Ultimate Chiang Mai Itineraries: From 3 Days to 5 Days

Located in north Thailand, Chiang Mai offers interesting insights into Thai culture. There is no shortage of traditional temples, markets, and food stalls situated on nearly every corner of the city.

There are also mountains, rivers, and a tropical rain forest filled with hill tribes, elephants, and jungle treks.

How Many Days Is Enough for Chiang Mai?

Doi Inthanon National Park

• At least 3 days
• 4 days is the most popular choice
• 5 days is ideal

3 Days in Chiang Mai

You could see the top highlights in Chiang Mai with a 3-day itinerary, including the temples and elephants.

• Day 1: Explore a food and flower market + Wat Suan Dok + Doi Suthep
• Day 2: One-day elephant experience
• Day 3: Departure

Visiting a market in the morning is the best way to learn about Chiang Mai's local lifestyle.

Doi Suthep is one of the most famous mountains in Chiang Mai. It has one of Northern Thailand's most sacred temples on the top — Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. We suggest a visit in the late afternoon so that you can have a meaningful and personal experience.

6-Day Bangkok and Chiang Mai Highlights Tour From Exotic Bangkok to the Enchanting Northern City of Chiang Mai

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My husband and I are planning a 3 week… Alisa was a great listener to all the things we wanted to incorporate into our trip. We discussed everything throughly, and when I had questions, she had answers the next day. I really appreciate her responsiveness and detail with me. I feel like we are in the best hands with Alisa and Asia Highlights. More , Mar 2024

Very great experience our driver D was… Very great experience our driver D was never late and always had waters and a cold towel for us and our tour guide Som was very informative and had amazing English I recommend them both highly for anyone else traveling More Rylan Coache, Feb 2024

Excellent guide in Siem Reap Our recent time spent in Siem Reap was made even more memorable by our expert guide, Som Piseth. Som was knowledgeable, attentive, flexible and super helpful - we learnt so much about Siem Reap and Cambodia in our 3 days with him. His English was excellent and his knowledge of, and pride in, his country was outstanding. We would highly recommend Som for anyone wanting an excellent guide in Siem Reap! More Sharon Townshend, Feb 2024

4 Days in Chiang Mai

You can explore more of the scenery of Chiang Mai at a leisurely pace with a 4-day itinerary. Chiang Mai's natural scenery is well worth discovering.

• Day 1: Arrival + Doi Suthep Mountain
• Day 2: Elephant Rescue Park
• Day 3: Doi Inthanon National Park
• Day 4: Departure

Elephant Rescue Park

On this trip, you'd get close to nature. Our selected elephant sanctuary is ethical, ranking as the top one on TripAdvisor. The activities are all elephant-friendly.

Doi Suthep and Doi Inthanon National Park are both iconic landmarks. There are scenic waterfalls, temples, villages, mountain farms, etc.

Evenings are free time. You can enjoy a Thai massage or spa, or explore the night markets.

4-Day Best of Chiang Mai Tour Must-see Attractions in Chiang Mai

5 Days in Chiang Mai

If you want to experience Chiang Mai's Yi Peng Festival, then you are recommended to take 5 days in Chiang Mai.

• Day 1: Arrival + free exploration
• Day 2: Doi Suthep Mountain + Three Kings Monument area (downtown Chiang Mai)
• Day 3: Visit the elephants + Yi Peng Festival celebration
• Day 4: Free Exploration (temples, markets, or natural parks)
• Day 5: Departure

Yi Peng Festival' s celebrations are held in the evening. Please be sure to book a car for the return trip in advance, as it will be difficult to get a taxi after the celebration.

A VIP ticket is recommended. You will get a better viewing angle, especially if you want to take better photos and videos.

Travel with us and we'll make all the best arrangements for you.

5-Day Chiang Mai Yi Peng Festival Mini-Group Tour 2024 （US$1069) Date: Nov. 14–18, 2024

How to Get To Chiang Mai from Bangkok

Chiang Mai is nearly 700 kilometers (430 miles) north of Bangkok.

Flying is the best (quickest, most convenient) and our most recommended way to travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. The flight only takes about 1 hour. Departures are from 6 am to 9 pm.

More local and economical ways include taking a train or bus. But it takes 10 or 11 hours from Bangkok to Chiang Mai over land.

>>>How to Get to Chiang Mai from Bangkok (Best Options with Prices)

How to Get Around Chiang Mai

Songthaews

A taxi is one of the easiest ways to get around Chiang Mai. However, taxis usually cost more. Remember to ask the driver to use the meter.

Tuk-tuks (3-wheel 2-person mini cabs) and songthaews (3-wheel 6–8-person bench cabs) are also a popular way to travel around Chiang Mai. You need to negotiate a price with the driver before you get on. Drivers are also happy to hire out the whole vehicle for charter trips for a higher price, including day trips out into the countryside.

Most of Chiang Mai's attractions are in the suburbs, which are a 1–2-hour drive away. A private car is safer, more relaxing, and more convenient. We provide a comfortable private car with a driver for our tours. Contact us for an inquiry.

>>>How to Get To and Around Chiang Mai

How Much Will It Roughly Cost to Travel in Chiang Mai Per Day?

• 1,000 baht / $30 per day in the shoulder season
• 1,500 baht / $45 per day in the peak season

As Chiang Mai is not as much of a tourist trap as Bangkok or the islands, it is a considerably cheaper destination to visit. However, prices for accommodation around the city can affect your daily budget as they fluctuate depending on the season.

You can easily live off 1,000 baht or $30 per day, which will include private room accommodation, eating three square meals a day, and paying for a tourist trip each day you are there. If you prefer private tours, then you will need to increase your budget.

If you visit during the peak season, you may want to increase your budget to about 1,500 baht ($45) per day because accommodation prices will double or even triple in some cases, plus tour prices will also increase.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Chiang Mai?

Yi Peng Festival

The best time to visit Chiang Mai weather-wise is from November to February. The weather is not-so-hot and mostly sunny, which is very suitable for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

If you want to experience Chiang Mai's top festivals, then come in April or November, which are the months for Thai New Year (a.k.a. Songkran Festival) and Yi Peng Festival respectively.

See Best Time to Visit Chiang Mai, When Is the Rainy Season

Popular Chiang Mai Tours

You could tell us your interests, group size, travel ideas, or anything you have a question about, and we will create a trip based on that. Or see our popular Chiang Mai tours for inspiration:

• 2-Week Thailand Getaway Tour for Couples (Bangkok – Chiang Mai – Koh Samui)
• 10-Day Classic Thailand Tour (Bangkok – Chiang Mai – Phuket)
• 4-Day Best of Chiang Mai Tour
• More Thailand tours