Please Note: This awesome guest post was written by Sara and Ryan. The content is based on their personal experiences, and their opinions don’t necessarily reflect my own. Enjoy their story!
Planning a 3-day Chiang Mai itinerary can feel overwhelming with so many beautiful temples, activities and day trips to choose from. Where do you even start? Should you prioritise the Chiang Mai Old City, adventure into the mountains, or max out on cultural experiences?
After spending a total of three months living in Chiang Mai, Sara and I have experienced just about everything this incredible city has to offer. We’ve meticulously crafted what we believe is the perfect 3-day Chiang Mai itinerary for first-time visitors.
What makes our 3-day Chiang Mai itinerary different? While most tourists stick exclusively to the Old City (which is stunning!), we’ll show you how to balance must-see cultural sites with ethical wildlife encounters and surreal natural wonders that most visitors tend to miss!
Each day of this itinerary has been carefully planned to give you:
- A perfect mix of popular attractions and hidden gems
- Enough time to truly enjoy each location (no rushed 15-minute temple visits!)
- Authentic food recommendations from local spots we’ve personally tested
- Tips for getting around efficiently between destinations
Let’s dive into three incredible days that will give you a genuine taste of Northern Thailand without the overwhelm of planning it yourself!
Day 1: Exploring the City!
We’ve made it so that the first day will be spent exploring all the must-sees in the old town of Chiang Mai, as well as some temples in the surrounding foothills. There are quite a few temples today, but each one offers something different to see—they’re not all the same, I promise!
Start at Sun Rays Café
We want you to begin your Chiang Mai adventure with a tasty breakfast at Sun Rays Café, found in the west of the Old City. This charming little café is popular with both locals and tourists for good reason.
Sara and I both ordered different variations of scrambled eggs and bacon, and they were genuinely 10/10. The café has a cosy atmosphere, friendly staff, and reasonable prices—making it the perfect stop to fuel up before a day of temple-hopping!
Wat Chedi Luang
After breakfast, head to your first stop of the day: Wat Chedi Luang. This ancient complex is one of Chiang Mai’s most important religious sites, and you’ll need about 30-45 minutes to fully explore it.
Our highlight was the massive ruined stupa (chedi) in the centre, which was built in the 15th century. Though partially destroyed by an earthquake, it remains a beautiful sight. Walk around the entire complex and try to spot intricate carvings, Buddha statues, and the city pillar shrine.
💡 Tip: Remember to dress respectfully when visiting any Buddhist temples in Thailand—cover your shoulders and knees. A light scarf or sarong in your bag can be a lifesaver if you’re wearing shorts!
Three Kings Monument
Just a short walk from Wat Chedi Luang, you’ll find the Three Kings Monument. This is a bronze statue commemorating the alliance of King Mengrai (the founder of Chiang Mai), King Ramkamhaeng of Sukhothai, and King Ngam Muang of Phayao.
The statue sits in a large open plaza and only takes about 5 minutes to snap a quick photo. If you’re interested in local history, the Lanna Folklife Museum is nearby and is worth visiting. We enjoyed it when we visited once, though it does add a couple of hours to your day if you choose to include it.
Tha Phae Gate
Next in this 3-day itinerary is Tha Phae Gate, one of Chiang Mai’s most iconic landmarks. As the last remaining intact gate of the original city wall, it’s a popular spot for photos. Quite often, we saw locals dressed in traditional Thai clothing here for photoshoots.
The area tends to be alive with activity, and you can even get to feed the pigeons that gather here! This is also a good spot to grab a quick snack from one of the street vendors if you’re feeling a tad peckish.
Lunch at Fern Forest Café
For lunch, head to Fern Forest Café, a charming eatery in the Old City. This cute little restaurant features a large, well-maintained garden that makes you feel like you’re dining beside a greenhouse.
The food is slightly pricier by Chiang Mai standards, but it’s super tasty and worth the extra Thai baht. Sara and I enjoyed their fresh salads and sandwiches.
Don’t miss the small koi pond with a stone bridge—it makes a great spot for photos!
Wat Lok Moli
After lunch, it’s time to begin your “temple-run” afternoon! Start with Wat Lok Moli, which is found on the northern edge of the Old City. This temple stands out for its unique black building overlaid with white trimmings, creating a striking design that’s different from most Thai temples.
The architecture here is heavenly, particularly the intricate woodwork and multi-tiered roof. It’s less crowded than some of the more famous temples, giving you space to appreciate the craftsmanship and take some more incredible photos – you should have tons for the ‘gram by the end of this 3-day itinerary!
Wat Umong Suan Putthatham
We’ve been walking all day, so now it’s time to hop in a Grab taxi (or scooter if you’ve rented one) and head to Wat Umong Suan Putthatham. This temple is about a 15-minute drive west of the Old City but it’s worth the journey.
What made Wat Umong special for us is its network of tunnels with Buddha statues tucked inside—a unique experience you just don’t get at other temples. Remember to take off your shoes before entering the tunnels as a sign of respect. To the left of the tunnels, there’s a large stupa in an open field that creates another great photo op!
This was actually my favourite temple near Chiang Mai because of the tunnels and the fact that it was super peaceful with very few other visitors around when we visited.
If you’re interested in Buddhism, this is also where you can participate in a monk chat program to learn more about Thai culture and Buddhist practices.
Wat Phrathat Doi Kham for Sunset
For the final temple of the day, time your visit to Wat Phrathat Doi Kham perfectly for sunset. Sitting on a hill in the foothills of the nearby mountains, the views from this temple over Chiang Mai are spectacular.
Here you can find a standing Buddha, a seated Buddha, and a reclining Buddha—a triple threat! The view over the city is from the same platform where the reclining and standing Buddha are, which is especially brilliant during the golden light of sunset.
And, once again, there’s a great photo spot at the top of a long white staircase that leads towards the bottom of the hill! While some people recommend Wat Phra Singh for sunset, we found Wat Phrathat to be less crowded and more peaceful.
End with Night Market Street Food!
After watching the sunset, take the 30-minute journey back into town for dinner. If it’s a Sunday, then you’re lucky! Head to the night Sunday Walking Market along Rachadamnoen Road in the centre of the Old City.
This night market features tons of stalls selling local art, trinkets, and souvenirs. But the food court is where you want to be, where you’ll find an incredible array of street food. From pad Thai and mango sticky rice to more adventurous options like insect snacks!
If it’s not Sunday, don’t worry—head to the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar area where you can try out the local cuisine at very reasonable prices every night of the week. There’s also a pop-up Chiang Mai night market here too, regardless of the day!
Day 2: Walking with Elephants!
One of the best things to do in Chiang Mai is visiting an elephant sanctuary. Today is dedicated to this incredible experience, but choosing the right place is crucial. After tons of research to make sure we picked an ethical option, we settled on Chai Lai Orchid, which offers half-day tours, full-day tours, and multiple-day tours.
We chose the full-day tour, which we would highly recommend for the complete experience!
Chai Lai Orchid’s Itinerary
Here’s what our day looked like:
- 7:30 am: Pickup from our hotel in a songthaew (shared pickup truck)
- 9:00 am: Arrival at Chai Lai Orchid for check-in and introduction to our local tour guide for the day
- 9:30 am: Walking tour through the local Karen community village, where our guide explained their daily life. We met an elderly lady teaching her granddaughter traditional weaving techniques—a beautiful glimpse into their cultural preservation
- 10:00 am: Short truck ride to the riverside
- 10:30 am: Bamboo rafting experience down the river, which was both peaceful and exciting, with a few rapid spots to keep things interesting
- 11:30 am: Return to the main area, where we had our first encounter with the herd of elephants in a nearby field—truly a surreal moment
- 12:00 pm: Lunch of pumpkin soup, rice with grilled chicken, and watermelon for dessert
- 1:00 pm: The elephant encounter began! We fed them “medicine” (a mixture of rice, banana, salt, and tamarind that helps with digestion), took photos, and played with them in the river. The experience was incredible and truly unique
- 3:00 pm: Visit to Mae Sa Pok Waterfall to cool off under the refreshing water
- 4:00 pm: Return journey to our hotel
How Ethical is Chai Lai Orchid?
This is a question we took very seriously during our research, and we were impressed by what we learned:
- Chai Lai Orchid is a foundation that rescues elephants from the logging industry and less ethical sanctuaries
- They strictly prohibit riding the elephants, and their caretakers interact with the animals only in positive ways
- The sanctuary doesn’t overcrowd the elephants, allowing groups of just 6 visitors at a time
What ultimately convinced us was learning that they use their profits to help local women at risk of trafficking by providing education and finding them reputable jobs. Also, it’s worth noting that ethical sanctuaries receive no government funding, so tourism actually plays a key role in supporting these rescued elephants
During our visit, it was clear the elephants were well-cared for and lived in much better conditions than they would in riding camps or shows. The mahouts (elephant caretakers) had genuine bonds with their elephants and used gentle voice commands rather than hooks or physical force.
Finish the Day with a Rooftop Treat!
After returning to your hotel and taking a well-deserved shower, head to HIDELAND rooftop bar and restaurant for dinner and drinks. While the food is average, the views make up for it! Watching the sunset over Chiang Mai from a rooftop is the perfect way to end this magical day walking with gentle giants.
Day 3: Caves & Waterfalls!
On your last day, we want you to visit two attractions that couldn’t be more opposite to each other. Both are a fair distance from Chiang Mai, so you’ll need a driver or scooter rental to reach them.
Chiang Dao Caves
Start your day by heading to Chiang Dao Caves, a huge complex of mountain caverns about 2 hours north of Chiang Mai. Since it’s the furthest away, it’s best to start here first thing in the morning.
For a total of about $5 (€4.65) per person, you can take a guided tour around this fascinating underground world. The caves are filled with incredible rock formations, and you might even spot bats and cave spiders if you’re lucky (or unlucky, if you’re an arachnophobe, like Sara!).
A guide is mandatory for a part of the tour, as they carry a hot paraffin lantern to light the way and ensure you don’t fall into any holes. The caves are quite long, and some passages can be narrow (you need to climb through) or slippery, so wear appropriate footwear.
Inside, you’ll discover stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over thousands of years. It’s a completely different experience from the temples and forests you’ve experienced so far on your trip!
Bua Tong Sticky Waterfall
After exploring the underworld, head back towards Chiang Mai and stop at Bua Tong Sticky Waterfall. When we first heard about this place, we thought it’d probably be overrated—but we were completely wrong!
The feeling of being able to grip the waterfall with our bare feet and climb from bottom to top is genuinely surreal. The minerals in the water create a limestone surface that isn’t slippery at all, defying everything you’d expect from a waterfall.
The climb isn’t difficult, and there are ropes along the sides to help with the steeper sections. The water is refreshingly cool, making this the perfect place for a hot day. Trust me, this isn’t just a tourist trap—it’s 100% worth experiencing!
Take your time here to enjoy the different levels of the waterfall, the Chet Si Fountain, and the serene forest surroundings. There are also picnic spots if you want to bring some lunch or snacks.
Did somebody say “Michelin Restaurant”?
To finish up an action packed 3 days in Chiang Mai, we’re sending you to one of the best places for khao soi in the country. Khao soi is a northern Thai delicacy, consisting of a mildly spicy noodle soup along with your choice of meat and aromatics.
Khao Soi Nimman is by far the best spot to try this dish. It’s somewhere we kept heading back to at least once a week! The chicken satay is pretty darn good, too.
Alternative Day Trips from Chiang Mai
If caves and waterfalls don’t appeal to you, here are some alternative day trips to consider:
- Hiring a scooter and riding around the Samoeng Loop: A scenic mountain route with stunning viewpoints, coffee plantations, and, err, caves and waterfalls…
- Booking a day tour to Chiang Rai to visit even more unique temples, including the famous White and Blue Temples
- Heading to Doi Inthanon National Park to visit the highest peak in Thailand and walk around the beautiful twin royal pagodas
How to get to Chiang Mai
Depending on where you’re starting from, there are several ways to reach Chiang Mai:
- By plane: Domestic flights in Thailand are quite affordable, with multiple daily connections from Bangkok, Phuket, and other major cities
- By train: The journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai by train is a popular option, offering both day and overnight services
- By bus: You can reach Chiang Mai from most Thai cities by bus, but keep in mind that the journey can be quite long if you’re coming from further away
Getting around Chiang Mai
For the most part, the easiest way to see all the major sights inside Chiang Mai city proper is to simply walk. Sticking around the Old City means that there are plenty of pathways, numerous restaurant and bar options, and a lot of museums or temples to see.
For greater exploration, though, there are a few different transport options we suggest:
Rent a Scooter
Out of all the places we’ve visited in Southeast Asia, Chiang Mai has some of the most subdued traffic. Although still crazier than back in the West, it’s not the worst place for new scooter riders to learn the ropes of Southeast Asian traffic. However, if you’ve never even ridden a two wheeled motor vehicle before, then we still strongly suggest seeking professional lessons first!
We hired a scooter from Budget Rentals for our entire stay in Chiang Mai. It was a Honda Click 125cc, and it’s good enough to get us around the city, and even up to Chiang Dao. I would highly recommend having a valid international driving permit with a motorcycle endorsement though, otherwise you risk a fine of about $20 (€18.60) each time you get pulled over.
Every now and then we’d hire a large motorbike from Pop Big Bike Rental too. You definitely need an international driving permit for this, but it made our trips to Doi Inthanon and around the Samoeng Loop a lot more fun!
Use the Grab App
If you’d prefer to not ride a scooter, the Grab app is the best way, by far, to get around Chiang Mai. It’s basically Southeast Asia’s Uber, and you can order taxis, taxi bikes, and food. To get from one side of the city to the other with a Grab bike only costs around $3 (€2.80)!
Grab is a great way to get to temples and attractions that are within a 30-minute ride outside of the city, too. You can ask the driver to hang around for you for a little tip!
Hop in a Tuk Tuk
Tuk tuks are another great mode of transport in Chiang Mai. They offer a unique riding experience around the city that the Grab app can’t. Just be careful as tuk tuk drivers choose their own prices and often try to overcharge tourists. Make sure to negotiate a reasonable price before starting the journey.
Best Time to Visit Chiang Mai
The best time to visit Chiang Mai is hands down from November to January. This is when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for exploring, with clear skies and minimal rain. However, this is also peak season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices.
Periods to know about:
- February to April: This is the burning season, when farmers burn their fields and air quality becomes seriously poor. We experienced this firsthand in March 2023, and the pollution was truly awful.
- April: This is the hottest month of the year in Chiang Mai, but it’s also when Songkran (Thai New Year water festival) takes place, which is an incredible experience
- May to October: Rainy season brings frequent downpours, though they’re usually predictable and don’t last all day
How Long Do You Need to Visit Chiang Mai?
While this itinerary focuses on 3 days, here’s our honest opinion on trip length:
- 3 days is generally a good amount of time to see the highlights
- 5 days would be better to be able to see everything without rushing
- A week or more would be ideal to really experience Chiang Mai deeply, try more food options and explore the nightlife, which is actually super lively!
Where to Stay in Chiang Mai
There are a few areas in Chiang Mai worth looking into when thinking about where to base yourself during a trip here. Sara and I have extensively explored them all, and these are the best areas to consider:
- Old City: The main area of Chiang Mai right in the centre of the city. Although it’s the focal point, it’s actually a pretty old area—which makes sense as it’s the part of Chiang Mai that was built earliest! As a first timer, this is likely the best place to base. It’s walkable, with lots of accommodation and food options.
- Nimman: This neighbourhood in Chiang Mai is a lot more modern and is actually where Sara and I choose to stay every time we visit. Nimman is known as the “digital nomad neighbourhood” and offers a lot of short and long-term accommodations. It’s buzzing with restaurants, cafés, and nightlife. Nimman is also home to the new One Nimman Market and Maya Lifestyle Mall.
- Night Bazaar: The last area we recommend is the Night Bazaar neighbourhood. It’s on the opposite side of the city to Nimman and offers a more local, chaotic vibe. It’s likely to be cheaper to stay here than in Nimman or the Old City, and gives a more raw, authentic feeling when exploring. The Night Bazaar region comes alive at night!
Is Chiang Mai Worth Visiting?
For Sara and I, we felt that Chiang Mai offers the perfect blend of cultural experiences, natural beauty, and ethical wildlife encounters. In just three days, we think you can get a genuine taste of Northern Thailand’s charm and hospitality.
What we love most about Chiang Mai is how it balances tradition with modernity. You can visit ancient temples in the morning and enjoy modern cafés and bars in the evening. The city welcomes visitors while maintaining its authentic Thai character.
If you visit Chiang Mai at the right time, you can also check out the Yi Peng lantern festival, or participate in Songkran—the world’s largest water fight for Thai New Year!
Whether you’re following this itinerary exactly or using it as inspiration for your own adventure, Chiang Mai is sure to capture your heart just as it did ours. We’ve returned multiple times and plan to go back again and again—it’s that special to us!
Just a heads up: some links in the article “3-Day Chiang Mai Itinerary” on Nomadmum.com are affiliate links. This means if you click and buy, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
