accomplish this travel efficiently:

Direct Flights: Numerous airlines provide direct flights between Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Airlines such as Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, and AirAsia offer regular service. Many flights operate daily, ensuring travelers have ample options for scheduling and affordability.

Flight Duration: The flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes approximately one hour and fifteen minutes. This time is significantly shorter when compared to road travel, making flying a convenient choice for many travelers.

Departure and Arrival Airports: The departure airport in Bangkok is Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) or Don Mueang International Airport (DMK), while the arrival airport in Chiang Mai is Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX). Both airports provide modern facilities and services for travelers.

Ticket Pricing: Prices for flights can vary based on the airline and the time of booking. For example, budget airlines may offer tickets starting at approximately 1,000 THB ($30 USD) if booked in advance. Prices may increase closer to travel dates, especially during peak seasons.

Check-In Requirements: Travelers are recommended to arrive at the airport at least one hour before departure. This timeframe allows for check-in and security screening processes, ensuring passengers board their flights without stress.

Online Booking: Most airlines offer online booking options, providing convenience for users. Websites and mobile applications allow travelers to compare prices and schedules easily. Conducting a search on sites like Skyscanner or Google Flights can help find the best deals.

By following these points, travelers can efficiently plan their air travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, making the most of their journey with minimal hassle.

What Are the Key Advantages of Flying from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?

Flying from Bangkok to Chiang Mai offers several key advantages that cater to various traveler needs.

• Time Efficiency
• Frequent Flight Availability
• Cost-Effectiveness
• Scenic Views
• Comfort and Convenience

The benefits of flying from Bangkok to Chiang Mai position air travel as an appealing option for many.

Time Efficiency: Time efficiency plays a crucial role in choosing flights. The flight duration from Bangkok to Chiang Mai averages just over one hour. This is significantly faster compared to alternative travel methods, such as bus or train, which can take 10 to 15 hours. This quick travel time allows travelers to maximize their time exploring Chiang Mai. For example, instead of spending an entire day on the road, travelers can arrive early and engage in activities like visiting temples or enjoying local cuisine.

Frequent Flight Availability: Frequent flight availability is an important factor for travelers. Many airlines operate multiple flights daily between Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Major carriers, such as Thai Airways and AirAsia, provide flexibility in scheduling. Passengers can choose flights that suit their timetables without needing to plan extensively. Availability on varying times allows last-minute bookings as travelers adapt to changing plans.

Cost-Effectiveness: Cost-effectiveness enhances the attractiveness of flying. Although ticket prices can fluctuate based on demand, discounts and promotions are common for flights between these two cities. Booking in advance can yield substantial savings, making air travel an attractive option compared to the costs associated with long-distance bus or train travel. A study from the Airports of Thailand (AOT) in 2022 showed that budget airlines often offer fares starting as low as $20, which is competitive compared to ground transportation.

Scenic Views: Scenic views during flights are an added bonus. Passengers flying over Thailand’s landscapes can enjoy breathtaking views of mountains, rivers, and cityscapes from the air. These views become a memorable part of the journey, enhancing the travel experience. For many, this aerial perspective adds value beyond mere transportation.

Comfort and Convenience: Comfort and convenience greatly elevate the flying experience. Air travel typically offers more amenities than ground transportation, such as air conditioning, onboard refreshments, and comfortable seating. These factors can make the journey more enjoyable, especially for families or travelers with limited mobility. Airports often provide easy access to services and facilities, such as lounges or dining options, which improve overall travel comfort.

In summary, flying from Bangkok to Chiang Mai provides significant advantages concerning time, frequency, cost, scenic appreciation, and comfort.

How Can You Travel by Train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?

You can travel by train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai by purchasing tickets through the State Railway of Thailand, boarding the train at Hua Lamphong Station, and enjoying a scenic route that takes approximately 12 to 15 hours.

To elaborate on this travel method, consider the following details:

Ticket Purchase : Tickets can be purchased online through the State Railway of Thailand’s website or at Hua Lamphong Station. It is advisable to book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. Prices vary depending on class and availability.

Departure Station : The main train station in Bangkok is Hua Lamphong Station. This station is well connected to the city’s public transportation system, making it easy to reach.

Train Options : There are several train services available. These include:

• Special Express Trains : These trains offer faster travel times and more comfortable seating with air conditioning.

Rapid and Ordinary Trains : These are more budget-friendly options. The travel time is longer due to more stops along the way.

Travel Duration : The journey takes between 12 to 15 hours. This duration varies based on the type of train selected and the specific schedule. Night trains are popular as they save on accommodation costs and provide a unique experience.

Onboard Amenities : Many trains offer various amenities such as dining cars, Wi-Fi connections, and sleeper carriages. Sleeper options allow passengers to rest comfortably during the long journey.

Scenic Views : The trip from Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes you through beautiful landscapes, including mountains, forests, and rural areas, providing a rich visual experience.

Arrival Station : The journey concludes at Chiang Mai Railway Station, which is conveniently located near the city center. Public taxis and tuk-tuks are available for connection to accommodation and attractions.

By following these steps, traveling by train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai offers a comfortable and enjoyable experience while taking in the scenic beauty of Thailand.

What Are the Benefits of Train Travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?

The benefits of train travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai are numerous. Travelers enjoy comfort, scenic views, and affordability, making it an appealing option for various types of travelers.

• Cost-effectiveness
• Eco-friendliness
• Cultural Experience
• Connectivity

Train travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai offers several advantages.

Comfort : Train travel provides spacious seating and sleeping options. Passengers can stretch out and move around, unlike cramped bus or airplane seats. Many trains offer sleeper cars with beds for overnight journeys, enhancing the travel experience.

Scenic Views : Train routes through Thailand showcase breathtaking landscapes. Travelers witness lush greenery, mountains, and rural villages along the way. This visual experience contributes to the journey’s enjoyment, setting it apart from air travel.

Cost-effectiveness : Train tickets are generally more affordable than flights, especially when booked in advance. This benefit is significant for budget-conscious travelers. For example, tickets can start as low as 800 Thai Baht (about $24 USD) for second-class seats.

Eco-friendliness : Train travel is recognized for its lower environmental impact compared to cars and planes. Trains produce less carbon dioxide per passenger, contributing to greener travel options. This attribute appeals to eco-conscious travelers aiming to reduce their carbon footprint.

Cultural Experience : Traveling by train allows for a closer interaction with local culture. Passengers can meet fellow travelers and locals, share experiences, and enjoy traditional meals from onboard vendors. This aspect deepens the understanding of Thai culture.

Connectivity : The train system in Thailand offers excellent connectivity. Trains frequently depart from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, providing flexibility for travel schedules. Many travelers appreciate this convenience as it allows easier planning and spontaneity in their journeys.

Traveling by train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai combines various benefits, making it a preferred choice for many.

How Can You Travel by Bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?

You can travel by bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai by choosing a reputable bus company, purchasing a ticket, and enjoying a scenic journey that typically lasts 10 to 12 hours.

To break this down into more detailed steps:

Choose a Bus Company : Various companies operate this route. Notable options include: – Green Bus : Known for comfort, with reclining seats and onboard snacks. – Nakhonchai Air : Offers luxury services, including spacious seats and refreshments. – Sombat Tour : A popular choice that provides meals and blankets.

Purchase a Ticket : You have several options for buying tickets: – Online : Use official websites or travel booking platforms like 12Go or BusOn. This method is convenient and allows for seat selection. – Bus Terminals : You can buy tickets at major terminals like Mo Chit Bus Station in Bangkok. It’s advisable to arrive early to secure your preferred departure time.

Departure Points : Buses from Bangkok typically depart from Mo Chit Bus Terminal, located in the northern part of the city. Ensure you know how to reach this terminal in advance.

Travel Duration : The journey usually takes between 10 to 12 hours. This duration allows for one or two stops for rest breaks, meals, and bathroom breaks. Prepare for nighttime travel which is common on this route.

Onboard Experience : Buses often provide comfortable seating, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and sometimes meals or snacks. Bring entertainment, such as books or downloaded movies, to pass the time.

Arrival in Chiang Mai : Most buses arrive at Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Station, located a few kilometers from the city center. You can use local taxis or ride-hailing apps like Grab to reach your accommodation.

Traveling by bus is an affordable and efficient way to experience the journey between these two popular Thai destinations.

What Should You Consider About Bus Travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?

When considering bus travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, several important factors come into play.

• Travel Time
• Comfort Level
• Bus Services
• Departure and Arrival Locations
• Travel Experience
• Safety and Security
• Luggage Policies
• Environmental Impact

Understanding these factors is essential for making an informed decision about your bus travel options.

Travel Time : Travel time from Bangkok to Chiang Mai typically ranges from 10 to 15 hours. This duration can vary based on traffic conditions, the specific route taken, and the type of bus service chosen. Overnight buses are popular, allowing travelers to sleep during the journey and save on accommodation costs.

Comfort Level : Comfort levels can differ significantly between bus companies. Many offer VIP services with larger seats, more legroom, and additional amenities such as blankets and refreshments. Standard buses may have less space and fewer conveniences, making it crucial to choose one that best suits your comfort preferences.

Cost : The cost of bus tickets from Bangkok to Chiang Mai varies based on the bus type and service. Typical prices range from 500 to 1,500 Thai Baht (approximately $15 to $45 USD). Factors like booking in advance or choosing luxury services can influence the final price.

Bus Services : A range of bus companies service the route, including government-operated and private operators. Popular companies include Green Bus, Nakhonchai Air, and Sombat Tour. Researching and comparing options can help find the best service for your needs.

Departure and Arrival Locations : Buses depart from various locations in Bangkok, such as Mo Chit Bus Terminal and Ekkamai Eastern Bus Terminal. Arrival locations in Chiang Mai can also vary. Familiarizing yourself with these terminals is important for effective travel planning.

Travel Experience : Travel experiences can significantly impact the overall journey. Some travelers appreciate the scenic views along the route, while others may find long hours uncomfortable. Reading reviews and seeking recommendations can provide insight into different experiences on specific services.

Safety and Security : Safety concerns, such as bus accidents or theft, should be at the forefront of your mind. Choosing reputable bus companies with safety measures can help mitigate risks. It is also advisable to keep personal belongings secure during travel.

Luggage Policies : Luggage policies often differ among bus operators. Most allow a standard amount of luggage but may charge extra fees for additional bags or larger items. Always review the policies beforehand to avoid unexpected charges.

Environmental Impact : Bus travel is generally considered more environmentally friendly than flying or driving alone. However, the overall carbon footprint may vary depending on the type and occupancy of the bus. Choosing buses with higher occupancy can further reduce individual environmental impact.

By considering these aspects, you can make informed decisions to enhance your bus travel experience from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.

How Can You Choose the Best Travel Method from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?

To choose the best travel method from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, consider factors such as cost, travel time, comfort, and convenience. Each mode of transport offers different advantages based on these factors.

Air Travel : Flights from Bangkok to Chiang Mai are quick, typically lasting about 1.5 hours. They are often more expensive than other options. However, airlines like Thai Airways and AirAsia frequently offer competitive prices and sales. Booking in advance can yield savings. According to data from the Airports of Thailand, approximately 50 flights operate daily on this route.

Train : Train travel offers a scenic journey. Trains depart several times a day from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Station. Travel time can range from 12 to 15 hours, depending on the train type, with sleeper options available for added comfort. The State Railway of Thailand provides different classes to match various budgets. Prices start around 800 baht for a second-class sleeper ticket.

Bus : Buses provide a cost-effective option. They take about 10 to 12 hours to reach Chiang Mai from Bangkok. Multiple bus companies operate this route with varying levels of comfort. Prices generally range from 500 to 1,000 baht. Travelers should check for VIP buses for a more comfortable experience.

Car Rental : Renting a car allows for personal flexibility. The drive covers about 700 kilometers and takes roughly 10 hours. This option is ideal for those who wish to explore along the way. However, consider fuel costs, tolls, and the potential for traffic, particularly near cities.

Personal Preferences : Match your travel choice to your personal preferences. If you prioritize speed, flying is best. For a low-budget option, buses or trains may be preferable. If comfort and scenic views are essential, consider train travel or renting a car.

Overall, evaluating these factors—cost, travel time, comfort, and personal preferences—will help in selecting the most appropriate travel method from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.

What Factors Should Influence Your Decision Between Air, Train, and Bus?

Choosing between air, train, and bus travel requires careful consideration of various factors. Each mode of transportation offers unique benefits and drawbacks that can affect your travel experience.

Factors to consider in your decision between air, train, and bus include:

• Convenience
• Scenic Value
• Frequency of Service
• Accessibility

Considering these factors can help clarify what best meets your needs and preferences. Each travel mode has distinct features and consequences that influence your overall experience.

Travel Time : Travel time varies significantly across air, train, and bus. Air travel is typically the fastest method over long distances. According to a study by the U.S. Department of Transportation (2020), flights can reduce travel time by up to 70% compared to buses for distances over 300 miles. Train travel can be competitive on certain routes, allowing access to city centers without lengthy airport transfers. Buses usually take the longest time, especially for long-haul trips.

Cost : Cost is a critical factor for many travelers. Bus travel usually offers the most economical fares, frequently undercutting both air and train tickets. A report by the American Bus Association (2019) indicated that intercity bus tickets are often 40-60% cheaper than comparable train or flight tickets. Airfares can be influenced by demand and advanced booking, while train prices can vary based on class and peak travel times.

Comfort : Comfort levels differ across travel modes. Airlines generally provide limited legroom and less personal space, especially in economy class. On the other hand, trains often offer more spacious seating and the ability to move around, according to a Eurostar consumer survey (2021). Buses can vary widely in comfort based on the operator but typically offer less room than trains.

Convenience : Convenience includes factors like location and ease of booking. Airports are often located outside city centers, requiring additional transport. Train stations tend to be centrally located, which can simplify travel logistics. Many bus services also provide convenient pick-up locations. Booking options differ as well; trains and buses tend to have more flexible schedules compared to air travel, which often requires advance reservations.

Scenic Value : Scenic value can enhance the travel experience, particularly in regions with beautiful landscapes. Train routes often traverse picturesque scenery not visible by road or air. For instance, the Glacier Express in Switzerland is renowned for its stunning views. Bus journeys can also offer scenic routes, while flights provide a limited view of landscapes below.

Environmental Impact : Transportation modes differ significantly in their carbon footprint. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA, 2021), air travel has the highest emissions per passenger-kilometer, while trains are generally the most eco-friendly option. Buses typically fall in between, being more efficient than planes but less so than trains.

Frequency of Service : Frequency of service can affect the convenience of travel. Bus and train services may operate more frequently, especially on popular routes, while flights can be limited in certain regions. A report by the Railway Technology Group (2022) indicated that major train lines in Europe offer services every 30 minutes during peak hours, ensuring flexibility for travelers.

Accessibility : Accessibility refers to how easy it is for people with disabilities to use each mode of transport. Most trains and buses are equipped with facilities to accommodate passengers with mobility needs. However, air travel varies significantly by airline. Studies from the National Council on Disability (2020) indicate that there are still challenges in providing uniform accessibility in airports.

By evaluating these factors, travelers can make informed decisions while weighing their preferences against practical considerations for their journey.

How Do Travel Times Compare for Different Transportation Options?

Travel times for different transportation options vary significantly, influencing the choice of how to travel. Buses, trains, cars, and flights often present unique advantages and disadvantages in terms of duration.

Buses: Bus travel typically offers a slower journey. For instance, a bus ride from Bangkok to Chiang Mai can take approximately 10 to 12 hours. This method is usually cost-effective but can be uncomfortable on long trips, as highlighted by a 2022 Transportation Research report by Smith.

Trains: Train services in Thailand provide a more leisurely experience. The time taken for a train journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai averages around 12 to 14 hours. However, train travel offers scenic views and varied classes, making it a popular choice among tourists (Jones, 2023).

Cars: Traveling by car allows for a flexible schedule. Driving from Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes around 9 to 10 hours, depending on traffic and stops. A personal vehicle can offer convenience, especially for group travels (Lee, 2023).

Flights: Air travel is the fastest option, with flight durations of approximately 1.5 hours. However, when including check-in and transfer times, the total travel time increases to about 4 to 5 hours. Flights can be more expensive, but they save considerable time, supporting the findings of the 2023 Air Travel Study by Johnson.

Each mode of transportation brings different benefits and constraints. These factors must be considered when planning travel between Bangkok and Chiang Mai to select the best option suited to individual preferences and budgets.

What Are the Best Tips for Booking a Trip from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?

To book a trip from Bangkok to Chiang Mai effectively, consider the following tips and options.

• Compare transportation methods.
• Book in advance.
• Check for discounts and promotions.
• Choose the right season.
• Read reviews and recommendations.
• Stay flexible with dates.
• Use reputable booking platforms.

Understanding these factors will enhance your travel experience.

Compare Transportation Methods : Comparing transportation methods involves evaluating options such as flights, trains, and buses. Each option offers distinct advantages and disadvantages. Flights are the fastest, taking about one hour, but may be more expensive. Trains offer scenic views and a comfortable journey, while buses are often the cheapest option but take significantly longer. For example, the 2020 survey by the Thai Tourism Authority suggests travelers prefer trains for their comfort and affordability.

Book in Advance : Booking in advance ensures better prices and availability. Popular travel times, such as holidays, often see higher prices and full bookings. When traveling during peak seasons, consider booking your tickets at least two to three weeks prior to your trip. According to a 2022 study by Travel + Leisure, early bookers can save up to 30% on transportation costs.

Check for Discounts and Promotions : Checking for discounts and promotions can lead to considerable savings. Various airlines and transportation services run promotions throughout the year. Websites like Agoda or Skyscanner often list special deals. A post from Booking.com in 2023 revealed that travelers who seek promotional codes can save an average of 15% on their bookings.

Choose the Right Season : Choosing the right season impacts your travel experience. The best time to visit Chiang Mai is during the cool season from November to February. The weather is pleasant, making it ideal for sightseeing. However, visiting during the rainy season (July to October) often leads to fewer tourists and better rates, albeit with unpredictable weather. The Thai Meteorological Department states that the average temperature in Chiang Mai during the cool season hovers around 20°C (68°F).

Read Reviews and Recommendations : Reading reviews and recommendations from previous travelers is crucial. Websites such as TripAdvisor and Google Reviews provide valuable insights into transportation options and experiences. According to a 2021 report by the International Journal of Tourism Research, 85% of travelers consider reviews from other tourists before booking.

Stay Flexible with Dates : Staying flexible with travel dates can lead to better rates. If possible, avoid weekends or holidays when prices surge. Tools like Google Flights allow users to compare fares on different days easily. Research from Expedia in 2023 shows that travelers who adjust their departure dates by one or two days can save an average of 20%.

Use Reputable Booking Platforms : Using reputable booking platforms ensures safety and reliability. Platforms like 12Go Asia and Klook are popular for Southeast Asia travel. They provide comprehensive options and customer support. A 2022 customer satisfaction survey from Consumer Reports indicated that users of reputable platforms had a 95% satisfaction rate with their booking experiences.

When Is the Best Time to Book Travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?

The best time to book travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is typically between one to three months in advance. This timeframe allows you to secure better deals on flights and accommodations. Booking too early, such as six months ahead, may not provide the best rates, as prices can fluctuate.

When planning your trip, consider the season. The peak travel season runs from November to February, when many tourists visit. Prices during this time often rise due to demand. Booking your travel during the low season, from June to October, can yield lower prices but may come with occasional rain.

Monitor flight and hotel prices regularly. Many travel websites and apps allow you to set alerts for price drops. Being flexible with your travel dates can also lead to better deals.

In summary, aim to book one to three months before your travel date, be mindful of the peak season, and use price alert tools to find the best opportunities.

Which Websites or Apps Are Ideal for Booking Your Journey?

Various websites and apps are ideal for booking your journey. The most popular options include:

• Online Travel Agencies (OTAs)
• Airlines’ Official Websites
• Accommodation Booking Sites
• Car Rental Services
• Trip Planning Apps

These platforms offer diverse features and benefits for travelers. Understanding their differences will help you choose the best option for your journey.

Online Travel Agencies (OTAs): Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) provide a convenient platform for booking flights, hotels, and rental cars. Examples include Expedia, Booking.com, and Kayak. These sites often compare prices across multiple airlines and hotels, helping users find the best deals. According to a report by Phocuswright (2021), OTAs account for about 39% of total online travel bookings.

Airlines’ Official Websites: Airlines’ official websites allow customers to book flights directly with the airline. This option often includes exclusive promotions and discounts not available on third-party sites. For instance, Southwest Airlines emphasizes that booking directly may provide more flexible options. Additionally, booking directly can result in better customer service and support.

Accommodation Booking Sites: Accommodation booking sites like Airbnb and Hotels.com cater specifically to travelers seeking lodging. These platforms offer a range of options from hotels to vacation rentals. A 2022 study by STR, Inc. showed that alternative accommodations, like those found on Airbnb, have become increasingly popular due to the unique experiences they offer.

Car Rental Services: Car rental services, such as Hertz and Enterprise, enable travelers to secure a vehicle for their trip. Many of these companies offer apps for easy booking and management. According to a 2023 survey by Statista, over 60% of travelers prefer rental apps for booking convenience.

Trip Planning Apps: Trip planning apps like TripIt and Google Trips help travelers plan their entire itinerary. These platforms consolidate travel information in one place, making trip management easy. Case studies reveal that users find significant time savings and organizational improvements when utilizing such tools.

In summary, each platform serves distinct purposes and caters to varied traveler needs. By understanding the features of each, you can make informed decisions on how to book your next journey.

What Are the Typical Costs of Traveling from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?

Traveling from Bangkok to Chiang Mai typically costs between $20 to $90, depending on the mode of transport and additional factors.

Here are the main transportation options and their typical costs: 1. Bus 2. Train 3. Flight 4. Private Car 5. Minivan

Traveling from Bangkok to Chiang Mai involves various transportation methods, each with its own cost implications and experiences.

Bus : The bus is a budget-friendly option for traveling from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Buses from the Mo Chit Bus Terminal offer different classes, including standard and VIP services. Prices generally range from $20 to $25. The journey takes around 10 to 12 hours.

Train : The train offers a unique experience with scenic views along the way. Prices vary from about $25 for a fan-cooled seat to $60 for a second-class sleeper cabin. Travel time is approximately 12 to 15 hours. Seat61, a travel website, notes that overnight trains can provide a cozy and culturally immersive way to travel.

Flight : Flights provide the fastest option, with prices typically ranging from $30 to $90. However, the cost fluctuates based on how early you book and the airline. The flight duration is about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Airlines like AirAsia andThai Lion Air offer budget flights that can be economically advantageous if booked in advance.

Private Car : Renting a car for the journey allows for flexibility and stopovers. Costs can vary but generally range from $50 to $100 per day, excluding fuel. It takes about 9 to 11 hours to drive, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Minivan : Minivans offer a shared travel option, connecting passengers quickly. Typical costs range from $25 to $35, with a travel time of around 8 to 10 hours. This option may feel cramped but often provides fewer delays compared to buses.

Choosing the right option depends on client needs, budget, and travel preferences, underscoring the diverse experiences available when traveling between these two vibrant cities.

How Much Should You Expect to Pay for a Flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?

You can expect to pay between 1,000 to 3,000 Thai Baht (approximately $30 to $90 USD) for a flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. The average price for a one-way ticket is around 1,500 Thai Baht ($45 USD). This price varies based on several factors, including the airline, time of booking, and season of travel.

The cost can be influenced by the following subcategories:

Airlines : Low-cost carriers, such as AirAsia and Nok Air, typically offer cheaper flights than full-service airlines like Thai Airways. Low-cost airlines can have prices starting around 1,000 Thai Baht, while full-service options might range from 2,500 to 3,000 Baht.

Booking Timeframe : Booking a flight several weeks in advance usually yields lower prices. Last-minute bookings may result in higher fares, potentially exceeding 3,000 Baht due to limited availability.

Seasonal Variations : Prices tend to rise during peak tourist seasons. For example, flights may be more expensive during holidays or festivals, such as Songkran in April and the Loy Krathong festival in November.

For illustration, a traveler who books a flight two months in advance during the low season may pay around 1,200 Baht. In contrast, someone booking a last-minute flight during the high season could pay upwards of 3,000 Baht for the same route.

Other factors influencing flight prices include airline promotions, additional fees for luggage, and the travel class chosen. It is also important to consider airport transfer costs, as both Bangkok and Chiang Mai have multiple airports.

In summary, flights from Bangkok to Chiang Mai typically range from 1,000 to 3,000 Thai Baht, with variability based on the airline, advance booking, and travel season. Travelers should monitor prices and book in advance to secure the best rates. For further exploration, consider checking airline websites for promotions or using fare comparison tools to find the best deals.

What Are the Average Prices for Train and Bus Tickets from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?

Average prices for train and bus tickets from Bangkok to Chiang Mai vary based on the type of service. Train tickets range from approximately 500 to 2,000 Thai Baht, while bus tickets cost between 400 and 1,200 Thai Baht.

Train services: – Sleeper class – Ordinary class – First-class

Bus services: – VIP buses – Standard buses – Night buses

Travelers have different preferences for transportation. Some prefer the comfort of trains, while others find buses more convenient. Train travel provides scenic views, whereas buses may offer more frequent schedules. Both options suit various budgets and travel styles.

Train services: Train services from Bangkok to Chiang Mai include sleeper class, ordinary class, and first-class options. Sleeper class tickets, costing around 1,000-2,000 Thai Baht, provide beds for overnight travel. Ordinary class tickets, priced between 500-800 Baht, offer basic seating but can be less comfortable for long journeys. First-class tickets may offer additional amenities and comfort for about 1,500-2,000 Baht.

The State Railway of Thailand (2023) indicates that train travel can take approximately 12 to 14 hours, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a leisurely journey. The scenic views along the route are a significant attraction for many travelers.

Bus services: Bus services from Bangkok to Chiang Mai consist of VIP, standard, and night buses. VIP buses provide reclining seats, snacks, and sometimes onboard entertainment. Prices for VIP buses range from 800-1,200 Baht. Standard buses are the most economical option, costing around 400-600 Baht and generally offer fewer amenities. Night buses are popular for booking overnight trips and can cost between 600-900 Baht.

According to the Transport Company of Thailand (2023), buses typically take around 10 to 12 hours, making them a faster alternative to trains. Passengers appreciate bus travel for its convenience and frequency, with buses departing multiple times daily.

Both train and bus experiences from Bangkok to Chiang Mai cater to different consumer preferences regarding comfort and cost.

What Should You Prepare for Your Journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?

To prepare for your journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, you should organize your travel documents, choose your transportation mode, pack appropriate clothing, and plan for meals and accommodations.

• Travel Documents
• Transportation Mode
• Accommodations

Preparing your trip involves considering various perspectives and opinions related to each point.

1. Travel Documents: Travel documents include your passport, identification, and transportation tickets. It is crucial to have these organized prior to departure. Some travelers may find it helpful to create a digital backup of these documents. Security experts recommend carrying physical and electronic copies for safety.

2. Transportation Mode: Choosing a transportation mode can vary based on personal preferences and budget. Options include flights, buses, and trains. Flights are faster but generally more expensive. Buses offer affordability, while trains provide scenic views. Some travelers prefer the comfort of overnight trains that save time on accommodation.

3. Clothing: Clothing selection is vital. Chiang Mai experiences cooler weather than Bangkok, especially during the evenings and winter months. Travelers should pack lightweight layers and comfortable shoes for walking. Opinions differ; some prefer packing formal attire for potential events, while others advocate for casual wear.

4. Meals: Planning meals ahead can enhance the travel experience. Chiang Mai is known for its vibrant street food scene and local cuisine. Travelers might consider food tours or cooking classes. However, some might opt for familiar restaurants due to dietary restrictions or preferences.

5. Accommodations: Selecting accommodations requires individual preference considerations, including budget and location. Options range from luxury hotels to budget hostels. Some travelers prefer staying in the Old City for accessibility. Others prioritize quieter areas, avoiding tourism crowds.

When preparing for your journey, it’s essential to thoughtfully consider these factors to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.

What Essential Items Should You Pack Based on Your Chosen Transportation Method?

To pack effectively based on your chosen transportation method, consider the specific requirements and limitations of each mode of travel. This ensures a comfortable and hassle-free journey.

• Train Travel
• Bicycle Travel

Each transportation method presents unique packing needs due to different space allowances, accessibility, and convenience. Understanding these needs can enhance comfort and lower stress during travel.

Air Travel : Packing for air travel requires consideration of airline regulations. Each airline enforces a specific limit on the size and weight of carry-on luggage. Generally, a suitcase measuring 22 x 14 x 9 inches and weighing no more than 40 pounds is acceptable for most airlines. Essential items to pack include identification documents, electronic devices, and travel-sized toiletries. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), travelers should also include a light jacket or sweater because of variable aircraft temperatures.

Train Travel : Packing for a train journey offers more space than air travel but less than road travel. Passengers are encouraged to bring snacks, a travel pillow, and entertainment. The National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) suggests bringing a small suitcase, as they have a generous luggage policy allowing two carry-ons as well as checked baggage. It’s wise to pack a personal umbrella or raincoat in case of weather changes.

Bus Travel : Bus travel often involves limited space for luggage, usually one carry-on and one checked bag. According to Greyhound, essential items include water, snacks, and any required medications. Comfort is key; travelers should consider bringing a neck pillow and blanket for longer trips. Due to the unpredictability of bus schedules, packing an extra layer of clothing, such as a sweater or wrap, is also beneficial.

Car Travel : Packing for a road trip is flexible, as travelers can take more items without strict limits. Essentials usually consist of a first-aid kit, emergency supplies, and snacks. A study by the American Automobile Association (AAA) suggests drivers should include a roadside emergency kit with a flashlight, jumper cables, and a spare tire. Comfort items like travel-sized games, books, or electronic devices help pass the time during long drives.

Bicycle Travel : For bicycle travel, packing is minimal but strategic. Essential gear includes a helmet, a repair kit, and water bottles. Travelers can use panniers or bike bags to carry essentials like clothing, food, and tools. The Adventure Cycling Association recommends packing lightweight, durable items, which enhances mobility and reduces fatigue.

Understanding these packing needs based on the mode of transportation can greatly enhance the travel experience, allowing you to focus more on enjoying your journey.

What Are the Common Travel Etiquette Tips for Chiang Mai?

The common travel etiquette tips for Chiang Mai include respecting local customs, dressing modestly, using polite language, and being mindful of the environment.

• Respect local customs
• Dress modestly
• Use polite language
• Be mindful of the environment
• Act respectfully in religious sites
• Bargain politely at markets
• Use both hands when giving/receiving items
• Avoid public displays of affection

Understanding travel etiquette in Chiang Mai will enhance the visitor experience and promote cultural respect.

Respect Local Customs: Respecting local customs in Chiang Mai involves understanding and adhering to traditional practices. Thai culture emphasizes politeness and humility. This is crucial when interacting with local people. For example, a common greeting, the “wai,” involves placing palms together at the chest and bowing slightly. Failure to understand and participate in such customs can be seen as disrespectful.

Dress Modestly: Dressing modestly is important when visiting Chiang Mai. Visitors should wear clothes that cover the shoulders and knees, especially when visiting temples and sacred sites. This practice demonstrates respect for local beliefs. Inappropriate attire can lead to denial of entry in religious establishments, as many have strict dress codes.

Use Polite Language: Using polite language is essential when communicating in Chiang Mai. Thai people often appreciate a polite demeanor. Simple phrases such as “sawadee ka” (hello) for women and “sawadee krub” for men enhance interactions. Using polite forms of language fosters goodwill and strengthens relationships with locals.

Be Mindful of the Environment: Being mindful of the environment means reducing waste and respecting natural resources. Tourists should avoid littering, choose eco-friendly options, and support sustainable tourism practices. Chiang Mai’s natural beauty is a key attraction, and protecting it ensures that future visitors can enjoy it too.

Act Respectfully in Religious Sites: Acting respectfully in religious sites includes being quiet, removing shoes, and not taking photos where prohibited. This behavior is fundamental during visits to temples like Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Ignoring these rules can offend locals and tarnish the visitor’s reputation.

Bargain Politely at Markets: Bargaining politely is expected in Chiang Mai’s markets. It is common to negotiate prices, but it should be done with a smile and casual friendly banter. Aggressive bargaining can be viewed as rude; maintaining a respectful tone during negotiations promotes a positive experience for both parties.

Use Both Hands when Giving/Receiving Items: Using both hands when giving or receiving items signifies respect. This custom is prevalent in Thailand and reflects the value placed on interpersonal relationships. Ignoring this practice can be perceived as impolite, particularly when exchanging cultural gifts or business cards.

Avoid Public Displays of Affection: Avoiding public displays of affection is a cultural norm in Chiang Mai. Displays such as kissing or hugging in public are often viewed negatively. Respecting this custom contributes to a comfortable atmosphere for both locals and visitors.

By following these etiquette tips, travelers can ensure a respectful and enjoyable experience in Chiang Mai.

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