Neil Aronson As locals of Chiang Mai, we have our recommendations for which are best day trips for visitors and locals alike. There are so many things to do in Chiang Mai itself. But getting out of the city and seeing more of Thailand is highly recommended.
We have four suggestions we think everyone should do if they have the time. All four are easy to do, but will take all day. Better yet, I would recommend at least one night stay overnight, to give yourself enough time to slowly see everything. You don’t want to rush in Thailand.
Our day trips list consists of two locations to the Southwest of Chiang Mai, Doi Inthanon National Park and Chom Thong City. Since these two are next to each other, I would make a several nights trip out of it.
It is a little over an hours drive from Chiang Mai city center to these two. But you can do each as a day trip from Chiang Mai. We know all about these areas, as this is where we live.
One of our best day trips is just to the north of the city. One is the Mae Rim Valley and what is called the ‘Samoeng Loop’. This is the closest option to Chiang Mai city.
The other is visiting the historical city of Lamphun. Located south of Chiang Mai city about a 1.5 hours drive.
All four day trips are inexpensive to experience. We will give you all the details on how to get there, what to see, and where to stay and eat.
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Doi Inthanon National Park
Doi Inthanon National Park is one of the most popular and best National Parks in Thailand for locals and tourists alike. If you enjoy nature, wildlife/birding, culture, large waterfalls, hiking, day trips, sacred sights, picnics, cooler weather, then you will want to visit Doi Inthanon.
The park is located in the Thanon Thong Chai Range of the Western Hills, about 80 kilometers (50 mi) north of Chiang Mai. It is home to Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain in Thailand at 2,565 meters (8,415 ft).
Bring warm clothes when going, especially between October-April. It actually gets cold for Thailand. Last time I went in December I only had a light sweater and I was freezing.
Waterfalls:
If you are a fan of waterfalls, then Doi Inthanon does not disappoint. The best time to go to see them at their fullest is at the end of the rainy season in October through December. All of them are easy to see, as they are close to the main roads with good parking. One of the best ones is Mae Ya Waterfall. However it is in the park, but in a different area then the main road. Actually its close to where we live. Let us know if you want more information.
Mae Klang: Near to checkpoint 1 as you enter the park. If you’re looking for a moderate but short hike take the Mae Klang Waterfall Nature Trail.
They have an amazing picnic area along the river. You get get grilled food at one of the several stands. Eat along the river on picnic areas that are set up with matts and maintained by someone working there. Or you can sit at the covered tables overlooking the river. Order some chicken, sticky rice and a cold beer and you are set.
Wachirathan Waterfall: By far the most popular to visit in the park and perhaps all of Thailand. Very large with lush vegetation on the grounds, that are complete with good visitor facilities including a coffee shop.
Other popular waterfalls include Sirithan Waterfall, and Siriphum Waterfall which includes a nice short hike to get to.
Things To Do:
Inside Doi Inthanon National Park, it is no surprise there are many options for great hikes. The waterfalls also have shorter trails by them you can take for hikes of less than an hour. If going on a longer hike, make sure you bring a pack with water, some food, and some layers of clothes. Weather can be warm, cold, dry, rainy, be prepared.
Two of the more popular trails are Ang Ka Luang Nature Trail, and Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail.
Ang Ka Luang Nature Trail: One of the more popular trails, as it is located near the summit by the parking, with food, coffee, and the visitors center nearby. Less than a mile, boardwalk trail, will take you through lush vegetation, shrines, and great for birding. More of a stroll than a hike.
Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail: Also at the summit just past the two Chedis, this trail will take you through a forest teeming with biodiversity. Considered one of the more stunning trails in the park where you can see rare species of plants.
You must be accompanied by a Hmong Tribe guide. The Hmong hilltribe population is estimated to be about 125,000, second largest only to the Karen. The cost of a guide is 200 baht, and they can be hired on the spot at the trailhead.
Doi Inthanon National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, and an especially great place for those who love to go birdwatching. The best time for viewing would be during the dry season, November through February.
On the summit area of Doi Inthanon National Park, is where you will find the busiest area of the park, with several attractions. There are a couple trails mentioned above. A visitors center, food, coffee shop on one side of the road. This area is where you will find Ang Ka Luang Nature Trail, and the famous sign everyone has to take a picture at, just like us.
Just up the road is the most famous and photographed area of the park, the Royal Gardens and Twin Pagodas (Chedi). The two pagodas, one white and one black, known as Phra Mahathat Naphamethanidon and Nophamethanidon in Thai.
Chomg Thong City
Chom Thong City is close to the entrance to Doi Inthanon. We recommended it for a one of the day trips, or an overnight stay. This is our home area, so we know for sure it’s worth the visit. We will cover some inside local places to go to enjoy your stay.
The city is located about 60 Km south of Chiang Mai, and is primarily an agricultural region. Surrounded by beautiful mountains of Doi Inthanon and other National Parks, perfect for day trips. There are famous historical temples, golf courses, unique coffee shops and restaurants.
Things To Do:
Play golf at Inthanon Golf and Natural Resort. If you staying overnight and looking for some golf, this is the best option in the area. Nice resort with mountain views.
Visit amazing famous temples. Visit Wat Phradhatu Sri Chomtong Voravihara. This is a stunning temple in the city with a world famous meditation center, that welcomes visitors from all over the world. The temple can be dated back to the mid-1400s and houses a collection of bronze Buddha images while the secondary Chapel contains a holy Buddha relic.
Stay overnight at a Farm Stay. Enjoy the peacefulness of staying on a farm, rice, coffee, animals. Learn and eat fresh food and drink coffee straight from the source. The Farmer Coffee and Farmstay is one option. Chomthong Farmstay and Camping is another local option.
Visit Mae Ya Waterfall. We mentioned it above. If you are visiting Chom Thong city but not Doi Inthanon, you can visit this waterfall. Just about 30 minutes from town. There is a park fee to enter.
Have coffee at Young Folk Coffee and Bar. One of my favorite coffee houses in the region. Eclectic designs inside with random antiques. And yes, great coffee.
My Favorite coffee house worth visiting when in Chom Thong is WanWaan Cafe. Outside of town on the way to Doi Inthanon. Sit great coffee taking in the views of the rice fields and mountains. Let us know if your going, we live down the road!
How To Get To Doi Inthanon And Chom Thong
Getting to both these locations is essentially the same, as Chom Thong is at the entrance to Doi Inthanon.
Doi Inthanon is a little over an hours drive to the parks entrance from Chiang Mai city via route 108. From there it is another 45 minutes to the top, if you don’t stop. Thanks to a newer bypass highway from Chiang Mai, it used to take longer.
There are several options for getting there. If you don’t have a car, you can hire a private driver. Your hotel can help with this option, but it’s the most expensive. If you are adventurous you could take a motorbike all the way there.
Taking a buss from Chiang Mai is an option. There are busses that go all the way to the top. This is your cheapest option. Your best source for public buss options is through 12Go, which is the top company for booking local transportation. On 12Go you can hire a private taxi van.
Taking a tour through Viator is a great option to go to Doi Inthanon for the day. Leaving the driving to them, and sit back and see the top sights.
Where To Stay:
Because Chom Thong city is just outside the entrance of Doi Inthanon, our recommendations for where to stay are essentially the same for these day trips. We suggest staying overnight for one or two nights to be able to really experience both together.
Inside Doi Inthanon there are a few small options. Those who are looking to camp there are nice campsites, run by the park service. The main camping ground and the park accommodations are around 500 meters north from the headquarters area. Assuming you don’t have your own camping equipment, camping gear can be rented at the entrance to the campsite.
Inside the park there are some options you can find on Agoda. Search the map area in Doi Inthanon.
Touch Star Resort – This is our top recommendation for both the park and Chom Thong City. It is located just outside the park entrance, and easy access back to the city. We use this place often for family and when we had our wedding. It is close to our house. Excellent accommodations and grounds. Quiet countryside vibe.
Doi Inthanon View Resort. Popular with Thai tourists. Also located right outside the park entrance. This is a higher end resort offering small villa type rooms. The property features lush gardens, with restaurant and activities.
Rangbondoi – Birdwatching Included. Located in the park is focused on birdwatching, which there is lot of.
Inthanon Golf and Natural Resort – Looking to play some golf while in the area visiting the park? There are a couple great options, this is my favorite and a good golf course.
Lamphun City
Visiting Lamphun city is one of the most popular day trips from Chiang Mai. The city is located about an hour and half drive south of Chiang Mai city. Many day trip tours are available on Viator.
Lamphun is full of historical significance in northern Thailand. At one time it was the capital of the Mon Kingdom of Haripunchai in the 9th century. The town has several ancient temples and historical sites that reflect this rich history.
Temples To See
If you are just going for one of the day trips, I would visit the temples. One of the most important temples is Wat Phra That Hariphunchai. It is believed to have been built during the reign of King Arthitayarat, and it has since undergone renovations and restorations over the centuries. The temple is considered a sacred site for Buddhists, and it is believed to house relics of the Buddha.
Another must see temple is Wat Phra Yuen, which stands out for its distinctive Burmese architectural style. This makes it different from many other Thai temples. The temple features intricate woodcarvings and ornate decorations that reflect the influence of Burmese culture.
One of the oldest in Thailand, the temple is said to date back to the 7th century. Wat Phra Yuen or the original name Wat Aranyikaram, the temple of the East. It is one of the four temples that are located and represent the four corner directions of Lumphun town.
For me, visiting Wat Chamadevi is one of the best things to do in Lamphun. I enjoy it more than the more popular Wat Hariphunchai. I feel like the buildings are as interesting, and it is not nearly as crowded. In fact, last time I was there, no one else was.
Wat Chamadevi, or as the local people call it Wat Ku Kut, is located on Chamadevi Road, Tambon Nai Mueang. It was built in 755 in the Lavo style. The Chedi is a square structure similar to Bodhgaya in India.
Museums & Historical Sights
Check out the Haripunchai National Museum and learn history of the area. The museum was established to highlight the rich history and cultural heritage of Lamphun, which was the capital of the Mon Kingdom of Haripunchai. The museum’s purpose is to educate visitors about the history, art, and culture of the region. It is located in middle of town, not far from Wat Phra That Hariphunchai and Wat Phra Yuen.
In the downtown area of the city is the Queen Cham Dhavi Monument. She was the first monarch and Queen of Hariphunchai, as noted above, she is buried at the temple of the same name. Also note, her name is often spelled also as Jamadevi or Chammathewi.
Play Golf
Play Golf and Stay at Gassan Khuntan Golf and Resort. Stay overnight at this top golf resort and get your golf fix in.
For more golf in the area, we have it all covered in our golf article.
Get a Tattoo. Sak Yant Tattoo is well-known not just only in Thailand or Asia, but it is world-famous as there are many Hollywood stars who had this Sak Yant Tattoo as well. Sak Yant Tattoo designs are normally tattooed by ruesi, wicha (magic) practitioners, and Buddhist monks, traditionally with a long metal rod sharpened to a point called a khem sak. Although today with many health concerns of the westerners obtaining their tattoos, many practitioners are modernized the Tattoo method. Can be booked on Viator.
Samoeng Loop Mae Rim
Just north of Chiang Mai city center is the Mae Rim Valley. This is where our next best of the day trips starts, going through and around Doi Suthep National Park, before ending up back in southern Chiang Mai city. It is what is called the Samoeng Loop.
The route is about 100KM long, so it is the quickest of our best day trips, especially since it starts just out of town. What makes this one of the best day trips for travelers is all the different attractions and activities along this loop. Therefor, I think it is one of the best day trips especially for motor bikes. That said, staying overnight for one night will make it even better.
The route is named after the small farming town or Samoeng, about half way through the route, which is famous for its strawberry fields.
Things To Do In Mae Rim
Swim and picnic and the Mae Sa Waterfall. This is one of the highlights of the area. Mae Sa Waterfall is a popular 10-tiered cascading waterfall along a nearly 2.5 km trail into the forest. A well-worn path leads from the lowest fall to the highest, and each tier is marked by a sign.
Since the individual falls are not that high or fast-moving, they are ideal—and popular—for swimming. Also a popular spot of locals to have a family picnic.
Visit the Mae Sa Elephant Camp, which is one of the true ethical elephant sanctuaries in Thailand. They have evolved over time and since Covid no longer allow riding of elephants or shows. As a result of changes, this is a care and educational facility run by donations.
Queen Sirikit Botanic Gardens. Without a doubt one of most impressing botanical gardens you will see. The gardens offer a mix of natural beauty along with curated gardens and glasshouses showcasing the richness of Thai, and other flora.
By the botanical gardens there are also several amazing trail hikes, which will take from 45 minutes to 2 hours. So this would be something if you were staying in the area. There is also the The Golden Gardenia Coffee Shop, with views of the surrounding mountains.
Mon Jam (Mon Cham). Mon Jam is a mountaintop farming and hilltribe community with panoramic views, accommodations, shops & on-site meals. It’s somewhat of a side trip off the loop route but worth the visit. Beautiful views, local shops and local food. It is a well know area and considered up top for best day trips among Thai people.
At Mon Jam, eat lunch at Nong Hoi Royal Project Vegetable Development Center. This is an incredible restaurant of local Thai food. Farm fresh food as a result of using their own locally grown crops. This is also were we stayed overnight, there are a couple amazing options.
We stayed at Phu Morinn Cafe & Camping, which is an amazing place to stay overnight. Avocado Farming. Take a bath on the deck and take in the views.
Stay and learn about the Hmong Hilltribe at Hmong Hilltribe Lodge. A unique way to experience Northern Thailand. What are Hmong Beliefs, Hmong Dance, Hmong Custom costumes, and much more to learn about at Hmong Hilltribe Lodge.
Other activities in this area are golf, zipline, ATV rides, and whitewater rafting which is a blast. They can all be booked on Viator, our choice for tours and activities.
This day trips route loops counterclockwise through Doi Suthep National Park. Towards the end of the trip, you can stop at one of the more famous temples in Chiang Mai, Wat Phra That Doi Kham.
A much-revered site in Thailand, the temple was built towards the end of the seventh century and is known for its 56-foot-tall (17-meter-tall) Buddha statue swathed in gold robes.
For detailed articles on the Samoeng Loop, we have two articles, since we cover a lot of places to see and things to do.
These are our 4 best day trips we recommend from Chiang Mai. We hope you can make them and explore more than Northern Thailand has to offer. They can all be done as day trips, but I would recommend staying overnight.
As always, don’t forget to Travel Insurance. Cover your trip and health for only a few dollars a day.
