Planning the perfect Chiang Mai itinerary? But where to start? This 4-day guide has everything you need to experience the best of Northern Thailand, think ancient temples, ethical elephant encounters, lush mountain landscapes, walking street markets, and even a Muay Thai match.
Chiang Mai is a dreamy mix of culture, adventure, and chill vibes, four days is just enough time to soak it all in without feeling rushed.
You’ll explore golden temples in the Old City, wander through the night markets Chiang Mai is famous for, hang out with elephants in a responsible way, hike to waterfalls in Doi Inthanon National Park, and even try your hand at cooking authentic Thai dishes.
Whether you’re here to dive into Thai culture, escape into nature, or just eat your weight in khao soi, this Chiang Mai itinerary has something for every kind of traveller.
Let’s break it down day by day so you can make the most of your time in this unforgettable city.
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The Perfect 4-Day Chiang Mai Itinerary: Temples, Elephants, Markets & More
How to Get to Chiang Mai
Located in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is reachable through many different options, both internationally and domestically. Below I will outline ever option and help you figure out which one suits you and your budget so you can reach this magical city smoothly.
- Air
Chiang Mai is one of the major international airports in Thailand, with numerous flights operating daily, making it an ideal place to arrive in the country and begin your Thailand adventure. Flying in is by far the quickest way to travel to Chiang Mai, both from other areas in Thailand, like during your 6-week travels through the country, and from other countries, either worldwide or in Asia.
- Bus
If you are coming from either Chiang Rai, Bangkok or even the south of Thailand, there is a bus option! This is one of the longer options to get to Chiang Mai, but by far the cheapest, so if you are on a budget and flying is not in your price range, this is the best option for you!
- Train
Alternatively, taking just as long, if not a little longer sometimes, you can get the train from either Bangkok or the south, changing in Bangkok. This is another great option if you are on a budget and do not want to splash your cash on flying. It takes about the same time as a bus, but it is usually more expensive, as you have many different seating options, such as sleeper carriages.
How to Get Around Chiang Mai
The sort of transport you choose to use in Chiang Mai will be very personal to you. For example, you may have some experience on a scooter, but in this busy city, it may not be the best option. Below, I will outline all of your options so you can make a fully informed decision and feel confident in how you will get around this northern gem.
- Walking
The majority of Chiang Mai is extremely walkable, you can get around most places on foot, especially within the old town, so your feet will probably be your main source of transport exploring the city. I would recommend using one of the options below as you start to explore further out.
- Scooters
If you are confident on a scooter and have already had experience driving in Thailand, then renting a scooter can be a great option for getting around. Just bear in mind that, as this is a city, cars are much more common and will take up the majority of the road, unlike the islands, where there are so many scooters.
- Grab/Gojek & Taxis
Grab/Gojek and taxis are a great way to get around Chiang Mai, Grab being the most popular and often the cheapest! You can either download the Grab/Gojek apps or speak to your accommodation to arrange a taxi if needed. I always think taxis are great for getting pre-booked journeys in, such as heading to Pai or the airport, then Grab is best for getting around the city quickly, it is great to balance your transport between every method to share the love!
- Tuktuks
Like everywhere in Thailand, tuk-tuks are huge here and another great way of transport, whether you are dashing across town or going just down the road to grab some yummy food, you can flag down a tuk-tuk on most streets at most times!
- Car Hire
If you would prefer to do things such as explore Doi Inthanon on your own schedule, then hiring a car is another great option and what we did when we decided to head to Doi Inthanon for the day, if you are a fellow brit luckily for us they drive on the left hand side of the road in Thailand so once you master the madness of the roads here you are on your way!
Where to Stay: An Option for Every Budget
Chiang Mai has many different areas but this quirky city in my opinion is best expeirenced within the old town, within these ancient walls you can find cute little streets, boutique shops and pretty much everything you need on your door step, here’s some options below for every budget whether you’re a backpacker looking to mingle in a hostel or a couple looking for a little bit of luxury Chiang Mai has it all!
Budget – The Yard Hostel & Hidden Garden Hostel
Mid-range – Sabuy Chiang Mai & 18 in Town Homestay
Luxury – The Inside House & Chala Number6
Where to Eat: All the Top Spots & More
Known for it’s
- Zohng Coffee
- Sun Rays Cafe
- Tikky Cafe
- Carp Cafe
- Sunflower
- Stories Cafe & Bistro
- Katie Breakfast & Brunch
- Coconut Shell Thai Food
- Kat’s Kitchen
- Mild Kitchen
- Garden to Table
- Mr. KAI
- Khao Soi Lung Prakit
- THE HOUSE by Ginger
Chiang Mai Itinerary: How to Spend 4 Days in this Northern Gem
🛕 Day 1: Temple-Hopping & Chiang Mai’s Famous Night Market
Kick off your Chiang Mai itinerary with a self-guided or arranged walking tour of the city’s most iconic temples, followed by street food and shopping at the buzzing night bazaar or the old town’s walking street market.
I recommend starting your day early, the earlier you can be up and out, the better! Chiang Mai gets very hot, and in Thailand, it’s mandatory to cover your shoulders and knees whilst visiting the temples here, so to avoid the peak heat of the day, starting early is best.
It is also very quiet and peaceful within the temple grounds in the mornings and you can often get the chance to see the monks chanting or praying.
With over 300 temples in Chiang Mai, it can be a little overwhelming to know where to start, but I have for this Chiang Mai itinerary, I have narrowed it down to my top 5 temples!
- Wat Chedi Luang
- Wat Umong
- Wat Phan Tao
- Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
- Wat Phra Singh
Alternatively, if you would prefer to join a pre-organised tour, there are so many to choose from. These tours can be booked via Get Your Guide or with your accommodation, and they are mostly walking or tuk-tuk tours. You can choose to explore in the morning or at night and see the temples as they sparkle around you.
Once you have explored the temples Chiang Mai has to offer, you’ve chilled out a bit and cooled back down it’s time to head to the night markets!
💡 To experience the VERY BEST night markets here in Chiang Mai, then ensure you are visiting over a weekend, as the old town walking street markets that are held on Saturday and Sunday are huge and cannot be missed from your Chiang Mai itinerary!
The Saturday and Sunday markets are held within the centre of the old town in Chiang Mai, starting around 5/6 pm.
You can find everything here from street food, clothes, handmade souvenirs, jewellery, accessories, and so much more! Chiang Mai is known for its artistic streak and that is truly shown off at these weekend markets, with locals coming out to sell their handmade products.
If you are not visiting Chiang Mai over the weekend, however, do not worry, there are still other night markets for you to explore, such as the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar.
This market can be found a little out of the old town. It opens every day from 5 pm, you can spend your time here eating yummy street food and wandering the many different stalls and halls until late into the night.
🐘 Day 2: Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Experience
Spend the day connecting with rescued elephants at a reputable sanctuary where you can feed, walk with, and learn about these gentle giants!
A trip to Thailand is not complete without a visit to an elephant sanctuary, and it is the perfect addition to this Chiang Mai itinerary. There are many places throughout Thailand to see these giants, but personally, I think there is no better place than amongst the mountains and nestled within the jungles in the north.
With so many different options to choose from, it can be extremely hard to narrow it down and select the best elephant sanctuary for you. As a responsible traveller, there is no worse feeling than booking a tour only to find out it wasn’t as ethical as you thought.
To find the very best ethical sanctuaries Chiang Mai has to offer, check out my full guide, where I have done the hard work for you and collated 5 of the top sanctuaries in Chiang Mai. There is also a full guide helping you to identify what is and isn’t ethical to help with your own research!
🏞️ Day 3: Explore Doi Inthanon & Catch a Muay Thai Fight
Venture into nature with a day trip to Doi Inthanon National Park, then return to the city to witness the energy of a live Muay Thai match in the evening.
Doi Inthanon is the highest point in Thailand and often called the ‘roof of Thailand‘, located within the Doi Inthanon national park, one of the most visited national parks in Thailand, you can find waterfalls, trails, viewpoints, sunrise/sunset spots, amazing bird watching and a nice refreshing cool breeze!
The park is part of the Himalayan mountain range, with peaks ranging from 800 to 2,565 metres. The main attraction here is the twin pagodas, built in 1987 and 1992 to honour the 60th birthdays of King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit.
The Pagodas stand over 50 metres tall and offer breathtaking views over the valley below.
Doi Inthanon National Park can be visited either yourself on a self-driven adventure from Chiang Mai, where you can rent a car, or through a pre-organised day trip like those found on Get Your Guide.
Getting from Chiang Mai to Doi Inthanon takes around 2/2.5 hours. Along the way, as you start to climb the mountain, you can find many different trails and waterfalls to stop off and explore. There are also plenty of restaurants and viewpoint stops throughout the park.
Doi Inthanon National Park Information
- Opening times: 5.30 am – 6.30 pm
- Entrance fee: 300 THB for adults 150 THB for children under 14 – cars are charged an additional 30 THB
- Twin Pagodas: These are an addiotnal 100 THB entrance fee
Once you are back from your adventure in the mountains, it is time to grab some dinner before heading to one of the many Muay Thai fights held each week here in Chiang Mai.
Muay Thai is not your ordinary sport, it holds huge significance in Thailand due to its spiritual and cultural foundation. Muay Thai is about more than fighting, its about respect, discipline and honor.
Created originally to help prepare young men for battle, Muay Thai was a means of self-defence and meant to protect the country. Today, it is one of the most effective forms of striking martial arts and practised by millions worldwide.
Going to watch a Muay Thai fight is an immersive experience that you cannot exclude from your Chiang Mai itinerary. The skill and power of the fighters are something to be marvelled at!
You can find many different fights happening each week in many different stadiums across Chiang Mai, most tourist information centres will be selling tickets as well as many accommodations. Whilst you are wandering the city exploring, keep an eye out for signs and purchase tickets there or via Get Your Guide for a day that suits you!
🥊 Optional Additional Day: Muay Thai Camp
Do you have an extra day to add to your Chiang Mai Itinerary?
Spending the day at a Muay Thai camp is a great way to dive headfirst into this sport. Here you will train like the professionals whilst learning about the history and significance of the sport throughout Thailand.
From a thorough warm-up to partnered drills, you are under the watchful eye of experienced trainers, who will be on hand to ensure you understand the nuance of each movement. Throughout the day, you can connect with others from around the world and leave with a sense of achievement and empowerment.
🍜 Day 4: Relaxation & Thai Cooking Class
Unwind with a peaceful morning after your jam-packed Chiang Mai itinerary, maybe spend the morning chilling by the pool if your accommodation has one, visit a spa and get a treatment or head to Zohng coffee for a tasty brunch.
Or if you are still full of energy, then Pump Fitness 2.0 located on the southern side of the old town, is an incredible gym over 3 floors with full air-conditioning and brand new equipment!
After your relaxing, or not-so-relaxing morning, it’s time to be picked up for your Thai cooking class.
This is the perfect way to wrap up your time in Chiang Mai or Thailand, I don’t think there is a better way to get to know a country than through its food and the love put into it.
I highly recommend Mama Noi’s Thai Cooking Class, which can be easily booked on Get Your Guide where you can choose from a morning or evening class.
We attended the evening cooking class at Mama Noi’s and it was incredible!
I have done many cooking classes before and you are usually paired up and cook dishes between you, not at Mama Noi’s. Here we were able to make 3 full dishes ourselves, so make sure to arrive hungry as with your 3 dishes, Thai tea and mango sticky rice, you will definitely not be leaving hungry.
Transport is included in the trip, so once you and all the other guests have been picked up, it’s time to head to a local market where the team here will walk you round the stalls explaining what each of the ingredients is and how they are used.
After some free time to purchase anything you would like to try you head over to the Mama Noi cooking school, located on the edge of Chiang Mai.
Before we started cooking, we were given a tour of the gardens by the Mama Noi staff, we were shown all the homegrown Thai ingredients that we would be using either in our dishes or that are commonly used in Thai kitchens.
The vibrant smells and flavours of these ingredients were incredible, everything is so fresh and tasty that it’s no surprise Thai food is packed with so much flavour.
After strolling the gardens and feeding their giant tortoises, it was time to start cooking!
I chose to make tom yum soup, khao soi and stir-fried chicken and cashew nut, but there are many different options for you, and you are guaranteed to find something you like.
We started off with Thai tea to keep us hydrated throughout the class, then moved on to chopping up all the ingredients needed for each dish. Once everything was chopped and ready, we headed out dish by dish to cook them on the outside hobs.
After devouring all of our dishes, we then moved on to our dessert and learnt how to create mango sticky rice.
The team here at Mama Noi were incredible and made the whole experience so much fun and kept everything very entertaining!
If you are not a pro in the kitchen, do not fear, you can still attend these cooking classes as the team here makes everything super simple, so you can easily follow along and create something edible.
After creating and eating 5 courses, it’s time to head back. Transport is included in your ticket, so once back in your tuk-tuks, you are driven back into the city and dropped at your accommodation.
Top Tips for your Chiang Mai Itinerary
- Learn some basic Thai — simple hellos, please and thank you can go a long way and the locals are happy to help you with pronunciation just ask.
- Tipping — it is not expected here but if you have had a good meal or great service then it shows an extra level of appreciation.
- ATMs — an ATM is never far away in Chiang Mai but be mindful that they charge 220 baht (£5) per withdrawal so I recommend getting out large sums at a time and storing the cash in your safe at your accommodation. Also never use the ATM conversion rate, they are often much higher than your bank would charge and declining it can often save you £30/40!
- Get a local sim — these can be found at the airport or 7-Eleven, they will work throughout Thailand and are great for keeping yourself connected while on the move and mean you can have easy access to maps.
- What to bring — Chiang Mai is a city so all your normal clothes but keeping in mind it will be hot and humid! Don’t forget some long trousers and t-shirts for the days you want to temple hop.
- Book in advance — while I am awful at this as I like to change it up last minute, accommodation in Chiang Mai during the high season gets booked up in advance and can be very expensive when left to the last minute.
- Sun cream — the sun is strong in Chiang Mai, and sun cream is very expensive here, as with the rest of Asia, be sure to stock up at home for your trip.
- Be mindful of animal tourism — do not partake in unethical animal practices in Chiang Mai, do your research and say no to elephant riding and selfies with wild animals.
- Medical care — Thailand offers a high standard of health care and Chiang Mai is no different. There are many great hospitals, clinics and dentists around the island with English-speaking staff that are happy to assist you. Bear in mind, though, that medical care can be expensive, so be sure you have good travel insurance before visiting.
Final Thoughts
That brings my Chiang Mai itinerary to an end!
I hope you found some useful information within this itinerary and can either follow along step by step or use my tips and recommendations to create the perfect Chiang Mai itinerary for yourself.
The magic of this city is not to be missed, so ensuring you explore every aspect it has to offer is essential to any trip to this gem in northern Thailand.
If you are looking to spend longer in Thailand, however, make sure to check out my Ultimate 6-week Thailand Itinerary, where I take you from the beaches in the south to the temples in the north, immersing yourself in everything this incredible country has to offer.
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