Surrounded by lofty mountains hugged by tropical jungle, Chiang Mai is not your typical urban sprawl! Despite its size, the chilled atmosphere and proximity to nature make it one of the most relaxed cities you’ll ever visit.
Chiang Mai has a proud past as an independent kingdom and still retains many of its traditional Lanna customs. You’ll be immersed in all of this and more with our in-depth Chiang Mai itinerary!
Chiang Mai’s such an amazing city that we’ve waxed lyrical about it on countless posts and we’re going to do it again: from gorgeous temples to an atmosphere of zen, there are so many reasons to travel to Chiang Mai!
Whether you’re shopping up a storm at the Night Bazaar or up to your knees in mud as you watch elephants bathe in the river, there’s plenty of fun to be had on your visit to Chiang Mai — just hold tight to our 3-Day Chiang Mai itinerary!
Let’s get right to it…
- A Little Bit about this 3-Day Chiang Mai Itinerary
- Where to Stay in Chiang Mai in 3 Days
- Chiang Mai Itinerary Day 1: Elephants, Temples and Culture
- Chiang Mai Itinerary Day 2: Learn about History and Culture
- Chiang Mai Itinerary Day 3: A bit of Culture, lots of Relaxation
- What to Do with More than 3 Days in Chiang Mai?
- Best Time to Visit Chiang Mai
- How to get around Chiang Mai
- What to Prepare before Visiting Chiang Mai
- FAQ on Chiang Mai Itinerary
- Final Thoughts
A Little Bit about this 3-Day Chiang Mai Itinerary
If you want to have a great time backpacking Chiang Mai, it doesn’t really matter how many days you spend here but you do need to have an awesome itinerary — and that’s exactly what we’ve put together right here! From charming temples to vibrant markets, everything you need for an incredible trip to Chiang Mai is packed in 3 days!
Getting around between attractions isn’t very hard. In fact, there are various methods of transportation for you to pick and choose from!
Walking between sites on your 3-day itinerary in Chiang Mai is probably the best method of transport. Since most landmarks are located in the Old City or around the markets, the distances aren’t too far. You should, however, take care when walking: the sidewalks aren’t always well-maintained and are often used by motorcyclists!
The public transport system is centered around tuk-tuks. They’re kind of like taxis as they travel to specific places that you request. Just prepare for a bumpy and very speedy ride!
Song Taews, or Red Taxis, are shared taxis that sometimes have set destinations and other times don’t. For both the Song Taew and the tuk-tuk, you should negotiate prices.
The final option is to hire a motorbike. While many tourists think that getting around on a motorbike is a quintessential part of their vacation in Chiang Mai, it’s worth remembering that Thailand has the second-highest number of road accidents in the world — so make sure you actually know how to drive a motorcycle!
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3-Day Chiang Mai Itinerary Overview
Day 1 in Chiang Mai: Elephant Nature Park, Wat Phra Singh, Wat Phan Tao, Wat Chedi Luang, Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Day 2 in Chiang Mai: Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Center, Chiang Mai National Museum, Wat Umong, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, San Kamphaeng Road
Day 3 in Chaing Mai: Lanna Folk life Museum, Bhubing Palace, Mae Ping River, Thai Massage, Terracotta Garden
More Places to See in Chiang Mai: Chiang Mai Gate Market, Wat Umong, Wualai Walking Street
As relaxed and peaceful as Chiang Mai may seem, the city is actually quite big! That said, the area that most tourists tend to stick to is quite compact in the downtown part of the city. Here, there are various neighborhoods that will appeal to all kinds of travelers!
Knowing where to stay in Chiang Mai is important to make the most out of the 3 days. Old City has to be the ultimate best place to stay in Chiang Mai. This neighborhood is in the heart of the city and is chock-a-block with the most fascinating Chiang Mai points of interest, such as Wat Chedi Luang!
It’s also the best area in town for those on a budget as there are plenty of Chiang Mai’s backpacker hostels and budget accommodations located here, and you can save costs on transport by walking to the nearby attractions!
Nimmanhaemin, often called Nimman, is a more alternative, modern part of Chiang Mai. It has a vibrant atmosphere and is the center of the city’s local nightlife! Although the most iconic landmarks on your Chiang Mai itinerary aren’t in the area, there are plenty of things to keep you busy, such as bars, clothing boutiques and the local university!
Best Chiang Mai Airbnb – Beautiful Thai Home
A gorgeous traditional wooden house with all modern comforts and conveniences, this Chiang Mai Airbnb is situated near the moat. There’s one king-sized bedroom, another bedroom with bunk beds and a single bed, and an air bed in the living room if required. Bedrooms have air conditioning. The bathroom is new and there’s an open-air kitchen, living room, and dining area. The home has Wi-Fi. There’s secure parking.
Best Budget Hotel in Chiang Mai – Arch39 Minimal Art & Craft
Centrally-located, characterful and sparklingly clean… what else could you ask for from a budget hotel? Arch39 Minimal Art & Craft offers real value for money with its array of spacious rooms, complimentary bicycle hire and delicious breakfasts! The staff are also incredibly friendly and helpful with arranging your 3-day Chiang Mai itinerary!
Best Luxury Hotel in Chiang Mai – The Inside House
This elegant and comfortable hotel truly deserves its 5-star rating! It’s situated in a stunning white and green mansion in the city center, with landmarks like the Chiang Mai Gate within walking distance! The hotel’s bathrooms are particularly luxurious, mixing indoor and outdoor living with bathtubs set beside private pools and surrounded by greenery — you’ll have to redefine the notion of bliss after a dip here!
Best Hostel in Chiang Mai – S*Trips The Poshtel
What’s not to love about an affordable downtown hostel with plenty of quality facilities? You’ll find all this and more at S*Trips The Poshtel! It’s within walking distance to many of the sites on our 3-day Chiang Mai itinerary, such as the Night Bazaar. It’s also noted for its impeccable cleanliness and spacious dormitories.
S*Trips The Poshtel is one of our favourites in Chiang Mai but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
The first day in Chiang Mai is all about getting to know the key attractions that you’ll find in Old City! Thailand is famous for its stunning temples – you can literally feast your eyes on every single one of them! It’s a great way to start your 3-day Chiang Mai itinerary. To round the day off, you’ll dine on local Thai cuisine while bargaining like a local in the bazaar!
Every map that you see in this article includes a hyperlink to an interactive version on Google Driving. After clicking the map image, the interactive version will be opened in a new tab.
9:00 AM – Elephant Nature Park
Elephants have long called Thailand home but in recent years they have been under threat from tourism, habitat loss, logging and poaching. Elephants may seem strong but riding them can actually harm them. Thanks to Elephant Nature Park, tourists can now interact with the iconic Thai elephants in a more ethical way!
The 250-acre grounds are home to around 70 rescued elephants which you can mingle with as they go about their daily lives. This is the perfect way to start your Chiang Mai itinerary! The short park visit includes transport to and from your hotel, the opportunity to feed the elephants (if they want to eat) and to enjoy the sight of them mucking around in the river! Note that none of the tours are the same as the park lets the elephants decide what they want to do. If they feel like sleeping during the day, that’s all you’ll get to see. No animal is forced to do anything or to entertain the crowds.
Make sure to bring some water and a hat – the sun can get quite harsh around noon-time. Wearing closed and comfortable shoes is also recommended since you’ll be in your feet quite a lot. The tour stops around 3pm, but with the hotel drop off, you can keep exploring the city without a problem.
- Cost – around $81
- How long should I stay here? 5-6 hours
- Getting there – Pick up and Drop off at your hotel
4:00 PM – Wat Phra Singh
Wat Phra Singh is the largest temple in Chiang Mai and an absolute must on your 3-day Chiang Mai itinerary! There are three main structures in the temple complex that you should visit.
Viharn Lai Kam is the temple’s assembly hall. It was originally constructed all the way back in 1345 and is the epitome of Lanna-style building. Be sure to admire the roof which was designed in the shape of wings! Inside, it’s beautifully decorated with wooden carvings and stucco. The highlight, though, is the statue of Phra Singh, the Lion Buddha. If you’re lucky enough to be in Chiang Mai for the Songkran festival, it is this Buddha that is processed around the city!
Viharn Luang is the larger assembly hall at the temple, though it’s less ornate than Viharn Lai Kam. It’s home to a magnificent image of Buddha cast in gold during the 15th century!
Finally, Haw Trai is the temple’s library. It’s a beautiful stone structure that houses Buddhist scriptures.
Insider Tip: Most temples have a fairly strict dress code which includes covered shoulders and knees. The feet are considered dirty in Buddhism so make sure to leave your shoes (your material feet, as it were) in the dedicated spot at the temple entrance.
- Cost – $1 USD
- How long should I stay here? 1 hour
- Getting there – Wat Phra Singh has its own public transport station.
5:00 PM – Wat Phan Tao
Once a palace, this pretty structure is now one of the most beautiful sites on any Chiang Mai itinerary! This unusual temple in was built of specially-molded teak panels that were fit tightly together, supported by teak pillars. Look up as you enter: the three-tiered roof features gilded snake tails and there’s a spectacular gilt carving of a peacock above the entrance!
Inside, you’ll find a dhamma, a wooden casket that holds Buddhist scriptures written on palm leaves. Some of these precious documents are on display. You’ll also find a busbok, a tall, ornate box for images of the Buddha. Also, be sure to admire the golden sitting Buddha!
If you find yourself getting hungry and craving lunch, Khaow Tom Restaurant is nearby and a locals favorite. Serving mouth-watering Asian cuisine, you can charge some energy for the rest of the day!
- Cost – Free
- How long should I stay here? 1 hour
- Getting there – You can easily walk through Old Town
6:00 PM – Wat Chedi Luang
Photo: Maxim B. (Flickr)
Most of Chiang Mai’s temples are gold and meant to be admired in direct sunlight but not Wat Chedi Luang! This ancient temple is best viewed at night when lanterns and candles breathe magic into the atmosphere, so head here around dinnertime!
Wat Chedi Luang isn’t as majestic as Wat Phra Singh but it has an atmosphere that isn’t easily beaten! It’s a partially ruined, tall and imposing structure that is a testament to Chiang Mai’s long and glorious past. It was built in the 14th and 15th centuries with a pagoda rising 80 meters high! Over time, the height diminished to 60 meters but Wat Chedi Luang remains one of the most impressive Chiang Mai landmarks!
The main sanctuary is home to the Phra Chao Attarot who is surrounded by his disciples. At the end of the complex is a large reclining Buddha and an even bigger seated Buddha.
Another highlight is the Lak Meuang. It’s a decorative pillar that was constructed at the founding of Chiang Mai in 1296. Unfortunately, it can only be viewed by men. If you’re lucky enough to fall under this category, be sure to put this experience on your 3-day Chiang Mai itinerary.
Insider Tip: One of the most original experiences you can have on a weekend in Chiang Mai is talk with a Buddhist monk! Wat Chedi Luang is the perfect spot to do so. Monks congregate on the northern side of the temple grounds so that they can talk about Buddhism with visitors! They’re there between 9:00 and 18:00.
- Cost – $1 USD
- How long should I stay here? 1 hour
- Getting there – You can easily walk through Old Town
7:30 PM – Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Now that you’ve made some epic memories touring the Old Town and have gotten to know more about the city, it’s time to start finding the perfect mementoes for your 3-day stay in Chiang Mai! You’ll find a mind-blowing variety of goods on offer at the Night Bazaar and the vibrant ambience is so infectious that it’s worth a visit even if you’re not buying!
Night Bazaar has many different goods on sale, from knock-offs to antiques, but it’s the ideal place to visit in Chiang Mai to purchase traditional Thai crafts. Soft Thai silks and carved wooden items are the most popular souvenirs but don’t overlook the bamboo rice boxes, silver jewellery, and handmade soaps and candles
Bargaining is key to getting a good price and is an expected norm in the market. However, the prices are generally quite low anyway. Negotiate with a friendly smile and have the exact amount you settle on at hand.
Insider Tip: Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is great but if you’re here on a weekend in Chiang Mai, you may want to switch it for the Saturday or Sunday Night Walking Street. Both of these markets consist of vendors lining the street and crowds of people shopping and eating. It’s quite hectic but it is a famous Chiang Mai attraction!
- Cost – Free
- How long should I stay here? 2-3 hours
- Getting there – Taxi/Grab or Walk through Old Town
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With 2 days in Chiang Mai, it’s time to look behind the stunning landmarks and get to know the history and culture that built them! There’s more to Thailand than just street food and temples (although that worth a visit alone!). History lovers will enjoy this day especially. Take notice that the last stop today is a bit further from the city centre. Make sure you wear comfy shoes, as you’ll be walking around quite a lot.
9:00 AM – Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Center
Photo: Stefan Fussan (WikiCommons)
Right in the middle of Old City, you’ll find this excellent museum in the old provincial government hall. This beautiful Art Deco building is certainly a great place to start the second day.
The monument in front of the center is the Three Kings Monument. King Mengra, the founder of Chiang Mai, stands with his friends (also kings) who were involved in the layout of Chiang Mai. It’s quite an iconic image that comes in various forms across the city.
The exhibitions are dedicated to fostering an understanding of Chiang Mai’s history in visitors and a sense of local pride. The front section focuses on Chiang Mai through the ages, using multimedia to tell the city’s rich history. The back section of the museum hosts temporary events and exhibitions in the hope of preserving the area’s culture. There’s a replica of a traditional Lanna village and a Thai temple. You’ll also find a quaint souvenir shop in this area!
- Cost – $3 or $6 USD (depends on ticket)
- How long should I stay here? 2 hours
- Getting there – Walk through Old Town or grab a Taxi
11:00 AM – Chiang Mai National Museum
Photo: GONG Jie (WikiCommons)
There’s no doubt that the city’s National Museum is one of the most underrated places to visit in Chiang Mai: few people wonder what to do in Chiang Mai and think of this little gem! Luckily for you, we can highly recommend it!
The Chiang Mai National Museum is the perfect continuation of the trip down history lane that the Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Center would’ve started! It’s small and quiet so the exhibitions tend to make quite an impact.
First, you’ll be introduced to the Lua and Hari Phunchai people. The latter founded the first known kingdom in northern Thailand. Then comes the famed Lanna Kingdom. It’s presented through a beautiful selection of archaeological artefacts from everyday objects to magnificent Buddha statues!
Chiang Mai was once part of the independent Kingdom of Chiang Mai. This kingdom’s close relationship with Siam is also presented in an exhibition, with a particular emphasis on their artistic developments.
Many of the artifacts in the museum are also works of art so it’s sure to be one of the most breathtaking experiences on your Chiang Mai itinerary!
- Cost – $3 or $6 (depends on ticket)
- How long should I stay here? 2-3 hours
- Getting there – Right next to the Arts Centre
1:30 PM – Wat Umong
With 2 days in Chiang Mai, you’ll have time to visit a few more temples. Wat Umong is often known as the Hidden Temple as not many tourists find it in the jungle outside of Chiang Mai.
Wat Umong was founded in 1297, just a year after Chiang Mai was established. Its architecture is characterized by the use of tunnels. At the end of each tunnel is a Buddha or another symbol. The tunnels are designed so that external sounds are minimized, creating a hushed and deeply spiritual atmosphere.
In the temple grounds is a collection of Buddha statues, many of which are disfigured. It creates an other-worldly environment for a peaceful stroll in the forest. Keep an eye out for wooden plates bearing Buddhist proverbs in English and Thai! On the edge of the grounds is a small lake and you can reach the island by crossing a bridge.
Insider Tip: Combine your visit to Wat Umong with a visit to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. You can take a tuk-tuk or songthaew to reach the site which is about four kilometers outside of Chiang Mai. Get your driver to wait for you as not many vehicles stop here. If you’re here on a Sunday between 15:00 and 18:00, join one of the talks in the Chinese Pavilion about Buddhism.
- Cost – Free!
- How long should I stay here? 30min – 1 hour
- Getting there – Easy to reach by Taxi
3:00 PM – Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
By now, you’ll have seen your fair share of temples and may even be feeling a bit “templed out”. Bear with us, though, because we’ve saved the best for last!
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep was founded in 1383 to house a fragment of the historical Buddha’s shoulder bone. The original bone was brought by a monk to Lanna where it broke into two pieces. One was enshrined at Wat Suan Dok, while the other was tied to a sacred white elephant who wandered the jungle. The spot on which the elephant died was the spot chosen to house this bone shard: Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.
Visitors need to ascend 306 steps to get to the temple. The long route is meant to help devotees gain Buddhist merit but if that doesn’t appeal to you, there is a funicular alternative.
On top of the stairs is a statue of the legendary elephant that picked the temple’s location. There are also various shrines and other monuments.
The temple itself is split into an inner and an outer terrace. The inner terrace houses the sacred relic of the Buddha. There’s a walkway around the golden Chedi in which the relic sits.
Try to get here just before sunset. The monks will gather for prayers and the panoramic view of Chiang Mai becomes even prettier in the fading light!
- Cost – $2 USD
- How long should I stay here? 30min – 1 hour
- Getting there – Grab a Tuk Tuk
4:00 PM San Kamphaeng Road
Make sure you’re wearing comfy shoes when you arrive at San Kamphaeng Road because there are loads of villages and factories on this Chiang Mai walking tour!
San Kamphaeng Road is the best place in Chiang Mai to buy Thai silk which is often considered to be the best in the world. Try Shinawatra Thai Silk, the oldest silk factory in Thailand.
Continuing a 600-year-old tradition are the potters of San Kamphaeng. You can visit the ancient Lanna kilns in the area before watching the modern masters. Chiang Mai’s potters are very skilled at Celadon, very fine, greenish ceramics. Baan Celadon is the best place to see the artists at work.
- Cost – Free!
- How long should I stay here? 1-3 hours
- Getting there – Taxi or Tuk Tuk
By the time we reach day 3, we will have already seen a lot. It might be the case that you want to have a chill day and not do so much. Feel free to cut out a few parts of this particular itinerary and then save the rest when planning your next trip to Chiang Mai!
8:30 AM – Lanna Folklife Museum
Lanna Folklife Museum doesn’t have as many historical items as the Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Center or the Chiang Mai National Museum but it does do a splendid job of personalizing the Lanna people’s glorious history!
Detailed images of daily life are recreated through the use of wax dolls and reconstructions. For example, there’s a trio of wax dolls playing music, while a life-size loom allows you up close to Lanna arts!
It’s a great spot to spend some time if you’re travelling with kids. Learning about Chiang Mai’s culture and the history behind it might not be everyone’s favorite thing, but it sure is interesting and informative.
- Cost: $3 or $6 (depending on ticket)
- How long should I stay here? Max 1 hour
- Getting there – If you’re staying in the Old City, you can walk here.
10:00 AM – Bhubing Palace
Photo: FredTC (WikiCommons)
Bhubing Palace is as visited by locals as by tourists due to its spectacular gardens! No visit would be complete without a garden stroll but the buildings themselves are also quite interesting!
Phra Tamnak Bhubing Rajanives is the main building of the palace complex. The upper level is home to the royal family, while the lower level is reserved for their entourage.
There are a number of other residences in the palace complex, such as Ruen Peek Ma (Log Cabin) which is inhabited by a royal princess. Ruen Rab Rong is a royal guesthouse built in the modern Thai style.
In the gardens, make sure to admire the palace’s famed rose garden. It’s also worth visiting the water reservoir which doubles as a fountain. The music playing in the background was composed by the former king himself!
Insider Tip: Much like the temples, Bhubing Palace has a strict dress code. Your shoulders should be covered (but not with a scarf) and your bottoms should fall below your mid-calf. You should also keep your voice down!
- Cost: $2 USD
- How long should I stay here? 30min
- Getting there – By taxi as it’s quite a way to travel…
12:00 AM – Mae Ping River
Riverside, as the area on the banks of Mae Ping is known, is considered to be the most relaxed part of Chiang Mai. It’s home to several luxury resorts, shops, markets and stunning views!
We suggest you set aside a few hours for a chilled walk around the area. You could choose to visit Warorot Market, a fruit market that also hosts stalls selling street food and other goods. Afterwards, take a leisurely stroll around the area’s many shops and cafes.
We highly recommend having lunch at one of the riverside restaurants. The Good View Bar & Restaurant is one of the most famed establishments on any Chiang Mai itinerary — and with good reason! Sit down outside, right beside the river, to soak up the eponymous views while dining on classic Thai dishes like deep-fried shrimp.
Of course, you should definitely go on a boat ride along the lovely Ping River. It’s a humbling experience to see how the riverbank changes from bustling city to tranquil farmland.
- Cost: $7
- How long should I stay here? Anything between 1-3 hours
- Getting there – Take a Tuk Tuk and enjoy the view!
3:00 PM – Thai Massage
Thai massage is unique in that it doesn’t involve oil being massaged onto bare skin. You’re given a set of loose clothes to change into and the treatment revolves around pressing down on your muscles firmly and stretching them gently.
The Women’s Correctional Institute is a good place to try out a traditional Thai massage. There’s no need to worry about safety as there are guards on duty and all the inmates are trained for 6 months in Thai massage.
If you’d like to support the women but would feel more comfortable with ex-inmates, then try Lila Thai Massage. The company provides jobs to many former prisoners who trained with the Women’s Correctional Institute. It’s not a luxury spa but the services are top-notch!
- Cost: No set price
- How long should I stay here? 30min – 1 hour
- Getting there – You’l find massage places everywhere, so either walk or take a taxi.
4:30 PM – Terracotta Garden
Photo: Klim Levene (Flickr)
Hidden from the city by a decorative wall, the Terracotta Garden is sort of place you either look for or just happen to stumble upon! Stepping into the walled garden is like reaching an oasis: all around you, you’ll see shamrock-green leaves spilling out between larger-than-life Buddha-style statues.
The collection of ornate pots, wall hangings and statues is breathtaking. We recommend that you pull out a chair and place an order with the small cafe for drinks while you meander leisurely around the garden. Don’t worry if it rains; the cafe is entirely enclosed by glass so you can still feel like you’re in the garden while remaining dry inside!
The Terracotta Garden is actually a showroom for Baan Phor Liang Muen, a well-established terracotta shop. The items on show are all handmade by local artists, so they are on sale, although that’s not the main reason to visit.
Insider Tip: If you’d like to learn a bit about pottery, why not do so at the Terracotta Garden? Call ahead of time to arrange a pottery workshop in the garden with a local artist!
- Cost: Free
- How long should I stay here? Only as a stroll around
- Getting there – As your Taxi driver to drop you off
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Old City
The Old City is often the cheapest place to stay in Chiang Mai, with a plethora of backpackers’ hostels and budget guesthouses making it one of the best places to stay in Chiang Mai for broke backpackers.
- Admire one of the city’s few remaining wooden buildings at the old monastery of Wat Phan Tao.
- Stroll around the outer defensive walls and enter the city through Thapae Gate.
- Go offbeat at the Thai Coin Museum and Mengrai Kilns.
Try to spend as long as possible in the city. There are just so many amazing attractions to visit that 3 days in Chiang Mai will pass by in a whirlwind! If you can, try to stay a little bit longer and visit even more awesome hotspots. We’ve listed a couple more of our favorites down below. Note that these are in no particular order.
1. Chiang Mai Gate Market
This market has the most awesome food stalls in Chiang Mai and perhaps even all of Thailand. The market is held most nights of the week, but weeknights are the most popular. There are fewer vendors on weekend nights, so make sure you go when you can enjoy everything this market can offer.
It’s a great spot to end the day or even squeeze into day 1 or 2. If your stomach can take it, try out the local dishes and things you normally wouldn’t eat (I’d recommend fried insects as a little snack!).
- Cost – Depends on your hunger>
- How long should I stay here? 1-2 hours.
- Getting there – Taxi, Grab or Tuk Tuk
2. Wat Umong
There are a lot of temples and shrines in Thailand. In fact, when you’re looking for the most interesting places to visit in Chiang Mai, you’ll find that most of them are temples. But these shrines are a little different because they’re nestled underground, attached to a network of tunnels that were once used by a king and a Chiang Mai monk who preferred to pray underground.
This site was first abandoned in the 15th century but fortunately, it wasn’t eaten by the forest. It’s now open to the local Buddhist monks as well as curious travelers.
- Cost: $2-3
- How long should I stay here? 1 hour
- Getting there – Taxi if you don’t have a motorbike.
3. Wualai Walking Street
If you’re into shopping, but big crowds irritate you, this is the perfect spot for your Chiang Mai itinerary. Fewer tourists visit this walking street but that doesn’t mean there are less things to see.
If you want a fun and lively market that isn’t as packed as the rest, then show up on Wualai for the Saturday market. It opens in the later afternoon and runs until late.
It’s a little smaller, which is why you won’t have to fight your way through the crowds. It’s also more like a strolling market, where you’ll find a good array of goods and food stalls without the claustrophobic crush of other markets in the city. It’s known for its peaceful atmosphere, without any rush or hectic. If you’re in Chiang Mai over the weekend, it’s definitely a cool spot to check out.
- Cost: Free
- How long should I stay here? 1-2 hours is plenty enough
- Getting there – Get a Taxi or Tuk Tuk to drop you off where the street starts.
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Hide Yo’ Money!You can generally categorize Chiang Mai’s climate into three seasons. It’s rainy season from May to October. November to February is winter, while March to April is summer. Summer may sound like a good time to travel to Chiang Mai but it’s also burning season. During this time, farmers in the surrounding countryside burn the remainder of their harvest. This causes extensive smog which often obscures the mountain ranges around Chiang Mai and causes pollution in the city.
In terms of planning your trip, it doesn’t really matter when you visit exactly. With the exception of the burning season, Chiang Mai is generally a great destination year-round as every season brings its advantages. The best time to visit Chiang Mai tends to be in the shoulder season. June and October are both good times to enjoy pleasant weather.
| Average Temperature | Chance of Rain | Crowds | Overall Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30°C / 86°F | Low | Busy | 😐 |
| February | 33°C / 91°F | Low | Busy | 😐 |
| March | 35°C / 95°F | Low | Calm | 🙁 |
| April | 37°C / 99°F | Average | Medium | 🙁 |
| May | 35°C / 95°F | High | Calm | 🙂 |
| June | 33°C / 91°F | Average | Calm | 😀 |
| July | 32°C / 90°F | High | Medium | 😐 |
| August | 32°C / 90°F | High | Medium | 😐 |
| September | 32°C / 90°F | High | Calm | 🙂 |
| October | 31°C / 88°F | Average | Busy | 😀 |
| November | 30°C / 86°F | Low | Busy | 🙂 |
| December | 28°C / 82°F | Low | Busy | 😐 |
How to get around Chiang Mai
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – nothing beats having a motorbike when visiting Chiang Mai. As long as you’re comfortable on a bike and can handle the slightly intense Thai driving style, having a scooter will make your life much easier. There are rental shops on every corner in Chiang Mai, with most offering daily, weekly, and monthly rates. Make sure you check your bike (even take photos of its condition before you head off) and ask for a helmet.
Photo: Sasha Savinov
Those not comfortable on a bike will have to get by on public transportation. There’s no metro system in Chiang Mai, but there are a ton of bus routes and the ubiquitous songthaew. These color-coded pickup trucks go just about everywhere in the city but can be a bit confusing. If you’re looking to do Chiang Mai on the cheap, the songthaew are definitely the way to go.
Taxis will always get you from A to B in the safest way possible (the Thai idea of “safe”) but haggling for a fair price can sometimes be a pain in the a*s. If you can, rent a personal driver while you’re in Chiang Mai or use Grab. Grab is the cheapest and most efficient way to get around, but if you’re travelling in a large group it can sometimes be a bit of a struggle to find a transport big enough or get everyone on the back of a bike.
Obviously your trip starts with packing your bag. make sure to have a pair of comfortable shoes with you (you’ll be walking a lot), a hat and sunscreen – the Thai sun can get quite harsh around noon time. Be sure to tick off all of the essentials on your Thailand Packing List before you start your travels so your Chiang Mai experience will be a success.
While there are certain things to watch out for in the city, worries about safety in Chiang Mai certainly shouldn’t stop you from planning a trip to Chiang Mai!
Avoid drugs when backpacking in Thailand. As chilled out as Chiang Mai is, Thailand is very strict when it comes to drug use and there’s no exception when it comes to foreigners. Stay clear, then, because the lightest sentence is a $2000 USD fine!
A common scam occurs with tuk-tuk drivers who offer tourists free rides, take them to gem stores and forcefully encourage them to buy. If you feel uncomfortable, calling loudly for the tourist police tends to work well.
The biggest danger, however, comes from road accidents. Thailand is notorious for its large number of road accidents and foreigners trying out the seemingly cool motorbike are often involved. Only hire a motorbike if you’re experienced with riding one and always wear a helmet. In fact, many backpackers are killed each year in motor accidents while driving in Thailand, so, please, follow the travel advice and warnings, respect the road, and stay safe!
Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Chiang Mai
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
FAQ on Chiang Mai Itinerary
Find out what people want to know when planning their Chiang Mai itinerary.
Final Thoughts
With rivers, mountains and jungle just outside of the city, Chiang Mai offers visitors access to a world of adventure and breathtaking natural landscapes! The city itself, however, isn’t outshone by these natural wonders: colorful markets, intricate artwork and stunning temples can be found on almost every corner in Chiang Mai.
This incredible combination of nature and culture makes Chiang Mai a winning destination that’s best seen with our expert 3-day Chiang Mai itinerary! From finding you the best place to stay in Chiang Mai to knowing the nearest quality eatery for an impromptu snack, we’ve got all the practical advice you need to make the most out of your trip!
There certainly is a lot to see in, and outside the city: whether it’s gilded Buddhas, royal roses or woven silks, you’ll find it all on our epic 3-day Chiang Mai itinerary!
Have you been to Chiang Mai before? Let us know your experience in the comments below, we’d love to hear from you!
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
