5 Great Days: A Suggested Chiang Mai Itinerary

This is a recommended itinerary for Chiang Mai If you less than a week to visit us. We have included the most popular highlights of Chiang Mai city and surrounds. Of course, this is just a sample itinerary and we are happy to help you design a multi-day program with your preferred inclusions.

Day 1 – Doi Suthep & City Tour

Start off with a relaxed day & recover from your flight. Check off the ‘must see’ attractions of Doi Suthep temple & the historic sights of the Old City.

Doi Suthep Temple

Visit the most beautiful and famous temple in Chiang Mai.

Doi Pui Hmong Village

Bhubing Palace

Wat Pha Lat

Chiang Mai Old City

Explore the historical heart of Chiang Mai.

Wat Phra Singh

Visit the most culturally significant temple within the city of Chiang Mai.

Wat Chedi Luang

Visit Chiang Mai’s most physically imposing temple.

Mae Ping River Cruise

Chiang Mai Street Food

Leave some time for shopping, a river cruise or explore the night Bazaar.

Day 2 – Elephant Sanctuary

Spend half a day with a small herd of elephants. Feed, exercise and bathe with them. We strongly recommend a ‘no-riding’ elephant sanctuary for the happiest elephants.

Elephant EcoValley

Elephant EcoValley is our recommended elephant experience in Chiang Mai. A stricty no-riding sanctuary, Elephant EcoValley takes extremely good care of their animals, and visitors can feel the resulting happiness and good-natured behavior of the …

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Smart Elephants Family

Smart Elephants Family is a family-run elephant camp to the north of Chiang Mai in Mae Taeng district. This elephant sanctuary is open to small groups of visitors who may interact with the elephants ethically. …

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Day 3 – Doi Inthanon

Visit Doi Inthanon National Park, home to Thailand’s highest peak. Take a short Trek through the forest with a Karen guide to her village and taste some local coffee.

Doi Inthanon National Park

Spend a full day exploring Thailand’s highest peak and other attractions within the national park.

Pha Dok Siew Trail

Kew Mae Pan Trail

Royal Pagodas

Mae Klang Luang Village

Day 4 – Cooking School

Start your day with a tour of a local market and purchase herbs for cooking.

Travel out of the city to the cooking school and learn to cook (and eat) some of the Thai classics.

Grandma’s Home Cooking School

Grandma’s Home Cooking School is one of the newer cooking schools in Chiang Mai, and is quickly becoming a favorite. They have new equipment, plenty of space and have assembled a great staff of experienced …

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Thai Farm Cooking School

Thai Farm Cooking School is consistently rated as one of the top cooking schools in Chiang Mai. Join a class for a great day of fun and learning. Your guide will meet you at your …

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Leave some free time in the late afternoon to explore the city by foot.

Day 5 – Farewell to Chiang Mai

Check out from your hotel and ask your guide to take you last-minute shopping and back to your favorite lunch location. If you have a bit more time before your flight, squeeze in some light sightseeing.

Want to book, discuss details or request a custom itinerary? Let us know your interests, dietary needs, time constraints, etc. The more we know, the better we can serve your needs.

Recommended Itinerary for Chiang Mai (5D4N)