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.
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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?
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 1st to October 31st.
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.
Nimman
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 3rd class or 50 baht for 2nd 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