How to Plan Three Days in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Three days in Chiang Mai, Thailand, is as much time as you need to fall in love with this place. You’ll be able to see some of the most beautiful temples in the country, eat your way through cheap platters of street food, and plan epic adventures outside of the city.

It’s why Chiang Mai is on most travelers’ lists when they’re planning their itineraries for Thailand. This city is incredible.

We were lucky enough to have an extra day to linger in Chiang Mai a bit longer, but I know many of you may be pressed for time. The itinerary below is everything we were able to do in Chiang Mai proper, plus a few options for day trips to round out your visit.

How Many Days to Spend in Chiang Mai

You can see the highlights of Chiang Mai in two days if you’re short on time, but three days will allow you to explore outside of the city, too.

That said, how many days you budget for this city depends on the time you have available and the rest of your itinerary.

If you’re short on time, you’ll just need to go into the experience knowing that you’ll likely want to return to Chiang Mai at some point in the future. It’s that good, and the feeling’s mutual. This is one of the friendliest cities we’ve visited in our travels.

When to Visit Chiang Mai

The best months to visit Chiang Mai are from November to February. Generally, you want to visit Thailand outside of the rainy season, which lasts from May through October.

Outside of those months, you’ll enjoy pleasant temperatures and a good chance to catch a festival or two.

Keep in mind that this also coincides with higher tourist traffic. Chiang Mai remains a budget destination, but expect to plan out accommodations and any tours with more advance notice than in the rainy months.

How to Spend Three Days in Chiang Mai

You can spend three days in Chiang Mai like this:

• See incredible temples like Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh.
• Indulge in the city’s casual food scene at eateries like SP Chicken
• Explore the Riverside District.
• Visit the bustling Chiang Mai Night Bazaar.
• Take a walk in Nimmanhaemin.
• Relax at a Chiang Mai spa.
• Take a day trip to the Elephant Nature Park.

Three Days in Chiang Mai: Day 1

Your first day in Chiang Mai should be spent exploring the Chiang Mai Old City, particularly if this is your first time here. The temples here are the most important sites in Chiang Mai.

Keep in mind that conservative temple garb applies. Cover your knees and your shoulders, and take your shoes off when entering any temples. This is true for all of Thailand, by the way, and not just Chiang Mai.

READ MORE: Interested in a longer trip to Thailand? Start here to kick off your planning.

Stop 1: Breakfast

To fuel your exploration today of the temples in central Chiang Mai, start with a caffeine boost or something more substantial if you’re a breakfast eater.

For a quick coffee stop, try Republic Coffee, less of a cafe and more of a van selling coffee. It’s great, I promise.

If you’re looking for something more substantial, both in terms of the giant coffee sizes and additional sustenance, try Fahtara Coffee. They have a full menu of snack items and entree-style meals for the hungry folks out there.

Stop 2: Wat Chedi Luang

The historic complex where Wat Chedi Luang sits was once home to two additional temples, Wat Ho Tham and Wat Sukmin.

What you’ll see today are ruins of the former glory from the time of King Saen Muang Ma, but a visit is still quite the experience.

Walk all the way around the complex, paying attention to the chedi at the top. Built in 1441, the chedi has seen some stuff, from a possible earthquake or cannon fire damage. Historians don’t really know, so I can’t say definitively.

Restoration efforts began in the 1990s to prevent further damage and to make safety improvements to the complex.

Note: This temple complex was once home to the Emerald Buddha. You can check it out now at Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok, one of the most sacred sites in Thailand. What you’ll see at Wat Chedi Luang is just a jade replica.

The fee to visit Wat Chedi Luang is 40 baht, or about $1. Hours vary by season, but you can expect to visit most temples around Chiang Mai from dawn until dusk.

Stop 3: Wat Phan Tao

This impressive temple essentially sits next door to Wat Chedi Luang. Wat Phan Tao, which translates to the temple of a thousand kilns, boasts teak construction and a garden area that’s a great place to rest.

You’ll find a beautiful prayer hall and a gilded Buddha inside the monastery, made even fancier with the teak pillars surrounding the room.

This temple was built at the height of the teak trade in Thailand, so you better believe this place is all teak everything.

There is no fee to explore this wat, but donations are appreciated. Opening hours are from dawn until dusk.

Stop 4: Wat Phra Singh

The important Wat Phra Singh was built in 1345, with the most recent improvements completed in 2016.

The golden chedis — those domes on the temple rooftops — that you’ll see today were decorated at that time, making this one all the more impressive.

Visitors will be met with three structures at this temple complex.

Explore the two assembly halls, one of which features the Lion Buddha and murals important to local folklore, and a library. All were built in the traditional Lanna style. That means steep rooftops with multiple tiers, with small windows and entrances.

Fun fact: Doors and windows were traditionally kept small in the Lanna style as a nod to simplicity and the backgrounds of the migrants to this corner of the world. Less light let in fit their sensibilities, as they often came from colder climates.

The temple is open from dawn until dusk daily, but expect this one to be busy with the prayerful if you visit very early.

Stop 5: Lunch

You’re likely ready for a wat break by this point, particularly if you’ve spent time exploring the grounds of each temple complex.

Take advantage of all of the delicious budget options nearby, including the critically acclaimed SP Chicken. It’s a mere two-minute walk from Wat Phra Singh.

The star here is the chicken, obviously. Go big or go half with this rotisserie-style fowl, testing out the sauces served alongside.

Another fantastic option, particularly for the vegetarians among you, is the Tikky Cafe. The menu here is extensive but authentic, and prices are cheap.

Stop 6: Wat Chiang Man

Now that you’ve had a bite to eat, I have one more important temple for you on your Chiang Mai itinerary.

Wat Chiang Man is the city’s oldest temple, and that’s reason enough to pay this one a visit. The temple was built just before 1300.

Explore the grounds first. There are several structures here, with stone elephants standing guard and dragons snaking their way up and down paths.

The main temple sanctuary is gilded and impressive, featuring a Buddha image that dates back to 1465.

Entrance to this wat is free, but donations are always appreciated. Hours vary by season, but expect to visit from dawn until dusk.

Stop 7: The Riverside District

You’re about a mile west of the Ping River from your last temple stop, and few places this close to the city center beg for a stroll more than the Riverside District.

If you just want to take in the sights, walk along the riverfront and admire the scorpion-tailed boats cruising along. These are guided tours, by the way, in case you’re interested in a ride.

Don’t miss the Iron Bridge, a link from one side of the river to the other that may seem unremarkable until you approach it.

The view from the bridge is fantastic. As a popular gathering place for locals, there’s magic here, as well.

If you’re spending four or even five days in Chiang Mai on a longer trip, this part of town is worth more than a superficial visit. With more time, check out the Ton Lamyai Market, the locals’ pick for fresh flowers at any time of day or night.

Stop 8: Dinner

Linger along the river as long as you’d like, as you’ll be close to one of the essential restaurants of Chiang Mai while you’re there.

The Riverside Bar & Restaurant has been serving up Thai cuisine on the riverfront since 1984, and they proclaim that your visit to Chiang Mai isn’t complete without eating here.

I mean, I housed a delightful curry here, so I will add to that hype.

If you’re up for more action, you can expect live music if you linger long enough.

Stop 9: Chiang Mai Nightlife

If you’re not looking for a sit-down meal or just aren’t quite done with your day after that big bowl of khao soi stew, you have quite a few options to explore Chiang Mai nightlife. The Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is the most popular.

It’s a place to not only barter and shop, but also take in some of the best people-watching you’ll get in Chiang Mai.

You can also catch Muay Thai fights at this night market on certain nights of the week, as well. The market typically runs through midnight nightly.

If you need a snack at any point, visit the cowboy lady at the Khao Kha Moo Chang Phueak food stall. By snacks, I mean braised pork legs and rice at ridiculous prices. Enjoy.

If you’re here on a Sunday, you can plan a visit to the Chiang Mai Sunday Night Market, a large market more popular with locals that runs until midnight.

Three Days in Chiang Mai: Day 2

Head outside of the old town for the more trendy Nimmanhaemin neighborhood today on your three-day itinerary in Chiang Mai.

You’ll find the itinerary more food-forward on this day. Chiang Mai has lots to offer in terms of its culinary offerings, so I find that eating your way through the city is just as essential as the cultural and historical attractions.

READ MORE: For the food tour fans out there, there are some things you should know. Check out my guide before your next food tour!

Stop 1: Breakfast

If you’re not super hungry but need some caffeine for the day, head over to Ristr8to.

The cafe is considered by many to serve up the best coffee in Chiang Mai, in part thanks to their barista Arnon Thitiprasert’s win in the World Latte Art Championships. Expect the prettiest cup of coffee you’ll drink in Thailand at the very least.

For something more substantial, head over to the Good Day Breakfast Cafe, an all-day breakfast eatery with yummy Thai desserts for later.

Stop 2: Wat Suan Dok

You were probably anticipating at least one temple stop today, even in this hip part of town.

I would hate to disappoint you.

You haven’t seen a temple like Wat Suan Dok yet, with its white-washed chedis in front of the memorial garden. Those chedis contain generations of Lanna royalty, which makes your walk through quite powerful.

Inside the main sanctuary stands a Buddha that nearly touches the ceiling.

There is no fee to explore the grounds, although donations are always appreciated. Visit the wat from dawn until dusk.

If you’ve always wanted to try some meditation, the wat offers one-hour “monk chats” and guided meditation services for curious visitors.

Stop 3: The Shopping Scene

I’m not a shopper.

I mean that I really don’t feel pleasure when I’m shopping, as I’d usually like to be doing something else.

When in Nimmanhaemin, do as the locals do and check out the intense shopping scene that exists in this Chiang Mai neighborhood, if only to do some people-watching.

Fun fact: The luxury shopping in Nimmanhaemin is impressive, but Chiang Mai is more known as the center of Thai handicrafts. Villages just outside of the city specialize in silk, woodwork, pottery, and more, and you’ll see many of these treasures in the city’s shops.

If you want to check out the city’s mall offerings, start with the Maya Lifestyle Shopping Center, a spaceship-like place with six floors of shopping glee.

On opposite corners, you’ll find One Nimman, home to more artisanal options and local brands, and Think Park, perfect for souvenir shopping.

If you have still not dropped from all the shopping, another popular complex is the open-air Kantary Terrace. It’s a collection of shops and eateries next to the Kantary Hills Hotel.

The neighborhood’s main drag is also a hub for shopping activity.

If you want to get some steps in with your window-shopping, stroll along Nimman Road and stop at whatever boutique, gallery, or cafe moves you.

Stop 4: Lunch

If the fast food options at the mall didn’t get you, you’re likely hungry for some lunch right now.

The popular Tong Tem Toh is a great option, with a menu of yummy Northern Thai cuisine to please even the most delicate palate. The eatery has undergone a facelift recently to bring in a hipper clientele, but the food is still delicious.

Try any of the pork curries if they’re available. The kaeng hang lay features pork belly and is as indulgent as it sounds.

Another option is Anchan Noodle, known for pretty — and Instagram-worthy — plates of blue noodles.

The noodles are naturally colored that way using butterfly pea blossoms. It’s as whimsical as it sounds, but more importantly, their food is delicious.

Stop 5: Museum of World Insects and Natural Wonders

The Museum of World Insects and Natural Wonders may cause some discomfort for the squeamish, particularly after a plate of blue butterfly noodles. If you’re weird like me, you’ll be all over this place.

Run by a malaria researcher and entomologist, you’ll get the goods here.

By goods, I mean loads of information on insect-borne illnesses — because he’s a malaria researcher, you guys — and local specimens, large and small, but mostly small.

They’re small because they’re bugs, naturally.

Stop 6: Spa Break

Perhaps you’re feeling a little out of sorts after your time spent with all of those creepy crawlies.

Some spa time, an essential activity for any visitor to Thailand, should help. Nimmanhaemin is a great place to get some relaxation.

Oasis Spa, housed in a very fancy-looking manor, is a popular option. The Fah Lanna Spa is another pick that has won a number of accolades as far as spas go.

Both have many signature packages, but when in Thailand, you’re going to want a massage to be involved.

Note: If you want to pin a massage spot for later, Lila Thai Massage is a great option. It doubles as an employment development center. Many of the women who work here are former inmates who are receiving massage therapy training from licensed professionals. You can feel good about treating yourself.

Stop 6: Dinner & Dessert

I don’t know about you, but when I’m visiting somewhere new, I need to try the pizza there. What if I’m considering a move there in the future? It’s just something I feel like everyone should have access to.

The best pizza option we found was Why Not?

I mean, truly, it’s a great question.

This place has a traditional Italian menu, but the pizza is what you should be after. It’s delicious.

You may be full after your pie, but I have a friend who says that there’s not only always room for dessert, but that dessert actually goes in a separate stomach.

We went to the delightful iBerry Garden during our visit, but the creative ice cream shop has since closed. Try the local favorite Cheevit Cheeva to satiate your sweet tooth instead.

They’re known for their bingsu, a shaved ice dessert. This shop gets inventive with its options, topping its desserts with custards, mango sticky rice, and Thai tea.

Three Days in Chiang Mai: Day 3

If you missed out on any of the highlights in Chiang Mai proper, feel free to explore at your leisure, eating your weight in noodles and mango sticky rice.

If you’re looking for a city break, though, Chiang Mai is the perfect base for a number of fantastic day trips. You won’t see Chiang Rai here as it’s over three hours away, but here are our personal favorites:

• Elephant Nature Park: If you only have time for one Chiang Mai day trip, make it a trip to see this elephant sanctuary. There isn’t any elephant riding here, as that would make it unethical. I have a full guide to making this one happen.
• Doi Inthanon National Park: Nature enthusiasts will love Doi Inthanon National Park, full of easy-to-access waterfalls and beautiful flora. Its nickname is “the roof of Thailand,” and the story checks out. Read more about it in my guide.
• Bua Tong Waterfalls: If this one doesn’t ring a bell, you may have heard it go by a different name: the Sticky Waterfalls. The name comes from the fact that you’ll likely be barefoot climbing these falls for a better look.
• Wat Phra That Doi Suthep: Experience this temple as the locals do, climbing up the 306 steps for a transformative experience up Doi Suthep mountain. You’ll also get the best views from up there. It’s worth the effort.

Depending on the day trip, you’ll either arrive having been fed on your tour or hungry for some noodles. For a sit-down meal that’s a little bit quirky, try The House by Ginger. This one operates one of a colonial mansion and is known for its cocktail program.

If you want to end your time here with something a little fancy, book a table at Maadae Slow Fish Kitchen. Everything on the menu here is seasonal, and you’ll be supporting local fishermen if you order one of their seafood dishes.

More Things to Do in Chiang Mai

If you have more time in Chiang Mai, choose one more of those incredible day trips or consider enjoying the city at a slower pace. I always find that despite my aggressive FOMO, the more time I’m able to give to a place, the more I get out of it.

Here are some ideas:

• If you’re traveling with children, they may enjoy a visit to the Chiang Mai Zoo if you’re unable to grant a full day to the Elephant Nature Park.
• We loved our Thai cooking class on the Koh Lanta leg of our trip, but there are quite a few opportunities to bump up those cooking skills in Chiang Mai, too.
• If you visit in November, experience the Chiang Mai Yi Peng Lantern Festival to watch thousands of lanterns light up the night sky.
• Wander through Warorot Market, or Kad Luang, and immerse yourself in fresh produce, spices, and unique local products.
• If you’re here on Sunday, visit the Tha Pae Sunday Walking Street market. It’s a popular option with locals, so prepare to mingle.
• Learn about historical Thai traditions at the Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Center. Check their calendar for special events and exhibitions.

Getting Around Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai lacks the public transportation options of Bangkok, but you do have options for safe, cheap transportation around the city.

I’m not going to go into tuk-tuks here. If you’re not a local, you’ll find a tuk-tuk ride is likely a ripoff compared to the rest of the options below.

Songthaews

You likely won’t be able to avoid riding in a songthaew while in Chiang Mai, and you shouldn’t try. It’s a preferred method of transportation for folks in the city who aren’t driving.

The quirk with songthaews is that you may need to wait until they’re full before they depart.

It’s usually not an issue in Chiang Mai, though. Have a few Thai phrases handy for this one, as you’ll need to let the driver know where you’re going.

Buses

Since the introduction of the RTC Chiang Mai Smart City Bus, buses have quickly become a favored option for both visitors and locals in Chiang Mai.

Rides are affordable, and the air-conditioned buses stop at several marked spots around the city. You’ll find that most of the highlights are covered on those routes.

If you know you’ll be riding the bus extensively during your stay, there are transit cards you can purchase to save even more money on multiple rides.

Oh, and there’s free wireless internet on board, too.

Rideshare & Taxis

The Grab app is your rideshare option while in Chiang Mai, more popular than the taxis that ride around the city.

If you’re familiar with Uber, which is no longer operating in Chiang Mai, you’ll know how this works. You just order a ride, wait for said ride, and go on your way.

Car Rentals & Motorbikes

A self-drive in and around Chiang Mai is not as frenetic as Bangkok, but you’ll still need to boast some aggressive driving skills to navigate the city.

Renting a car is most convenient and potentially cheaper if you do so ahead of time. You’ll find that both vehicles and motorbikes are a dime a dozen once you’re in town, though, if you need more time to plan.

Your accommodations will likely be able to link you up with available rentals as well. That includes bicycles if you want to burn some calories on your Chiang Mai trip.

Guided Tours

Guided tours in Chiang Mai are affordable and plentiful. If you’re interested, here are a few highly rated experiences:

Where to Stay in Chiang Mai

If you’re visiting for the first time, the Old City is the best location for you on a three-day Chiang Mai stay. The neighborhood will offer you more efficiency, as you’ll be within walking distance of many of the city’s highlights.

You can even visit some of the Old City walls while you’re here. The location of the defensive walls dates back to Chiang Mai’s founding in the 13th century, although they’ve been rebuilt and restored since.

Those looking for a livelier stay may like Nimmanhaemin, a trendy neighborhood with loads of options for foodies. That’s where we stayed during our trip, but the apartment we chose is no longer available.

Use the map below to explore your options:

Chiang Mai is always worth a visit.

Despite its reputation as a popular city for full-time expats, Chiang Mai retains its authenticity as a city with cultural and historical offerings for the intrepid traveler.

It’s also perfectly situated for all kinds of day trips throughout northern Thailand. We’d love to come for a longer stay. I can’t tell you how many times I think of those shockingly low pad Thai prices when I have a craving for Thai food in the United States or Europe.

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