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Planning a trip to Chiang Mai, Thailand? You’re in the right place!
Chiang Mai is not only rich with culture, but it also boasts Northern Thailand’s incredible scenery. It offers a very different vibe to the country’s famous islands, but trust me, it’s just as worthy of a visit. After exploring Chiang Mai for ourselves, we’ve put together a 3-day itinerary that blends the city’s highlights with adventures just beyond its walls. You’ll wander through the Old City, taste authentic Northern Thai dishes, learn to cook local favorites, and see waterfalls, temples, and even elephants.
We’ve included all of the logistical details you’ll need to ensure things run smoothly, and insider tips to help you make the most of your time here. Let’s go!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did was this private guided tour of Chiang Mai. Exploring Wat Phra Singh’s intricate Lanna architecture and tasting exotic fruits at Somphet Market made the morning unforgettable!
- Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Itinerary Overview
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
- Where to Stay in Chiang Mai
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Itinerary Overview
Chiang Mai is the cultural heart of Northern Thailand, and this 3-day itinerary is designed to show you the best of the city without feeling overwhelmed. You’ll get a mix of history, food, and temples, along with the chance to head out into the surrounding mountains and national parks for a change of pace. We’ve included a few restaurant stops to encourage you to try different neighborhoods, but there’s a lot of great food in this city, so you’ll also find plenty of excellent dining close to wherever you’re staying.
The Old City is compact and easy to explore on foot, while tuk-tuks, songthaews, and taxis make getting around further afield simple and affordable. However, many of the tours included in this itinerary include hotel pickup, which saves time and makes it even easier to explore!
Day 1: Start with a guided tour of Chiang Mai’s highlights, enjoy a traditional Northern Thai lunch, wander through the Old City’s temples and cafés, then round off the evening with a hands-on cooking class.
Day 2: Choose between a full-day adventure to Doi Inthanon National Park or a cultural trip to Chiang Rai’s stunning temples, followed by dinner along the Ping River and a stroll through the lively Night Bazaar.
Day 3: Spend the day either connecting with elephants at an ethical sanctuary or a jungle adventure with trekking, waterfalls, and tubing, before capping off your trip with sunset views and a final celebratory dinner.
Day 1
Breakfast – Bodhi Tree Cafe
We’ve got a busy morning ahead, so fuel up with breakfast at Bodhi Tree Café. It opens nice and early at 7:30 am and serves healthy, plant-based dishes alongside excellent coffee. It’s only about a 7-minute walk from here to the starting point of your tour, so you’ll have just enough time to enjoy a relaxed meal before setting off to explore Chiang Mai’s highlights.
Morning – Explore the city’s highlights on a private tour
We think that private tours are great because they allow you to customize the itinerary to your liking. So this morning, we’re off on a guided tour of Chiang Mai with a personal guide who is ready to answer all of your questions and teach you all about this amazing city. It really is the best way to get your bearings here!
We suggest booking this tour for 9 am to beat the heat and make the most of the day. However, if you’d prefer a bit more time to sleep, then the 10 am slot is fine too. Then, over the course of 3 hours, you’ll visit about eight different stops throughout the city, finishing up at 12 or 1 pm, depending on your start time.
One of the highlights for me was Wat Phra Singh, a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists that’s known for its intricate Lanna architecture. We also loved Somphet Market, where we enjoyed tasting exotic fruits and learning about local produce. Our guide explained how the locals use specific ingredients in their dishes, which made the experience even more interesting.
Throughout the tour, we learned tons of insider tips that came in handy for the rest of our trip, like the best spots for authentic street food, which is invaluable information! We left the tour feeling like we had a better understanding of Chiang Mai’s culture and were ready to go off exploring on our own. No wonder it has over 150 glowing reviews!
Reserve your spot on this private tour now and don’t pay until just before you leave!
Lunch – Dash Teak House
Dash! Teak House is one of our favorite restaurants in Chiang Mai because it mixes heritage charm with amazing food. It’s set in a beautiful restored teak house, and it also has a shaded garden terrace where you can sit and enjoy traditional Thai food. We highly recommend trying their Khao Soi, which is Chiang Mai’s most famous specialty dish. It’s a rich coconut curry noodle soup topped with crispy noodles, and yes, it’s every bit as delicious as it sounds!
The portions here are generous, and the prices are very reasonable, especially for such a lovely restaurant. Plus, the restaurant is only a 10-minute walk from where this morning’s walking tour ends, so it makes sense to have lunch here today. Just note Dash! Teak House is closed on Sundays.
Afternoon – Wander the Old City at your own pace
After lunch, spend the afternoon exploring Chiang Mai’s Old City. This compact area is the historic heart of the city. It’s filled with centuries-old temples, quiet lanes, and plenty of hidden gems, so take your time and enjoy exploring at a leisurely pace. Here are a few ways to make the most of your time:
Visit Wat Chedi Luang’s towering ruins
Wat Chedi Luang is one of Chiang Mai’s most iconic temples. It’s home to a massive 14th-century chedi that partially collapsed after an earthquake, but it still dominates the skyline! You’ll also find the city pillar shrine here, which is an important local spiritual site. Entrance is free, so why not go and explore?
Step back in time at Lanna Folklife Centre
Lanna Folklife Centre is a small but fascinating museum that’s set inside a colonial-style building. It showcases Northern Thai culture through exhibits on traditional clothing, crafts, and everyday life. It’s a peaceful stop that gives you more context about the region’s heritage. Just keep in mind that entry costs 90 baht (about $3 USD) and the museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Take a coffee break at Graph Café
When you’re ready to cool off, head to Graph Café, which is known for its minimalist design and inventive coffee drinks. Their iced latte with orange and honey is both refreshing and photogenic, so it makes the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
Late Afternoon/Evening – Learn to cook Akha and Thai dishes
During my last trip to Chiang Mai, I had the opportunity to join this Thai and Akha cooking class, and it was one of the highlights of my stay! So tonight, book the evening version of this class, which starts at 4:30 pm and includes hotel pick up if you’d like, or it’s just a short tuk-tuk or taxi ride from the Old City.
Learning about Akha culture is a must in Northern Thailand, and what better way to do that than through food? We were led by an Akha instructor and got to learn about this fascinating ethnic group as we learned to prepare an impressive array of 10 different dishes. I especially enjoyed making Akha soup and the “sapi thuong” tomato dipping sauce. I had never had either of these before, and they were delicious!
We also cooked well-known staples like Pad Thai, green curry, and mango sticky rice, with options to adapt each dish to personal dietary preferences if needed. But the best part was at the end when we got to enjoy the fruits of our labor over a delicious meal complete with Akha Hill Tribe coffee. And before leaving, we received a beautifully crafted souvenir cookbook, which now holds a cherished spot in our kitchen!
The class lasts for 6 hours, so you’ll finish up at about 10:30 pm. You’ll probably want to head back to your hotel after this, as we have a busy day planned tomorrow!
Read 4,000+ glowing reviews and book this cooking class here!
Day 2
Today you’ll have a choice between two incredible full-day tours! If you’re drawn to nature and mountain landscapes, a trip to Doi Inthanon National Park offers waterfalls, scenic trails, and sweeping views from Thailand’s highest peak.
On the other hand, if culture and architecture are more your style, the Chiang Rai temples tour takes you to some of the most unique and beautiful temples in Northern Thailand, including the famous White Temple. Both are full-day adventures, so it really comes down to whether you’d prefer a day in the mountains or a day of temple-hopping.
Option 1: Full Day – Explore Doi Inthanon National Park
If you’re a nature lover like me, you can’t miss this day trip to Doi Inthanon National Park!
Located about 2 hours away from Chiang Mai, this stunning area is full of rich biodiversity and is even home to the highest mountain in Thailand, which stands at 2,565 meters (8,415 feet) above sea level!
This tour offers hotel pickup to make things extra easy. You’ll meet your driver between 8 and 8:45 am, and the tour lasts for 8-9 hours in total, so you can expect to get back to your accommodation between 5 and 6 pm.
There are different options available for this tour. The “easy short walk” version is the most popular, but as hiking fans, we went for the “1.45 hours hiking” one. It’s totally up to you!
Either way, the day starts out at one of the biggest waterfalls in the region, Wachiratharn Waterfall. We then visited the White Karen Hilltribe Village and learned about their way of life before heading to a local Hmong market. This is the perfect place to pick up a variety of unique travel souvenirs to bring home—I got the cutest handmade purse here!
After a delicious Thai lunch, you’ll explore the Ang Ka Nature Trail if you selected the easy walk, but we did a longer, moderate hike to a gorgeous waterfall. It was sweaty work, but we loved it!
Our final stop of the day was the Twin Royal Stupas, which were built to honor the King and Queen of Thailand. The Stupas are at the tallest point of the park and offer an impressive panoramic view of the surrounding area.
This experience was the perfect mix of nature, culture, and history. By the time we returned to Chiang Mai, I felt enriched by the beauty and traditions of Northern Thailand. So if you’re looking for a full day of adventure, this tour is a must (just look at the 1,500+ 5-star reviews here!)
Reserve your spot on this epic day trip here!
Option 2: Full Day – Visit Chiang Rai’s most beautiful temples
Northern Thailand is home to some of the country’s most stunning temples (aka “wats”), so if you’d like to see as many as possible, book this private temple tour! It takes you to the Chiang Rai province to visit four unique temples rich in history, art, and spirituality. We had such an amazing day exploring the different temples and learning about their history and significance from our knowledgeable guide.
The tour starts at 7 am and finishes at around 8 pm. Yes, 13 hours is a pretty long day, but it’s worth it to see these incredible temples. Our first stop was the famous Wat Rong Khun or “White Temple”. We learned that this striking white temple symbolizes the journey to paradise and that the temple construction has been ongoing since 1997. In fact, the artist plans to keep on refining the temple for as long as he lives—how cool is that?
Next, we explored Wat Sang Kaew Photiyarn, a colorful and serene temple filled with beautiful artwork and impressive statues. After a delicious local lunch, we headed to Wat Rong Seur Ten, the Blue Temple, known for its vibrant blue walls and intricate murals that tell Buddhist stories. Finally, we visited the peaceful Wat Huai Pla Kung, a Chinese-style temple with a massive Guan Yin statue towering over the site.
This tour is such a great way to experience the spiritual side of Northern Thailand. And we’re not the only ones who think so—check 1,000+ 5-star reviews here!
See prices and book this top-rated temple tour here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
Dinner – The Riverside Bar & Restaurant
Regardless of the tour you choose today, we recommend The Riverside Bar & Restaurant for dinner. One reason is that it stays open until 1 am, so you’ll have plenty of time to grab food here, even if you get back late. Secondly, it also offers a fantastic mix of Thai classics and Western comfort food, so it caters to all tastes.
This restaurant is right by the river, and there’s live music here most nights, which makes it popular with locals and travelers alike. Grab some yummy food and drinks and enjoy winding down after a busy day!
Evening – Go for a stroll through the night bazaar
If you’ve got some energy left, the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is a lively market and the ultimate place for souvenir shopping and street food snacks! It’s a 12-minute stroll from the restaurant if you want to walk off your dinner, or you can hop in a tuk-tuk or taxi and be there in just 3 minutes. But if you’re too tired, no worries, because you’ll have time to head back tomorrow evening instead if you prefer!
Day 3
For your final day in Chiang Mai, you’ll again have two great tours to choose from. If you’re an animal lover, you can head to an ethical elephant sanctuary to feed and learn about these gentle giants in a responsible setting. If you’re after more adventure, the jungle trekking and tubing tour takes you off the beaten path with hikes through the forest, visits to waterfalls, and a fun float down the river. Both options wrap up by late afternoon, leaving you time to relax before your last night in the city.
Option 1: Full Day – Get to know the elephants at an ethical sanctuary
One of the most amazing things about visiting Thailand is the chance to see elephants, but some elephant tourism companies are very unethical and mistreat these beautiful creatures. However, Chiang Mai is home to one of the most famous elephant sanctuaries in Thailand, which actually rescues and cares for elephants. And on this tour, you get to feed and bathe them in beautiful Inthanon National Park.
Pickup begins at 8:15 am and the tour lasts for around 8 hours, but trust me, time will fly by! During our visit, we learned about the elephants’ unique personalities and how they are cared for in their new, safe environment. We even got to help the caretakers care for the elephants during their daily routine of feeding, walking, and mud bathing. Playing in the river with the elephants is something I will remember for the rest of my life!
What’s awesome about this sanctuary is that the elephants don’t have to do anything. They’re free to wander the park at their leisure, and the caretakers always put their well-being first.
The tour group was really small, which was nice because it ensured everyone got to spend time with the elephants without overwhelming them. We were also treated to a delicious Thai lunch at the sanctuary.
If you want to interact with elephants during your time in Thailand, I urge you to do the research and only visit ethical animal sanctuaries such as this one. We all need to do our part to end harmful animal tourism! And this tour also delivers an incredible experience—just read the hundreds of rave reviews.
Book this ethical elephant tour here and make memories that will last forever!
Option 2: Full Day – Go jungle trekking, chase waterfalls, and tube down a river
If you’re looking for a real wild adventure in Chiang Mai, then opt for this epic jungle tour instead! Like the elephant tour, it begins at 8 am (pickup starts at 7:30) and lasts for 8 hours, so you’ll be back at your hotel by around 4 pm, giving you some time to chill before a nice dinner tonight.
As self-confessed adrenaline junkies, we absolutely loved this tour. I mean, it takes you trekking through the jungle, swimming in waterfalls, and tubing down a river. Talk about an unforgettable day!
There is so much natural beauty to explore around Chiang Mai, but these treks can be dangerous if you’re alone. Having a guide is really the best way to explore and ensure you don’t get lost! This way, you can just focus on having fun and let someone else take care of all of the details.
We kicked things off with a hike, and then we cooled off at a refreshing waterfall before having some homemade pad thai for lunch. Once we were nice and full, we hopped onto our tubes and headed down the river on a relaxing and scenic float.
At one point, we passed by a herd of water buffalo and even floated through an elephant sanctuary where we witnessed these magnificent creatures bathing in the river! It was such an epic experience – I couldn’t believe my eyes.
This tour blends nature and adventure perfectly. In fact, it’s still one of my favorite things that I’ve done in Chiang Mai. I’m not alone, either—look at all of the great reviews here!
Book this full-day jungle tour here with free cancellation!
Dinner – MAI The Sky Bar
MAI The Sky Bar is a stunning rooftop bar that offers some of the best views in the city, so celebrate your final night in Chiang Mai with dinner and drinks here. It’s perched high above the city and has an elegant but relaxed vibe, with a menu that mixes modern Thai dishes and international favorites. We had seared scallops with Thai herbs and absolutely loved them, and some super fresh spring rolls. We definitely recommend making a reservation here, though, because this place is popular!
Evening – Toast to your trip or hunt for a bargain
After dinner, you might want to linger at MAI The Sky Bar a little longer with a drink in hand. They make a perfect Old Fashioned here, and I loved the sangria, but they also often have 2-4-1 drink specials, so it’s worth checking to see if there are any of those running!
Or if you didn’t make it to the Night Bazaar last night, then we suggest going now! It’s just a 5-minute walk from the restaurant, and it’s a bit of a sensory overload, with tons of street food snacks and quirky souvenirs everywhere you look. There are lots of bargains to be had, as long as you remember that haggling is normal and expected in Thailand!
Related Read: For more ideas to add to your itinerary, check out our full guide to the 10 best things to do in Chiang Mai here!
Where to Stay in Chiang Mai
Now that you have the perfect Chiang Mai itinerary planned, it’s time to find somewhere amazing to stay! My personal favorite area to stay is Old Town Chiang Mai. This way, you’re close to the best things to do in the city, and well-positioned to soak up all of its historic charm. However, staying by the river is a great pick if you value relaxation and scenic views.
Here are my top three recommendations:
Luxury – $$$
Maladee Rendezvous Hotel Chiang Mai is a luxury stay located near the river for amazing views! The entire hotel is stunning, but I especially love the pool and all the details in the rooms that make your stay extra comfortable, like the private balcony. It’s a little further from the Old Town, but it’s just a quick tuk-tuk ride away from the action, and I think it’s nice to have a scenic spot to retreat to after an action-packed day in the heat!
Prices start around $300 USD for a twin room, but you can also get suites, king rooms, or adult-only pool access rooms. Check prices and book this stay on Booking.com!
Mid-range – $$
Moon Dragon Hotel is a modern, upscale hotel at a moderate price point – my favorite combo! Located in Old Town Chiang Mai, you are steps from temples, restaurants, museums, and more. There’s a fantastic pool which, trust me, you’ll be grateful for as it gets very hot in Chiang Mai! There’s also a nice terrace to relax on, and there are suites and family rooms available for those who require a bit more space than standard hotel rooms offer.
Prices range from $80 – $200 USD and can be reserved on Booking.com.
Budget – $
Somwang Boutique Hotel is a fantastic stay with super-friendly staff. Rooms range from $40 to $100 USD a night, which is truly a steal for the quality you get. There are two pools, a lounge, a terrace, and a prime location in the heart of Old Town Chiang Mai. It’s not super fancy, but it’s got everything you need for a great stay, especially since this itinerary will have you out and about most of the time anyway!
Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.
For even more options, check out all the hotels in Chiang Mai here!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
We hope this 3-day Chiang Mai itinerary helps you plan an incredible adventure in Northern Thailand! From wandering historic temples in the Old City to learning to cook local dishes, day-tripping to Doi Inthanon or Chiang Rai, and connecting with elephants or exploring the jungle, every day here offers something new.
If you’re planning to explore more of the country, don’t miss our other Thailand blogs here—we’ve shared plenty of insider tips and personal recommendations to help make your travels smoother and more memorable. Or dive into some of our most popular posts below for even more inspiration!
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