CHIANG MAI ITINERARY: 3-5 AWESOME Days In Chiang Mai, Thailand Luckily our hotel had our room ready within an hour of our arrival and we could relax for a couple of hours to regain energy. Check out prices and availability forRimping Village. The temple complex features classic Lanna architecture, gilded rooftops, golden chedisand an elegantly decorated assembly hall. Bodhi Tree Cafe 2, 11 Ratchadamneon Road Soi 5, more info. I had fallen in love with the rain forest years ago in Central America, and knew that my first trip to Thailand would not be complete without a quick stint to the lush greenery that surrounds Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. This Chiang Mai itinerary includes 5 day itineraries with suggestions including neighbourhood guides, local attractions and where to experience nature close-up; information on how to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and how to get around Chiang Mai ; where to stay in Chiang Mai with vegan-friendly hotel suggestions and a vegan restaurant guide for. 9 Days in Thailand - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas | kimkim The only other option we had considered was Green Tiger guesthouse also in the Old Town of Chiang Mai. They have vegetarian and vegan options, serving locally grown and roasted coffee, health food smoothies, and fresh bread daily. The tour costs $55USD per person and includes 20-25 tastings of northern Thai snacks, dishes and drinks such as khao soi noodles, papaya salad, dumplings, Thai crepes, Thai sausage and coconut cream desserts. Chiang Rai Itinerary: How To Spend 24 Hours In Chiang Rai, Where To See Elephants In Thailand ETHICALLY! Great guide, and gorgeous photos!! Its a very real feeling, nothing wrong with it, I get it all the time too! Is it vegan friendly? Check out prices and availability for99 The Heritage >. Of course, this is just a sample itinerary and we are happy to help you design a multi-day program with your preferred inclusions. Both cities are incredible you wont regret it , Pingback: Check your Privilege: What Traveling to Thailand Taught Me About Being Vegan - Vilda Magazine, Pingback: Breaking Bad | The Elephant in the Room, Your email address will not be published. Evening Freedom Rasta Bar. | READ MORE: WHERE TO SEE ELEPHANTS IN THAILAND |, Happy elephants bathing at Elephant Green Hill in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Signs point you towards the waterfall off the main road, and there is a little national park guard station where you can pay the entrance fee of 200 baht/person. We have visited Chiang Mai several times in the past few years and have stayed at the gorgeous 99 The Heritage Hotel three times. Rent a scooter in Chiang Mai | The main streets of Chiang Mais touristy Old Town are dotted with rental agencies renting scooters for as little as 50 baht/day. We live in London but flash pack all around the world. Planning your Chiang Mai itinerary, but not sure where to start? Chiang Mai Itinerary: 4 (Or More) Amazing Days in Chiang Mai Required fields are marked *. This is an excellent and very comprehensive guide. Gretas Travels is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. While thats definitely possible, it means spending 8 hours in a minivan in one day (4 hours to get there and 4 hours back). Where to stay in Chiang Mai. Its a very interesting place and you can easily spend a few hours exploring them all. 5 days in Chiang Mai itinerary - Chiang Mai Forum - Tripadvisor 5.1 All day visit to Elephant Nature Park 5.2 Visit the Night Market 6 Chiang Mai itinerary - Days 4 & 5 6.1 Option 1: Visit the temples of Chiang Rai 6.2 Option 2: Visit the canyons and waterfalls of Pai 7 Where to stay in Chiang Mai 8 What to pack for Chiang Mai Yes! Who wants a cooked breakfast in that heat anyways?! The rooms are beautifully decorated and facilities include an outdoor pool, fun group activity classes and complimentary snacks and drinks. Chiang Mai is a city you must visit if you're traveling through Thailand. The Tom Yam soup I ordered here was definitely the best Thai dish I ate throughout the trip! Find out more here. Sunset over Chiang Mai Photo by Carina Fischer on Scopio. Chiang Mai will wait for you though, and Im sure the food will get even better and more diverse with time . A lot of the visitor attractions are located in the Old Town, a square-shaped part of town that is fairly easy to navigate by yourself. And as youve laid out so beautifully here, there are PLENTY of other ways to stay entertained in Chiang Mai. Read More Sign up and receive our latest travel tips via email. There are also lots of hostels that arrange bra crawls around the Old City centre. By bicycle |For the most part, Chiang Mai is fairly flat and therefore easy to cycle in. The drivers will try to get the truck full before they head out to their destination and a popular spot to gather is across the road fromChang Phuak Gate. Chiang Mai Itinerary 5 Days. From temples to elephant encounters, or from cooking classes to epic hikes, you can find it all in Chiang Mai! Dont touch them, dont bathe with them and dont force your love onto them in fact, being so close to humans makes the elephants behave unnatural, as they were trained to be particularly careful around humans, and Ive heard terrible stories about guards forcing the animals into the mud baths with the tourists. 5 days Trip to Chiang mai from Taipei. How to get to Chiang Mai How to get around Chiang Mai Where to stay in Chiang Mai Chiang Mai itinerary for 3 days Day 1 - explore Chiang Mai Old City Breakfast at Blue Diamond Temple hop Other things to do in Chiang Mai Old City Lunch - khao soi noodles This is a little bit outside the old city, but really easy to access from the guesthouse listed above. Click here to book your ATV and Buggy Riding Experience and Tour. 5 Great Days: A Suggested Chiang Mai Itinerary | Olsen Tours If youre not comfortable driving a scooter (dont worry, Im not either!) The Best Chiang Mai Itinerary: How To Spend 3 Days in Chiang Mai Strung high up the treetop canopy together with Sky Bridges. Mid-range: POR Thapae Gate If you dont fancy a hostel dorm a lovely mid-range option is POR Thapae Gate. Click here to book your cooking class in Chiang Mai, or checkout prices & availability in the calendar below! There you have it, the ultimate Chiang Mai itinerary! At first glance, Chiang Mai looks like a small city, easy to explore by foot or bicycle and to an extent that is true. Two days in Chiang Mai will go quickly with so many interesting things to see and do ! Wat Chedi Luang Photo by Kiran Relangi on Scopio. Driving on this empty and narrow road through the forest was one of the highlights of my trip! Alternatively you could book onto this 4-Hour Wat Umong and Doi Suthep Evening Tour which starts at 3pm (make sure you check with the cooking school that you will back in the city in time for this pick up). The easiest way to get to Chiang Mai is by flying from Bangkok. We recommend visiting Viator, GetYourGuide, and Klook! On our way to the temple we strolled though residential parts of Chiang Mai that looked so different to the Old Town, it was interesting to see how locals lived in this part of the city. Chiang Mai Itinerary: 1 Day Chiang Mai Itinerary: 2 Days Chiang Mai Itinerary: 3 Days Chiang Mai Itinerary: 4 Days Chiang Mai Itinerary: 5 Days Chiang Mai Itinerary: 6 Days Spending time with the elephants at Elephant Green Hill. We ended up booking elsewhere, but came to eat at the guesthouses restaurant Reform Cafe twice (!) Read more about our day at the Thai Farm Cooking School >, Chiang Mai: Authentic Thai Cooking Class & Local Market Tour, Thai and Akha Cooking Class in Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai: Authentic Thai Cooking Class and Farm Visit. The Perfect 3 Day Chiang Mai Itinerary for First Time Visitors I dont know if it is the specific northern Thai cuisine, or the influx of digital nomads from the Western world, but visiting Chiang Mai as a vegan was incredibly easy! We bumped into a man who said he was a history teacher visiting Chiang Mai with some of this students true or not, he gave us a map, highlighted a few recommendations for us, like which temples to visit in the Old Town and where to get transport to Doi Suthep temple and sent us on our way. We haggled a little, but ended up giving the driver around 100 baht for the 10 minute thrill ride back to Old Town. But alas, the public holiday came in our way again, and the village was unfortunately closed for visitors. Hot season (March-April)This is the hottest time of year to visit Chiang Mai. If you partied too hard on your first night you might need a slow start today, which is why we begin with a simple tour of the Old City! yall getting bored of Thailand spam yet? The Phi Phi Islands and Railay Beach are also stunning!) It doesnt get more iconic Thailand than this! Nearby Maya Mall has some shopping options too. Start your temple-hopping day at Wat Chiang Man! A great way to end your second day in Chiang Mai is to visit the night market. Feel free to haggle for the price. You can also go one way only, to spend more time at the temple or continue to the palace further uphill. This northern Thaidish is made with wide rice noodles in a coconut milk curry-based broth, served with either chicken or beef and is absolutely delicious! Towards the end of the afternoon we found ourselves at Wat Chedi Luang, the beautiful temple ruins in the middle of the Old Town. Click here to book your stay at POR Thapae Gate! Click here to book your Afternoon Tea, Bike TourDiscover the charms of Chiang Mais Old City on a 4-hour bike tour of the back lanes. So I think Im due another visit by now. Located in the heart of the Old City this hotel has spacious rooms and a pool where you can chill after a long day exploring Chiang Mai. Rainy season (May-September)During these months there are less visitors to Chiang Mai but it isnt really a bad time to visit. If youve had enough of temples, which is understandable, you could alternatively spend your final days in Chiang Mai visiting Pai. Furthermore, these cafes were predominantly frequented by Westerners, adding to my disconnect and discomfort. Check out prices and availability forX2 Chiang Mai Riverside Resort, Check out prices and availability forAnantara Chiang Mai Resort, Check out prices and availability forPing Nakara Boutique Hotel & Spa, Read more about the Sunday Walking Street in our blog post, Chiang Mai city and temples half day tour, Check out this Private Tuk Tuk Tour of City Temples With Pickup >, guide to the best temples in Chiang Mai >, Check out our guide to the best Khao soi restaurants in Chiang Mai >, Chiang Mai spa massage experiences on Klook >, Read more about our day at the Thai Farm Cooking School >, 4-Hour Wat Umong and Doi Suthep Evening Tour, Doi Suthep, Wat Umong & Wat Pha Lat Sunrise private tour, Chiang Rai itinerary the perfect 1 or 2 days in Chiang Rai >, Read more about our morning food tour with A Chefs Tour, Doi Inthanon with Pa Dok Siew Nature Hike, Click here to book your Flight of the Gibbon: Chiang Mai Eco Zip Line Adventure, Click here to book your Jungle Horse Trekking Full-Day Tour, Click here to book your Chiang Mai Night Safari Park ticket, Click here to book your ATV and Buggy Riding Experience and Tour, Guide to Jing Jai (JJ) Weekend Farmers Market in Chiang Mai, Guide to Chiang Mai Friday Night Market (Kad Kongkao Walking Street), 99 The Heritage hotel in Chiang Mai review, Things to do in Nimman, Chiang Mai(Nimmanhaemin Road), Best Khao soi noodle restaurants in Chiang Mai, Bangkok on a Budget Backpacking in Thailand, Khlong Mae Kha canal village guide, Chiang Mai, How to get from Ao Nang, Krabi to Railay Beach by long-tail boat, Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok the ultimate guide, Visiting Mahanakhon Skywalk Bangkoks Newest Observation Deck, Hoi An cooking class a day at Hoi An Eco Cooking Class, Panan Krabi Resort hotel, Ao Nang an honest review, The Worlds Biggest 7-Eleven in Pattaya, Thailand, 99 The Heritage Hotel in Chiang Mai review, 24 Things to do in Melaka (Malacca) Malaysia 2023, 20 Best Immersive Experiences in London (with prices) 2023, Jonker Street Night Market Melaka / Malacca guide 2023, Jodd Fairs DanNeramit Night Market in Bangkok 2023. At night we could see the lights of Doi Suthep temple, and in the morning we could hear the sounds of Wat Inthakhin. For the third day of your Chiang Mai itinerary we recommend taking a cooking class then visiting a mountain temple! kofiwidget2.init('Support Me on Ko-fi', '#af4d92', 'Y8Y0OQPK');kofiwidget2.draw(); Watch Me See is an Amazon Associate and an affiliate of Booking.com and others and thus I earn from qualifying purchases you make at no extra cost to you. Day 3 Sticky waterfall, the Buatong temple, Aeroplane cafe and Hidden Village. If you have an extra couple days to spend in the area I definitely recommend going beyond Chiang Mai. You might have different flight or train schedules and tour preferences, so don't forget to tweak this accordingly. Chiang Mai should be on every Thailand itinerary and is a must-visit destination when exploring the northern regions. Day 5, you're almost done! Tired from traveling and a day well-spent exploring the Old Town of Chiang Mai, we freshened up at our hotel, went for dinner and turned in early, ready to take on the city on the next day. It is also the least preferable as it is burning season which is when local farmers burn the fields and forests, so air pollution in the city is very high. Option 1 - Continue the walk in Chiang Mai. Just remember to make sure your phone is not locked to your local network provider before purchasing one. An instagrammers dream location! Check out prices and availability forVilla Sanpakoi. Chiang Mai to Doi Inthanon National Park day trip 4. Amata Lanna VillageBeautiful 4-star resort located a short drive from Chiang Mai old town. The famous Cowboy hat lady has a stall here called Khao Kha Moo Chang Phueak, and the food is considered so good that she has been featured on one of Anthony Bourdains TV shows. When you reach the top of the stairs, foreign visitors have to pay a small fee to enter the temple. Elephant Nature Park is one of the most famous elephant sanctuary and rescue centres. There are so many guesthouses and hotels catering to the floods of tourists that visit the city every year, that it is hard to make a decision on where to stay in Chiang Mai. Please let them be. Where to stay in Chiang Mai. Due to a public holiday, we did not get to do as much cafe jumping as we were hoping for, but that left more time to explore the incredible street art of the area! The Buddhist temple, often just . Alternatively you can also take a train or bus from Bangkok. The Perfect 3 Days in Chiang Mai Itinerary - NOMADasaurus 2-Day Chiang Mai Itinerary - Wanderlog It is a very popular attraction and can get very busy. Pai is around a 3-hour drive from Chiang Mai. There are a few elephant sanctuaries, where rescued elephants are promised a better life, but to be honest, I dont even trust those. Right in the most hectic corner of the Old Town, but located in a tranquil side alley, Bodhi Tree Cafe dishes up delicious homemade meals and drinks. | READ MORE: THE ULTIMATE CHIANG RAI ITINERARY |, The back of Wat Rong Suea Ten (the Blue Temple) in Chiang Rai, Thailand. All Rights Reserved. Elephant Nature Park. In the end, youre still in Thailand and out meal while decadent was incredibly cheap! We are 2 fairly young adults staying at the Kodchasri hotel. Check out the elephant experiences onGetYourGuide, ViatorandKlook. it was so delicious (more below)! Also known as the Golden Temple, Wat Phra Singh is one of the most popular attractions in Chiang Mai. And thank you for the callout on ethical animal tourism it always breaks my heart to see animals being deprived of a normal life for amusement of tourists. Read more about our day trip to Elephant Nature Park >, Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary Small Group Ethical Tour, One day Elephant Experience In Chiang Mai, by Chiang Mai Elephant Home, Chiang Mai: Elephant Care at Elephant Retirement Park. Here you will find hundreds of market stalls, wide range of street food and some entertainment. Thanks for your comment, April! A water bottle You will find lots of restaurants have water tanks where you can refill your bottle. Reform Kafe, 1/4 Sripoom Road Lane 7,more info. Travelling from Bangkok to Chiang Mai by bus is very cheap and takes around 10 hours with both day and overnight options available to book. This Chiang Mai 3 day itinerary will outline the best things to do in the area and include some tips on where to stay, where to eat, when to go, and how to get around. CK Travels 2016-2023. Cliff jumping at Grand Canyon | Chiang Mais Grand Canyon is an artificial water world south-east of Chiang Mai. I love animals and I would to interact with elephants but I dont feel good about it. Perfect 3-5 Day Itinerary In Chiang Mai, Thailand Chiang Mai itinerary - perfect 3, 4 or 5 days in Chiang Mai This post may contain affiliate links to tours and hotels. Exploring Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai: This Travel Blogger Shares His Story Reviews on Tripadvisor had warned us about the expensive prices, but if you understand how long it takes to make your own vegan cheese and pickle your own vegetables, youll know that a restaurant has to charge more than a street vendor. However if youre not in Chiang Mai on a Sunday there are other night bazaars and markets in the area. Entrance is 40 THB and includes all the little temples in the complex. A camera to capture all the beautiful temples and elephants you will see! You will want to spend at least three days in Chiang Mai, however if you have a bit more time in your Thailand itinerary and you can stretch it to five days you can go beyond Chiang Mai. New Delhi Indian Restaurant | Finally, it is never a bad idea to find an Indian restaurant of youre in dire need for vegan food. Even if you dont have long in Chiang Mai, I highly recommend doing a full day experience with Elephant Nature Park. To get there ask your hotel to call a taxi for you, or if you are on a. budget, head to the Chang Pauk Gate where Songthaews leave for Doi Suthep (they will drop you at the Zoo and then you take another one to the temple). Gretas Travels is by no means liable for any purchase of tours, tickets and any other online reservation that are made without having fully read the terms and conditions of any third party provider. 08.00 Arrive At Mae Kampong Village. Day 3 - Wat Doi Suthep and Cooking Course. On the Elephant Nature Park you can choose which program to visit. Soak up Thailand's unique culture, intricate temples, and beautiful landscapes on this nine-day itinerary, a classic route option for first-time visitors to the country and ideal for those who want to tick off the highlights and hidden gems surrounding Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. Its characterised by distinctive white and golden chedis and pagodas, which create a beautiful contrast. We are Caroline and Neil - two British travel bloggers who seek authentic and awesome travel adventures! Gretas Travels is also a participant with theBooking.com, Klook and GetYourGuide Affiliate Programs. This 4 star boutique hotel is set in a colonial building in the old town just across the street from the epic Wat Phra Singh temple and a short walk away from the weekly Sunday Walking market (more on this later). Chiang Mai Itinerary: For 2, 3, 4 days or more! - Claire's Footsteps When you visit Chiang Mai, it is unavoidable to be exposed to animal tourism. The traffic however is another story and Im not sure I would have felt comfortable cycling in the city as a first time visitor. With the rise of ethical animal encounters in recent years many of the elephant riding centres in Chiang Mai have been converted to the ENP approach.