Site icon Television of Nomads

ULTIMATE 3 Days in Chiang Mai Itinerary

I’m taking this opportunity to share with you my 3 Days in Chiang Mai Itinerary so that you can also enjoy this wonderful place that has meant so much to me in my life, and has been so foundational in my travel journey.

There’s so much I love about Thailand: the people (some of the most generous and unconditionally helpful I’ve ever met), the cultural sites, the stunning natural scenery, and the food.

MY GOD, the food in Chiang Mai, Thailand is heaven for my taste buds.

Indeed, Chiang Mai is a heavenly place and there are so many reasons to visit it.

Chiang Mai, Thailand was the very first place I ever traveled to on my own, and has had such a hold on my heart, I’ve continually returned.

While I wholeheartedly recommend spending as much time in Chiang Mai as you can muster, if you only have 3 days in Chiang Mai, I’ll help you make the most of it.

 


Before You Go


Ultimate 3 Days in Chiang Mai Itinerary

This post is the ultimate 3 days in Chiang Mai itinerary, compiled by a traveler who adores Chiang Mai and finding what is worth the hype, and what isn’t.

 

📙 Don’t miss our Expert Chiang Mai Travel Guide, with everything you need to know to plan your visit.

 

I studied in Chiang Mai, and it was the first place I ever traveled to out of my home country by myself.

As such, I’ve been back many times, spending months here and there to return to the welcoming arms of Northern Thailand in Chiang Mai.

Since 3 days is rather short, the bulk of this itinerary for Chiang Mai will keep you within the city, so as to not waste your precious time!

We will include a section at the end of this Chiang Mai 3 Day Itinerary suggesting what to do next, such as visiting the hill tribes, exploring the nearby mountains, and chasing some nearby waterfalls.

Let’s dig in. Here’s our ULTIMATE 3 Days in Chiang Mai Itinerary:

 

Wat Doi Suthep


Note: These photos were all taken on our Canon 80D. Make sure to check out our essential cameras for every traveler guide and our traveling with a drone guide for more info.


Day 1

Explore Doi Suthep and its waterfalls

Doi Suthep, a lush mountain rising on the western edge of Chiang Mai, offers some of the top sights on our itinerary for Chiang Mai.

Doi Suthep refers to both the mountain itself and the temple partway up the mountain, visible from much of Chiang Mai (Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep).

You can easily get a songthaew or taxi ride up to the Doi Suthep temple from many places in the city.

If you’re riding a motorbike during your three days in Chiang Mai, it’s fun to drive up from the city. Just be careful as there are some windy mountain curves!

What’s so special about the Doi Suthep temple is the combination of the natural beauty of its surroundings and the splendor of the temple grounds.

As you climb up the serpent steps up to the temple, you’ll see why we chose to start off our 3 days in Chiang Mai itinerary here. We recommend you visit the temple early in the morning, as it can get busy later in the day.


Address: Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

9 หมู่ที่ 9 Mueang Chiang Mai District,

Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

(9 หมู่ที่ 9 อำเภอเมืองเชียงใหม่ เชียงใหม่ 50200)


 

If you get hungry after checking out the temple, there are many stalls lining the road near the base of the steps. You can grab a snack or coffee here before heading off to the next stop on our itinerary for Chiang Mai.

Grab a ride down to the Montha Than waterfall trailhead, where you pay a 100 baht entrance fee (plus vehicle fee) to enter Doi Suthep National Park.

 

Montha Than Waterfall

 

The biggest waterfall is right near the parking area.

Continue on the easy 1.6km nature trail to find some gorgeous smaller cascades and pools. The accessibility and beauty of nature here exemplifies part of what makes Chiang Mai so special. We heartily recommend stopping here on your Chiang Mai tour itinerary!


Address: Montha Than Waterfall Trailhead

Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai District,

Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

(ตำบลสุเทพ อำเภอเมืองเชียงใหม่ เชียงใหม่ 50200)


 

Khao Soi, a northern Thai specialty

 

Lunch at Khao Soi Mae Sai

After exploring Doi Suthep all morning, it’s time for lunch. You can’t come to Chiang Mai without chowing down on khao soi, a deliciously rich curried noodle soup that’s emblematic of northern Thai cuisine.

You can get khao soi all over Chiang Mai, but we recommend visiting Khao Soi Mae Sai as part of your itinerary in Chiang Mai.

The small restaurant is said to serve some of the best khao soi in the city. It offers a few variants of khao soi and other local noodle soups at reasonable prices. It’s the perfect place to get a taste of the delicious food to be had on your 3 day itinerary in Chiang Mai.

 


Address: ร้านข้าวซอยแม่สาย Khao Soi Mae Sai

29/1 Ratchaphuek Alley, Tambon Chang Phueak,

Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand

(29/1 ซอย ราชพฤกษ์ ตำบลช้างเผือก อำเภอเมืองเชียงใหม่ เชียงใหม่ 50300)


 

 

Wat Umong

Explore Wat Umong

After lunch, the next stop on our Chiang Mai travel itinerary is the serene Wat Umong. The beautiful 700-year-old temple grounds feel as if they’re slowly being reclaimed by nature. This makes Wat Umong stand out from other busy places you’ll visit on your 3 day Chiang Mai itinerary.

Wat Umong is a place of tranquility and nature. We love it for this and because there’s so much to see at this unique site during your three days in Chiang Mai.

At Wat Umong, you’ll find lots of intriguing ruins and old structures, including a large stupa, tunnels, and a garden of moss-covered Buddha statues. Make sure you take the time to explore the tunnels — don’t forget to take off your shoes before you enter!

 

Feeding the birds at the pond at Wat Umong

 

There’s also a lovely pond at Wat Umong, where you can buy food to feed fish and pigeons.

 


Address: 135 หมู่ที่ 10 Mueang Chiang Mai District,

Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

(135 หมู่ที่ 10 อำเภอเมืองเชียงใหม่ เชียงใหม่ 50200)


No. 39 Cafe

 

No. 39 Cafe

After exploring Chiang Mai’s peaceful forest temple, head down the road to the nearby No. 39 Cafe. This is a cute local spot, complete with a pretty pond and a separate little house with a slide.

Why not take a break from this busy 3 days in Chiang Mai itinerary to hang out for a little while and sip on some Thai tea or iced coffee?


Address: 39/2 หมู่ที่ 10 Mueang Chiang Mai District,

Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

(39/2 หมู่ที่ 10 อำเภอเมืองเชียงใหม่ เชียงใหม่ 50200)


 

 

 

 

Langmor Night Market (Suthep Road Student Night Market)

By now, the first day of your Chiang Mai travel itinerary is almost over. End your busy day at the Langmor Night Market (we call it Suthep Road Night Market) at the southern gate of Chiang Mai University.

This night market is one of our favorite places to experience Thailand’s famous street food culture. Compared to a some other night markets in Chiang Mai, it’s got a more local vibe.

Every night around 5:00, the street fills up with students and dozens of vendors, serving everything including sushi, Hainanese chicken rice, khao ka moo (stewed pork leg with rice), and khao mok gai (turmeric rice and chicken).

We love this night market! We’ve visited it so many times while living in Chiang Mai — it’s one of our favorite places on this Chiang Mai itinerary blog post.

This night market may be closed on the 25th of each month.

 


Address: South Gate of Chiang Mai University,

ซอย 7 บัานใหม่หลังมอ หมู่ที่

14 Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai District,

Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

(ซอย 7 บัานใหม่หลังมอ หมู่ที่ 14 ตำบลสุเทพ อำเภอเมืองเชียงใหม่ เชียงใหม่ 50200).


 

 

Nightlife

If you’re looking for a taste of the local nightlife in Chiang Mai, you could check out RIM CURVED. This local outdoor bar is a laidback place to soak up local vibes, cheap beers, and a variety of Thai bar food.

There’s sometimes live music here, and a translated menu with some humorous translations (Bib egg freckles horse power frames, anyone?).

 


Address: Chang Phueak, Mueang Chiang Mai District,

Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand

(ตำบลช้างเผือก อำเภอเมืองเชียงใหม่ เชียงใหม่ 50300).


 

For a different vibe, there’s the lively Nimman area, which is popular with locals and foreigners alike. There’s lots of busy bars here, including Warm Up Cafe, featuring food, drinks, and DJs who play Western and Thai music.

 


Address: Warm Up Cafe,

40 ถนน นิมมานเหมินทร์ ตำบล สุเทพ อำเภอ เมืองเชียงใหม่

Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand


 

Don’t stay up all night! You’ve got another busy day waiting for you tomorrow— the Chiang Mai old city itinerary.

 

Muay Thai fight at Thaphae Boxing Stadium

Alternative: Watch a Muay Thai Fight

Alternatively, you could catch a Muay Thai fight!

Muay Thai is a traditional Thai martial art and the national sport of Thailand. It’s an important part of Thai culture.

We’ve gone into absolutely everything you need in know in our guide to Muay Thai in Chiang Mai, including stadiums to watch fights in (with ticket prices and locations), and the best Muay Thai camps in Chiang Mai if you want to train for yourself!

There are 4 stadiums in Chiang Mai to watch a fight, but the most popular for tourists are the Thaphae Boxing Stadium and the Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium.

You can buy tickets at the door or online for a discount.

 

 

 

READ MORE| If you’re interested in martial arts, check out the Indian martial art of Kalaripayattu in Kerala!

 


 

Day 2

Chiang Mai Old City Itinerary

Along with Doi Suthep, the Old City is Chiang Mai’s most well-known landmark. The Old City, enclosed on all sides by four walls and a moat, used to be all of what Chiang Mai was originally.

Most of Chiang Mai’s oldest temples are here, and it’s a popular area to stay in, with quiet, small streets that lend themselves to exploring by foot. Here’s the top spots in the Old City you shouldn’t miss on your Chiang Mai itinerary for 3 days.

 

Wat Phra Singh

Wat Phra Singh, one of Chiang Mai’s most important temples, dates back to the 14th century. The temple and its grounds are a shining example of traditional Lanna (Northern Thai) architecture, with sweeping roofs meant to evoke bird wings.

READ MORE| Check out our expert Chiang Mai travel guide

 


Address: 2 Samlarn Rd, Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang Mai District,

Chiang Mai 50280, Thailand

(2 ถนน สามล้าน ตำบล พระสิงห์ อำเภอเมืองเชียงใหม่ เชียงใหม่ 50280)


 

Wat Chedi Luang

Wat Chedi Luang

The massive chedi (pagoda) of Wat Chedi Luang lies in a picturesque semi-ruined state at the heart of Old Town. An earthquake in 1545 reduced the pagoda’s height by half, bestowing it with its ruined beauty.

 

💰 There is a 40 baht entrance fee.

☸️ Wat Chedi Luang is one of the destinations visited on this Chiang Mai tuktuk tour.

 


Address: 103 Prapokklao Rd, Tambon Si Phum,

Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

(103 ถนนพระปกเกล้า ตำบลศรีภูมิ อำเภอเมืองเชียงใหม่ เชียงใหม่ 50200).


 

 

Wat Chiang Man

This is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai, dating back to 1296 at the founding of the city. Due to the age of the temple, there’s several different architectural styles on display here.

 


Address: 171 Ratchapakhinai Rd, Tambon Si Phum,

Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

(171 ถนน ราชภาคินัย ตำบลศรีภูมิ อำเภอเมืองเชียงใหม่ เชียงใหม่ 50200)


 

 

Grab Lunch

There’s tons of restaurants and stalls in the Old City, serving up both Thai and international food. Pick anywhere that tickles your fancy before the next stop on our Chiang Mai 3 day itinerary.

 

 

Get a Massage

There’s lots of places to get massages in the Old City, and by now your aching feet will thank you for doing so. If you get a massage in Chiang Mai, try it with Tiger Balm! We’ve gotten a massage a few times at a place near the Thapae Gate that uses Tiger Balm and it is so relaxing for soothing tense muscles.

A Thai massage is a welcome break in this busy Chiang Mai tour itinerary.

 

 

Warorot Market

Visit Warorot Market

We love local markets!

Warorot Market is the largest and one of the busiest markets in Chiang Mai. It’s just east of the Old City, which makes it convenient to fit into this itinerary in Chiang Mai.

The market isn’t specifically a tourist market (unlike the Night Bazaar), so it’s a good place to get a feel for local shopping. You’ll find produce, hot food, clothes, and spices here. You won’t find all the souvenirs that you’ll find at other tourist bazaars, but you’ll be able to snag some clothes and local food for a bargain.

The Chiang Mai flower market is right next door to Warorot, and we love strolling by the beautiful floral displays here.

🥭 You’ll visit Wararot Market on this Chiang Mai Night Market foodie tour.

 


Address: Wichayanon Rd, Tambon Chang Moi,

Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand

(ถนน วิชยานนท์ ตำบล ช้างม่อย อำเภอเมืองเชียงใหม่ เชียงใหม่ 50300)


 

 

Chang Phuak Night Market

Right across from the north gate of the Old City, you’ll find a lively night market. Benny loved to eat the stewed pork leg on rice here from the Cowboy Hat lady, made famous by Anthony Bourdain.

There’s also a night market at the southern Chiang Mai gate. We love to eat kway teow here, which is a noodle soup that reminds us of pho. We love the night markets of Thailand, so we made sure to include lots on this 3 day itinerary for Chiang Mai!

You’ll visit Chang Phuak Night Market on this Chiang Mai Night Market foodie tour.

 


Address: 248/70 Manee Nopparat Rd, Tambon Si Phum,

Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand


 

 

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

Every night, the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar springs to life on Changklarn Road east of the Old City. You can shop for every Thai souvenir imaginable here.

While it’s not an authentic local experience, it’s still fun to check out the bazaar and shop to your hearts content. That’s why we’ve included it on our itinerary for Chiang Mai!

You can even get a spa treatment at the Night Bazaar.

There’s also lots of food vendors, but you’ll probably pay a higher price than you would at other night markets.

Right across the street, there’s also the Kalare Night Bazaar, which feels slightly higher-end than the Night Bazaar. Here, you’ll also find lots of food, craft, and souvenir vendors.

 

Chiang Mai Ladyboy Cabaret

Nightlife

Chiang Mai Ladyboy Cabaret

Every night at the Night Bazaar, the Chiang Mai Ladyboy Cabaret puts on shows. If you’re in the mood to add some cheeky fun to your Chiang Mai 3 day itinerary, why not check it out?

The show has everything you’d expect from a ladyboy show, including singing, dancing, and outrageous outfits. One nice thing about the Ladyboy Cabaret is that it’s suitable for everyone (families included), never getting too raunchy.

The price of admission includes a drink and a snack, with a bar available. There are two shows each night.

 

Day 3

Visit Chiang Mai’s Elephants

Saving the best for last! We think that an ethical (non-riding) Chiang Mai elephant experience is the perfect way to cap off your Chiang Mai 3 day itinerary.

There’s lots of different elephant sanctuaries within about one hour of Chiang Mai, offering half-day and full-day excursions. We wrote a thorough review of our experience volunteering with the elephants in Chiang Mai and the organization we did it through. If you book here, you’ll get a discount.

Most excursions involve early pickup at your accommodation and transportation to the elephant sanctuary. At most sanctuaries, you’ll help take care of the elephants by feeding them and walking with them.

At some sanctuaries,  you’ll also swim with and bathe the elephants. Elephant sanctuary packages usually include a Thai lunch, as well as a change of clothes because you will get dirty!

 

 

Alternatives

Don’t want to visit an elephant sanctuary or want to do just a morning visit? Here’s a few alternatives to fill out your 3 days in Chiang Mai itinerary.

 

Take a Thai Cooking Class

Acquaint yourself with some of the fabulous flavors of Thai cuisine.

Mama Noi Thai Cookery School and Galangal Cooking Class in Chiang Mai are two options of Thai cooking classes perfect for beginners.

 

 

Floating hut restaurant on Huay Tung Thao Lake

 

Huay Tung Thao Lake

This reservoir on the northern outskirts of Chiang Mai is a perfect place to relax on your 3 days in Chiang Mai itinerary. We love Huay Tung Thao because of its cute little thatched lakeside restaurant huts.

Here, you can eat tasty Thai food at reasonable prices in a unique and peaceful natural setting. Our favorite thing to get here is whole fried fish.

 

The area also has large art installations (last time we went it had giant gorillas) and some rice fields to wander through.

Huay Tung Thao has lots to offer on your Chiang Mai itinerary for 3 days — we always visit when we’re in Chiang Mai.


Location: Don Kaeo, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand

(ตำบล ดอนแก้ว อำเภอแม่ริม เชียงใหม่ 50180).

Search Google Maps for Huay Tung Thao Lake for location.


 

 

 

Visit the Bua Tong Sticky Waterfalls

The Bua Tong waterfalls are made of limestone rock formations with a texture perfect for climbing. Even beginners can easily climb these bulbous rocks and wade in the waters!

Arrange your tour to Bua Tong Sticky Waterfalls

 

 

 

Wat Pha Lat, reachable by the Monk’s Trail

 

Monk’s Trail to Wat Pha Lat

This 2 km trail on the slopes of Doi Suthep takes you through the jungle to Wat Pha Lat. The quiet temple, less busy than Wat Doi Suthep, offers a unique experience on this 3 day itinerary for Chiang Mai.

If you’re lucky, you might share the trail with monks on their way up to the temple. Even if you don’t see monks on the trail, when you reach the temple, you’ll see why the trail is worth the journey.

You know you’ve reached the temple when you see the dragon stairs at the edge of a rushing waterfall. The temple area is beautiful and lush, a perfect mix of nature and culture with a supreme sense of serenity.

If you’ve got space on your 3 day Chiang Mai itinerary, you won’t regret checking out the Monk’s Trail!


Location: You will find the start of the Monk’s Trail at the west end of Suthep Road by Chiang Mai University.

Search Google Maps for Monk’s Trail for the exact location.


 


Day Trip to Doi Inthanon National Park

Explore this beautiful park on Thailand’s highest mountain. Be on the lookout for amazing wildlife, including gibbons (obsessed!), wild boars, and serows, and explore some of the picturesque waterfalls in the park, like the Wachirathan and Sirithan Waterfalls.

Book your day trip to Doi Inthanon National Park

 


How to Get Around Chiang Mai

Here’s some helpful tips about how to get around during your 3 days in Chiang Mai itinerary.

Songthaew

Like everywhere else in Thailand, songthaews (shared taxis on pickup trucks) are convenient and affordable ways to get around. Songthaews are found throughout the city and can be flagged down to take you to popular destinations. However, they might not be the best way to reach more distant or specific destinations.

Grab Taxi

There’s no Uber in Thailand, but this handy taxi app functions the same way. It’s a convenient way to get exactly where you want to go, though it’s more expensive and requires a mobile connection.

Tuktuk

Tuktuks are a convenient way to navigate the narrow streets of the Old City, but prove more expensive than songthaews for longer distances.

Motorbike

We love getting around Chiang Mai with a motorbike. Having your own transportation affords you the freedom and flexibility to go where you want, whenever you want.

It’s also the most affordable way to get around on a 3 day itinerary in Chiang Mai. Prices usually start around 150 baht/day, with discounts if you rent for more than 3 days. There’s motorbike rental shops in the Old City, as well as scattered throughout the rest of Chiang Mai.

If you decide to rent a motorbike, be diligent about following local rules. Make sure to inspect that the bike is in good working order before you drive off.

 

Where to Stay in Chiang Mai

To get the most out of a 3 day itinerary for Chiang Mai, most visitors choose to stay in either the Old City or the Nimman area.

If you’d like to experience the forested hills of Chiang Mai while experiencing a taste of the local hill tribes, consider the Lisu Lodge.

Old City

The heart of Chiang Mai, the centrally located Old City offers lots of attractions, services, and accommodations for visitors.

 

Hotels in Chiang Mai Old City

Budget

Mid-Range

Higher End

Nimman

This trendy Chiang Mai neighborhood is a favorite amongst expats, tourists, and young Thais. They love its cute shops, Instagram-worthy cafes, restaurants (such as Rustic and Blue), shops, galleries and more.

Nimman also has lots of quirky accomodations, like the Artel Nimman (featuring its own slides!).

 

Hotels in Nimman, Chiang Mai

Budget

Mid-Range

Higher End

 

Lisu Lodge

If you’d like to escape more into nature, we definitely recommend a visit to the Lisu Lodge, an eco-lodge run by the local hill tribespeople, surrounded by verdant hills and scenic fields of rice and tobacco.

 


Booking.com

Airbnb Chiang Mai

You can also use Airbnb to stay in the perfect place for your 3 day itinerary in Chiang Mai. We loved our stay here for a month in a leafy, quiet neighborhood north of the Chiang Mai zoo.

Airbnb in Chiang Mai is perfect for finding unique stays in local neighborhoods with different feels than areas where most hotels and tourist accommodations are located.

 

What to Do After Your 3 Days in Chiang Mai

This Chiang Mai itinerary blog post isn’t done just yet! We’ve got some ideas for you about what to do after you finish this Chiang Mai itinerary for 3 days.

Mork Fa Waterfall

This beautiful 60m waterfall lies about 55km north of Chiang Mai, off the road to Pai.

Hill Tribe Trek

The hills of Chiang Mai province are home to tribes such as the Lahu and Karen. Treks of various lengths take you to visit the hill villages and provide a glimpse into their way of life.

Pai

Beloved by backpackers, this town about 3 hours northwest of Chiang Mai offers a mix of laid-back vibes, partying, and natural attractions.

Chiang Dao

Two hours north of Chiang Mai, the Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary protects the 7,136 foot Doi Chiang Dao. A fantastic place to enjoy the natural beauty of Northern Thailand, the area is also home to stunning mountainside and cave temples.

Wiang Kum Kam Ruins

These ruins a bit southwest of Chiang Mai proper are an interesting spot to visit. Built before the founding of Chiang Mai, the site today is home to a few ruins that reminded us a bit of Bagan in miniature.

Wat Chalermprakiat

This extraordinary temple perched on top of karst mountains in Lampang province is unlike any other temple we’ve visited in Thailand.

 

 

Plan Your Thailand Trip

Refer to our other valuable travel guides to help you plan the rest of your Thailand trip.

Chiang Mai Travel Guide

Everything you need to know to visit this beautiful city in mountainous northern Thailand

 

Caring for the Elephants in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Read our experience at the best ethical, non-riding Chiang Mai elephant experience in Thailand.

 

Luxury Hill-Tribe Eco-Lodge in Chiang Mai: A Review

Learn about our experience at the Lisu Lodge, an affordable luxury lodge run by members of the Lisu hill tribe.

 

Muay Thai in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Everything you need to know about Muay Thai in Chiang Mai, including where to watch a fight, and where to train so that you can learn the Thai martial art for yourself.

 

The ULTIMATE 3 Days in Chiang Mai Itinerary: Final Thoughts

So there you have it, the ultimate 3 days in Chiang Mai itinerary from someone who lived there! I’ve shared this itinerary with several people whom I have introduced Chiang Mai to, and they had the most amazing time.

We’ve included the best-known sites in Chiang Mai, as well as some lesser-known gems that we absolutely love. We hope you love this 3 days in Chiang Mai itinerary as much as we do!

 

 Here are some more Chiang Mai activities you might want to incorporate into your Thailand trip:

 


Like this post?

Share it on Pinterest by hovering over one of the pictures below and clicking the red “Pin It” button!

 


 

You Might Also Appreciate…

More South East Asia Posts

More Asia Posts

Travel Tips


What is your favorite thing to do in Chiang Mai?

Tell us about it here!

 

 

Exit mobile version