Chiang Mai is a city in northern Thailand. If you’re looking to create the perfect Chiang Mai 3 day itinerary, you’re in the right place!
Ancient history is visible in many parts of the city and is a popular place to visit elephants in Thailand. Nestled in the mountains, there are plenty of things to do in Chiang Mai – something for every visitor.
This article is focusing on the 3 days in Chiang Mai. From attractions to the best temples and memorable experiences. If you’re after somewhere to stay, there’s also my recommendation on the best place to stay in Chiang Mai.
If you’re spending more time in northern Thailand, make sure you check out Pai – a beautiful backpacking town, and Chiang Rai, with its white temples and thunderous waterfalls.
Let’s get into this 3-day itinerary in Chiang Mai! There is plenty to do and see!
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History of Chiang Mai
Currently, the largest city in northern Thailand, (5th largest in the entire country), walking around the busy streets provides insight into ancient history by golden stupas and temples from the 14th and 15th centuries.
Currently, the city is the capital of the Chiang Mai Province. But Historically, Chiang Mai was the capital of the Lan Ha Kingdom (1296-1768). Chiang Mai became the capital when it was founded in 1296, taking over the nearby city of Chiang Rai. These city’s sound similar, both in northern Thailand, but are completely different destinations.
Chiang Mai has earned the nickname “Rose of the North” due to its lush green beauty and stunning scenery. The city has long been a tourist favorite, voted in on Trip Advisor as one of the 25 best destinations in the world.
Creating a 3-day itinerary for Chiang Mai isn’t as easy as it sounds, as there are plenty of things to do in Chiang Mai.
Here are the best things to do with 3 days in Chiang Mai!
Chiang Mai 3-day itinerary
There are many unforgettable thongs to do in Chiang Mai, ranging from temples to elephants, shopping to a unique cuisine. Walking the ancient walls and soaking in golden stupas dotted around the city make for a memorable travel experience probably why it’s a tourist favorite.
Day 1 in Chiang Mai
Considering you may only have half your first day in Chiang Mai if you get in late, I’ll keep today nice and easy. If you would like some bonus activities for Chiang Mai, check out the bottom of this post. I’ll lay out a couple of other things to do in Chiang Mai if you have a little extra time, or want to swap out something in the itinerary.
Temple hopping is the perfect way to begin this 3 day itinerary of Chiang Mai.
Temples in Chiang Mai
There are many temples and pagodas in Chiang Mai and most are scattered within the ancient city wall. Many are built within either 14th or 15th centuries when Chiang Mai was the capital city of the Lan Ha Kingdom.
Wat Chedi Luang
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Chiang Mai. Wat Chedi Luang is a Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai. The ancient pagoda is said to have been built in the late 13th to early 14th century.
Wat Chedi Luang is a giant brick structure that has felt the scars of time. In 1545, an earthquake destroyed the top 30 meters of the original 82-meter high pagoda. Wat Chedi Luang became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1990 and is a great sight of Chiang Mai.
While you’re there, the complex that holds Wat Chedi Luang also has other notable sites. The “City Pillar Shrine”, or Sao Inthakin glitters bright gold and Phra That Chedi Luang is another site in the area. The complex is also home to a Reclining Buddha statue, a popular style for the North of Thailand.
The entrance fee to Wat Chedi Luang is 40 Baht and usual opening hours are 8am to 5pm.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Created in 1383, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a Theravada Buddhist Temple that is often referred to as simply “Doi Suthep”. One of the most sacred of all temples in Chiang Mai. This temple is not inside the city walls of Chiang Mai, rather 15km outside.
Named after the mountain, this pagoda is completely golden. Shinning in the sunlight it can be quite blinding. You can reach the temple by either 309 steps, or a tram ride.
This popular attractions in Chiang Mai also have some beautiful waterfalls in the area. You can spend a couple of hours exploring all this historical site of Chiang Mai has to offer.
Wat Phra Singh
The Buddhist Temple of Wat Phra Singh is another site in Chiang Mai worth visiting. This golden relic was named a Royal Temple of the First Grade in 1935 and is seen a great cultural and spiritual temple for the Buddhist faith.
Within the area, Wihan Luang and Wihan Lai Kham are also structures that are worth a visit. Standing in the presence of these golden ancient relics, depicted with sacred elephants, it gives an appreciation of the history of Chiang Mai.
Construction of Way Phra Singh began in 1345. It costs 20 Baht entrance fee.
Chiang Mai City Wall – Tha Phae Gate
Enclosing many of the tourist attractions, restaurants, and Chiang Mai accommodations, the ancient city wall is a sight almost every traveler will see in Chiang Mai. While there isn’t much left, there are specific sections that are worthwhile for a visit and a great way to end the first of 3 days in Chiang Mai.
One of the best places to view the ancient wall of Chiang Mai is Tha Phae Gate. Located on the east side of the city. As with most of the city, the wall dates back to 1296 when Chiang Mai became the capital of the ancient kingdom.
Day 2 in Chiang Mai
The second day of this three day Chiang Mai itinerary is about visiting and spending time with the gentle giants of Asia – elephants.
Day Trip to visit Elephants – ethically only
Before any recommendations on places to see elephants in Chiang Mai, I want to stress why visiting elephants ethically in Thailand is so important. Elephants aren’t natural performers, to teach them how to paint a picture, perform in a circus or give tourists rides, the process of Phajaan takes place. I won’t go into this week-long practice of breaking a baby elephant. It’s disturbing but important to understand.
That being said, there are some places to visit that don’t treat these gentle giants like disposable trash. Elephant Nature Park offers different tours and itineraries around Chiang Mai.
You can visit the Elephant Nature Park itself, where many elephants that are rescued from tourism and logging industries now live. But there are more options that give a personal touch to visiting these beautiful creatures.
While I was traveling through Chiang Mai, I visited elephants through Elephant Nature Park but didn’t actually step foot in the park itself.
There are multiple smaller places to visit elephants around Chiang Mai through Elephant Nature Park. The sanctuary I visited wads around 45 minutes outside of the city and was home to 3 elephants (with a 4th away for a medical check-up).
There is no riding as the weight of tourists, along with a metal seat that can weigh hundreds of kilograms, results in back issues and cripples elephants over time. In fact, there’s no activity that harms these animals at all.
Chiang Mai night bazaar
One of the best places in Chiang Mai is the night bazaar – both for eating and shopping. One of the most unique night markets in Asia I visited, plenty of souvenirs and things to taste that make the bazaar in Chiang Mai a great place to eat as well.
Even if you’re not in the market for travel souvenirs or tasty treats, the atmosphere just walking around Chiang Mai’s night bazaar is a sight in itself. There’s plenty of activity and is a fun thing to do in Chiang Mai.
If you’re after a bit more information about the Chiang Mai night market, or the city itself, you can take a guided tour of Chiang Mai night market.
Day 3 in Chiang Mai
This third and final day of the Chiang Mai itinerary is a little mixed – from some more temples to the history of the Lanna Kingdom and its people.
Wiang Kum Kam Ancient City
This ancient city is situated about 5km south of the old city of Chiang Mai – so unless you have a motorbike rental, catching a tuk-tuk may be your best bet – although horse and carriage is a popular way of getting to the city from Chiang Mai.
Back in the 8th century, the Haripunchai Kingdom held the capital only a short time until Chiang Mai took over the role as the capital of the kingdom.
Wiang Kum Kam City is quite large and many explore the sculptures and buildings by bicycle.
The story of Wiang Kum Kam City is a different one. Located on the Ping River, the city was suddenly submerged when the river altered its course.
Doi Inthanon National Park
At 2,565 meters high (8415 feet), Doi Inthanon is Thailand’s highest mountain. Located inside Doi Inthanon National Park, it’s just one of the things to see in the area.
There are a number of waterfalls dotted around Doi Inthanon National Park, but the highest, Mae Yai falls from a powerful 100-meter drop.
If you follow the road to the peak of the mountain around halfway, you’ll find Wachiratan Waterfall. If you’re after a refreshing swim, this is where you need to visit. Mae Klang Waterfall is the likely the one waterfall every visitor to the park sees – as it is right by the entrance.
Other activities inside Doi Inthanon National Park include visiting local Hmong Villages and interacting at the local market is a great way to see another side of Thailand missed by most visitors.
Lanna Folklife Museum
The Lanna Folklife Museum, also known as the Lanna Heritage Center, is a great place to visit if you want to learn more about the Lanna people of Thailand.
There are a number of historical and cultural exhibitions on display inside the old courthouse of Chiang Mai.
The Lanna Folklife Museum of Chiang Mai has translations in Thai, English, and Chinese, making it a great education thing to do in Chiang Mai.
What else to do in Chiang Mai
Whether you have a little more time in the city or want to change out something in this 3 day Chaing Mai itinerary, here are a couple of extra things you can weave into you’re days in Chiang Mai.
Bor Sang Handicraft Village
A symbol of Chiang Mai, Bor Sang Handicraft Village is well known for umbrellas made from paper. While there is a range of other crafts here, Bo Sang Handicraft Village is on the tourist map due to its cultural significance and umbrella design.
Historically, umbrella craft was in full bloom during non-harvesting seasons and was made from natural materials such as bamboo.
Bor Sang Handicraft Village is a short drive east out of Chiang Mai, about 10 km away from downtown.
Chiang Mai night safari
Chiang Mai night safari is a tour in the city. You can experience a range of wild animals and beautiful scenery by a short walk around the Jaguar Trail, or two separate tram rides through the reserve.
While the Jaguar Trail is open from 11am to 11pm, the trams only operate from 6pm – hence the night time safari.
The Jaguar Trail is at your own pace, but the two separate tram lines take around 30 minutes each.
From tigers to flamingos, elephants, rhinoceros, and llamas – there are plenty of wild animals to admire from a safe distance.
Where to stay in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai accommodation is plentiful. There are many hotels and hostels in Chiang Mai that provide a great experience – my favorite was Julie’s Guesthouse.
Friendly and helpful staff and a comfy bed to rest once you’ve walked yourself to exhaustion or spent all night long talking to other travelers in the hostel. It’s a great place to stay in Chiang Mai.
How to get into Chiang Mai from the airport
Getting from the airport to Chiang Mai, and vice versa, is pretty easy as the city isn’t very large. Unless the traffic is really heavy, not many places writhing the city walls should take any more than 30 minutes.
There are a few options for transport to and from the airport in Chiang Mai (CNX).
My personal favorite and the cheapest way into Chiang Mai is by shared taxi. These are red pick up trucks, or Songthaew’s, drop off people around the city and pick up as they go as well. So you might be sharing the taxi with others. A ride in these cost 40 Baht to pretty much anywhere within the city walls and can be flagged down along the streets for regular trips around the city. One note, hold on, the back seats have no seat belts and nog much of a guard railing preventing a nasty fall – I always felt safe, at least.
You can hire a private shuttle in advance from the airport to Chiang Mai – and be dropped off at your accommodation front door.
There are also private taxis, from Chiang Mai airport, you’re looking around 160 Baht to anywhere in the city. This includes the 50 Baht airport pickup fee that seems mandatory within Chiang Mai. Expect around 100 Baht for the return trip back to the Chiang Mai airport.
Chiang Mai itinerary 3 days
There are plenty of things to do with 3 days in Chiang Mai. The activities listed above are what I think would make the ultimate itinerary of Chiang Mai in three days – from ancient temples to amazing animals, towering waterfalls and mountain peaks to bustling nightlife downtown – there is something for every traveler to Thailand’s Rose of the North.
What do you think should/shouldn’t be in this 3 days in Chiang Mai itinerary? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
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I’d love to hear about your experience of Chiang Mai in the comments below. If you’re thinking of visiting, what questions do you have?
Related Thailand reading:
- Tham Lod Cave is a great day trip from the tiny town of Pai
- Drug searches aren’t uncommon in Thailand – be careful!
Thanks for reading!
Happy and safe travels,
Ben – Horizon Unknown
