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Without a doubt, Chiang Mai is one of the most popular spots in Thailand. Famous for being home to over 300 temples, Khao Soi, and its nightlife, this city has something for everyone to enjoy – including the highest mountain peak in the country.
When traveling, it is common for people to prioritize South Thailand due to its pristine, Instagram-worthy beaches, and of course, to experience a full-moon rave. Whilst the south of the country is breathtaking, I am a strong believer that heading North offers an entirely different, yet equally unforgettable experience.
To fully immerse yourself into the laid-back culture of Chiang Mai, I’d recommend spending around a week here to fit in as much as possible before either heading to Bangkok, or up north to Pai. However, if you’re on a tighter schedule then I have put together this 3-day Chiang Mai itinerary to maximize your time in this unique, mountainous city.
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The best time to visit Chiang Mai
To experience more comfortable temperatures, I’d recommend visiting Chiang Mai between November and February – and to avoid the burning season which happens during March and April. Burning season also severely reduces the air quality in the city, so although it is still possible to visit, you might find outdoor activities a lot less enjoyable.
During November, you will be able to experience the famous Yi Peng and Loy Krathong festivals, where thousands of lanterns are released into the night sky, creating a truly magical display. The dates for these festivals change every year, so checking ahead is essential if you don’t want to miss them.
How to get to Chiang Mai
The typical backpacking route starts in Bangkok, before then heading straight up to Chiang Mai. Here, you have three options: flying, taking the train, or catching the bus.
All of these options depend on your budget, with flying being the most expensive (but the fastest by a mile) and the bus is the most budget-friendly option. To meet the middle ground, I would strongly recommend booking the overnight train, which typically takes between 10-12 hours.
Not only does the train provide you with stunning views of Thailand’s countryside, but it’s also surprisingly comfortable. As soon as it hits around 8 pm, the train conductors will come and turn your seat into a lie-flat bed for you, with a pillow and blanket included (which many travelers know can be extremely rare!).
If you decide to take the train, it is important to know that booking as far in advance as possible increases your likelihood of getting a bottom bunk, which is more comfortable, and you have more space to store your luggage.
Trains and other forms of transport in South East Asia can be booked through 12.go Asia.
Where to stay in Chiang Mai
Regarding location, I would recommend staying just outside of the Old Quarter to be within walking distance of the city’s main attractions.
Depending on your budget, two good options for accommodation are The Islander Hostel and The Entaneer Poshtel. The Islander is a social hostel that organizes daily events and outings, such as watching live Muay Thai matches, trips to elephant sanctuaries, and transport to the Sticky Waterfalls.
Just down the road, The Entaneer Poshtel is slightly more expensive but has extremely comfortable private rooms with various amenities, breakfast included, and the best part of all – two very friendly dogs.
Day One: Old City exploration, Monk Chat and Muay Thai class
Morning
Once you arrive in Chiang Mai, the first thing you should do to familiarize yourself with this bustling city is do a self-guided walking tour around the Old City. As soon as you step through the ancient walls, you’ll be greeted with a blend of old-world charm and modern life, with many quaint cafes and restaurants lining the streets.
As previously mentioned, Chiang Mai is particularly famous for its many temples, and this is the perfect place to explore as many as possible. To avoid ‘temple fatigue’, I recommend prioritizing Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang to get a feel for the city’s rich Buddhist history and enjoy the stunning Lanna architecture. It goes without saying, but you could easily fill a 3 day Chiang Mai itinerary with temple visits alone!
Many temples also offer a unique ‘Monk Chat’ program, where visitors can get face to face with the monks and ask them questions about Buddhism, and their lives and learn more about Thai culture. This is a particularly unique experience, as it’s completely free and allows you to ask any burning questions that you may have picked up during your travels. At Wat Chedi Luang, these sessions run all day, every day.
After temple running, you can head for lunch at Khao Soi Khun Yai, where you try some famous Khao Soi, a curry dish that is native to Northern Thailand. Each dish contains egg noodles cooked in a mildly spicy curry broth, made with coconut milk and curry paste, with deep-fried noodles added on top for a unique crunch texture. This was by far one of my favorite dishes I tried during my travels in Southeast Asia – and I still think of Khao Soi all the time.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, give yourself time to let your food settle because you’ll be heading off to a Muay Thai class – a traditional Thai martial art known as the ‘Art of the Eight Limbs’ due to the amount of body parts you use during each fight. Muay Thai gyms are incredibly common all across Chiang Mai, so it is super easy to find one near you, but a couple of popular options are Dang Muay Thai Chiang Mai and Chiangmai Muay Thai Gym.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced fighter, one thing is for certain – these classes will put you through your paces, in a very rewarding way. In the often 30+ degree heat, you are sure to sweat as the trainers go through various warmups with you, before moving on to technique and pad work. Although this activity is tough, it is likely you’ll grow a love and appreciation for the sport, and perhaps even a new favorite way to keep fit!
Day Two: Sticky Waterfalls, Carp Cafe, and Night Bazaar
Morning and afternoon
On day two, even though you’ll most likely be aching from your Muay Thai class, hire a motorbike and head over to the famous Sticky Waterfalls around an hour’s ride away. If a motorbike isn’t your thing, I’d recommend joining a group tour which will cover all your transfers.
You’ll probably be wondering, why these waterfalls are known as the Sticky Waterfalls? As soon as you get there, you’ll understand why. Due to the limestone formations, you’ll be able to easily walk up and down the cascading falls – even without using your hands. This beautiful place is the perfect spot for photo opportunities and snapping that Instagram picture as you climb up and down like a gecko.
After you’ve dried off, head back towards Chiang Mai and stop off via the Carp Café. This is one of Thailand’s most unique coffee stops, with Japanese-inspired décor, sunken tables, and hundreds of koi carp swimming around your feet. Once you’ve had a drink and a bite to eat, you can even walk around the mini-rainforest within the café, following wooden walkways to experience the fairytale-style setting.
Evening
In the evening, take a tuk-tuk over to the Night Bazaar, known as one of the most popular night markets in Thailand. With hundreds of stalls selling handicrafts, jewelry, and souvenirs, you’ll find yourself getting lost in here and wishing you had more room in your suitcase.
For dinner, there is a large food court that offers cuisine from all around Asia, from typical Thai dishes to Indian and South-Korean-inspired dishes. For anyone with a sweet tooth, there are also plenty of options to grab a dessert before you head back to your accommodation for a good night’s rest.
Day Three: Doi Inthanon and live fighting matches
Morning and afternoon
The final day of your 3-day Chiang Mai itinerary is going to be an adventure. Waking up bright and early, take your motorbike and head over to Don Inthanon, Thailand’s highest mountain. As this is roughly a two-and-a-half-hour drive, make sure to thoroughly check your tires before you set off – one of mine burst halfway up the mountain and I didn’t have any cash on me, so an important tip to consider!
The drive up the mountain is steep but extremely rewarding. On your journey, you’ll pass through remote villages and numerous waterfalls which you can stop off at en route to the top. If you’re lucky, you’ll be greeted with a stunning view of Northern Thailand’s rolling green landscape while you enjoy the refreshing cool breeze.
Right at the top, you’ll be able to take a great picture with the sign informing you that you’re now at the highest point in Thailand and wander around the gardens to learn the history of this sacred place.
Take your time soaking in the scenery and prepare for the much faster ride to the bottom, before heading back to Chiang Mai.
Again, if biking isn’t your style, you’ll find this great transfer and tour which covers the main sites.
Evening
In the evening, end your time in Chiang Mai on a high by going to watch a live Muay Thai fighting match. As there are 4 Muay Thai stadiums in the city (Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium, Thaphae, Kalare Night, and Loi Kroh), there is a high likelihood that a fight will be happening on your last day. Tickets for all 4 stadiums are available on the official website.
These fights give you the opportunity to get up close to the action and witness the fighters’ grueling battles against each other. Many international fighters from all across the world also take part to improve their ranking in the Muay Thai circuit. The atmosphere, accompanied by traditional Thai music and the cheers of the crowd really immerses you into the beauty of Thai culture. As the evening goes on, the fighters become more and more experienced, so be prepared for intense battles that will make you wince with every powerful strike.
Who knows, if you really enjoyed your Muay Thai class on Day One then this could be you one day.
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