Neil Aronson Ironically, creating a Chiang Mai itinerary is something I have never done for myself in the last 14 years of visiting and living in the area. This is because as anyone who visits Chiang Mai knows, there are endless things to do, for all tastes. Maybe you want more culture and learning activities. Or you may be adventurous and looking for physical activities for you Chiang Mai itinerary.
Since I first came there in 2010, I have never had a plan, and just ‘winged it’ every day. Partly because my wife is from there and now we have a house there, so I visit more like a local. But also because the area is fairly simple to get around and explore, and I have found that just driving into new areas, you can find cool places most tourists don’t find.
Don’t get me wrong, having a plan of places to see and things to do is a great idea. And since my Thai family and I have explored so many areas, I have found suggestions I can share with you. That said most people want to have a Chiang Mai itinerary, especially when visiting for the first time. So here are my suggestions, with alternative things to do, based on your interests, and in no particular order.
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Also, most people who are in Chiang Mai for only 4 to 6 days are also traveling to other areas of Thailand and Asia. Personally, I always recommend at least 2 weeks because I love the area, but that is not always possible. Here are also the travel resources we use when we need to book hotels and activities. Also check our Visa Page for document information.
Resources
Agoda is the best place to book cheap affordable hotels in Thailand, especially near national parks. They also book flights as well.
Expedia is my favorite place to book flights, hotels, cars, and more. Their group includes Hotels.com and Vrbo for vacation rentals.
Viator is the top choice for activities. Book everything from a waterfall tour to scuba diving, jungle trekking to cooking classes. Do the Chiang Mai Golf Challenge from Viator.
12Go is the top transportation source for Asia. From busses to trains to regional flights.
For more details and information for your Chiang Mai itinerary, check out our Ultimate Guide to Chiang Mai.
How to get around Chiang Mai
On foot – If you’re staying around the Old City, you can get everywhere on foot. Walking the Old City is one of my favorite things to do.
Hire a scooter – You can rent a scooter and pretty much go anywhere, even up in the mountains.
Grab – to save money, order a scooter taxi rather than a car.
Songthaews – these big red share taxis roam the streets of Chiang Mai picking up passengers. Simply flag one down and tell the driver where you want to go (or show them Google Maps if there’s a language barrier). They’re not the quickest way to get around but they are cheap and authentic.
Tuk-tuks – negotiate a price with the drivers. They’re not as cheap as songthaews but not too expensive either, and the most fun!
Day 1 Around Town
On your first day, spending time around the city is a good idea to get familiar and explore the streets. Try to walk as much as possible. I always encourage people to stay in or near the Old City.
Staying in the Old City it is easy to walk to many places or a quick Tuk Tuk ride. Two of my favorite places to stay that you can get for less than 1,500 baht a night are MD Boutique or Somwang Boutique House. Slightly more expensive and very nice is Bodhi Serene.
Breakfast at Chiang Mai Breakfast World.
Perhaps your hotel has breakfast included. But if not, this is one of the best spots. However it is not local food, very western and owned by a westerner. But great staff and food. If in Nimmanhaemin area, On The Bread is my favorite.
Temples And Museums
Even if you normally would not do this, no Chiang Mai itinerary would be complete without seeing at least a couple of these amazing ancient temples. Best yet, most of the best ones are in the Old City, easy to walk to. My top recommendation would be Wat Chedi Luang. The construction of the original chedi was completed in 1481 during the reign of King Mengrai. Wat Umong by Chiang Mai University has the best grounds to walk around.
The city also is one of the best places for culture and museums. In one spot is the Chiang Mai Art & Cultural Center, with multiple history museums to enjoy.
Try Some Local Coffee
Locals and frequent visitors know Chiang Mai has more great coffee shops than just about anywhere. It is hard to not find one. Of my favorites in the Old City is Mountain Coffee, close to the temples. Locally owned by a very friendly owner. They grow their own coffee.
Get a Massage
Finding a place for a massage is as easy as walking outside your hotel. They are everywhere and is a must on your Chiang Mai itinerary. However, most in the touristy areas are more expensive and focused on tourists. Ask a local for a good place. A good one is Chiang Mai Woman’s Correctional Facility. Yes that’s right, at the prison. It is a great rehabilitations program. Located near the center of the old city.
Sunday Night Market
If you are fortunate to be there on a Sunday, the Sunday Walking Street is the best night market you will find. Not only is it huge, but there are good local items to buy, live entertainment, and the best street food around.
Sunset At A Rooftop Bar
On the same street (Rachadamnoen Rd) as the Sunday Walking Street is one of my favorite rooftop bars. Thapae Grill has incredible 360 degree views of the city and mountains. Sunsets are amazing. It is small, so get there early.
Eat Local Thai
Walking around the streets it is easy to find great places to eat. Taste some local Thai food for less than 100 baht. One of my favorites is Aroy Dee, where they cook your meal by the sidewalk. Next door are two other good spots as well. Simple and tasty.
Day 2 – Visit A National Park
No Chiang Mai itinerary would be complete without visiting at least one of the many amazing National Parks near the city. Some are very close like Doi Suthep-Pui, but the best one, Doi Inthanon, is about 1.5 hours drive. But well worth it.
All three of these parks are to the west, and of course you can’t visit all of them, so pick one. We live just outside Doi Inthanon, which I would recommend, and it will take all day.
Doi Inthanon
One of the most popular things to do on people’s Chiang Mai Itinerary is to visit Doi Inthanon. It is one of the most visited and famous of the national parks in Thailand. We are also biased because we live nearby.
If you enjoy nature, wildlife and birding, culture, large waterfalls, hiking, sacred sights, picnics, cooler weather, then you will want to visit Doi Inthanon.
The most popular things to do in Doi Inthanon National Park are to visit the many amazing waterfalls, go hiking, and have a picnic. At the summit are two famous Chedi’s with views reaching for miles.
Mae Wang
Closer to Chiang Mai is Mae Wang National Park. The park is very different from Doi Inthanon, with different main attractions. There is a large reservoir with camping, nice hiking trails, and its most famous attraction is Pha Chor, or ‘little grand canyon’. It is an easy day trip from the city.
Mae Wang features canyon like landscapes, which can get treacherous during the rains of the summer. In fact many parts of the park close during that time, and some hiking trails have to close.
Ob Khan
Another option for a national park day trip is Ob Khan. Like Mae Wang it was created by a river, in this case the Ob Khan river. It is close to the city, and a very nice drive up into the mountains. This is a perfect place for a picnic, hike, and swim in the river. Ob khan offers most shade I think than Mae Wang.
Ob Khan features canyon like landscapes, which can get treacherous during the rains of the summer. In fact many parts of the park close during that time, and some hiking trails have to close. The Ob Khan river is the main feature, where most activities revolve around.
Viator offers mountain biking trips in this area if you are looking for that.
Day 3 – Northern Mountains
North of Chiang Mai city about 20 minutes drive up route 107 you will enter the Mae Rim Valley. One of my favorite areas to spend time and explore. Trust me, there are so many spots in this area I have yet to visit, but will soon enough.
If you don’t have a car or motorbike, there are many tour options through Viator or a local place in town. Any private driver will take you as well. I would try to avoid this area on the weekend. There are a lot of tourist attractions here, and they get crowded.
On the way just before reaching the turn on route 1096 is a great temple to stop at just off the road. Wat Pa Dara Phirom is a 100-year-old royal temple.
Bai Orchid Butterfly Farm
On route 1096 is the Bai Orchid Butterfly Farm. A quick stop if you want to see lots of amazing local butterflies and Orchids. The main butterfly area is an enclosed area you want in, full of plants and butterflies. Avoid weekends here. Only about 60 baht admission.
Coffee and Lunch at Rim Nara Cafe and Bistro
A gem of a spot I just happened to find when looking for a cappuccino. Rim Nara Cafe is close to Mae Sa Waterfall, and offers amazing patios along a river, great food and drinks.
Mae Sa Waterfall
If you enjoy waterfalls and hiking, this is a must stop on your Chiang Mai Itinerary. Mae Sa Waterfall is a popular 10-tiered cascading waterfall along a nearly 2.5 km trail into the forest. This is a very popular local attraction for the area.
There is a very nice trail going all the way to the 10th tier. Some of it is boardwalk and bridges, giving you great views for photography. 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.
Alternate- Zipline
Another activity popular in the area is jungle zipline. There are a few options in the area, as well as on Viator. The biggest and most popular in the area is Phoenix Adventure Park. They have both zipline and an amazing rope course. Getting to Phoenix is easy, it is just 2 km north of route 1096.
Alternate- Golf
Several outstanding courses are nearby if an afternoon of golf is what you need. Summit Green Valley Country Club is one of the most beautiful and popular golf courses in Northern Thailand. I little further off route 107 to the east is Mae Jo Golf Resort and Spa. Another spectacular golf course with a four star resort and spa.
For more ideas for things to do in this area including White Water Rafting, Botanical Gardens, Elephant Sanctuaries, and where to stay overnight, visit our guide.
Day 4 – Royal Gardens And Cooking
After breakfast take a trip west of the city to the Hang Dong area. Set up against the start of the mountain road, route 1269. Two great options for any Chiang Mai Itinerary are to either visit a spectacular botanical gardens, or one of the most famous temples.
Royal Gardens / Wat Phra That Doi Kham
Royal Park Rajapruek. An enormous magnificent botanical gardens and research center built by a former king. These royal gardens are a beautiful expansive park with hours of things to see and activities to do. Essentially a botanical gardens, but there is much more.
If you prefer to see one of the more famous temples with spectacular views, visit nearby Wat Phra That Doi Kham. It was built during the reign of Queen Chamthewi, the king of Hariphunchai. It consists of a pagoda containing the Buddha’s relics. A pavilion of monks’ residence, and stucco Buddha statues. Formerly known as Wat Suwanbanphot.
Coffee or Lunch at Valley Coffee
Driving a few minutes up route 1269 we can across a resort with the most amazing coffee shop and restaurant. Valley Coffee at Lanna Resort, is open to the public even though you go through security. Relax by the river, watching the butterflies and enjoying lunch or a drink.
Afternoon Cooking Class
Head back to town and have fun at an afternoon Cooking Class. They are abundant around the Old City. Viator has some great options. On my first trip to Ching Mai in 2010, I was by myself looking for something to do, so I decided to sign up for a cooking class. I randomly chose Baan Thai Cookery School, and has a blast. It is touristy, but fun.
Day 5 – Doi Suthep
It is hard to leave out Doi Suthep National Park as part of any Chiang Mai Itinerary. Being right next to the city, it is easy to get to via motorbike or local transit. However unless you must see it, I would recommend these other spots on the mountain instead of Wat Doi Suthep.
Wat Phra Lat
This is one of my favorite temples. Only a few KM up the mountain on route 1004, Wat Phra Lat is a hidden gem in the jungle, with old historic buildings, and a river running through it. Of course it is also much less crowded than it’s famous cousin up the hill, and a great option for any Chiang Mai Itinerary.
Monks Trail Hike
If you want to go hiking, then do so up to Wat Phra Lat. The Monk’s Trail will take you up the mountain from near Chiang Mai university up through the jungle to the temple. It takes around 1.5 hours to walk this trail roundtrip.
Picnic at Montha Than Waterfall
Nearby Wat Phra Lat across the road is Montha Waterfall and picnic area. This is a great spot to relax by a smaller but nice waterfall. There is a nature trail as well for hiking. It in the Doi Suthep National Park so you have to pay the tourist rate. Inside it is completely shaded from the sun with all the tall trees, so it is a nice place to avoid the heat.
Try Some Pizza
If by now you are craving some food from home, you can’t go wrong with pizza in this city. Yes that’s right, there are dozens of great places. By Hand Pizza in the Old City is one of my favorites. For a complete list check out our article Pizza In Chiang Mai.
Or take a dinner cruise on the ping river for some romance!
Day 5 – Alternate – Lamphun Day Trip
Located about 40 hours southwest of Chiang Mai. Lamphun is a city located in the northern part of Thailand, and it is one of the oldest cities in the country that dates all the way back to the 8th Century. The city was established as the capital city of an ancient Mon kingdom of Haripunchai, even before the first Siam kingdom, Sukhothai, was established in the 12th Century.
As part of your Chiang Mai Itinerary, a trip to Lamphun is a historic one, with several of the most famous temples in the region, great museums, and local food. For more on Lamphun read our guide.
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