Chiang Mai-6-day-itinerary

Day 1: Explore the Old City

  • Morning: Start your day at the famous Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple, located on a hill overlooking the city. Take a songthaew (red truck) from the old city for 20 THB.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Center, which features local art exhibitions and cultural performances.
  • Evening: Head to Wat Phan Tao, a stunning temple with a large bell tower, and watch the sunset. For dinner, try some delicious Khao Soi at Khao Soi Mae Sai restaurant in the old city.

Places to go:

  • Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
  • Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Center
  • Wat Phan Tao

Activities:

  • Explore the old city streets and alleys
  • Visit a local market, such as the Sunday Walking Street Market

Where to eat:

  • Khao Soi Mae Sai restaurant (try their Khao Soi noodles!)
  • Krua Baiphae (try their traditional Thai dishes)

Accommodations:

  • Stay at Baan Thai Residence, a boutique hotel with comfortable rooms and a great location.
  • Alternatively, try Nimman Guesthouse, which offers affordable and clean rooms.

Transportation:

  • Songthaews (red trucks) are an easy way to get around the city. Just hop on and pay 20 THB.
  • Tuk-tuks are also available for hire, but be sure to agree on a price before you start your journey.

Things to know:

  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions when visiting temples or attending cultural events.
  • Try some street food, but make sure it’s from a reputable vendor.
  • Bring sunscreen and a hat, as the sun can be strong in Chiang Mai.

Day 2: Explore the Countryside

  • Morning: Take a day trip to the nearby Elephant Nature Park, which offers sanctuary to rescued elephants. You can interact with these magnificent creatures and learn about conservation efforts.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Mae Sa Valley, which features stunning scenery, waterfalls, and hiking trails. You can take a picnic lunch or grab some food at one of the local eateries.

Places to go:

  • Elephant Nature Park
  • Mae Sa Valley

Activities:

  • Interact with elephants at the Elephant Nature Park
  • Hike through the beautiful Mae Sa Valley

Where to eat:

  • Try some traditional Thai dishes at Krua Baiphae restaurant in the old city.
  • Grab a snack or lunch at one of the many street food stalls in the market.

Accommodations:

  • Stay at Baan Thai Residence, which offers comfortable rooms and a great location.

Transportation:

  • Take a taxi or songthaew to get to Elephant Nature Park (around 30-40 THB).
  • Drive yourself to Mae Sa Valley, but be sure to follow local traffic laws and regulations.

Day 3: Explore the Night Markets

  • Evening: Visit the famous Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, which features a wide range of street food, souvenirs, and local handicrafts. You can try some delicious Pad Thai or Khanom Buang (Thai crepe) at one of the many food stalls.

Places to go:

  • Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

Activities:

  • Explore the night market stalls and shops
  • Try some street food and snacks

Where to eat:

  • Try some Pad Thai at Pad Thai Mae Sai restaurant in the old city.
  • Grab a snack or drink at one of the many vendors at the night market.

Accommodations:

  • Stay at Nimman Guesthouse, which offers affordable and clean rooms.

Transportation:

  • Take a songthaew to get to the night market (around 20 THB).
  • Drive yourself, but be sure to follow local traffic laws and regulations.

Day 4: Visit the Doi Suthep Pui National Park

  • Morning: Take a day trip to the Doi Suthep Pui National Park, which features stunning scenery, waterfalls, and hiking trails. You can take a picnic lunch or grab some food at one of the local eateries.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Bo Sang Village, which is famous for its handmade paper products.

Places to go:

  • Doi Suthep Pui National Park
  • Bo Sang Village

Activities:

  • Hike through the beautiful national park
  • Learn about traditional paper-making techniques in Bo Sang Village

Where to eat:

  • Try some traditional Thai dishes at Krua Baiphae restaurant in the old city.
  • Grab a snack or lunch at one of the many street food stalls in the market.

Accommodations:

  • Stay at Baamboode, which offers comfortable rooms and a great location.

Transportation:

  • Take a taxi or songthaew to get to Doi Suthep Pui National Park (around 30-40 THB).
  • Drive yourself to Bo Sang Village, but be sure to follow local traffic laws and regulations.

Day 5: Explore the Museum and Cultural Centers

  • Morning: Visit the Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Center, which features local art exhibitions and cultural performances.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Chiang Mai National Museum, which showcases the history and culture of Chiang Mai.

Places to go:

  • Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Center
  • Chiang Mai National Museum

Activities:

  • Explore the museum exhibits and learn about local history and culture.
  • Attend a cultural performance or exhibition at one of the many art centers in the city.

Where to eat:

  • Try some delicious Khao Soi at Khao Soi Mae Sai restaurant in the old city.
  • Grab a snack or drink at one of the many vendors near the museum.

Accommodations:

  • Stay at Nimman Guesthouse, which offers affordable and clean rooms.

Transportation:

  • Take a songthaew to get to the museum (around 20 THB).
  • Drive yourself, but be sure to follow local traffic laws and regulations.

Day 6: Explore the Countryside

  • Morning: Visit the nearby Huay Tung Waterfall, which is located in a beautiful national park.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Chiang Mai Orchid Farm, which features stunning scenery and a wide range of orchid species.

Places to go:

  • Huay Tung Waterfall
  • Chiang Mai Orchid Farm

Activities:

  • Hike through the beautiful national park to reach the waterfall.
  • Learn about orchid cultivation and conservation at the farm.

Where to eat:

  • Try some traditional Thai dishes at Krua Baiphae restaurant in the old city.
  • Grab a snack or lunch at one of the many street food stalls near the farm.

Accommodations:

  • Stay at Baan Thai Residence, which offers comfortable rooms and a great location.

Transportation:

  • Take a taxi or songthaew to get to Huay Tung Waterfall (around 30-40 THB).
  • Drive yourself to the Chiang Mai Orchid Farm, but be sure to follow local traffic laws and regulations.