A guide to sports, activities and adventure in Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand

Suggested tours - three days in Chiang Mai

There is something for everyone in Chiang Mai, ranging from rock climbing to fine art discussions, though you’ll probably want to see some of the main attractions while you are here. After all, we live here and know what’s most worthwhile and how best to tailor a fun, relaxing break.

Each day of the itinerary has been divided into morning, afternoon and evening. Although we’ve tried to combine lively and relaxing activities, feel free to mix and match them.

Day one

Morning: get you bearings by hopping in a tuk-tuk and taking a quick spin around the outside of the moat. This will place the city in perspective and allow you to admire the historic bastions and serene atmosphere. We recommend you start by seeing Chiang Mai from above, and for this you’ll need to hire a motorbike (which will be useful for the next three days) or commandeer a songtaew taxi.

Doi Suithep temple is the number 1 attraction in Chiang Mai

Our destination is Wat Pratat Doi Suthep - Chiang Mai’s most auspicious temple, seated on the mountain to the west of the city. Just follow Huay Kaew road from the northwest corner of the moat. The 30-minute journey up the mountain reveals some excellent views and the temple itself boast a magnificent gilded temple. More on Doi Suthep. This temple is one of the most reverred in all of Thailand, attracting scores of foreign and Thai tourists and dates from the 15th century. Remarkably the road to the top was only completed in the early 20th century. The gilded chedi and serene courtyard are impressive, as are the views.

While up here, be sure to visit the Phuping Palace (nearer the summit) with its lovely gardens and refreshing climate and the intriguing Hmong village. On the way down, stop at the base to visit lovely Huay Kaew waterfalls, where you can literally enjoy lunch seated in the jungle. Monthathal waterfalls (two kilometres up from the base) are also very worthwhile (despite the 400 baht entry fee). There is also a super zoo at the base of the mountain. (Duration: 3 hours).

Afternoon: no doubt you’ll be exhausted and Chiang Mai has the prefect remedy - a traditional Thai massage. There are shops all over the tourist centre; simply walk in and let them pamper you. Feeling rejuvenated, you can now really get to experience the delightful old city. Leave this for late afternoon when it’s cooler. In fact, early evening is an active time when you can truly experience Lanna life by starting out at Tapae Gate and heading into the old town, zigzagging aimlessly through the quieter lanes to avoid the traffic.

Discover ancient temples down the many quiet lanes

Pick up a map (widely available in free tourist magazines) and head for some of the gems; the lofty ruin of Chedi Luang, the prestigious Wat Prasingh or Chiang Mai’s oldest temple, Wat Chiang Man. However, stumbling upon any one of the scores of temples here is a delight. There are also numerous coffee shops everywhere for a refreshing iced latte. More on Chiang Mai city. (Duration: 2 hours).

Evening: don’t waste time getting into Chiang Mai’s leisure atmosphere, head for one of the riverside restaurants (see our section on Chiang Mai restaurants), where you can enjoy a sumptuous spread of Thai food, accompanied by live music. Head east towards the river, cross over Narawat Bridge and turn left.
Day two

Morning: having seen for yourself the rich cultural heritage of this historical city, we recommend a tour of Wiang Kum Kham, the excavated ruins of the original settlement which was abandoned after flooding and fell into obscurity for nearly 700 years before its recent discovery below orchards to the south of the city. Use your trusty map to find your way here; it’s a little tricky and the ruins are scattered all over the neighbourhood, but they are well sign posted and informative boards introduce each site. Don’t miss the stately Burmese-styled Chedi Liang nearby. (Duration: 2 hours).

Baan Tawai is a the handicraft capital of Asia

Afternoon: seeing as you’re south of the city, it’s convenient to continue onto Baan Tawai to see for yourself the incredible selection of Thai handicraft that are so superbly crafted using tradition handmade methods. Here you’ll see the artisans at work, and you can catch a bite to eat and do some shopping. Simply follow the signs to Hang Dong and then Baan Tawai (20 minutes). Borsang, the village where the famous colourful Chiang Mai umbrellas are made, has a similar theme and is located in San Khampaeng to the east of the city. Also relatively easy to find, it is a 20-minute drive from the city and any number of tour guides in the city can arrange to take you to these two centres. (Duration: 2 hours each).

Evening: speaking of unique Thai culture, you have to attend a Khantoke dinner experience while here. These dinners are a Northern Thai entertainment speciality found nowhere else in Thailand. They are an enchanting evening of traditional Thai music and dance, preformed as you eat, Thai style - seated on the floor. Northern Thai delicacies and dishes are served under the roof of an exquisite Thai-architecture pavilion. Most hotels and guesthouse in the city can arrange this for you.
Day three

Morning: you’re probably a little tired of history and culture by now, but luckily Chiang Mai has more to offer. To appreciate the beautiful nature and mountainous scenery of Northern Thailand, even during a short stay, head for the lovely Mae Sa valley, a 40-minute drive north of the city.

Mae Sa Valley is a great family or adventure destination

Follow the road to Mae Rim town and look out for the signs bearing off to the left, or arrange for a guide to take you. This lush landscape in the Doi Suithep/Pui National Park is home to an elephant camp, the Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden, orchid nurseries, monkey and dog shows, a snake farm, ATV adventures and bungy jumping. It sounds a little commercial, but it has all been discreetly developed in a natural environment, along with restaurants, photo opportunities and picnic spots. The highlight of the area is the magnificent multi-tiered Mae Sa waterfall, and if you continue on the road to Samoeng, you’ll loop round behind Doi Suthep mountain and return to Chiang Mai from the south. This two-hour drive offers superb views of the mountains. More on Mae Sa. (Duration: 5 hours)

Afternoon: you might find yourself spending all day in Mae Sa or driving the Samoeng loop, but if you make it back early you can relax by a hotel pool (see our section on activities). You might wish to use your final afternoon in Chiang Mai browsing some of the antique galleries, visiting one of the museums, visiting a spa or simply wandering about the town.

Evening: by now you’ve figured out that there are plenty of super places to eat and after you’ve enjoyed another delicious Thai meal, we suggest you go shopping! The Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is a famous attraction and perhaps one of the cheapest places in Thailand to stock up on handicrafts, clothing and souvenirs. Make sure you’ve got your bargaining boots on, but the prices are astonishingly low and the selection enormous. The market is found along Chang Klan road, mid-way between the moat and the river. Really, you can’t miss it.

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Suggested tours - three days in Chiang Mai

Day one

Day two

Day three