Journey suggestions, recommendation and actions for the proper 3 days in Chiang Mai itinerary.
No journey round Thailand could be full with out stopping in Chiang Mai.
Positioned within the north of the nation, Chiang Mai reveals genuine Thai tradition and historical past however nonetheless manages to have a thriving and trendy leisure scene.
It’s extra relaxed than the capital metropolis of Bangkok, however nonetheless full of issues to do.
CHECK OUT OUR FULL SEPARATE GUIDE TO THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN CHIANG MAI, THAILAND!
This humble but thriving metropolis dates again to the thirteenth Century, and the square-shaped “Previous Metropolis” continues to be surrounded by a moat with 4 bridges guarded by gates that used to attach folks to the surface world.
Most of Chiang Mai’s points of interest lie inside the Previous Metropolis, so that is the place travellers are inclined to congregate.
There are a good few vacationers within the Previous Metropolis of Chiang Mai, but it surely nonetheless retains a laid again environment.
Beautiful Buddhist temples and Thai therapeutic massage centres are scattered all around the metropolis, beckoning travellers to come back to loosen up and soak within the tradition.
On the similar time, bustling road markets, drag reveals and Muay Thai boxing matches happen each night time, the place locals and travellers alike can indulge within the sensory explosions of Chiang Mai’s nightlife.
To actually take up all of the appeal of the world, all you want is 3 good days in Chiang Mai itinerary.
This offers you sufficient time to discover town, try the nightlife, and even take a day journey into the encompassing nature.
This Chiang Mai 3 day itinerary will define one of the best issues to do within the space and embrace some recommendations on the place to remain, the place to eat, when to go, and how you can get round.
READ MORE: Try our superior travelling in Thailand information!
Easy methods to Spend a Excellent 3 Days in Chiang Mai Itinerary
There are many issues to do in any Chiang Mai itinerary! So get able to spend your three days exploring one of the best components of town!
Day 1 – Morning
To get acquainted with town, spend the primary morning of your Chiang Mai itinerary exploring on foot.
With over 300 Buddhist temples and many distinctive native retailers, you possibly can take pleasure in a beautiful introduction to the native tradition and way of life with somewhat sightseeing.
Discover the Temples and Retailers
There are too many retailers and boutiques in Chiang Mai to listing, however simply wandering round you’ll positively encounter just a few little shops run by smiling locals.
Frequent finds in Chiang Mai’s retailers embrace ceramics and sculptures, work and artwork, and delightful jewelry and garments.
Elephants encourage plenty of collectible figurines and artwork, and also you’ll additionally discover plenty of well being shops promoting pure magnificence merchandise infused with coconut, rice, ginger, lemongrass, and different kinds of basic Thai elements.
Along with Chiang Mai’s charming retailers, you’ll positively see plenty of spectacular and ornamented Buddhist temples. Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh are common ones.
Most temples are open from 6 am till 9 pm, and you will need to put on acceptable garments that cowl the shoulders and knees and take away your sneakers earlier than getting into.
Additionally, be sure you double-check that images is allowed inside on the temple earlier than snapping pictures.
A number of noteworthy temples to go to throughout your 3 days in Chiang Mai itinerary embrace:
- Wat Chiang Man: the oldest temple in Chiang Mai
- Location: 171 Ratchaphakhinai Highway
- Wat Sri Suphan
- Location: 100 Wua Lai Highway
- Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phan Tao: Proper subsequent to one another
- Location: proper subsequent to one another on the crossing of Ratchadamnoen and Prapokkloa Roads.
- Wat Phra Singh: The hottest temple in Chiang Mai and residential to the well-known “Lion Buddha” picture.
- Location: 2 Samlarn Highway
- Value: 40 Baht (The one temple within the Previous Metropolis with an entrance charge, all of the others are free!)
READ MORE: Right here’s our information to the finest spots to go to in Thailand!
Day 1 – Afternoon
Thai meals has turn out to be a worldwide phenomenon, with spring rolls, inexperienced curries and pad thai being available all around the globe.
Whereas visiting Chiang Mai, take a cooking class to be taught extra about this wholesome and flavorful delicacies on the supply.
Take a Thai Cooking Class
There are many respected cooking faculties all around the metropolis and most are very moderately priced (~USD$25-30).
Nearly all cooking faculties take you on a tour by the native market to purchase the elements for the day.
You’ll be taught in regards to the staple elements and flavours of Thai delicacies, similar to garlic, chilli, ginger, Thai basil, turmeric, shallots, peanuts, oyster sauce, fish sauce, coconut milk and coriander.
After this transient training, the remainder of the day consists of cooking and consuming.
Widespread dishes to prepare dinner in a category embrace pad thai, spicy tom yum soup, cashew stir fry, coconut soup, papaya salad, mango and sticky rice, Thai iced tea, and curry utilizing your individual, hand-ground curry paste.
Be sure you arrive at your cooking class with an empty abdomen since you’ll have an abundance of meals to attempt.
Day 1 – Night
Spend one night time of your 3 days in Chiang Mai itinerary watching Thailand’s favorite sport, Muay Thai boxing.
Muay Thai Boxing Match
This fight sport developed from preventing methods in the course of the Siamese empire and the athletes are fast and agile.
Muay Thai boxing could be very fast-paced and thrilling to observe, so purchase your self a ticket and go cheer among the many locals.
There are three foremost boxing stadiums in Chiang Mai:
Thaphae Boxing Stadium
The most well-liked stadium amongst vacationers
- Value: 500 Baht for the standard ticket
- Hours: The matches often run from 9 pm till midnight each night time besides Sunday
- Location: 319 Moon Muang Highway close to the Thapae Gate of the Previous Metropolis.
Outdoors the Previous Metropolis, there are two extra boxing stadiums the place you’ll discover extra locals and fewer vacationers.
Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium
- Value: 600, 1000, or 1500 Baht relying on the standard of seat you need
- Hours: Fights run from 8:30pm till 11:30pm, daily besides Sundays
- Location: 177 Chang Phuak Highway
Loi Kroh Boxing Stadium
- Value: Tickets starting from 400 to 600 Baht
- Hours: Fights run from 8:45 pm till midnight, Tuesday by Saturday
- Location: 96/98 Loi Kroh Highway
Day 2 – Morning and Afternoon
You’ve made it to day 2 of your 3-day Chiang Mai itinerary, and as we speak I like to recommend you head out of town to take a look at one of many metropolis’s most stunning pure wonders.
Sticky Waterfalls Day Journey
One in all northern Thailand’s coolest points of interest is the sticky waterfalls, positioned about 50 km from Chiang Mai within the Jedsee Fountain Forest Park.
That is a simple and inexpensive day journey from town and it’s good for anybody who loves nature and a little bit of journey.
Formally generally known as the Bua Tong Waterfall, the sticky waterfalls are so particular as a result of you possibly can climb them!
Although the falls are fairly steep, the rocks are lined with mineral deposits that create friction and make the rocks simple to seize on to.
You don’t want any gear and even any sneakers. Simply throw on a showering go well with and begin climbing like Spiderman.
There are just a few ropes that can assist you up within the steeper components, however general climbing the waterfalls is straightforward and enjoyable, and it’s an effective way to chill down within the warmth of the day.
From the highest of the falls, you could have an incredible view of the plush inexperienced jungle.
And on the backside of the falls, there are vast swimming pools for swimming.
There isn’t any entrance charge, however carry your individual drinks and snacks as there aren’t any retailers on this distant space.
To succeed in the sticky waterfalls from Chiang Mai, you possibly can take a songtaew with different vacationers.
Simply ask at your lodging’s reception the place to seek out the songtaews, and so they’ll level you to the closest pickup spot.
The worth of the experience will rely on how many individuals are splitting the associated fee, although a technique the whole price is often about 1,000 Baht.
READ MORE: On the lookout for extra Chiang Mai points of interest to fill your itinerary?
Day 2 – Night
After an adventurous day on the Sticky Waterfalls, loosen up for a few hours once you arrive again in Chiang Mai to arrange for a enjoyable night.
Go to the Ladyboy Cabaret
Any Chiang Mai itinerary should embrace a ladyboy present, as that is an incredible type of native leisure in Thailand.
Ladyboys (kathoey, in Thai) are males who appear to be girls.
Whether or not they’re precise transgenders or simply dressing in drag, the ladyboys in Thailand are extremely female and delightful.
Ladyboys are a really well-accepted a part of Thai society and face little discrimination, so that they host wildly entertaining reveals and cabarets across the nation.
Chiang Mai has an exquisite Ladyboy Cabaret on the Chiang Mai Cabaret venue positioned within the Anusarn Market part of the Evening Bazaar.
This can be a 15-minute stroll exterior the Previous Metropolis, however you possibly can at all times take a tuk-tuk for comfort.
Seize some dinner on the Evening Bazaar, which opens at 5 pm and is filled with eating places, meals courts and road meals stalls, then head over to the Chiang Mai Cabaret for the present.
Put together to be dazzled as you enter the venue, for the Ladyboys placed on an extravagant efficiency.
There can be singing, dancing, lip-syncing, video games with the viewers and fabulous costumes, so you’ll undoubtedly really feel impressed by the attractive Thai ladyboys.
Day 3 – Morning
I hope you didn’t have too many drinks on the Ladyboy Cabaret final night time, as a result of we’ve one other nice day lined up as we speak! Let’s get into day 3 of your Chiang Mai itinerary.
Go to the Hilltop Temple, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
One in all Chiang Mai’s most spectacular temples lies simply exterior town atop a big hill.
Many individuals discuss with the temple as simply “Doi Suthep”, although its full identify is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and “Doi Suthep” simply refers back to the identify of the mountain it sits on.
To succeed in Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, take a songtaew from the Previous Metropolis for about 80 Baht a technique and experience for 45 minutes exterior town.
You’ll must pay a 20 Baht entrance charge and climb a monstrous staircase of 306 steps to succeed in the temple, however the views on the prime make the climb very a lot value it.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is actually gorgeous, with towering pagodas, glittering temples and Buddha statues bathed in gold.
You possibly can simply spend a few hours right here admiring all of the detailed and fascinating non secular art work and structure.
There’s additionally a close-by viewpoint the place you possibly can gaze over Chiang Mai from above, and throughout from the temple lies a Jade manufacturing unit specializing in jewellery and trinkets comprised of the gorgeous inexperienced mineral.
That is additionally an awesome place to check out a Vipassana course in Chiang Mai.
Day 3 – Afternoon
Head on again to city after your go to to the Doi Suthep, and deal with your self! No Chiang Mai itinerary is full with no Thai therapeutic massage.
Get a Thai Therapeutic massage
Thai therapeutic massage is an historical follow that may be a bit totally different from the extra well-known kinds of therapeutic massage.
Slightly than simply mendacity down flat and having fun with a relaxed, soothing therapeutic massage, Thai therapeutic massage is extra energetic.
The skilled masseuses stretch and bend your physique into totally different shapes and positions that are supposed to heal and strengthen the physique, and also you often maintain your garments on.
For a first-timer, Thai therapeutic massage can appear fairly intense and it’s possible you’ll really feel like a contortionist as you twist and switch on the mercy of the Thai masseuses.
However think about it a distinctive, cultural expertise that may profit the physique and has been practised in Thailand for hundreds of years.
Probably the most well-known locations to get a Thai therapeutic massage in Chiang Mai is the Girls’s Therapeutic massage Middle by Ex-Prisoners.
Precisely because it sounds, this group helps enhance the lives of former prisoners by using them as skilled masseuses.
A therapeutic massage right here prices 250 baht for one hour, the ability is positioned at 35/1 Jahban Highway and is open day by day from 9 am to 9 pm.
All through Chiang Mai, there are many different conventional Thai therapeutic massage facilities and spas starting from low cost to costly.
An inexpensive Thai therapeutic massage is often carried out in a communal area so the environment is much less non-public.
Day 3 – Night
Are you feeling hungry? Good! As a result of it’s time to discover the markets and eat your weight in scrumptious Thai meals at a Chiang Mai night time market.
Discover the Avenue Markets
Avenue markets are an important facet of Southeast Asian tradition.
They showcase all one of the best meals, artwork and native crafts at very low cost costs, so funds vacationers could be clever to do most of their consuming and procuring within the streets.
Chiang Mai is loaded with road markets, some huge and a few small.
The most important markets happen on Saturday and Sunday nights, so positively cease by these markets when you’re visiting Chiang Mai on a weekend.
- Saturday Strolling Avenue Market
- Location: Wua Lai road on the southern fringe of the Previous Metropolis
- Hours: 5 pm till 10 pm
- Sunday Evening Market
- The most important market in Chiang Mai
- Location: Fills the whole centrally positioned Rachadamnoen Highway
- Hours: 5 pm till Midnight
Each Chiang Mai markets have an enormous assortment of meals and crafts on show.
You’ll see stunning work, sculptures, jewellery, pottery, handmade dreamcatchers and garments, Buddha collectible figurines, and extra conventional handicrafts.
Between the lengthy rows of stalls, the road performers, the meals carts, and all of the vacationers, it’s possible you’ll really feel a bit overwhelmed and even claustrophobic at these markets.
However they’re an unimaginable illustration of the tradition so it’s positively value braving the crowds.
If you happen to aren’t in Chiang Mai on a weekend, the Evening Bazaar is open day by day and is nice for purchasing for souvenirs.
One other dependable road market in Chiang Mai that makes a speciality of meals is the Chang Phuak Gate Evening Market which is positioned on Manee Nopparat Highway and opens at 5 pm.
That is the proper spot to attempt basic Thai road meals for affordable, similar to dumplings, pad thai, candy Thai pancakes and crepes, spring rolls, fried banana and pumpkin, plenty of meat and rice dishes, and recent fruit smoothies.
This place is a meals lover’s heaven!
Are there just a few issues on my Chiang Mai itinerary that you just really feel like may not be your scene, or have additional days up your sleeve?
Then try these bonus actions to replenish your time in Chiang Mai!
Go to Elephant Nature Park
Thailand has a big elephant inhabitants, nonetheless many of those stunning creatures are sometimes exploited for tourism.
You will notice loads of commercials for elephant using round Chiang Mai. DO NOT RIDE AN ELEPHANT!
The entire follow of using an elephant is extraordinarily horrible for the animal and causes immense ache and stress on them.
If you wish to spend time with an elephant although, you are able to do so ethically by visiting Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai.
The proprietor of Elephant Nature Park, Lek, rescues elephants from varied corporations and mahouts round Southeast Asia and brings them to her attractive property to allow them to stay out their lives in peace.
As a customer, you possibly can watch these stunning animals wander round fortunately the way in which nature meant, and with a choose few, you possibly can even stand up near them.
Elephant Nature Park isn’t the most cost effective elephant go to in Chiang Mai, but it surely’s by far probably the most accountable and moral.
Get a Sak Yant Tattoo
You most likely have seen these superb Buddhist tattoos executed by monks across the place (Angelina Jolie famously acquired one), and you will get one your self in Chiang Mai!
For extra on this, try our devoted weblog publish on getting a standard Sak Yant tattoo in Chiang Mai.
Go to Doi Inthanon Nationwide Park
Simply 1.5 hours away from Chiang Mai is Doi Inthanon Nationwide Park, residence to the tallest mountain Thailand and a powerful array of waterfalls, nature trails and cultural experiences.
If you wish to go to Doi Inthanon on a day journey, try our weblog publish right here.
Chiang Mai Itinerary Journey Information
Now that you already know what to do throughout your 3 day Chiang Mai itinerary listed below are some highlights that can assist you plan when to go to, the place to remain, what to eat, and how you can get across the metropolis.
When to Go to Chiang Mai
There isn’t any unhealthy time to go to Chiang Mai.
Thailand is scorching all yr spherical and has mainly two seasons: wet season and dry season.
October by April is dry season and has one of the best climate, with sunny days and little rain. However it’s peak vacationer season so the entire nation will get extra crowded.
Might by September is the wet season in Chiang Mai, so the climate is hotter, extra humid, and it rains extra continuously.
However even in the course of the wet season, it often solely rains within the afternoon so you possibly can nonetheless get an excellent day of exploring. Flights to Thailand additionally are typically cheaper in the course of the wet season.
If you wish to witness the well-known Chiang Mai Lantern Pageant, go to from mid-October to mid-November.
Chiang Mai was the capital of the Lanna Kingdom, and the Lantern Pageant is a cherished Lanna custom the place locals launch lanterns made from rice paper into the sky, in hopes of acquiring success.
This lantern competition, regionally generally known as Yi Peng, is to not be confused with the Loy Krathong, the same competition the place folks launch floating baskets made from banana leaves adorned with candles, incense, flowers into the water.
Each festivals are stunning to observe, although the precise dates change yearly as a result of they rely on the lunar cycles of the Lanna calendar.
Double-check the dates earlier than you go, however the festivals often happen in October or November in Chiang Mai.
Getting Round Chiang Mai
It is rather simple to have 3 good days in Chiang Mai itinerary as a result of a lot of the points of interest are inside or close to the Previous Metropolis.
Strolling
The sq. of the Chiang Mai Previous Metropolis is roughly 1.5km on all sides, so it’s fast and straightforward to stroll in every single place inside the surrounding moat.
You possibly can even stroll to most points of interest exterior the Previous Metropolis, such because the bustling indoor market corridor generally known as the Evening Bazaar. Strolling is free, nice train, and one of the simplest ways to catch all the small print of town throughout your Chiang Mai itinerary.
Tuk Tuks
If you wish to save time, take a tuk tuk round Chiang Mai. These little three-wheeled, open-air taxis are tremendous low cost and handy for whizzing across the metropolis.
Rides inside the Previous Metropolis often price round 100 baht, however you attempt negotiating the worth down a bit.
Songtaews
If you happen to’re taking a day journey exterior Chiang Mai, one of the best and least expensive type of transport is a songtaew.
These are purple pick-up vans that act as shared taxis, so you possibly can look ahead to the truck mattress to replenish and break up the price of the journey between everybody.
The utmost capability is generally 10 folks.
Avenue Instructions
One other tip to bear in mind when studying instructions in Chiang Mai: “Soi” means “facet road.”
So a road tackle will usually have “Soi” with a quantity earlier than the principle highway, indicating the facet road that branches off from the principle road.
The place to Keep in Chiang Mai
To simply see Chiang Mai in 3 days, keep inside the Previous Metropolis.
All one of the best issues to see in Chiang Mai are set inside this sq., and there are numerous lodging and meals choices right here that go well with each funds.
All points of interest are accessible on foot, and it by no means feels too crowded or overly touristy although that is the place most vacationers keep.
As a result of Chiang Mai is rising as a preferred vacationer vacation spot in Thailand, it’s crawling with fantastic backpacker hostels, guesthouses and Airbnbs, and good motels.
Listed here are just a few top-rated Chiang Mai lodging that go well with funds, mid-range, and luxurious journey types.
Price range: The Islander Hostel
Positioned proper in the midst of the Chiang Mai Previous Metropolis, The Islander Hostel is cozy, welcoming, and most significantly, low cost.
Dorm beds price solely $6 USD per night time, and there are 300+ constructive critiques on Hostelworld with a ten/10 ranking.
Mid-Vary: Artwork Home
This guesthouse is laid again and run by a neighborhood Chiang Mai household devoted to wonderful customer support. It feels homey however has all of the facilities of a pleasant resort.
Positioned at 11/2 Soi 7, Moon Muang Highway, Arte Home is a good place to remain in Chiang Mai.
Luxurious: Chala Quantity 6
For these wanting the deal with themselves to one of the best, most luxurious lodging for 3 days in Chiang Mai, keep at this five-star resort positioned at 6/6 Prapokkloa Highway.
Full with a health middle, spa, pool and scorching tub, and restaurant with free breakfast for visitors, Chala Quantity 6 has all the things you may need throughout 3 days in Chiang Mai.
Greatest Locations to Eat in Chiang Mai
Complement your Thai cooking class and native road market tastings with high-quality meals at a few of Chiang Mai’s finest eating places.
Meals in northern Thailand is extraordinarily inexpensive, so even the costly meals at good eating places gained’t break the financial institution.
Price range: Khao Soi Khun Yai
Khao Soi Khun Yai is a small native Chiang Mai restaurant good for attempting the basic northern Thailand dish of egg noodles and pork in a spicy, creamy curry broth, generally known as Khao Soi.
- Location: 8 Sri Poom Highway close to the Chang Phuak Gate
- Hours: Open from 10 am to 2 pm and closed on Sundays.
Mid-Vary: Sprint Restaurant and Bar
This Chiang Mai restaurant has peaceable outside seating and rustic structure and is a good place to attempt conventional Thai dishes like spring rolls and recent papaya salad.
- Location: 83/2 Moon Muang Highway
- Hours: 8:30am – 2pm and 5:30pm – 9pm daily besides Monday
Luxurious: Ginger & Kafe
This stylish bistro places a novel and trendy twist on Thai delicacies.
The restaurant is a part of the entire Home by Ginger institution, which mixes Ginger & Kafe with a snazzy cocktail bar and eclectic residence items and furnishings retailer.
The glamorous but quirky ambiance of this place turns a easy meal into a trendy expertise in Chiang Mai.
- Location: 199 Mun Mueang Rd
- Hours: Open day by day from 11am to 10pm
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