3 Days in Chiang Mai: Itinerary and Planning Tips

With just 3 days in the city, you could explore its most iconic attractions, indulge in local cuisine, and experience the serenity of nature after carefully planning your trip.

This guide will help you to make the most of your time, balancing cultural experiences with relaxation.

Are 3 Days Enough for Chiang Mai?

Absolutely, if your primary goal is to experience Chiang Mai's top highlights, such as its temples, elephant sanctuaries, and street markets. Three days gives you a perfect introduction to the city, especially if it's your first time.

However, if your time allows, you'd be better off with at least 5–7 days for in-depth exploration. You could have more than 1 day with elephants, play around in some water by climbing the Sticky Waterfall, and even go to farther destinations like Chiang Rai, Pai, or Mae Hong Son. 

Classic 3-Day Chiang Mai Itinerary for First-Timers

This 3-day itinerary gives you a chance to explore the best of the city while leaving room for nature and a bit of adventure. Let's break it down day by day.

• Day 1: Arrival in Chiang Mai and a temple tour
• Day 2: Elephant interaction
• Day 3: Doi Inthanon natural exploration tour

Day 1: Arrival and Possible Activities

On your arrival day, you could either take some time to relax or start exploring the city a little bit.

Airport Transfer

Chiang Mai is a small town, and you could reach the city center within 20 minutes from the airport.

If you're a seasoned traveler and fine with a little-to-no English-speaking driver, taking taxis to your hotel is an affordable option, costing below 300 THB/9 USD. Alternatively, a booked private transfer with an English-speaking guide guarantees a smoother experience.

For city exploration, we've selected 3 leisure activities to make the most of your extra time. These options come with a rough idea of how long they take, so you could choose what fits best into your day.

Option 1: Explore Temples in the Old City

Duration: 1½–2 hours

The Old City is compact and full of cultural charm. A walking tour through its temples is the top choice to have a glimpse of local Buddhist practices. Most temples are free or charge a small fee of $1–2.

Start your temple exploration with Wat Phra Singh.

As the finest example of Lanna-style architecture, it is famous for its over 600-year-old Phra Singh Buddha image and stunning gold-plated pagoda.

As the most popular temple in the Old City, you could also see some locals praying and/or monks chanting (only available close to sunrises and sunsets). Just a few steps from the Sunday Market, you could easily continue onto the vibrant night market.

Next, walk over to Wat Chedi Luang, which is only a 10-minute stroll away.

This temple is home to a partially restored 14th-century chedi (once the highest in Chiang Mai). Besides admiring the towering chedi, you could participate in the local tradition of applying gold leaf to Buddha statues for good luck. (If you're visiting on a Saturday, try to be there at 7am to witness the heartfelt alms giving.)  

Dress code: Modest clothing is required — no shorts or sleeveless shirts. You should also take off your shoes when entering temple halls, so you'd better wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off.

Option 2: Watch the Sunset at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Duration: approximately 4 hours, suggested departure after 4pm

If you arrive with a few hours to spare in the late afternoon, heading up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep to watch a sunset is a must. You would avoid the busy daytime crowds and enjoy panoramic views of Chiang Mai at sunsets.

To enter the temple, you could either climb 309 steps or take the tram lift to the top. Inside the temple grounds, listen to the fascinating story behind its location, and visit the main hall to appreciate the golden chedi, which houses sacred Buddha relics. You could also receive a blessing from the monks after making a donation.

At about 5:30pm, monks begin their evening chanting. This is a special moment to experience as the whole temple becomes serene and peaceful. Along with locals, you would witness the special ritual before 1 hour of chanting.

After the ritual, you could choose to head to the viewing platform for a stunning sunset or stay to meditate alongside the chants and enjoy the nighttime city views.

Insider Tips:

• The best time to visit is during the dry season (November to May) when the sky is clear for a perfect sunset view.
• The drive from Chiang Mai Old City takes about 40 minutes, with 20 minutes on winding mountain roads. If you're prone to motion sickness, it's better to prepare in advance.

Night Activities Option: the Night Markets

In Chiang Mai, the night markets bring you close to the local life. The most popular choices are the Sunday Market on Ratchadamnoen Road, the Saturday Market on Wua Lai Road, and the daily Warorot Market.

You could just simply enjoy the lively atmosphere at the market or go on a foodie adventure. For food, don't miss the chance to try local specialties, such as khao soi (coconut curry noodle soup), northern Thai sausage, and grilled meats, fried bananas, and fresh fruit smoothies.

After exploring, relax with a foot or full body massage. The local spas are quite affordable—an hour-long foot massage just costs about 300 THB (US$9).

Day 2: Elephant Encounter 

Chiang Mai is home to the most ethical elephant camps in Thailand. If you're an animal lover, an elephant sanctuary deserves a try in Chiang Mai.

Choose an Elephant Sanctuary

Based on our biannual field visits and feedback from our guests, we've handpicked three ethical elephant sanctuaries for you.

• Elephant Nature Park is renowned for its hands-off ethical practices and is home to the largest number of elephants (100+).
• Elephant Rescue Park offers a more economical private half-day tour, making it an excellent choice for those seeking privacy.
• Kanta Elephant Sanctuary features gentle activities that are particularly suitable for families with elderly members and children. As the most affordable option, it provides a memorable experience without straining your budget.

Activities for Elephant Care

In your 3-day Chiang Mai tour, you're advised to choose a short half-day or a full-day program.

They usually follow a similar schedule: shared hotel pickup & drop off, learning elephants' habits and behaviors, preparing food, feeding elephants, walking with them, and bathing them. But the half-day tour has a quicker pace.

If you choose a half-day elephant tour, you could also add...

• Morning cooking class (4 hours)

A cooking class is a great way to spend intimate hours with your loved one(s). Asia Scenic is one of the best places to join in with this activity. Check out its highly-rated farm option, in which you could cook your own dishes in their atmospheric outdoor kitchen!

During the class, you would select your 6 courses first, such as tom yam soup, curry dishes, and spring rolls. Then, walk to the local markets and their herb garden to recognize and taste ingredients. Finally, follow your chef (Two was our favorite chef during our visit!) and learn to cook your dishes and taste them together.

• The Sticky Waterfall (1–2 hours)

The Sticky Waterfall is a small place for active teenagers and young adults to have fun climbing the 4-layer waterfall.

You could combine it with the elephant camps in northern Chiang Mai, which are about 30 minutes' drive away.

When climbing the waterfall, it's easier to walk down the stairs to the base and then ascend rather than descend directly down the waterfall. As some areas may be slippery, ropes and/or barriers are generally available for support.

Insider tips:

1. Physical exertion is required if you decide to climb the waterfall. Therefore, it may be challenging for young kids below 7 years old to take this tour.

2. Prepare spare clothes to change into afterward.

Day 3: Doi Inthanon National Park Tour

For your final day, head out of the city and into nature. Doi Inthanon National Park, located about a 2-hour drive from Chiang Mai, is a must-visit.

A day trip to Doi Inthanon National Park typically includes a hike, Wachirathan Waterfall, the King and Queen Pagodas, and the Maeklang Luang Karen village.

Stop 1: A Hike Inside Doi Inthanon

Your Doi Inthanon trip is not complete without hiking. For most travelers, you could choose a light walk along the summit of Doi Inthanon (the highest point in Thailand) and the Ang Ka Nature Trail. In this half-hour walk, you would follow a short boardwalk loop to see the dense cloud forest covered in moss and ferns.

If you want to venture further, take the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail. This moderate trekking route takes about 2–3 hours and only opens from November to May. Away from the big tourist groups, you walk along the tranquil ridge of the mountain and gain panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains, even clouds rolling in below you.  

Insider tips:

• If possible, you're suggested to avoid the rainy season (June to October). In the wet season, the weather at the summit could be unpredictable, with frequent fog and poor visibility, even if it's sunny at the base. Additionally, the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail is closed during this time.
• Take a jacket as the temperature of the mountaintop can drop to about 10 °C (50 °F) outside of the hottest months (March to May).

Stop 2: King and Queen Pagodas

After the trek, head to the King and Queen Pagodas, built to honor the late king and queen of Thailand. You could simply admire these twin pagodas, the colorful garden, and the panoramic views of the mountains.

Stop 3: Maeklang Luang Karen Village

One of the more unique and culturally enriching stops is Maeklang Luang, a small Karen village tucked away in the mountains.

You could walk through the village to meet locals and see their daily life. If you like, walk for another half an hour to see their terraced rice fields. The village is also known for its coffee, grown in the cool mountain climate. 

(We had the chance to try a cup of their locally brewed coffee. The rich, earthy flavor was one of the best we've tasted.) 

Stop 4: Wachirathan Waterfall

Cap off your Doi Inthanon trip after a brief stop at Wachirathan Waterfall, the most powerful waterfall there.

The viewpoint is just a few steps from the parking area, so it's easy to admire the powerful cascade up close. As you approach, the sound of crashing water fills the air, while the cool mist offers a refreshing finale to your day.

If You Have More Time in Chiang Mai...

• 1- or 2-Day Chiang Rai Tour from Chiang Mai

If you would like to delve deeper into northern Thai culture, go to Chiang Rai. It features three colorful temples and the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos converge.

A day trip to Chiang Rai is popular from Chiang Mai. However, considering the 6-hour round-trip drive, we highly recommend that you stay overnight in Chiang Rai for a more comfortable tour pace and in-depth exploration. Get more ideas about our Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai tour.

• Overnight Elephant Camp Experience (Extra 2–7 Days)

If you are seeking a longer time with elephants, Chiang Mai also offers great choices for overnight programs.

The Bush Camp stands out for its all-inclusive 2- or 3-day glamping stay. In a relaxing wild setting, you could have more elephant interaction, along with fun cultural activities, such as cooking classes and crafting elephant dung paper.

If you don't mind the simple accommodation, Elephant Nature Park's weekly volunteer program is a perfect choice. In this program, you would be a real elephant carer: scooping elephant poo, cleaning and preparing elephant food, constructing, maintaining mud pits, and helping in local villages.

• 2-Day Sky Lantern Festival If Visiting in November

The Sky Lantern Festival is perfect for couples looking to celebrate a special anniversary or surprise their partner. You would capture the romantic moment with the most stunning spectacle of thousands of lanterns drifting into the sky, resembling a starry night. Check out more details from our 5-Day Romantic Thailand Lantern Festival Couples Tour.

Want a customized itinerary just for you? Get it within 24 hours — contact us now!

Where to Stay During Your 3-Day Chiang Mai Tour?

For first-time visitors, staying in the Old City or along the riverside is highly recommended.

The Old City is a cultural hotspot, with iconic temples just a short walk away. Full of local restaurants, traditional Thai massage parlors, and a bustling market, it's quite convenient to spend your spare time. Tamarind Village, The Inside House, and Phra Singh Village are great choices.

If you prefer a more peaceful setting, the riverside is a great option. Luxury hotels like Anantara offer stunning views of the river and spacious, well-appointed rooms.

How to Get Around Chiang Mai

The fastest and most efficient way to travel to Chiang Mai is by air. Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) offers plenty of options for both domestic and international flights, with direct connections from major cities like Bangkok, Phuket, Seoul, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Taipei, and Singapore.

Once in the city, moving around is simple. When exploring the Old City, the heart of Chiang Mai, you could navigate on foot to discover hidden spots you might otherwise miss. For the rest of the city center, many choose local transport like Songthaews (shared red trucks) and tuk-tuks.

If you plan to venture beyond the city limits—perhaps to Doi Inthanon National Park, visit elephant sanctuaries, or take a trip to Chiang Rai—it's a good idea to book a private car or van for a more comfortable and hassle-free experience.

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