Check out my complete 3-week Thailand itinerary here
Chiang Mai is easily accessible by air, with an international airport serving direct flights from major cities across Asia and Thailand. When I visited Chiang Mai, I flew in from Surat Thani after my trip to Khao Sok. Alternatively, you can take the night train from Bangkok. However, be sure to book the train in time as they book out quickly. Often, Chiang Mai is combined with a visit to Pai, which can be reached by mini bus. The best way to plan your trip within Thailand is by using 12go.asia.
Once in Chiang Mai, it is easy to get around. There are multiple options, such as tuk-tuks, taxis or Grab. I used the latter most. When you want to go outside the old town or Nimman neighbourhood, walking is not advisable anymore, as there are quite major roads. When staying within the neighbourhoods, you can do most by foot. Another option is the songthaew (shared red trucks) that are available for short and common distances. Lastly, you can rent a scooter to get around or to visit sights outside the old town. However, remember Chiang Mai is a larger city and the traffic is way more intense than in for instance Pai.
I stayed in Chiang Mai for 3 nights, which allowed me to explore the city for a full two-days. Personally, I think you can see the sights in Chiang Mai within a day. However, there are plenty of tours and activities that make you want to stay longer. Therefore, I would decide in advance what activities and trips you want to do in and near Chiang Mai. as that will influence the time you need in Chiang Mai. However, generally, I would suggest you stay 3 to 4 nights, which allows you to explore Chiang Mai and do a full-day tour.
Day Trip to Chiang Rai
With TAGTHAI it is possible to buy a VIP pass to gain access to many attractions in Chiang Mai and build your 1-day itinerary. Buy the pass at TAGTHAI
Explore the heart of the city, Chiang Mai Old Town, surrounded by ancient walls, and the perfect place to walk around, and take in the historic architecture, traditional markets and trendy cafes.
The sticky waterfalls (Bua Tong Falls) are located about an hour away from Chiang Mai. The easiest way to get there is by motorbike, however, you need to be comfortable driving in a bigger city and on the highway. Alternatively, you can find a driver for half a day with a group of others or book a day-tour to the waterfalls.
The waterfalls are known because you can climb them due to the sticky nature of the rocks. A perfect day trip if you want to explore the Chiang Mai area.
One of the most popular tours from Chiang Mai visits the Elephant Sanctuary and the Sticky Waterfalls and rafting!
There are plenty of temples in Chiang Mai’s old town. Upon arrival in hotel, I asked about the most popular and must-visit temples in Chiang Mai. Therefore, I visited Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Pra Sing and Wat Phantao. In total, I spent around 2 hours visiting the 3 temples and walking around the temple complexes. Also, slightly outside the old town, Wat Sri Suphan (the silver temple) is a good temple to visit.
It is also possible to book a Chiang Mai Old Town & Temples walking tour
Discover the hip and contemporary Nimman neighborhneighbourhoodood, which is popular among digital nomads. In Nimman, you can find plenty of boutiques, art galleries and trendy cafes. Therewith, Nimman is a perfect place for a cup of coffee or a drink in the evening, as well as an alternative location to stay over the old town.
Next to the temples, Chiang Mai is well known for the night markets, specifically the Sunday Night Market. However, there are plenty of options for similar markets on any other day in Chiang Mai. Firstly, the Sunday Night Market takes place on Sunday evening, starting around 4 pm till 10:30 pm, in the Old Town. Specifically, the market is on the Ratchadamnoen Road between Wat Pra Singh and the Tha Phae Gate (east gate).
However, when you are not in Chiang Mai on Sunday, you can also visit the Saturday Night market on Wua Lai Road, one street south of the old town.
Lastly, the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is open every day of the week and is located east of the old town. Make sure to also visit the part that is referred to as the “Ploen Ruedee Night Market”.
Doi Suthep is the best-known temple complex in Chiang Mai and even one of the largest temples to visit in Thailand. Therefore, this temple can’t be missed in a Chiang Mai Travel Guide. One of the easiest ways to get to Doi Suthep is by Songthaew, departing from many main locations in the old town or the Nimman neighbourhood. Alternatively, you can take a Grab up to Doi Suthep and take the songthaew to go down (80 baht). Lastly, it is also possible to walk up to Doi Suthep from the Monk’s trail (more the best things to do in Chiang Mai – point 7).
The temple is located on one of the highest points of Chiang Mai and offers great views over the city. Moreover, you have to climb over 300 steps to get up to the temple.
Furthermore, the entry for the temple is 50 baht and the temple is open between 6:30 and 18:30, however, it is possible to visit the temple outside of opening hours. Also, dress properly, cover your shoulders and knees and wear socks to avoid walking around bare feet.
Tip: There are multiple tours towards Doi Suthep, such as a sunrise tour (to avoid the crowds) and a specific night tour
One of the greatest activities near Chiang Mai is to hike the Monk’s Trail to Wat Pha Lat. This temple is a hidden gem nestled in the jungle, providing breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere.
Take a Grab to the trailhead of the Monk’s Trail and walk up to Wat Pra Lat. It’s a pretty easy walk that takes less than 1 hour. From Wat Pra Lat you can either walk back to the trailhead or continue a more steep path to Doi Suthep. If you are planning on hiking the Monk’s trail, read my detailed guide here (coming soon)
Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to do all the activities in this Chiang Mai Travel Guide, however, I stil want to share them with you. If you are looking for a different means of transport to explore Chiang Mai, a biking tour through the city is a great idea. The infamous Co van Kessel tour (at least, among Dutch people) is also available in Chiang Mai and also Get your Guide offers biking tours of Chiang Mai.
You can take a cooking class at almost every destination in Thailand, however, Chiang Mai is known for its great cooking classes including food from Northern Thailand. Unleash your culinary skills with a cooking class at, for example, Thai Farm Cooking, where you’ll master the art of Thai cuisine amid picturesque surroundings. Also, in the cooking class, a visit to a local market is included.
Some self-care during your travels and in this Chiang Mai travel guide is important, and fortunately, Thailand has some local activities you can perform. Indulge in the ultimate relaxation with a traditional Thai massage for example at C and R Thai Massage (the best I had in Thailand) or channel your inner warrior with a Muay Thai class at Dang Muay Thai.
Doi Inthanon is a National Park with the highest point in Thailand, located near Chiang Mai. The park is known for multiple waterfalls and temples and can easily be reached with a day trip. However, if you want to go on your own, I would advise you to stay in the area for a night, to be able to avoid the crowds.
Book your day trip to Doi Inthanon here.
Lastly, you might know the famous white temple in Chiang Rai. If you have limited time in Thailand, a day trip from Chiang Mai to visit the temples is a great option. However, be prepared for a long day in the car and arrive at the temples at prime time. Nevertheless, it is a good option when you want to visit the temples without the time to stay in Chiang Rai for the night.
Book your day trip to Chiang Rai here!
When it is your first time in Chiang Mai, I would highly advise you to stay in the Old Town. To be fair, I underestimated the distances and even though my hotel was lovely, it was quite far out resulting in high Grab costs I could have spent on a hotel in town. However, another great option is to stay in Nimman. There are plenty of great bars and restaurants in Nimman, so you won’t be bored. Quickly scroll through for the best places to stay as part of this Chiang Mai Travel Guide.
If you are looking for a nice boutique hotel in Chiang Mai and are open to staying in the Nimman neighbourhood, the Samantan Hotel is a great option. The rooms are modern and the hotel is centrally located in Nimman. However, this might lead to slightly noisy rooms. You can book a room for €32 a night.
Courtesy of booking.com A beautiful hostel in the old town is Hostel One Art & Gallery. The staff is very friendly, the rooms and dorms are modern and the overall facilities are great. A bed in a dorm starts from €11, while you can stay in a private room starting €42.
Courtesy of booking.com A perfect option for couples is Chada Mantra Hotel, located in the old town. With decent rooms and a small swimming pool, this is the perfect hotel if you want to relax after your day exploring Chiang Mai. Rooms start around €35.
Courtesy of booking.com A great location, with pretty rooms and helpful staff. All the ingredients for a great stay in Chiang Mai, which you can have at Le Canal Boutique House. A twin room starts from €31.
Courtesy of booking.com When staying at the Somwang Boutique Hotel, you’ll also receive a great breakfast. Also, there is a pool available and therewith a more luxurious hotel option in Chiang Mai. Rooms are around €40 a night.
Courtesy of booking.com 
