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What To Do In Chiang Mai: 3 Days Itinerary

3 days in Chiang Mai
What to do in Chiang Mai, a visit to Chiang Mai will undoubtedly capture your heart and offers a refreshing escape from the bustling streets of Bangkok. This guide will outline a 3-day itinerary in Chiang Mai, including travel tips, and inspiration for your trip. Situated amidst the verdant mountains of northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is a charming city brimming with cultural richness. It seamlessly blends ancient traditions with contemporary attractions, making it a vibrant destination filled with both historical significance and modern appeal.

Day 1: Exploring the Old City in Chiang Mai

Morning: Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang

Wat Phra Singh: Start your day by visiting Wat Phra Singh, one of the most revered temples in Chiang Mai. Wat Phra Singh is an ancient Buddhist temple located on Samlarn Road in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The temple was constructed in 1345 on the orders of King Pha Yoo, the fifth king of the Mangrai dynasty, with the purpose of housing the ashes of his father, King Kham Foo.

Wat Phra Singh, ancient Buddhist temple

Wat Chedi Luang: Continue your temple tour with a visit to Wat Chedi Luang, known for its massive, partially ruined chedi (stupa) that once housed the Emerald Buddha. Wat Chedi Luang is a royal Buddhist temple located at 103 Phra Pok Klao Road, Phra Singh Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chiang Mai, Thailand. It was once considered the administrative center of the ancient Lanna Kingdom.

Wat Chedi Luang, a royal Buddhist temple

Afternoon: Traditional thai cuisine, history of Chiang Mai

Thai cuisine is renowned for its rich and diverse flavors, skillfully blending sour, spicy, salty, and sweet elements. One of the signature dishes is Pad Thai, stir-fried noodles with shrimp, tofu, egg, and peanuts, often served with lime and chili powder. Tom Yum Goong is a tangy and spicy shrimp soup, prepared with a broth infused with kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, and chili. Moreover, you can explore top specialities in Thailand.

Pad Thai, street food in Chiang Mai

Evening: Sunday Night Market (Walking Street)

The Sunday Walking Street Market in Chiang Mai is a bustling and colorful market held every Sunday evening on Ratchadamnoen Road in the Old City. It features a diverse range of stalls selling handmade crafts, textiles, jewelry, and unique souvenirs. The market is also a food lover’s paradise, offering an array of Thai street foods such as Khao Soi, Som Tum, and fresh fruit juices. Visitors can enjoy live music and street performances that add to the festive atmosphere.

Sunday Night Market (Walking Street) in Chiang Mai

Day 2: Discover Nature and Adventure in Chiang Mai

Morning: Doi Suthep, Wat Phra That Doi

Doi Suthep: Head to Doi Suthep, a mountain overlooking the city. Doi Suthepnis a sacred mountain and a major pilgrimage site in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Dominating the city skyline at 1,676 meters, it is home to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of the most revered temples in Thailand. Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a stunning temple at the top, offering panoramic views of Chiang Mai. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a historic and revered Buddhist temple located on Doi Suthep Mountain in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Established in 1383, it is one of the country’s most important pilgrimage sites.

Wat Phra That Doi, temple in Chiang Mai

Afternoon: Doi Pui Hmong Village

Doi Pui Hmong Village: Continue your journey to Doi Pui Hmong Village, where you can learn about the Hmong hill tribe culture and explore the village’s gardens. Doi Pui Hmong Village is a charming hill tribe village located in the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park near Chiang Mai, Thailand. This village is home to the Hmong people, an ethnic group known for their vibrant culture and traditional lifestyles.

Doi Pui Hmong Village, must-see destination in Chiang Mai

Evening: Night Bazaar

Night Bazaar: Spend your evening at the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, a bustling market where you can shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, and try more delicious Thai street food. The Night Bazaar Chiang Mai is located at the intersection of Loi Khro Road and Khlan Road. Unlike other markets in Chiang Mai, this market operates daily. It begins setting up around 5:30 to 6:00 PM and stays open until midnight. For a lively atmosphere, it’s best to visit around 8:00 or 9:00 PM.

Night Bazaar, top things to do in Chiang Mai

Day 3: Enjoy the Culture and Relax in Chiang Mai

Morning: Elephant Sanctuary

Elephant Sanctuary: Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary where you can spend time with elephants in a responsible way. Learn about their care and conservation efforts while enjoying interactions with these majestic animals. Chiang Mai is home to several ethical elephant sanctuaries dedicated to the care and protection of rescued elephants. One notable example is the Elephant Nature Park, founded by Lek Chailert, which provides a safe haven for elephants rescued from abuse and exploitation. Visitors can feed, bathe, and learn about these majestic animals while supporting their rehabilitation.

Elephant Sanctuary

Afternoon: Have lunch at a local riverside restaurant, enjoying the serene views.

Chiang Mai offers several delightful riverside dining options, perfect for enjoying both the local cuisine and scenic views of the Ping River. The Riverside Bar & Restaurant, located on Charoenrat Road, is a popular choice with its relaxed atmosphere and diverse menu featuring Thai and international dishes.

The Riverside Bar & Restaurant, restaurant in Chiang Mai

Evening: Thai Massage

Relaxing Massage: End your day with a traditional Thai massage or spa treatment to unwind after your adventures. Thai massage is a traditional therapeutic practice that combines acupressure, stretching, and deep tissue techniques to enhance physical and mental well-being. Unlike typical massages, Thai massage is performed on a mat on the floor, with the recipient fully clothed in loose garments. The therapist uses their hands, elbows, knees, and feet to apply rhythmic pressure and perform a series of stretches.

Thai massage, must-try in Chiang Mai
If you wander what to do in Chiang Mai, 3 days is a perfect amount of time to spend in Chiang Mai. The city is filled with things to do from tranquil temples to fragrant street food markets. It’s one of the best ways to experience Thailand and truly captures the essence of ‘The Land of Smiles’. No matter how you choose to spend your trip to Chiang Mai, it will no doubt leave an indelible impression. This itinerary offers a balance of cultural exploration, nature, adventure, and relaxation, making your 3 days in Chiang Mai both memorable and fulfilling.

Whether you’ve already been or are considering visiting Chiang Mai, we hope our 3-day itinerary in Chiang Mai has inspired you to embark on your own adventure and discover the wonders this enchanting city has to offer. Check out our Thailand Travel Agence for more tips on how to spend your time away.

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Louis Pham
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What is the best month to visit Chiang Mai ?

Design your own trip with thailand travel agent. November to February is the best time to visit Chiang Mai, as the weather is ideal for outdoor activities. Although it doesn't get too cold, it's wise to bring a jacket and some light woolens. January, in particular, is a popular month, attracting many tourists.

Linda
5.0 Excellent
Is 3 days in Chiang Mai enough ?

With thailand travel agent, I suggest dedicating at least 3 days to Chiang Mai to fully experience its charm. This will give you enough time to explore the old city's highlights, visit the vibrant night markets, admire the stunning temples, take a Thai cooking class, enjoy an unforgettable elephant encounter, and unwind with a relaxing Thai massage.

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