Chiang Mai is a popular destination in northern Thailand known for its rich history, beautiful temples, delicious street food, and picturesque countryside. For those planning a trip to this charming city, here are some travel tips to make the most of your time in Chiang Mai:
Things to Do in Chiang Mai / Top Must See Must Do Sites in Chiang Mai Thailand
- Visit the temples: Chiang Mai is home to over 300 temples, each with its own unique architecture and history. Make sure to visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Wat Chedi Luang, and Wat Phra Singh.
- Explore the Old City: The Old City is surrounded by ancient walls and moats, and is filled with narrow alleys, old temples, and traditional teak houses. Take a leisurely stroll and explore the quaint streets and local markets.
- Try the street food: Chiang Mai is a food lover’s paradise, and the street food scene here is not to be missed. Make sure to try local favorites like khao soi, pad thai, and mango sticky rice.
- Visit the night markets: Chiang Mai is famous for its vibrant night markets, where you can shop for handmade crafts, clothing, and souvenirs. Check out the Sunday Walking Street Market and the Night Bazaar.
- Take a cooking class: Learn how to cook traditional Thai dishes at a cooking class. [https://www.thaicookeryschool.com/] Prices start at around $30 per person and include a visit to a local market to pick up fresh ingredients.
- Elephant sanctuary: Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary where you can interact with these majestic animals in a responsible and sustainable way. [https://www.elephantnaturepark.org/] Prices start at around $50 per person for a half-day visit.
- Doi Inthanon National Park: Explore the highest mountain in Thailand at Doi Inthanon National Park. Visit the stunning waterfalls, flower gardens, and hill tribe villages. [https://www.doiinthanon-nationalpark.com/] Entrance fee is around $10 per person.
Don’t forget to get Travel Insurance Before You Travel
If you’re looking for travel insurance, we recommend the following travel insurance provider:
 |  |  |
| World Nomads Travel Insurance | Find the Perfect Insurance Plan for Your Trip with Travelex | Cancel for any reason with Travel Guard |
Our Top Travel Gear and Equipment Recommendations: Best Camera, Photo and Video Equipment for Your Travels
If you’re interested in our recommended travel gear and photo/video equipment:
- Best and Most Useful Travel Gear:
- Best photo / video cameras and equipment for Travel:
- Best Action Cameras and Portable Cameras
- Best Full-Frame DSLR Cameras and DSLR Cameras for Amateur and Professional Photographers
- Best Drones and Aerial Photography Cameras
- Best Tripods, Monopods and Selfie Sticks for Photography and Videography
- Best Mobile Phones and Cell Phones, Best Laptops and Computers for Travel:
3 Days in Chiang Mai Visit Itinerary
Day 1:
- Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
- Explore the Old City
- Try street food at the Night Bazaar
Day 2:
- Take a cooking class in the morning
- Visit an elephant sanctuary in the afternoon
- Relax at a spa in the evening
Day 3:
- Take a day trip to Doi Inthanon National Park
- Visit the Karen Long Neck Village
- Enjoy a traditional Thai massage
We regularly use and recommend Booking.com for our hotel bookings, using this link comes at no extra cost to you and helps to support the site!
Where to Stay in Chiang Mai / Top Rated and Best Hotels in Chiang Mai Thailand
Top Rated Chiang Mai Hotels Over $200 per night:
Best Reviewed Hotels in Chiang Mai Between $100 to $200 per night:
Recommended Hotels in Chiang Mai Between $50 to $100 per night:
Top Hotels Chiang Mai Between $20 to $50 per night:
Best Chiang Mai Hostels and Budget Hotels Below $20 per night:
Please note that ratings and prices may vary depending on the season and availability. Make sure to check the current rates and availability through the provided links.
For more about Thailand, Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Krabi, Pattaya and other travel destinations in Thailand, read the travel tips and see all travel stories, videos, photos and writing on Rolling Coconut’s Travel section.
This page may contain affiliate links, using these for your bookings and purchases comes at no extra cost to you and helps to maintain this site, thanks for your support!
If you enjoyed this post, don’t forget to sign up to the OOAworld newsletter, LIKE our Facebook page and SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel, or FOLLOW us on Instagram or X (Twitter)!
Like a photo or artwork on the site? Order OOAworld’s custom prints, canvases and accessories by checking out the items in the Shop!
Share the road!
