Day 1: Old City temples and markets
- Morning: Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang and the city walls and moat. Tha Phae Gate is a good starting point.
- Lunch: khao soi at a local shop.
- Afternoon: Thai massage, then the Silver Temple (Wat Sri Suphan).
- Evening: Sunday Walking Street (Sundays), Wualai market (Saturdays), or the Night Bazaar.
Day 2: Doi Suthep and Nimman
- Early morning: Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, by Grab or songthaew, or hike the Monk’s Trail via Wat Pha Lat.
- Afternoon: Wat Umong forest temple, then cafés and shops in Nimman.
- Evening: dinner and drinks in Nimman, or a Muay Thai fight.
Day 3: Elephants or cooking
Spend the day at an ethical elephant sanctuary (pick-up early morning, back mid-afternoon) or take a full-day cooking class on a farm. See elephant sanctuaries.
Find tours & tickets in Chiang MaiDay 4: Doi Inthanon
Drive up Thailand’s highest mountain: Wachirathan and Siriphum waterfalls, the King and Queen pagodas and the summit’s cloud forest boardwalk. Bring a jacket; it can be cold at the top.
Day 5: Chiang Rai
A long but rewarding day: the White Temple, the Blue Temple and the Black House, about 3 hours each way. See Chiang Rai day trip. Alternatively, visit the Sticky Waterfall and Mae Kampong village.
Itinerary at a glance
| Trip length | Plan |
|---|---|
| 2 days | Days 1 + 2 |
| 3 days | Days 1–3 |
| 4 days | Add Doi Inthanon |
| 5 days | Add Chiang Rai |
Tips
- Try to be in town on a Saturday or Sunday for the walking street markets.
- Base yourself in the Old City or Nimman. See where to stay in Chiang Mai.
- Arriving from Bangkok? Compare options in Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
For events, opening hours and official visitor information, see Tourism Authority of Thailand.
More Chiang Mai guides
- Chiang Mai travel guide
- 20 best things to do in Chiang Mai
- Where to stay in Chiang Mai
- Best time to visit Chiang Mai
- Bangkok to Chiang Mai: flight, train or bus
- Ethical elephant sanctuaries in Chiang Mai
- Chiang Rai day trip
- Yi Peng lantern festival
FAQ: Chiang Mai itinerary
Is 3 days enough in Chiang Mai?
Yes for the city highlights and one full-day activity. Add days for Chiang Rai or Doi Inthanon.
Can I combine Chiang Mai and Pai?
Yes. Pai is about 3 hours by minibus on a very winding mountain road; plan at least 2 nights there.
What’s the best day to arrive in Chiang Mai?
Friday or Saturday, so you can enjoy both weekend walking street markets.
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