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.
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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
Getting around Chiang Mai is easy and affordable. The best way to get around the Old City is by walking, and for longer distances you can hail a taxi using the Grab App, or jump in a songthaew.
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
Deciding where to stay is an important part of planning your Chiang Mai itinerary. The best area to stay in Chiang Mai for first-timers and anyone interested in history and Thai culture is the Old City.
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:
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.
Evening: From 5pm on Sunday’s the massive Sunday Walking Street Market takes over the old town, starting at the Tha Pae Gate. It’s one of the best markets in Thailand and worth planning your itinerary to include a sunday. (There is also a smaller Saturday market but I much preferred the Sunday market)
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:
