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3-Day Itinerary

3-Day Chiang Mai Itinerary: The Ultimate Guide to Thailand's Cultural Capital (2025)

WanderTheWorld Team 13 min read
Chiang Mai temples with golden spires surrounded by mountains and traditional Lanna architecture

Discover the best of Chiang Mai in 3 days with our comprehensive guide. From ancient temples and elephant sanctuaries to night markets and mountain adventures. Perfect for first-time visitors with budget tips and ethical tourism insights.

Quick Chiang Mai Overview

Best Time to Visit

November-February (cool season) and April (Songkran festival)

Budget Range

฿800-3,500 per day ($25-110)

Getting Around

Red trucks (songthaews), tuk-tuks, Grab, bicycle rental

Language Tip

Northern Thai dialect differs from Bangkok - locals appreciate any Thai attempt

Day 1: Old City Temples & Culture

Budget: ฿800-2,000 • Walking: 10,000 steps

Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM)

⛩️

Wat Phra Singh

Start at Chiang Mai's most revered temple, home to the sacred Phra Singh Buddha image. The classic Lanna architecture features intricate wood carvings and murals depicting daily life in ancient times.

Entry: ฿20 • Opens 6:00 AM • Dress modestly • Near Sunday Walking Street

🏛️

Wat Chedi Luang

Explore the ruins of this massive 15th-century chedi that once housed the Emerald Buddha. Join monk chats (daily 9-6 PM) to learn about Buddhism and practice English with novice monks.

Entry: ฿40 • Monk chat free • City Pillar shrine included

🌸

Three Kings Monument & City Museum

Learn about Chiang Mai's founding and Lanna culture at this small but informative museum. The monument square hosts cultural events and is a popular local gathering spot.

Museum: ฿90 • Closed Mondays • Air-conditioned respite

Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:30 PM)

Old City Lunch Spots

  • Khao Soi Khun Yai: Best khao soi in town (฿50-80)
  • SP Chicken: Famous rotisserie chicken with sticky rice (฿60-120)
  • Blue Temple Vegetarian: Cheap, healthy Thai vegetarian (฿40-70)
  • Dash! Restaurant: Thai and Western in garden setting (฿120-250)

Afternoon (1:30 PM - 5:30 PM)

🥈

Wat Sri Suphan (Silver Temple)

Marvel at this unique temple covered entirely in silver and aluminum. The intricate metalwork tells Buddhist stories and Lanna history. Women cannot enter the main chapel due to old beliefs.

Entry: ฿50 • Silversmith workshops • Beautiful night illumination Tue/Thu/Sat

🎨

Explore Wualai Walking Street Area

Browse silversmith workshops and local artisan studios. This historic silver-making district maintains traditional crafts. Visit on Saturday for the famous walking street market.

Free to explore • Workshops open daily • Saturday market 4-10 PM

🌿

Traditional Thai Massage

Treat yourself to an authentic Thai massage after temple walking. Old city has many reputable places. Look for shops with certified therapists and clean facilities.

1-hour massage: ฿200-400 • Foot massage: ฿150-250

Evening (5:30 PM - 9:00 PM)

🏮

Warorot Market (Kad Luang)

Experience Chiang Mai's main fresh market where locals shop. Three floors of everything from flowers to fabrics. The evening flower market by the river is especially photogenic.

Free to browse • Open until 6 PM (flowers later) • Cash only

🍜

Riverside Dinner

Dine along the Ping River at restaurants like The Good View or Riverside Bar & Restaurant. Enjoy northern Thai specialties with live music and river breeze.

Budget: ฿200-500 • Live music after 8 PM • Reserve riverside tables

Day 2: Mountains, Elephants & Nature

Budget: ฿1,500-3,500 • Full day adventure

Morning (5:30 AM - 12:00 PM)

🌄

Doi Suthep Temple Sunrise

Early start to beat crowds and catch sunrise at Chiang Mai's most sacred temple. The 306-step naga staircase leads to golden chedis with panoramic city views. Clear mornings offer views to Myanmar.

Entry: ฿30 • Cable car: ฿50 • Songthaew from city: ฿60-100

Watercolor painting of Doi Suthep temple with golden chedi in mountain setting

Doi Pui Hmong Village

Continue up the mountain to this hill tribe village. See traditional costumes, buy handicrafts, and enjoy mountain coffee. The gardens are beautiful but can be touristy.

Entry: ฿10 • 4km past Doi Suthep • Coffee with view: ฿50-80

Alternative Morning: Elephant Experience

Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries

Choose sanctuaries where riding is prohibited and elephants roam freely:

  • Elephant Nature Park: Most ethical, full day ฿2,500-3,500
  • Elephant Jungle Sanctuary: Half day ฿1,500-2,000
  • Into the Wild: Small groups ฿2,000-2,800
  • • Book ahead, includes transport and lunch
Watercolor painting of elephants in natural sanctuary near Chiang Mai

Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM)

🌳

Royal Park Rajapruek

Beautiful botanical gardens showcasing Thai and international flora. The golden Lanna-style pavilion is stunning. Great for photos and escaping heat in shaded gardens.

Entry: ฿100 • Tram: ฿20 • 20 min from old city

🛍️

Nimmanhaemin Road

Chiang Mai's trendy neighborhood with cafes, boutiques, and art galleries. Perfect for coffee lovers and Instagram-worthy spots. More upscale than old city.

Free to explore • Cafes: ฿80-150 • Shopping varies

Evening (5:00 PM - 10:00 PM)

🍲

Khan Toke Dinner

Traditional northern Thai dinner served on low tables with cultural show. Try local specialties like sai oua (herb sausage) and nam prik noom (green chili dip) while watching traditional dances.

฿350-650 per person • Includes show • Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center recommended

🌙

Night Bazaar

Chiang Mai's famous night market on Changklan Road. Three floors of handicrafts, clothes, and souvenirs. The nearby Anusarn Market has food court and live entertainment.

Opens 6 PM • Bargain 30-50% • Food court: ฿50-150

Day 3: Crafts, Cooking & Culture

Budget: ฿1,000-2,500 • Hands-on experiences

Morning (8:30 AM - 12:30 PM)

👨‍🍳

Thai Cooking Class

Learn to cook authentic Thai dishes in half-day class. Most include market tour to learn about ingredients. You'll cook 4-6 dishes and get recipes to take home.

฿800-1,500 • Includes market tour and meal • Many schools available

Popular Cooking Schools

  • Thai Akha Kitchen: Social enterprise supporting hill tribes
  • Zabb E Lee: Garden setting outside city
  • Asia Scenic: Professional chef instructors
  • Pantawan: Small groups, market focus

Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM)

🎨

Handicraft Workshops

Try traditional crafts at various workshops around the city. Popular options include umbrella painting in Bo Sang, silversmithing, or Thai massage school.

Varies by activity • Umbrella painting: ฿200-500 • Book ahead

🏪

San Kamphaeng Road

The "Handicraft Highway" features silk weaving, ceramics, lacquerware, and more. Watch artisans at work and buy directly from workshops. Prices better than markets.

13km east of city • Songthaew: ฿150-200 • Or join tour

Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM)

🎭

Walking Street Market

If it's Saturday (Wualai) or Sunday (Ratchadamnoen), don't miss the walking street markets. Sunday market is larger, stretching through the entire old city with crafts, food, and street performers.

4-10 PM • Free entry • Sunday market is must-see

Watercolor painting of Chiang Mai night market with colorful lanterns and handicrafts
🍻

Farewell Evening

End your Chiang Mai adventure at a rooftop bar like THC Rooftop Bar or Myst MAYA. Or enjoy live music at North Gate Jazz Co-op or riverside venues.

Beers: ฿80-150 • Cocktails: ฿150-300 • Live music free-฿100

3-Day Budget Breakdown

Budget Traveler

  • Accommodation/night: ฿200-600
  • Meals/day: ฿150-300
  • Transport/day: ฿100-200
  • Activities/day: ฿200-400
  • Total/day: ฿650-1,500
  • ($20-45 USD)

Mid-Range Traveler

  • Accommodation/night: ฿800-2,000
  • Meals/day: ฿400-800
  • Transport/day: ฿300-600
  • Activities/day: ฿500-1,500
  • Total/day: ฿2,000-4,900
  • ($60-150 USD)

Luxury Traveler

  • Accommodation/night: ฿3,000-10,000
  • Meals/day: ฿1,000-3,000
  • Transport/day: ฿800-2,000
  • Activities/day: ฿2,000-5,000
  • Total/day: ฿6,800-20,000
  • ($206-606 USD)

Essential Chiang Mai Travel Tips

🚕 Transportation

  • Red trucks (Songthaews): Shared taxis, ฿20-30 in city
  • Tuk-tuks: Always negotiate price first
  • Grab app: Fixed prices, very convenient
  • Bicycle rental: ฿50-100/day, great for old city
  • Motorbike: ฿150-300/day (need license)

🌡️ Weather & Health

  • Burning season: Feb-April has poor air quality
  • Rainy season: Brief afternoon showers Jun-Oct
  • Cool season: Nov-Feb can be chilly mornings
  • Mosquitoes: Use repellent, especially evenings
  • Drinking water: Stick to bottled (฿7-10)

🏛️ Cultural Etiquette

  • Temple dress: Cover shoulders and knees
  • Shoes off: Remove before entering temples/homes
  • Buddha images: Never turn your back for photos
  • Monks: Women should not touch or hand things directly
  • Haggling: Gentle bargaining expected at markets

💡 Smart Travel

  • ATMs: Charge ฿220 fee, withdraw larger amounts
  • Night markets: Better prices than day tourist spots
  • Temple fatigue: Don't try to see everything
  • Digital nomads: Great wifi and co-working spaces
  • Elephant tourism: Research ethical sanctuaries

Seasonal Chiang Mai Guide

❄️ Cool Season (Nov-Feb)

Perfect weather with cool mornings and sunny days.

  • • Temperature: 15-28°C (59-82°F)
  • • Pack layers for cool evenings
  • • Peak tourist season, book ahead
  • • Best for outdoor activities

🔥 Hot Season (Mar-May)

Very hot with smoke from burning season.

  • • Temperature: 25-40°C (77-104°F)
  • • Air quality issues Feb-April
  • • Songkran festival mid-April
  • • Seek AC during midday

☔ Rainy Season (Jun-Oct)

Green landscapes with afternoon showers.

  • • Temperature: 23-32°C (73-90°F)
  • • Usually brief afternoon rain
  • • Fewer tourists, better prices
  • • Lush countryside perfect for photos

🎉 Festival Highlights

  • April: Songkran water festival
  • November: Yi Peng lantern festival
  • February: Flower Festival
  • Weekly: Walking street markets

Where to Stay in Chiang Mai

🏛️ Old City (Within the Walls)

Perfect for temple hopping and walking to attractions. Traditional atmosphere.

Pros:
  • • Walking distance to temples
  • • Sunday Walking Street
  • • Traditional atmosphere
  • • Many guesthouses
Cons:
  • • Can be touristy
  • • Limited parking
  • • Bars close early
  • • Weekend crowds
Price Range:

฿300-3,000/night

Best For:

First-time visitors, culture lovers

☕ Nimmanhaemin (Nimman)

Trendy area with cafes, boutiques, and modern amenities. Popular with digital nomads.

Pros:
  • • Hip cafes and restaurants
  • • Shopping at MAYA mall
  • • Modern accommodations
  • • Co-working spaces
Cons:
  • • More expensive
  • • Less traditional
  • • Traffic congestion
  • • Far from old city
Price Range:

฿600-5,000/night

Best For:

Digital nomads, long stays

🌊 Riverside (Along Ping River)

Peaceful area with luxury resorts and local neighborhoods.

Pros:
  • • Peaceful atmosphere
  • • Luxury resorts
  • • River views
  • • Local neighborhoods
Cons:
  • • Need transport
  • • Limited dining
  • • Can flood in rainy season
  • • Mosquitoes
Price Range:

฿800-8,000/night

Best For:

Couples, luxury travelers

Related Guides

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