5-Day Chiang Mai Itinerary: Discover the best of adventure, culture, and nature in Northern Thailand
Planning a trip to Northern Thailand? In this post, we’re delighted to share our 5-day Chiang Mai itinerary, packed with exciting experiences.
This summer, we visited Chiang Mai as part of a 4-week family trip across Thailand. After exploring the temples of Chiang Rai and the bustling streets of Bangkok, we were keen to discover Chiang Mai’s unique mix of outdoor activities, lush landscapes, and rich heritage.
When planning our family-friendly 5-day Chiang Mai itinerary, we tried to include something for everyone. The teens were starting to get “temple burnout”, so were really keen for adventure and outdoor activities. Plus, we knew we wanted to see the elephants, and try a cooking class. And all in less than a week!
This wasn’t my first time visiting Chiang Mai, as I’d been here years ago as a solo traveller, but it was a family first. I wanted the kids to try everything Chiang Mai has to offer, with elephants being top of the list!
Read on to discover how to spend 5 incredible days in Chiang Mai, including tips for making the most of your time in this enchanting part of Thailand.
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Know before you go
Where is Chiang Mai?
Chiang Mai is located in the heart of Northern Thailand, approximately 435 miles (750 km) north of Bangkok, the bustling capital city. Although Chiang Mai is Thailand’s second-largest city, it has a far more relaxed vibe than the capital and is a very popular destination for travellers to South East Asia.
Surrounded by lush greenery, Chiang Mai is the gateway to some of Thailand’s most stunning national parks, including Doi Inthanon National Park, home to the country’s highest peak. The city’s breathtaking natural beauty provides endless opportunities for outdoor adventures, from hiking and trekking to exploring waterfalls and scenic viewpoints.
As well as a stunning natural landscape, Chiang Mai boasts a rich cultural heritage with over 300 ancient temples and historic landmarks. Visitors can immerse themselves in the city’s intriguing past while enjoying its vibrant markets, delicious cuisine, and warm local hospitality.
How many days do you need for a visit to Chiang Mai?
To truly experience everything that Chiang Mai has to offer, plan to spend at least 4-5 days in the region. This will allow enough time to explore the historic Old City, visit some of the most famous temples and take some excursions to nearby attractions.
For our 5-day Chiang Mai itinerary, we chose a relaxed pace, ensuring we had plenty of time to soak in the city’s charm, visit the night markets and enjoy some downtime by the pool.
When is the best time to visit Chiang Mai?
Chiang Mai’s rainy season runs from May to October. We visited in August, and although it rained most days, the showers were generally short and didn’t spoil our fun. It was still hot every day.
On the other hand, it’s best to avoid visiting Chiang Mai during the burning season, which occurs from February to April. During this time, farmers burn large areas of land for agricultural purposes, resulting in significant air pollution that can affect visibility and air quality.
For the best experience, plan your trip during the cooler months from November to January, when the weather is hot and dry.
Accommodation in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai offers a range of accommodation options to suit every budget, from super cheap hostels to luxurious resorts.
We stayed in a fantastic mid-range hotel At Chiang Mai in the heart of the Old Town. The location was perfect—just a 2-minute walk from the bustling Sunday Walking Street, local restaurants, and historic temples. We stayed in a spacious family room, complete with the largest bathroom we’ve ever seen!
But the real highlight of the hotel was the pool. After days spent exploring Chiang Mai’s attractions, it was the perfect spot to relax and cool off, even if we did have the occasional rain shower!
If you’re looking for budget accommodation, Chiang Mai is ideal. There are plenty of budget hostels within the walls of the old city for as little as £6 per night. Khunluang Hostel and Pakping Hostel are both in the city centre and have excellent reviews.
For luxury accommodation in Chiang Mai’s Old Town, try Chala Number6, The Chiang Mai Old Town, or Smile Lanna Hotel.
How to get to Chiang Mai from Bangkok
The quickest way to reach Chiang Mai is by plane. A direct flight from Bangkok takes just 1 hour and 15 minutes. Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX), is only 15 minutes from the city centre, so it’s a really convenient option.
Check Air Asia or Nok Air for cheap internal flights. Other airlines which fly to Bangkok include Bangkok Airways, Thai Airways and Thai Vietjet. Prices vary depending on when you are flying. Be sure to check whether the prices include checked baggage, as this can sometimes be an additional cost.
If you’re travelling on a budget, the cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is by train or bus. The overnight sleeper train is a popular choice, and takes 11 hours. Alternatively, buses are a very affordable option, with journey times of about 10 hours.
Getting around Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai Old Town is very compact and easy to explore on foot. Many of the attractions are close together and walking is a great way to soak up the city’s charm.
If you want to go further afield, the most convenient option is using Grab, Southeast Asia’s version of Uber. It’s really easy to book one using the app.
For a cheaper option, hop on one of the red songthaews, a shared taxi, which is essentially a converted pick-up truck. You’ll see them everywhere, as they cruise around the city looking for passengers. Simply flag one down, tell the driver your destination and agree on your price before boarding. Bear in mind, you will probably have to share the ride with other passengers, so it can get a bit squashed and their drop-offs may happen first.
Another way to get around Chiang Mai is using the traditional Thai tuk-tuks. Once again, you should negotiate your price before setting off.
If you are planning an organised tour, transfers from your accommodation are generally included.
Our perfect 5-day itinerary in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai itinerary: Day 1
Travel to Chiang Mai
We began our adventure in Chiang Mai, by travelling from Chiang Rai, where we’d spent a couple of days exploring the highlights of the region. We used a private transfer, which took about three hours. This is the most convenient, comfortable way to travel between the two destinations, but also the most expensive.
Chiang Rai is best known for the magnificent White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), but there are plenty of other things to see too. If you are planning a trip to Chiang Rai, check out our 2-day itinerary in Chiang Rai.
However, if you’re short of time, there are plenty of organised tours from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai for one or two days. For details, check out this one-day trip to Chiang Rai.
Exploring Chiang Mai Old City
After checking into our hotel, we spent the afternoon exploring Chiang Mai Old Town, an area steeped in history. Nestled within the remnants of the old city walls, the Old Town is a fascinating reminder of Chiang Mai’s past as a religious and cultural hub.
We started with a relaxing lunch and then embarked on our own self-guided walking tour. The Old Town is incredibly easy to navigate on foot, with plenty of temples, quaint streets, and historic landmarks to discover at your own pace. There are places to stop for food and drink at every corner.
You can maximise your Chiang Mai trip with a Chiang Mai Day Pass. This will give you access to multiple activities, attractions, restaurants, and massages at one fixed price.
Or, for those looking for a more active way to explore Chiang Mai Old City, consider a 4-hour guided bike ride. It’s a fantastic way to explore and you can cover more ground.
Saturday Walking Market
No trip to Chiang Mai is complete without experiencing its vibrant night markets. If you’re visiting on the weekend, don’t miss the Saturday Walking Street Market on Wualai Road, located just south of the Old Town.
Starting at 5pm, this bustling market is packed with stalls selling everything from traditional Thai handicrafts and souvenirs to clothing and accessories. We couldn’t resist a pair of elephant trousers for our hike the next day.
The market is also a paradise for food lovers, offering a wide variety of Thai street food options. As you browse the stalls, enjoy the lively atmosphere and local music.
If you’re not in Chiang Mai over the weekend, head to the daily Night Bazaar near Wat Uppakut on the west side of Old Town. There’s also a colourful flower market nearby.
For a memorable foodie experience in Chiang Mai, you can book a street food tour. These guided tours will show you the culinary delights of Chiang Mai, including some of the best local dishes.
Chiang Mai Itinerary: Day 2
Day two of our 5-day Chiang Mai itinerary is all about elephants, rafts, and nature walks.
We booked a full-day tour, which included a visit to an elephant sanctuary, bamboo rafting, and a jungle hike to a waterfall. The trip included transfers to and from our hotel, as well as a Thai lunch.
A visit to the elephant sanctuary
You can’t visit Chiang Mai without seeing an elephant or two — after all, elephants are Thailand’s official national animal!
Chiang Mai is home to several elephant sanctuaries, but it’s essential to pick one that practises ethical tourism. Many sanctuaries prioritize the well-being of the elephants, offering visitors a chance to interact with the elephants in a responsible way. Long gone are the days when elephants are trained to perform for tourists.
The first stop on our full-day tour was to an elephant sanctuary in Ob Khan National Park. It was an unforgettable experience to see the elephants up close, feed and bathe them in their natural habitat.
Upon arrival at the sanctuary, we were introduced to two rescued elephants and had the opportunity to feed them and take photos. It was an amazing experience to interact with them at such close proximity.
Next, it was bath time – and not just for the elephants! After rubbing mud into their backs, we joined the elephants in the river for a rinse.
Bamboo rafting
Following our visit to the elephant sanctuary, we took a short drive to the starting point of our bamboo rafting tour.
Bamboo rafting is a relaxing activity, that lets you drift gently down the Mae Win River (River Win) on a bamboo raft. Our Thai guide expertly navigated the bamboo raft as we just sat back and enjoyed the scenery.
A waterfall trekking experience
The next activity on our activity day was a jungle walk. After enjoying a traditional Thai lunch, we set off on an exciting trek with a local guide. The waterfall trekking experience was really interesting and turned out to be one of the kids’ favourite things to do in Chiang Mai.
As we walked, our guide stopped to share insights about the local plants, communities, and wildlife. At one point, he even tried to coax a few tarantulas out of their holes. Fortunately, none of them made an appearance, much to my relief!
The trek lasted about 2.5 hours, with a refreshing stop at the beautiful Mae Wang Waterfall. Don’t forget to pack your swimwear, so you can bathe at the waterfall. If not, you can grab a cold drink at the small cabin.
Click here to book a full-day tour with elephants, bamboo rafting and waterfall trekking.
Sunday walking market
On Sunday evening, make sure to head to Tha Phae Walking Street, one of Chiang Mai’s most vibrant attractions.
The Sunday night market is a must-see, with its lively atmosphere and wide variety of goods. Starting at the iconic Tha Phae Gate, the market stretches up Rachadamnoen Road, making a nice evening stroll through the Old Town. You’ll find an amazing selection of local handicrafts, souvenirs and artwork at reasonable prices.
You can also stop for street food at the stalls in front of Wat Cha Phrakiat. If it’s raining, there’s a little bit of shelter under the tree, so you can still enjoy your food.
Chiang Mai itinerary: Day 3
Temple Hopping in Chiang Mai
If you are interested in seeing more temples, use day 3 of your Chiang Mai itinerary to go temple hopping. With over 300 temples in total and more than 100 located in the Old Town, Chiang Mai is a paradise for anyone interested in Thai architecture and spirituality.
One of the must-visit temples in Chiang Mai is Wat Chedi Luang, an impressive stone temple situated in the heart of the historic centre. This famous temple once housed the Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s most revered religious statue, before it moved to Bangkok’s Grand Palace.
Another highlight is Wat Phra Singh, a stunning 14th century Buddhist temple, known for its classic Northern Thai-style architecture. It’s one of Chiang Mai’s most important and revered temples.
One of the most unique temples in Chiang Mai is Wat Sri Suphan, just outside the City Walls. This ornate silver temple is unlike the others, with intricate silverwork making it a truly distinctive sight.
Many of Chiang Mai’s temples are located within walking distance of each other, so you can easily explore them while wandering around the city or on your way to the night markets. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a more relaxing morning, you could spend it chilling by the pool or at a café in the Old Town.
Take a Thai Cooking Class
One of the best activities to do in Chiang Mai is to join a Thai cooking class. It’s a fun, hands-on way to learn how to prepare your own authentic Thai cuisine. You don’t need prior cooking experience, and the teenagers had a blast!
During the class, we had the chance to prepare several traditional Thai dishes, with expert guidance from the chef. It’s an immersive experience that allows you to develop some authentic Thai cooking skills.
We booked a half-day cooking class with the Smile Organic Farm Cooking School, located 45 minutes from Chiang Mai Old Town. The experience includes round-trip transfers to and from your accommodation.
At the cooking school, everyone gets to make four Thai dishes of their choice from the menu. Everyone has their own cooking station, where you learn to prepare spring rolls, a Thai soup, a curry, and a stir-fry. The class is extremely well-organised, ensuring you all get step-by-step guidance from the chef. Afterwards, we sat down to eat with our group.
Our class was from 3-9pm, which worked perfectly well for evening dinner. For anyone who can’t eat it all, you can take a doggy-bag home! After the class, the school sends a digital copy of the recipes, so you can recreate your favourite Thai dishes to impress your friends at home.
Click here to book your half-day cooking class in Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai itinerary: Day 4
White-water rafting
One of the most thrilling activities in Chiang Mai was our white-water rafting experience. If you ask the kids, they’d probably say this was their favourite day of the entire 4-week Thailand trip!
The full-day white-water rafting tour takes place on the Mae Taeng River, located about 90 minutes north of Chiang Mai.
Upon arrival we were treated to a delicious buffet-style Thai lunch, before attending our safety talk. Don’t let this put you off, as they do have to go through every worst-case scenario to ensure safety!
Once in your boat, you’ll go down 10 km of rapids, ranging from a gentle cruise to thrilling Level 4 rapids. It is one of the most exhilarating experiences ever, just so much fun (in a slightly scary sort of way!). There are a few calmer spots where you can swim, and the kids even went down rapids without the boat!
We booked our white-water rafting trip with Siam River Adventures, who I’d highly recommend. It’s perfect for families and adventure enthusiasts, looking for an action-packed day on the water.
Click here to book your full-day white-water rafting trip.
Chiang Mai itinerary: Day 5
Monks Hike to Wat Pha Lat
On day five of our Chiang Mai itinerary, we did the Monks Hike to Wat Pha Lat, also known as the Monastery at the Sloping Rock. The hike follows the ancient route that monks used to reach the temple, a resting place for people climbing up to Doi Suthep.
The Monks’ Hike begins at the end of Suthep Road, just past Chiang Mai Zoo. To get there, take a taxi or songthaew from the city centre. From the starting point, it’s a relatively easy 40-minute walk through the jungle to the Wat Pha Lat temple complex.
The Monks Hike to Wat Pha Lat is easy to follow, though it can be muddy and steep in places. However, the hike is extremely scenic with vibrant flowers, butterflies and even a little waterfall along the way.
Once you reach the Wat Pha Lat temple complex, you’ll find several temples, intricate statues, and ornate staircases, all set against stunning views of Chiang Mai. The Monks Hike is undoubtedly one of the best free things to do in Chiang Mai and offers a peaceful escape from the city.
If you’re feeling energetic, you can hike further up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of Chiang Mai’s most famous temples. However, due to the heat, we turned back and returned to the hotel.
The following morning, we spent a relaxing few hours by the pool until it was time to fly to Surat Thani. From Surat Thani, we took the Lomprayah ferry to Koh Samui, one of Thailand’s beautiful islands.
If you’re planning to visit Koh Samui, check out our guide on the best things to do in Koh Samui for top recommendations on activities, attractions and experiences.
Other things to do in Chiang Mai
If you have more time, here’s some other fun things to do in Chiang Mai.
Travel Guide for Thailand
Here are some of the websites we use when planning our trips.
Discover accommodation to suit all budgets at Booking.com
Get some of the most affordable prices on internal flights with Air Asia
Look at some of the tours with Get your Guide. (Alternatively there are several travel agencies in Chiang Mai).
We hope this helps you plan your own Chiang Mai itinerary? We would love to hear your questions or comments below.
Other posts to help you plan your trip to Thailand:
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