Chiang Mai Three Day Itinerary
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Three days enjoying the wonderful temples and sights of Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand.
Three Days in Chiang Mai: (Jump To)
Visit Warorot Market
Explore Chiang Mai’s Old City
Visit Wat Phan On
Visit Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan
Dinner Along the Ping River
Chiang Mai Night Market
Visit Chang Rai, the White Temple, The Golden Triangle, and Long Neck Karen Village (Viator Tour)
Visit Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep
We left Bangkok bright and early, landing us in Chiang Mai at about 10 AM.
About Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is the largest city in Northern Thailand. It’s famous for the historic city center that is surrounded by crumbling city walls and a moat. It’s also home to numerous beautiful Buddhist temples.
We are big fans of the company Klook for travel while in Asia. We used them to book a cheap and efficient airport transfer to our hotel. (Since returning from Thailand Klook has become a Now Go See It Partner)
After settling into our hotel we decided to venture out and explore the city with our own self-guided walking tour.
Chiang Mai Itinerary: Day 1
We crossed the dark and muddy Ping River via a pedestrian bridge entering the sprawling Warorot Market.
Visit Warorot Market
Locally known as “Kad Luang” literally translating to “big market” Warorot is one of the most well-known markets in Northern Thailand. It’s not the best place for souvenirs, though there are some ceramics and clothing. The star of the show here is the food. You get a true taste of all the smells and colors of Northern Thai cooking here.
Try to find some northern Thai sausage (Sai ua) made from pork, a mixture of spices, and red curry paste. It’s typically grilled and served with sticky white rice.
Explore Chiang Mai’s Old City
Chiang Mai was founded in the late 13th century. The city was laid out in a square shape and surrounded by a moat and a tall brick defensive wall to protect it from outside invaders.
We crossed into the old city via the Tha Phae Gate. The gate, now permanently open is a popular tourist site. Often you can find a street market with authentic local goods and handicrafts.
Visit Wat Phan On
A few steps away is Wat Phan On, a small yet beautiful Buddhist temple. The grounds are adorned with a rainbow of colored fabric lanterns on wires hanging just above your head. There are well-shaded picnic tables and snacks available from the local shops.
Inside the building, you'll find a beautiful sacred Buddha statue and colorful religious art.
Visit Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan
Just a few more blocks ahead is Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan, another Buddhist temple. This is one of the oldest temples in Chiang Mai built in 1345.
Hiding behind the temple is a small pond and a quaint, quiet, magical prayer space with hanging fabric.
Directly behind the building, you’ll find the tall bright golden Chedi with golden elephants protecting all four sides.
Dinner Along the Ping River
We returned to our hotel and freshened up before enjoying dinner at Sai Ping Bar & Restaurant. The restaurant is located directly riverside with outdoor tables viewing the river. It was a stunning dining location.
Chiang Mai Night Market
After dinner, we walked to the night market. There’s not really a central marketplace, it’s more like a series of vendors set up along Changklan Road between Thapae Road and Sridonchai Road.
The sidewalks are packed with vendors selling everything from iPhone cords, to shirts, to handicrafts. There is a never-ending supply of street food.
A side path down one of the many corridors will lead you to more small shops and sometimes will open to a large flea market with multiple vendors.
Chiang Mai Itinerary: Day 2
Visit Chang Rai, the White Temple, and The Golden Triangle
We booked a day tour to visit the area around Chiang Rai via Viator. Similar to this.
The full-day trip included a stop at the Instagram-famous White Temple. Where crowds gathered around the unique, all-white, and artistically designed and decorated temple.
The tour stopped at a hot spring that was surrounded by some local shopping.
We also took a visit to see the Long Neck Karen tribe and learned about the tribe's history and the practice of extending women’s necks using brass rings.
The day concluded with a boat ride on the Mekong River through the Golden Triangle where Thailand borders Myanmar and Laos.
We did a full post about the Golden Triangle.
Chiang Mai Itinerary: Day 3
Our final day in Chiang Mai, was just a morning, as we had a 4 pm flight scheduled. We were up early with two Thai iced teas.
Visit Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep
Located about ten miles outside of the city this hilltop temple is one of the most stunning locations we have ever visited.
It’s best to find a local ride from the city center. We were able to book a taxi for very cheap. On the way back there are plenty of taxis, Songthaew (open-back pickup trucks), and tuk-tuks to take you back.
Once you get to the parking lot and main drop off you can choose to climb the staircase or take the electric tram car to the top. If you’re up to it, take the stairs. They are lined with a beautiful seven-headed serpent statue.
At the top, you will find multiple buildings to explore. Around each corner is another beautiful gold statue or perfectly decorated building.
A story of a sacred white elephant is part of the legend of the temple’s founding, so you will see plenty of elephant statues and art throughout the temple.
Don’t miss the skyline view of Chiang Mai. From the hilltop temple on a clear day, you can see all of Chiang Mai below.
The ride back into town on the back of a Songthaew was something we will never forget.
We pick up our suitcases and catch another ride back to the airport. Our trip continues in Cambodia with a visit to Angkor.
Things To See in Chiang Mai:
Warorot Market
Chiang Mai’s Old City
Tha Phae Gate
Wat Phan On
Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan
Ping River
Chiang Mai Night Market
Chang Rai
The White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)
The Golden Triangle
Long Neck Karen Village
Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep
Local transportation experiences, including taxis, Songthaew (open-back pickup trucks), and tuk-tuks
Local street food and culinary experiences
Unique shopping opportunities for local goods, handicrafts, and souvenirs
