Everyone says go to the Northern part of Chiang Mai — you will love it! If you’re travelling to Chiang Mai, you’ll know that the northern part of Thailand is a whole different experience.

There are no beaches but the hills, the tribes, culture, coffee and cool weather makes up for a lot of reasons on why Chiang Mai has become so popular.

I was surprised by the number of artisan markets and huge cafe scene.

Eventhough the Sunday Market scene is famous and touristy, most locals make their own stuff and sell here which is why villages like Baan Tawai or modern markets thrive and do so absolutely well here!

And then there’s the new bars in the hip neighbourhood of Nimman where you have rooftop bars, laid back vibes and lots of upmarket places to visit.

Sometimes 3 days is not enough and if you could stretch it further; 5 days hits the sweet spot.

There are days where you may want to wander through the markets or take day trips to the countless waterfalls and national parks in Chiang Mai so a little leeway gives you more freedom to explore as opposed to rushing it.

Here’s a complete 3 to 5 days itinerary of visiting Chiang Mai in Thailand

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Where should you stay: Old Town or Nimman?

at the tha phae gate area in chiang mai old town

When I was researching on places to stay in Chiang Mai, I was torn between the Old Town area or Nimman.

I decided to stay in the Old Town area because I was just mere steps away from the temples, the main Tha Phae gate area and new creative spots like Kalm Village where the art scene was thriving. Not to forget the easy access to countless massages as well.

It was also a starting point to stay at a typical Lanna hotel. A typical Lanna hotel means that they are designed in the style of the ancient Lanna kingdom.

"Lanna" essentially means Kingdom of a Million Rice Fields. I appreciated the intricate details of Thai architecture and it made more cultural sense to be based here.

If you have an extra day, you should leave your last stay for Nimman. This is where you’ll find stylish cafes that sometimes look like spaceships, co-working spaces, boutique shops, and a hip nightlife.

It’s also the main hub for digital nomads and creatives who love a more cosmopolitan vibe with a Thai twist.

The Best Hotels to Stay in Chiang Mai

a look and feel of some of the hotels in chiang mai. courtesy: Jaritt mynmanh

In OldTown Chiang Mai

In Nimman Area

In the Mountains

When Is The Best Time To Visit Chiang Mai?

The best time to visit Chiang Mai is from November to February, when the weather is cool and pleasant and perfectly crisp.

You would want to avoid the burning season which takes place from March to April.

From June onwards it does get a little rainier, but it also offers a really nice to see the waterfalls and rice paddies.

Also read: Things To Do in Chiang Mai That's Not A Temple Tour!

Day 1: Explore Old Town in Chiang Mai

The Temples

In Chiang Mai, the Old Town area is perfectly walkable that it is easy to get lost in these narrow lanes.

he first thing you should do is visit one of their temples and Wat Chedi Luang Varaviharn, the Buddhist temple located in Chiang Mai old town which is close to the Three Kings Monument is worth a visit.

Built in the 14th century, it was once home to the Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s most sacred relic, before being relocated to Bangkok. I think what’s particularly notable is the temple’s massive Lanna-style chedi which was ruined from the earthquake but somehow stood the test of time.

Another temple worth visiting is Wat Jetlin — there’s a lovely river and pond in the temple grounds but worth stopping for its Lanna style interiors.

A cooler way to see the town is to also book a walking tour with an ex-monk. You get to see the all the famous temple and the monk will be able to answer any questions you have about Buddhism and meditation.

If you’re also not going to Chiang Rai, this temple Wat Sri Suphan also known as the silver temple is one worth visiting.

It has also been rebuilt over the years, but I found it weird that women are not allowed inside the temple. Seeing it from far for its level of details and jewels was still jaw dropping!

Khao Soi & Calm Village

While Pad Thai is popular in the South and Bangkok, Khao Soi is hands down the best dish in the Northern part.

The spicy coconut curry flavour with a nutty aftertaste topped with crunchy shallots and noodles is exactly what you need on your first day in Chiang Mai.

I’ll be real here — the lines can be annoying and I am not a fan of visiting all the famous places if I have to wait 1 hour just to get the best Khao Soi. I found this hidden gem called Mum A Roi that had no lines in the afternoon. It was quaint, cheap, hearty and there were other noodle bowls to choose form.

The more popular ones are Khao Soi Khun Yai and Khao Soi Maesai and if there are no lines you should give it a shot.

The next spot to saunter around should be the Kalm Village — if you’re looking for a creative space and a gallery to walk about, this is the spot. I love the design and architecture of this spot and how everything was done with “nature” in mind.

The open courtyards and beautiful teak wood and Japanese-styled roofs is gorgeous and makes you want to pause.

There was an exhibition on the stories, crafts and culture of the Nagaland people from Northeast India when I was there and it was beautiful to have a slow afternoon after being in the bustling part of Chiang Mai.

The Khom Chocolate house near this spot is also worth a spot. The chocolate drinks and cake is absolutely divine!

Night Market & Dinner

Chiang Mai is transformed at night — I recall seeing how there so many night markets on almost every block. If you’re near the Tha Phae gate — one of the shorter night markers is at the Wua Lai walking street. There’s simply everything that you need here.

For the longer stretched one at the main area, you should visit the Tha Phae Walking Street — it is long and endless but I think there’s a great variety of products, ranging from handmade products, handicrafts, artwork, souvenirs to inexpensive clothing.

A good spot to have a quick dinner is also Coconut Shell Thai food — if you dont want to eat at the night market.

Day 2: Hiking Doi Suthep Monk’s Trail

The usual way to get to Doi Suthep is alright but I would suggest breaking up your plan and starting with the monk’s trail. There’s an even cooler option on this tour where you get to hike with a ex-monk and meditate with them.

But if you don’t want to do that, the Wat Pha Lat hike or monk’s trail can be easily done in one hour or 45 minutes. You come across streams, statues and a gold temple that is 800 years old.

You don’t have to go all the way after Wat Pha Lat as it is really steep. It is easy to get a Red Songthaew (a sharing red truck) from here for 150-200 Baht that will take you all the way up to Doi Suthep after.

It is also worth getting your morning coffee or breakfast from the Basecamp trail coffee.

Reaching Doi Suthep Temple and perhaps spotting sakura flowers?

There were too many people at the temple grounds when we reached Doi Suthep. To reach the temple, you can climb the 306-step Naga staircase or take a cable car.

The cable car was not ideal as everyone was kinda squashed — it is much better to just climb the stairs.

The temple had magnificent views of Chiang Mai and it was nice to walk around but I didn’t get the peace and tranquility I was hoping for.

After 30 minutes, I went down and there were options to explore the upper parts of Chiang Mai for a good price like 150 baht or so. If it is Sakura season which means Jan or Feb, you should take up the shared red truck offer to go up to Khun Chang Khian. (note: it is open only on weekdays!)

It is about a 20 minute drive to the top to view the flowers and see a hill tribe village, coffee plantations, and breathtaking views of the surrounding forests. Make sure to try the local coffee at this shop called small coffee!

Get an evening Thai Massage

Honestly, every evening should be dedicated to Thai massages. For 300 baht, you get a solid Thai massage for one hour.

The massages here are much cheaper than the main touristy parts of Thailand. Some of the best ones I tried are Refresh spa massage and Chabaprai Massage in Old Town.

Day 3: Day Trips in Chiang Mai

The daytrips in Chiang Mai are countless and there are so many to choose from.

Spending a day with Elephants

A real elephant sanctuary would go above and beyond to respect the animals' boundaries and avoid unnecessary human interaction.

Through my research, I discovered that if you’re allowed to bathe with elephants, ride them, or even get too close for selfies, it’s likely not an ethical operation.

A real sanctuary would go above and beyond to respect the animals' boundaries and avoid unnecessary human interaction.

Instead, they focus on observation and education, allowing visitors to watch elephants roam freely, forage, or play in their natural habitat.

Some of the best ones I found are BEES - Burm And Emily's Elephant Sanctuary and a famous one is Elephant Nature Park.

💡 If you want something that’s easier to organise, the Elephant Dream Project sanctuary offers a half-day tour in the most ethical way.

➡️ There’s also the option to do a 2 day jungle trek and stay overnight in a hill tribe village including riding a bamboo raft.

Doi Inthanon National Park

The Doi Inthanon National Park is home to the highest peak in the country standing at 2,565 meters above sea level. If you have one thing you should do, opt for the Kew Mae Pan Trail.

It is easier to go with a tour as you get to visit all the waterfalls and take a detour to couple of sights on the way like Ang Ka nature trail.

When you’re at the trail head, it is compulsory to get a Hmong guide for 200 baht on this trail eventhough it is straightforward and mostly wooded.

My guide was 16 years old and belong the Hmong community. We spotted blueberries, bear marks on the trees from the Asiatic black bears that reside in this forest as well as the gorgeous views!

Doi Inthanon is not just Thailand’s highest peak — it’s also said to mark the southernmost tip of the Himalayan mountain range. As someone who is in the tropics and can't get close to snowcapped peaks, this will do.

Another trail option was the the Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail which is easier and takes you through some stunning waterfalls and villages.

When going for either of this hikes, be sure to stop Wachirathan Waterfall and visit the Mae Klang Luang village with a coffee stop and breathtaking view of the rice fields.

Mae Kampong + Mae Kampong waterfall

at the mae kampong village in chiang mai

If you have time and half a day to explore another village, this could be on your itinerary.

Mae Kampong is a small village near Chiang Mai and takes about 1.5 hours to reach here. A lot of people come here for its cool weather and cute cafes.

The town resembles Kyoto in Tokyo where it is made of traditional wooden houses famous for its coffee.

Mae Kampong was originally settled by people from the Tai Yai ethnic group, who brought with them a unique way of life, including traditional farming practices and herbal medicine.

➡️ A cooler way to see Mae Kampong is to go on a short trek with this tour to see gibbons in the wild and explore the higher parts of Mae Kampong.

Explore Nimman area at night

some of the fanciest hotels in nimman area

There’s just so much to do from cafes, to hitting up the best restaurants. I’ll start with visiting One Nimman, located at its cultural space located in the Nimmanhaemin area.

The food court has a nice chill space to hang out — and don’t forget to visit their white market which is just outside to buy some of their local handmade goods.

If you have 5 Days and up to 1 Week

picture of proud phu fah mae ram villa pic courtesy: booking.com

1. Stay in the nature at Proud Phu Fah Mae Rim or Panviman

Both of these gorgeous space has a “cottage core” vibes written all around it. It is near the stream, there’s a heated swimming pool and the views are to die for.

2. Explore Chiang Dao, Chiang Mai’s hidden mountain gem

Stay in Mist Villa or Bougain Villas — there are serene landscapes, hot springs and a buddhist temple worth visiting.

At night, the village comes alive with these mountains at the backdrop when you visit their cave bar and during the day dropby to visit their ชงเอง - Chong Ayng × Slow bar. It is secluded and honestly feels like you’re living in a Ghibli set.

3. Visit Chiang Rai on a day trip

There’s so much spoken about Chiang Rai that despite the long trip, if you take this tour it is 100% worth it as you get to visit the iconic White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) and Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten), known for its stunning blue ceilings and interiors.

The benefit of the tour is that they break it up and you get visit the Mae Kachan Hot Springs

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3-5 Days Chiang Mai Itinerary + Why You'll Wish You Stayed Longer