How Many Days to Spend in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, a charming city in northern Thailand, is famous for its unique Lanna culture, elephant sanctuaries, and mountain scenery.

So, how long should you stay? This guide gives you several itinerary options to make the most of your time in this beautiful city. Whether you want a quick getaway or a deeper exploration, there's a perfect plan for you.

How Many Days Are Enough for Chiang Mai?

For most first-timers, they usually stop in Chiang Mai for 3-4 days to discover its essential highlights. Typically, the must-see spots include iconic temples, ethical elephant sanctuaries, and/or Doi Inthanon National Park.

For a richer experience, consider staying 5-7 days. In addition to the landmarks, you could enjoy glamping with elephants, venture into nearby areas like Chiang Rai, or partake in a 2-day Yi Peng Lantern Festival (usually in November).

3 Days in Chiang Mai

This 3-day itinerary is perfect for travelers with a short stay in Chiang Mai, especially if you want to visit other parts of Thailand in a limited time.

To make the most of your time, we recommend staying in Chiang Mai's city center and visiting attractions within a one-hour drive.

Here's a detailed breakdown of the itinerary:

• Day 1: Arrival
• Day 2: One-day elephant experience
• Day 3: Chiang Mai city tour (Warorot Market, Wat Suan Dok, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a rickshaw ride in Old City), Departure

Day 1: Arrival

Chiang Mai Airport (CNX) is just 20 minutes from most hotels. You can grab a taxi for about 300 THB (9 USD), but drivers often speak little or no English. For a smoother experience, consider booking a private transfer with an English-speaking guide, especially for any emergencies.

After check-in, if you arrive early, take some time to hunt for local food in the Old City or enjoy a Thai spa at your hotel. If it's the weekend, check out the big Saturday or Sunday market.

Day 2: Elephant Experience

Chiang Mai is home to many ethical elephant sanctuaries. It's a must for animal lovers, as they could get up close to these giant animals.

Among them, Elephant Nature Park is the most hands-off experience, where the only interaction is feeding the elephants. Elephant Jungle Sanctuary includes free photos of your visit, while Kanta is the most affordable and ideal for families or seniors because it's less physically demanding.

Most day-tour programs follow a similar schedule: hotel pick-up, feeding elephants, walking with them and bathing them and hotel drop-off.

If you prefer to save time for more diverse activities, you could choose a half-day tour, which still allows you to feed and bathe the elephants. However, the tour starts earlier and the pace is faster. Then you could combine it with a cooking class or the sticky waterfall nearby.

Day 3: One-Day City Highlights of Chiang Mai

Start your day at Warorot Market. You would see beautiful lotus flowers and traditional garlands that locals buy to offer at temples. You could even watch the vendors making them. Besides flowers, you would find unique Thai vegetables and snacks to try.

Next, visit Wat Suan Dok, the only temple in Chiang Mai with a bunch of white pagodas. Inside, you would find Thailand's largest bronze Buddha statue. If you've got some time, feel free to chat with a monk or even join one of the meditation sessions they hold on Mondays.

Afterward, make your way up Doi Suthep Mountain to check out Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. You could either climb the 309 steps or take a cable car to the temple. Inside, you would see the impressive stupa that holds Buddha's relics. If your time allows, visit it at sunset for fewer crowds and a chance to see monks chanting. The panorama of Chiang Mai from the viewpoint is another highlight.

End your day with a short rickshaw ride around the Old City. You would glide through the quiet streets and take in the peaceful vibe. If you have more time, visit Wat Chedi Luang, an important ancient site, and Wat Phra Singh, the most visited temple in the Old City.

Insider Tip: It is suggested that you book your departure flight that leaves Chiang Mai after 6:00 pm.

5 Days in Chiang Mai

This 5-day itinerary is designed for couples and families to explore beyond just the city highlights. Beyond temples, this tour includes more interactive activities to engage your partner or family. You would have outdoor fun at Doi Inthanon National Park and interact with elephants alongside a glamping experience.

Here's the detailed itinerary:

• Day 1: Arrival
• Day 2: Chiang Mai city tour
• Day 3: Doi Inthanon National Park
• Days 4–5: Overnight elephant camp—The Bush Camp

Insider tip: When selecting an overnight elephant camp, we highly recommend the Bush Camp. While many camps offer basic accommodations, it offers a more comfortable glamping experience with all-inclusive service.

Days 1–2: Arrival and City Tour

For the first two days, you could explore the city highlights, including Warorot Market, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, and the temples inside Old City.

If you're visiting on a weekend, don't miss the Sunday Night Market and the photogenic Morning Coconut Palm Market.

Day 3: Doi Inthanon Natural Exploration Tour

Get ready to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature! Today, you would explore Doi Inthanon National Park with a variety of activities.

Start with a gentle walk on the Ang Ka Nature Trail. This easy trail takes about half an hour and features well-maintained stone steps and wooden paths. As you stroll beneath towering trees, you would spot the unique highland moss and ferns.

If you're seeking more adventure, consider a more challenging hike of 2-3 hours along the Kew Mae Pan Trail. The reward? Spectacular views of cloud-filled valleys and vibrant mountain meadows. But please note that this trail is only open from November to May.

After your hike, visit the King and Queen Pagodas, where you could appreciate the incredible architecture and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

A visit to a hill tribe village adds a cultural touch to the day. You could see traditional stilt houses, and watch local women weave textiles and chop firewood.

Finish your day with a visit to Wachiratharn Waterfall, a beautiful spot to relax and take in the natural beauty of the park.

Day 4: The Bush Camp (Feeding Elephants & Cooking Class)

Away from the city, the Bush Camp is a perfect serene getaway, combining elephant encounters with all-inclusive glamping.

Around 9 am, you would be picked up from your hotel. After a scenic 2-hour drive, you would arrive at the camp, ready for an exciting afternoon.

Your adventure begins with elephant care. Together, you and your loved one(s) would prepare sugarcane, fruit, and tamarind balls, and feed the elephants.

Next, you would visit a Karen village inside the camp where everyone could try traditional weaving and hands-on rice pounding and sifting. It's a fun and cultural experience that brings you closer to local traditions.

Then, roll up your sleeves for a cooking class. You would work together to pick fresh coconut meat, learn about Thai spices, and chop them for your homemade chicken curry. Once it's cooked, you would enjoy the meal together.

As the sun sets, gather for a happy hour with stunning views, followed by a delicious barbecue to end the day in the most relaxing way possible.

Day 5: The Bush Camp (Making Elephant Dung Paper, Feeding Elephants), Departure

After breakfast, you would have a hands-on experience learning how to make paper from elephant dung. You would love getting creative with some art projects using the handmade paper.

Then, you would all get another chance to feed the elephants, a memorable and up-close encounter. Afterward, you could watch the elephants take a bath. Unlike some other day tours, this camp does not allow guests to bathe the elephants. Instead, you would observe them enjoying their bath naturally, without any interference.

After lunch, leave for your next destination.

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7 Days in Chiang Mai (Usually with Chiang Rai)

With 7 days in Chiang Mai, you could fully explore the city's top attractions. Beyond that, you could also venture out to nearby destinations like the popular Chiang Rai, or lesser-known spots like Chiang Dao, Pai, and Mae Hong Son.

Below, a brief itinerary for Chiang Rai is outlined. If you're interested in exploring the more off-the-beaten-path cities, feel free to contact us for a customized itinerary.

• Day 1: Arrival + free exploration
• Day 2: Chiang Mai city tour with temples and a cooking class
• Day 3: one-day elephant tour
• Day 4: One-day Doi Inthanon National Park tour
• Day 5: Transfer from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Chiang Rai temple tour
• Day 6: One-day Chiang Rai Golden Triangle tour
• Day 7: Departure

Days 1–4: Chiang Mai Tour

In Chiang Mai, you're suggested to visit its top highlights, including iconic temples, an elephant sanctuary, and Doi Inthanon National Park.

For families with active teenagers, the sticky waterfall would be a paradise to play with water. Cooking class is another highlight to spend intimate time and get close to local life.

Day 5: Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Half-Day Temple Tour

Today, you would leave for Chiang Rai, a peaceful town in northern Thailand near the Golden Triangle.

After a 3-hour drive from Chiang Mai, you're suggested to take a half-day temple tour for a leisurely pace. It usually includes three must-see temples: the White Temple, the Black House, and the Blue Temple.

• The White Temple (Wat Rong Khun): This temple beautifully blends modern art with traditional Buddhist elements. It's known for its photogenic white facade sparkling in the sunlight, with sculptures of hands reaching skyward.
• The Black House (Baan Dam): This temple is more of an art museum, which has a death-themed atmosphere. Inside, you would find intricate demon carvings, animal bones, leather furniture, and strange sculptures. You could even touch them in its main hall.
• The Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten): With its deep blue exterior and golden accents, this temple houses a massive blue Buddha statue. Step inside to admire the beautiful murals and intricate decorations.

Day 6: A Day Tour to Golden Triangle and Hill Tribe Village

Your adventure starts with a scenic 1½-hour drive through the mountains to Doi Tung. Start with the Mae Fah Luang Garden—its colorful flowers and perfectly landscaped grounds are a feast for the eyes. The neighboring Royal Villa offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing a blend of traditional and modern architecture.

Then continue to Chiang Saen. In this ancient city, you would visit the Golden Triangle, the point where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet. You could also see it from a boat ride on the mighty Mekong River.

The Hall of Opium is also a must-visit. It's full of displays, antiques, and artifacts. You'll learn all about the opium poppy and the region's complex history with it.

If you're a history buff, the ancient ruins of Wat Pa Sak would be a treat for you.

When driving back to Chiang Rai, stop at Mae Chan, visit the Yao and Akha Hill Tribes, and experience their traditional village life up close.

Day 7: Chiang Mai Departure

Your journey in Chiang Mai comes to an end as you head to your next destination.

Best Time to Visit Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai has three main seasons: the cool season from November to February, the hot season from March to May, and the rainy season from June to October.

Weather-wise, visit during the cool season. During this period, you could fully enjoy outdoor adventure with pleasant temperatures around 30°C (86°F) at most and clearest skies for pictures. Moreover, you could soak in the cultural treats: the romantic Sky Lantern Festival in November and the colorful Flower Festival in February.

If you opt for the hot or rainy seasons (except July and August), expect fewer crowds and lower prices. During the hot season, schedule outdoor activities for the cooler mornings and evenings.

In the rainy season, be flexible with your plans. Quick rain showers could happen, so it's good to have a backup plan. Double-check with the local experts (like us) when planning outdoor adventures. Some outdoor activities are not available during the rainy season, like Kew Mae Pan Trail in Doi Inthanon.

How to Get to and Around Chiang Mai

Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) offers many domestic and international flights, with popular direct routes from cities like Bangkok, Phuket, Seoul, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Taipei, and Singapore.

Once you arrive, getting around is easy. Locals and travelers alike use traditional transport options like songthaews and tuk-tuks around the Old City. As the Old City is compact and walkable, you could even discover hidden gems when strolling.

But if you want to explore further out—like Doi Inthanon National Park, elephant sanctuaries, or even Chiang Rai—consider booking a private car or van. It's a lot more comfortable and hassle-free for those longer trips!

Where to Stay in Chiang Mai

For first-time visitors to Chiang Mai, consider staying in the Old City or by the riverside.

The Old City is full of cultural gems. You could walk to iconic temples and witness the early morning alms-giving if you could wake up early around 7 am. Michelin-rated restaurants, traditional Thai spas, and the largest Sunday market are extra bonuses.

If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, the riverside area is ideal. It features luxurious hotels like Anantara, with spacious rooms and beautiful river views. During the Yi Peng Lantern Festival, you could enjoy stunning lantern-release events right from your hotel.

Popular Chiang Mai Tours

You could tell us your interests, group size, travel ideas, or anything you have a question about, and we will create a trip based on that. Or see our popular Chiang Mai tours for inspiration:

• 2-Week Thailand Getaway Tour for Couples (Bangkok – Chiang Mai – Koh Samui)
• 10-Day Classic Thailand Tour (Bangkok – Chiang Mai – Phuket)
• 4-Day Best of Chiang Mai Tour
• More Thailand tours