10 Day Itinerary in Chiang Mai – 2026 Travel Guide

A fun, varied and action packed 10 day itinerary in Chiang Mai for an adventurous and active traveller

If you’re looking for an ultimate 10 day itinerary in Chiang Mai look no further. So much has changed in the past couple of years and there is a lot of out of date info kicking around. This 2026 itinerary in Chiang Mai has been designed to help you plan the perfect trip to Chiang Mai. 

There are so many AMAZING hidden gems around Chiang Mai – planning a trip here actually takes a lot of time and research. We have done the legwork for you! Having visited Chiang Mai many times and travelled extensively in Northern Thailand, we are in a unique position to help you plan the most amazing trip possible.

We have included a variety of activities and things to do. This 10 day itinerary in Chiang Mai includes art, culture, history, food, adventure, nature and more. What’s more, following this itinerary in Chiang Mai is genuinely the CHEAPEST and BEST way to see all of the MUST DO attractions around Chiang Mai. At the end we have also included some extras which we couldn’t squeeze into the itinerary. If you’re only in Chiang Mai for a short blast then check out this action packed 3 day Chiang mai itinerary.

Looking for more inspo?

Just a quick note. We haven’t included any of the things to do in or around Pai here. We believe Pai is so epic that it deserves its own itinerary. So if you do have time, make sure you visit Pai as well. 

Looking for somewhere to stay in the Old Town? Don’t miss these AMAZING Chiang Mai old town hotels

Overview: 10 day itinerary in Chiang Mai

Day 1 Old town tour: Morning Market, Buak Haad Park, Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang 

Day 2 Royal Park Rajapruek, Wat Phrathat Doi Kham and the Carp Cafe

Day 3 Sticky waterfall, the Buatong temple, Aeroplane cafe and Hidden Village 

Day 4 Ginger farm, Wiang Kum Kam temple tour and Much Room cafe 

Day 5 Monks trail, Ping River Cruise, Warorot market and Brewginning Coffee 

Day 6 Siam Insect Zoo, Jungle roller coaster, strawberry plantation and the Mae Sa waterfall

Day 7 Day trip to the Doi Inthanon National Park (Chai Lai Orchid hotel with elephants)

Day 8 Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary and the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

Day 9 Thai cookery course, San Khamphaeng Hot Springs and Muang On Cave

Day 10 Visit a water park, Khom Chocolate House and get a Thai massage

Make sure you don’t miss the big Chiang Mai night market. On Sunday evenings only, 4pm-10pm along Ratchadamnoen Road and the surrounding streets.

This itinerary in Chiang Mai packs a lot of activities into ten days and so the pace is pretty high. If you would like a more relaxed pace consider cutting a few activities out and just spending a day by the pool. Alternatively consider staying a little longer if you have time and taking some down days.

Map of your 10 day Itinerary in Chiang Mai

Here is an overview of the 10 day itinerary in Chiang Mai. Click on the pins for more details.

Is Chiang Mai a cheap place to travel? 

Prices are very cheap in Chiang Mai. Even cheaper than other areas of Thailand. Whether you are planning a luxury family holiday or you are budget backpackers, you will probably be surprised how far your money goes in Chiang Mai. The chances are, things will be a lot cheaper than they are in your home country. 

Some of the things that are surprisingly cheap include:

• Local food – you can find dishes of street food for around 40 baht
• There are loads of Seven Elevens in Thailand offering cheap food, drinks and snacks
• Accommodation is surprisingly cheap generally starting around 200 baht for a private fan room (usually shared bathroom) 
• Some activities are surprisingly cheap. For example you can find all inclusive two day one night treks as cheap as 1,100 baht with bartering
• Transport can be cheap if you do it well: renting a motorbike or a bicycle is very cheap but may be tricky with family. Songthaew (shared taxis buses) are pretty cheap. Tuk tuks and taxis can be cheap if you barter well.  

Best budget tips for travel in Chiang Mai

• Take red Song thaws for small trips around the old town (20 baht) Use the BOLT app to book taxis for medium length journeys. Book longer journeys in advance.
• Bartering is fine and sometimes essential in Chiang Mai. Bartering is especially important with drivers and with sellers in the markets. You can also barter for tours and activities.
• Top up your water from water machines on the streets for a few baht (bring your own water bottle) 
• Go for fan rooms rather than air conditioned rooms
• If cheap street food is not available try Seven Elevens
• Have a budget in mind for the night markets and only take that much money. There are some very beautiful creative products available, so it is easy to blow the budget. 
• Avoid western food – local food is generally cheaper
• The cheapest way to do laundry is to find a laundrette or do it yourself on streetside washing machines. Laundry typically costs 30 – 40 baht per kilogram at a laundrette. They will normally wash dry and fold clothes (normally available on the next day). Alternatively most street side washing machines charge around 30 baht and in some places you can also find driers (charging around 50 baht for an hour). 

Top tip for bartering: Try to keep it positive, friendly and in good humour. Don’t get upset if they don’t budge on the price, but also don’t let anyone pressure you into buying something at a higher cost that you are comfortable with. Remember you can always walk away. Also remember that they will never sell you anything at a loss to themselves. So bartering is all about finding a fair price that you are both happy with. 

How much does a 10 day itinerary in Chiang Mai cost?

This 10 day itinerary in Chiang Mai is likely to cost in the range of £350 – £2,500 (roughly $450 – $3,250) depending mostly on where you choose to stay and what food and drinks you choose on your trip. 

These costs do not include costs of travel to and from Chiang Mai, visas and travel insurance. So remember to add these things to work out a total budget for your trip. These costs are just to give you a feel for the cost of a trip following this itinerary. A motivated budget backpacker could probably do it more cheaply and a lavish holiday maker could probably spend more. But these prices should give you a good feel for the likely range of prices for your trip. 

10 day itinerary in Chiang Mai cost breakdown…

	Total per adult LOW budget	Total per adult MID budget	Total per adult HIGH budget
Accommodation	2,700 baht(9 nights at 300 baht per night in a guest house)	13,500 baht(9 nights at 1,500 baht per night in a nice boutique hotel)	90,000 baht(9 nights at 10,000 baht per night luxury hotel suite)
Food and drinks	4,500 baht (500 baht per day for street food with some treats)	7,200 baht(800 baht per day spending freely on food and drinks)	9,000 baht(1,000 baht per day, spending freely in more expensive places)
Activities	7,000 baht per adult (choosing cheaper options)	12,000 baht per adult (choosing more expensive options)	15,000 baht (following this activities with tours and packages for convenience)
Transport	3,000 bahtBike rental (including fuel)	10,000 baht Car rental (including rough fuel cost, insurance and extras). Prices depend on season and availability	12,000 baht Taxis and private drivers including taxis for short local journeys around the old town
Total	17,200 baht (around £350 or $450)	42,700 baht(around £850 or $1,100)	126,000 baht (around £2,500 or $3,250)

This budget is designed to give you a rough idea of the cost of this itinerary in Chiang Mai for an adult. If you are travelling as a couple, family or group remember that you will save money per person based on sharing accommodation and also childrens entry tickets tend to be cheaper too. 

Which taxi journeys do you need to pre-arrange for this 10 day itinerary in Chiang Mai?

This 10 day itinerary in Chiang Mai has several day trips to visit attractions in the greater Chiang Mai area. If you are planning to rent a car or bike you wont need to pre-book any transportation.

However, if you plan to use private taxis we recommend that you arrange the longer day trips at least one day in advance. Remember to agree on pick up time, number of stops and waiting times in advance. Most drivers will happily give you their phone number. 

Important note: The Grab App is quite expensive and many Bolt App drivers will not be willing to take longer journeys for the cheaper Bolt App prices. So it is definitely worth booking a driver in advance to get a fair price. The Red Songthaew buses are always happy to arrange day trips for an inclusive price. 

Here are the longer day trips and the rough cost of a private taxi. Drivers may try to charge more than these prices, however, these are fair local prices and if you barter confidently you should be able to get prices in this range…

Day	Activities	Approximate distance	Approximate price
Day 2	Royal Park Rajapruek, Wat Phrathat Doi Kham and the Carp Cafe	30km round trip	400 – 800 baht (£8 – £16 or $10 – $20)
Day 3	Sticky waterfall, the Buatong temple, Aeroplane cafe and Hidden Village	120km round trip	800 -1,200 baht (around £16 – £24 or $20 – $30)
Day 6	Siam Insect Zoo, Jungle roller coaster, strawberry plantation and the Mae Sa waterfall	70km round trip	600 – 1,000 baht (around £12 – £20 or $15 – $25)
Day 7	Day trip to the Doi Inthanon National Park	200km round trip	1,500 – 2,500 baht(approximately £30 – £50 or $40 – $65)
Day 9	San Khamphaeng Hot Springs and Muang On Cave	80km round trip	600 – 1000 baht (around £12 – £20 or $15 – $25).
Day 10	Grand Canyon Water park	40km round trip	400 – 800 baht (£8 – £16 or $10 – $20)

What activities do you need to pre-book for this 10 day itinerary in Chiang Mai?

The following activities should be pre-booked for this 10 day itinerary in Chiang Mai. This doesn’t need to be done a long time in advance. It would be fine to book these things on the first day of your trip.  

There are lots of tour agents around Chiang Mai old town. There is a good chance that you will be able to book all of these activities for a good price through a tour agent. We have left some time on the first day of the itinerary for you to book activities for the rest of your trip. You may also be able to ask for better deals if you give one tour operator a lot of business. Any activities on the itinerary that are not on the table above do not need to be pre-booked, you can just turn up. 

Activity	Price per person	What’s included?	Where to book the activity
Ping River Cruise (day 5)	550 baht for adults Children under 10 are half price and children 3 years old or under are free.	A relaxing boat ride along the Ping River to a Herb Garden with a tour and juice and ice cream included.	Not essential to book in advance. You can just book at the port located at the river bank in Wat Chaimongkol. Cruises depart daily every hour from 9am – 5pm and take around 2 hours. You can book tickets in advance on their website. Tour agents in Chiang Mai may also be able to get you deals.  https://maepingrivercruise.com/
Elephant Nature Park (day 8)	2,500 – 3,500 baht	The Elephant Nature Park is an excellent ethical project in North Thailand. The price includes transport from your accommodation, lunch and many of the packages include elephant feeding.	You can book tours directly through their website https://www.elephantnaturepark.org/enp/ or visit their office in Chiang Mai. Address: 1 Ratmakka Road, Phra Sing,Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand 7am-5pm. Tel: +66 (0) 53 272855, +66 (0) 53 818932
Thai cooking course (day 9)	600 – 800 baht for a half day course	Mama Noi has the best prices in Chiang Mai and is a lot of fun. Price should include transport to and from the school, a visit to the market, ingredients and teaching and a recipe book. And yes – you get to eat the food you make.	You can book courses at one of the many tour agents in Chiang Mai. You can also book courses on their website: https://www.mamanoicookeryschool.com/

The 10 day itinerary in Chiang Mai – in depth

Day 1 Old town tour: Morning Market, Buak Haad Park, Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang

Your 10 day itinerary in Chiang Mai starts with a self-guided tour of the old town. The route of this tour is roughly a loop which can be modified according to your starting point. This tour includes the most prominent sights of the Chiang Mai old town. You will need a day bag and you will be around town so it will be easy to buy snacks and drinks on the go. Be aware of how you carry valuables in the market. Also make sure you dress respectfully for the visitors to the temples. Visitors must cover knees and shoulders in the temples. 

The Chiang Mai old town is a beautiful ancient walled area of Chiang Mai packed with ornate temples, quaint coffee shops, boutique hotels and irresistible street food. There are four walls and a moat runs all of the way around the old town with regular bridges. Each wall is approximately 1.6km in length (or roughly 1 mile). The Chiang Mai old town walls are over 700 years old and some of the sections of these ancient walls are still in very good condition. 

Any good itinerary in Chiang Mai should include a tour of the old town. All of the sights on this first day are all within the Chiang Mai old town. It is possible to walk between these sights, which makes this a perfect first day if you haven’t yet sorted transport out. It is very easy to find red Songthaew buses running around the old town and it normally costs 20-30 baht per person to travel anywhere within the old town. Remember to be confident about the price as some drivers will try to charge more. 

Start your day at the Morning Market at Chiang Mai gate (which is on the south east side of the old city walls). The Chiang Mai gate, also known as the Pratu Chiang Mai (ประตูเชียงใหม่) is one of the main gates in the Chiang Mai old town and there is both a morning and evening market here every day of the week. 

The morning market starts around 6am and runs for several hours. You can normally find stalls selling fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, meat and breakfast snacks. There is an indoor section of the morning market with rows of stalls. You can also see stalls set up around the back of the market along Phra Pok Klao road Soi 2. The evening market at the Chiang Mai Gate tends to sell more street food and it is a very popular spot both with locals and travellers. The evening market normally starts around 6pm and runs until late evening. 

You can also see many monks walking all around Chiang Mai old town taking alms. The best time to see monks is between 6am – 8am. 

After embracing the hustle and bustle of the morning market at the Chiang Mai gate, walk west along the south wall of the old town. Stay on the old town side of the water. At the west end of the south wall you will come to Buak Haad park. This is a beautiful small park. You will find a cafe, ponds, grassy areas, a massage spa and a kids play park here. 

After exploring Buak Haad park head back to the old town to visit the beautiful Wat Phra Singh – the Golden temple (วัดพระสิงห์วรมหาวิหาร). This is around 1 km from Buak Haad park. You can explore the temple grounds for free or make a donation.

This is a beautiful Buddhist temple that dates back to the 14th century and it is beautifully decorated with golden and wooden carvings. Behind Wat Phra Singh there is also a fish pond – you can buy bags of food to feed them too. Remember to dress respectfully in the temple (knees and shoulders covered). 

After exploring Wat Phra Singh, walk east along Arak 5 road towards the Three Kings monument. Just before the monument (on Intrawarowot road) you will see lots of street small food cafes to the right. This is the perfect opportunity to try some amazing local Chiang Mai food for lunch. If you want to learn more about northern Thailand culture take a visit to the Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Center. 

Now head down to Wat Chedi Luang. This beautiful ancient temple is around half a kilometer north of the Chiang Mai gate (where this tour started). Wat Chedi Luang is an ancient and prominent temple, over 600 year old, and located in the Chiang Mai old town.

The partially crumbled stupa is one of the most fascinating historical structures in the old town. It is free to visit Wat Chedi Luang, however you can make donations. Remember to dress respectfully. 

You could complete the loop by returning to the Chiang Mai gate for the night street food market in the evening. As an alternative to walking this route you could also do this route by bicycle or motorbike. Depending on your pace you may have some time to rest and relax at the end of this tour of the old town. 

Day 2 Royal Park Rajapruek, Wat Phrathat Doi Kham and the Carp Cafe

This is a delightful day of your itinerary in Chiang Mai. The pace of this day is not too high. You should be able to visit all of these attractions with time to spare, especially if you have your own transport (car or bike rental). So you can afford to take a relaxed start to the day. If you plan to use a private taxi it may be worth booking in advance. This should cost around 400 – 800 baht (£8 – £16 or $10 – $20) for the 30km round trip. 

The day starts with a visit to the Royal Park Rajapruek. The area is pretty exposed so remember to bring sun protection. This beautiful park to the south of Chiang Mai is sometimes known as the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek Park (อุทยานหลวงราชพฤกษ์). The Royal Park Rajapruek is very well maintained and the area includes tropical gardens, a play park and the Grand Pavilion with a Buddha shrine. This park also affords an impressive view of Wat Prathat Doi Kham on the hill, this is the next location on this itinerary in Chiang Mai. You do need to purchase a ticket to enter this park. Prices are as follows: 

200 baht for adults

150 baht for children (100 – 140cm high)

The Royal Flora Ratchaphruek Park is open daily from 8.00am – 5.30pm

After visiting the Royal Park Rajapruek, head up to Wat Prathat Doi Kham. This is located a few kilometers north west of the park. You can either walk up the steps to the temple from the bottom of the hill or drive up the road to the temple. At the top of the hill you will find a car park and some shops selling snacks, drinks and jewelry.

Wat Prathat Doi Kham, also known as Golden Temple (วัดพระธาตุดอยคำ) is a very beautiful and unique Buddhist temple located on to of Kham hill. The location affords a panoramic view over Chiang Mai and the surrounding areas. 

As ever, remember to dress respectfully when visiting temples. 

Wat Prathat Doi Kham is FREE to visit. However you can make a donation if you wish.

After visiting the impressive Wat Prathat Doi Kham, visit the Carp Cafe. This is an impressive themed cafe located to the south of Chiang Mai. Seating areas are surrounded by a maze of waterways and bridges filled with Carp fish. There is also a section that recreates a mossy jungle. The cafe serves a range of hot drinks, fruit shakes and decadent cakes. You can also buy food, they serve suspiciously fresh sushi here too. Prices at the Carp Cafe are a little higher than other places in Chiang Mai. But overall the prices are still very good and well worth the unique experience. 

Day 3 Sticky waterfall, the Buatong temple, Aeroplane cafe and Hidden Village 

Today you are going to do a day trip to Sticky waterfall. Remember to pack for a long day including swimsuits, sun cream and plenty of water.

Don’t miss our FULL guide – everything you need to know to visit Sticky Waterfall Chiang Mai

The round trip is approximately 120km. If you have not rented a car or a bike you will need to arrange your transportation in advance. There are places to buy food and drink when you get there but we recommend taking drinks and snacks for the day.

Sticky waterfall is called Bua Tong waterfall (อุทยานแห่งชาติน้ำตกบัวตอง-น้ำพุเจ็ดสี) and is located 60km (around 40 miles) north of Chiang Mai. It is called “sticky waterfall” because the bedrock is made from crystalised limestone which creates enough friction to stop you from slipping if you try to climb the waterfall. Although the surface is very rough on the microscopic scale, it is not painful to walk on. 

This place is genuinely very impressive. The high friction on the waterfall means you can climb remarkably steep surfaces (with water flowing over them) and not slip, leaving you feeling like spiderman. If you are feeling adventurous they have actually included some ropes to enable you to climb up certain routes from the bottom. Alternatively there is a set of steps leading all the way from the top to the bottom and allowing you to see different parts of the waterfall without getting your feet wet. 

Buatong waterfall also has some excellent facilities – there are showers and toilets in the area. Don’t miss the Bua Tong Spring close to the waterfall. This is a remarkable cold pool (not for swimming). The water has a mysterious blue tinge. Also make sure you check out Wat Tham Buatong. This is an awesome Buddist temple located in the jungle on the road to the waterfall. 

How do you get to the Bua Tong waterfall? 

You can go by private taxi, songthaew or tuk tuk: This will cost around 800-1000 baht for the return trip depending on your bartering skills (this is around £16 – £20 or $20 – $25). If you are trying to arrange a taxi we recommend arranging this in advance. Alternatively you can rent a motorbike for around 200 baht for the day (£4 or $5) and use this to get there. You can also organise tours to Sticky waterfall with tour agents in Chiang Mai. This day trip is likely to take around 6 hours depending how long you spend at the waterfall. 

Bua Tong waterfall is FREE to visit. You will probably be asked to show proof of vaccination status before entry. 

After visiting the Sticky waterfall there is a novelty aeroplane cafe located on the junction of the route 1414 and the route 107 (which leads back into Chiang Mai). This one is hard to miss on the route between the sticky waterfall and Chiang Mai. There is a decommissioned Airbus A330 which has been converted to a cafe. If you don’t want to eat on the airplane itself, there are some other food places and coffee shops located in the precinct. You can sit inside the aeroplane for 120 baht and have a free drink (£1.40 or $1.60). 

After the aeroplane cafe, head to the Hidden Village for a last bout of Thai novelty. The Hidden Village is a themed park north of Chiang Mai. It includes a small animal farm, cafe, play park and a dinosaur park with full sized models of dinosaurs. This is a particularly good activity for families with kids. An alternative to the hidden village in the area is the Chiang Mai Astropark. Another great spot for families with kids to learn about space. 

The Hidden Village is located around 5km north of Chiang Mai old town

Adult ticket: 200 baht

Child’s ticket: 100 baht (free for children under 100cm tall)

Open daily from 10am – 6pm

Day 4 Ginger farm, Wiang Kum Kam temple tour and Much Room cafe

This day of your itinerary in Chiang Mai explores some attractions to the south of the city. Start your day at the Ginger Farm. This is a delightful little farm with a cafe, play park, herb garden and some animals. The site is not very big, so it is unlikely that you will spend a long time here. The cafe serves an impressive range of fresh juices and smoothies for a very reasonable price. 

It is FREE to enter the ginger farm. You can feed the animals for 20 baht. They offer farm tours for 290 baht at 11am and 2pm. This is a fantastic spot for families with kids. Tours include the following activities: 

• Collecting eggs
• Meeting the water buffalo
• Washing the water buffalo
• Painting

The Ginger farm is open daily from 10am – 7pm 

After visiting the Chiang Mai Ginger Farm head over to Wiang Kum Kam. This is an ancient city located to the south of Chiang Mai old town. 

Wiang Kum Kam was built by King Mang Rai the great. However, it was abandoned over 700 years ago due to flooding.

Getting to grips: There are around 10 main temple ruins that you can visit in Wiang Kum Kam.

Some of the temples are still in relatively good condition. Most of the temples that you can visit can be found within an area of around 2km (north-south) by 1km (east-west). It is possible to explore Wiang Kum Kam without taking an official tour. There are no tickets or entrance fees for the area itself. However, you can arrange official tours at the Wiang Kum Kam information centre located to the south of Wiang Kum Kam on route 3029. The classic way of seeing Wiang Kum Kam is to take a tour by horse and cart. Tours take around 60 – 90 minutes and cost 300 baht per carriage (around £6 or $8). A horse and cart can take roughly 4-5 people. 

Tours of Wiang Kum Kam will normally include the following temples: 

Wat Ku Pa Dom, Wat Chang Kam, Wat E-Kang, Wat Nan Chang, Wat Pu Pia, Wat That Khao, Wat Phra Chao, Dong Dam, Wat Pha Ya Meng Rai, Wat Chedi Liem

After completing a tour of Wiang Kum Kam check out Much Room cafe. This is an impressive themed cafe located only around 1km from Wiang Kum Kam. Much Room cafe has an artificial waterfall and mushroom shaped buildings.

There is a large outdoor seating area, indoor seating areas and a seating area in the top of the mushroom as well. Much room cafe sells a range of decadent cakes and treats, high quality hot drinks and some very impressive food. Much Room is one of the more expensive cafes around Chiang Mai, but it is a great price for the quality. 

Drinks range in price from 70 baht – 150 baht (around £1.40 – £3.00 or $1.80 – $3.50)

Most food ranges in price from 100 baht – 200 baht (roughly £2 – £4 or $2.50 – $5)

Day 5 Monks trail, Ping River Cruise, Warorot market and Brewginning Coffee 

Pack a day back with snacks, water and remember to bring sun protection. Wear appropriate footwear for hiking. You also need to dress respectfully for the temple.

The day starts by trekking up the Monks Trail to an atmospheric hill temple called Wat Pha Lat (วัดผาลาด). The monks trail is a beautiful jungle path approximately 1.2km in length. The trail has some relatively steep sections and is rocky at points. Although there are no signs on the trail itself, the trail is relatively straightforward to navigate.

Wat Pha Lat has a well, small waterfalls, buddha statues, temples of varying ages and styles and also affords impressive views over the Chiang Mai area. If you are lucky you may well see monks using the monks trail in the morning. 

The start of the Monks Trail is located approximately 5km west of Chiang Mai city centre and just to the south of Chiang Mai zoo. It is FREE to hike up the Monks Trail and visit Wat Pha Lat. You can make donations if you wish. 

Keen on hiking further? The great news is you can continue hiking further up the mountain if you wish. A few more kilometers gets you to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Follow the road east further to reach Bhubing Palace. You can also take a visit to Wat Doi Suthep Pui (which is further up the mountain) – this is one of the most prestegious and important temples in the Chiang mai district.  

After trekking up the Monks trail, return using the same route and head back into Chiang Mai. Take a Mae Ping river cruise. It is always worth trying to barter as you may be able to get tickets at a reduced price. In addition to sightseeing along the river, the cruise includes a visit to a Herb Garden, ice cream and juice.

Mae Ping River Cruise details:

Cruises depart from the port at the back of Wat Chaimongkol (you actually have to walk through the temple grounds to get to the port). There is a small cafe where you can buy tickets for the cruises. Advanced booking is not generally required.  

Cruises depart daily every hour from 9am – 5pm and take around 2 hours 

The Mae Ping River cruise costs 550 baht for adults. Children under 10 are half price and children 3 years old or under are free.

https://maepingrivercruise.com/

Address: Mae Ping River cruise, 133 Charoen Prathet Rd, Tambon Chang Khlan, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand

After the Mae Ping River cruise head up to the Warorot market (ตลาดวโรรส). The Warorot market is located a few kilometers north of Wat Chaimongkol. The walk up the river passes some of the prominent Chiang Mai bridges, such as the Iron Bridge and the Nawarwat Bridge. Warorot market is located around 1km east of the old town. Warorot market is particularly well known for its selection of local foods and it is a great way to experience the buzz of local life in Chiang Mai. 

Address: Warorot Market, Wichayanon Rd, Tambon Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand

After exploring Warorot market, go east (towards Chiang Mai old town) to visit Brewinnging Coffee. This trendy coffee shop is located on the intersection of Chang Moi Road and Chang Moi Kao Road. If you’re a coffee lover, this place really is worth a try. Alternatively stroll down to Thapae Gate (the east gate of the old town) to take in the atmosphere. 

Day 6 Siam Insect Zoo, Jungle roller coaster, strawberry plantation and the Mae Sa waterfall 

This is another action packed day of your itinerary in Chiang Mai. These attractions are quite far from Chiang Mai. The full round trip from Chiang Mai is approximately 70km so if you have not rented a car or a bike you will need to arrange your transportation in advance. If you are planning to use a taxi expect to pay in the region of 600 – 1,000 baht for a private taxi or songthaew for the day (this is around £12 – £20 or $15 – $25). Pack for a long day trip and aim for a relatively early start. The Pong Yang adventure park can be busy on weekends. 

The day starts with a visit to the Siam Insect Zoo. This is a small attraction with a range of insects to see. They have a butterfly garden, beetle world, insect breeding farm and an insect museum. Staff are very friendly and welcoming and there is information in both Thai and English. The Siam Insect Zoo is open daily from 9.00am – 5.00pm. 

How much does the Siam Insect zoo cost? 

Adult tickets 80 baht

Children’s tickets 60 baht (3 – 12 years old)

After a visit to the Siam Insect Zoo visit the Pongyang Jungle Coaster & Zipline park (โป่งแยง ซิปไลน์ แอนด์ จังเกิ้ล โคสเตอร์). This is an outdoor adventure park located in the hills to the north of Chiang Mai. 

The Pongyang Jungle Coaster & Zipline park has the following attractions: 

• A couple of cafes selling food and drinks (we recommend Jungle De Cafe towards the bottom of the park for its great spot by the waterfall)
• A jungle roller coaster (you can control the speed of cars along the track)
• A canopy zipline course
• A bicycle tightrope experience
• Several small attractions (giant swing, quick jump platform, slide and trampoline)

How much do tickets for the Pongyang Jungle Coaster & Zipline park cost? 

You do not need to buy tickets in advance for the Pongyang Jungle Coaster & Zipline park. Tickets can be purchased from the ticket office at the park on arrival. 

Tickets for a single go on individual attractions are 150 baht (roughly £3 or $4). This includes one go on any of the following: the roller coaster, quick jump platform, bike tightrope, giant swing, slide and trampoline. Adult and children’s tickets are the same price. 

They also offer a range of inclusive packages ranging from 2,000 – 2,750 baht (approximately £40 – £60 or $50 – $80). 

• The simplest package for 2,000 baht (£40 or $50) includes 18 platforms of the zipline course, roller coaster, tightrope bike, quick jump, the giant swing and lunch or coffee and cake. 
• The Gold Package for 2750 baht (£60 or $80) includes 36 platforms of the zipline course, roller coaster, tightrope bike, quick jump, the giant swing, slide, trampoline, coffee and cake, dinner and a T-shirt. 

After visiting the Pongyang Jungle Coaster & Zipline park you will see some strawberry plantations on the route 1096 on the way back to Chiang Mai. This is a great place to stop, buy some strawberry products and in season you can also pick your own strawberries. There are also some very scenic Thai restaurants by the river along route 1096. Depending on time you could also stop at the Mae Sa waterfall (น้ำตกแม่สา) on the way back. Entry to the waterfall costs 100 baht per person (£2 or $2.50) and 30 baht (60p or $0.80) for a car to drive up to the waterfall which is around 500m from the main road. The Mae Sa waterfall has 10 tiers and there is a path leading alongside the waterfalls. Some people also swim in the pools here.  

Day 7 Day trip to the Doi Inthanon National Park (Chai Lai Orchid hotel with elephants)

This is a big road trip. If you don’t have your own transport we recommend arranging something in advance. It is likely to cost 1,500 – 2,500 baht for this day trip (approximately £30 – £50 or $40 – $65). Be prepared to barter and try different options. The return journey is likely to be over 200km by road and involves some slow mountain roads. Pack for a long day and try to get a reasonably early start. 

This day of your itinerary in Chiang Mai is a day trip to the Doi Inthanon National Park with the option of staying at the Chai Lai Orchid hotel with elephants. The Doi Inthanon National Park has many beautiful waterfalls and jungle mountains. It is also home to the famous Chiang Mai Royal twin pagodas (the most iconic image of Chiang Mai). A little further up the road from the twin Pagodas you can reach the peak of Doi Inthanon – the highest point in Thailand. Here are all the details step by step: 

On the way to Doi Inthanon National Park you can grab a coffee from a temple themed Starbucks (located at Farang Village around 15km south of Chiang Mai on route 108). As you drive into the Doi Inthanon National park on route 1009 you can stop at waterfalls such as the Mae Klang waterfall (300 baht for adults and 150 baht for children). 

As you drive up through the national park you can see beautiful rice paddies. Before you get to the final junction leading up to the twin pagodas there is a Doi Inthanon National Park ticket office. You actually need to buy two tickets to visit the Twin Pagodas (one for the national park and one for the site itself). 

The Doi Inthanon National Park tickets cost 300 baht for adults (roughly £6 or $8), 150 baht for children (roughly £3 or $4.50) and a 30 baht car fee (60p or $0.8). The twin pagodas have an entrance fee of 40 baht per person (80p or $1). 

Royal Twin Pagodas, also known as the Grand Pagoda Nabhapolbhumisiri (พระมหาธาตุเจดีย์นภพลภูมิสิริ) are located a few km below the summit of Doi Inthanon mountain. Although the area is more of a tourist attraction than a temple, visitors are still expected to dress as they would in a temple (shoulders and knees covered).

There are viewing platforms here, beautiful gardens, and there is also a small cafe selling simple drinks and snacks. There are toilets located here too. On a clear day you can get a stunning view over the Doi Inthanon National park from this location. There is also a lovely trekking area a short distance up the road above the twin Pagodas.

A few kilometers up the road you can reach the summit of Doi Inthanon mountain. We recommend enjoying some of the woodland trails in this area. The hiking trails allow you to experience the unique ecosystem of the damp high altitude jungle.

A final highlight of this epic road trip is to stop for a coffee and cake at a small beautiful local cafe on the route 1284. This little cafe has a stunning view of the Ban Khun Klang valley and the Impressive Sriphum waterfall (น้ำตกสิริภูมิ). We have marked the exact location of the cafe on the map for this day of the itinerary. 

After this there are two options. You can return to Chiang Mai. Alternatively, if you want to meet elephants in a caring and innovative project, check out Chai Lai Orchid hotel with elephants. This beautiful hotel is located to the north of the Doi Inthanon national park and is very affordable. You can get a wakeup call from elephants. Have breakfast with elephants and take elephant treks. The Chai Lai Orchid is based to the south of Chiang mai near the Doi Inthanon National park. 

If you do stay at Chai Lai Orchid, it is likely that day 8 of your itinerary will be different. Rather than visiting the elephant sanctuary to the north of Chiang Mai, we recommend staying at Chai Lai on day 8. Alternatively, if you want to return to Chiang Mai after the day trip to Doi Inthanon national park, you can visit the Elephant Nature park on day 8 of this itinerary in Chiang Mai. 

Day 8 Visit the elephant sanctuary, and the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

Take a visit to the Elephant Nature Park. This visit will need to be booked and arranged in advance. This will probably be one of the highlights of your itinerary in Chiang Mai. If you stayed at Chai Lai Orchid, we recommend spending day 8 enjoying this lovely place. 

Packages at the Elephant Nature Park vary in what they offer. In some of the simple packages you get to meet the elephants but you don’t get to feed them. Most of the packages do not include bathing the elephants, but in some you can observe elephant bathing. If your package includes elephant washing, remember to bring clothes that you don’t mind getting wet – swimming costumes are fine and also bring a towel and a change of clothes. The trip includes an excellent lunch but we recommend bringing some water for the journey each way. 

Visiting the Elephant Nature Park 8am – 5pm depending on the package that you choose. Meeting these majestic animals will probably be one of your highlights of the holiday. Note some packages are not family friendly. See their website for further information on each package: https://www.elephantnaturepark.org/enp/

Packages range in price from 2,500 baht – 3,500 baht (roughly £50 – £70 or $65 – $100) and include transfer from Chiang Mai. 

In the evening head over to the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar (ไนท์บาซาร์เชียงใหม่). This is well worth seeing, even if you don’t plan to do any shopping. The night market is a sensory overload in the best way. It is a visual overload of colours and smells. Enjoy all sorts of delicious street food as you wander around taking it in. If you do plan to shop, then we recommend bartering. In our experience, a fair price is normally about two thirds of the starting price. Remember when you buy items, there is no after care. So a bag that looks like it would cost £20 in the UK should actually be a lot cheaper in a Thai market. 

Keep an eye on local information to check whether this market is running when you visit. 

Address: Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, Chang Moi Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand

Day 9 Thai cookery course, San Khamphaeng Hot Springs and Muang On Cave

It is recommended that you book your cookery course at least one day in advance. The cookery course can normally include pick up and drop off from your hotel in the course price. We also recommend that you arrange transportation to the hot spring in advance, unless you have your own transport. You can go by private taxi, songthaew or tuk tuk. It will cost around 600-1000 baht for the return trip depending on your bartering skills (this is £12 – £20 or $15 – $25). Remember to agree on timings.

In the morning do a half day cooking course with MaMaNoi. The courses are very sociable and a lot of fun. Teachers and staff are very fun and friendly. Classes are advertised for 800 baht (£16 or $20) for half a day but some agents may be willing to sell classes for 600 baht (£12 or $15). On the course you will make four delicious local dishes: choose a stir fry, soup and curry. You will also learn to make spring rolls. They also give you a dessert and a FREE recipe book so you can impress your friends at home. 

After the cookery course visit to the San Khamphaeng Hot Springs (น้ำพุร้อนสันกำแพง อ.แม่ออน) and Muang On Cave (ถ้ำเมืองออน). Pack swimming costumes and towels for the hotspring. Bring a torch for the caves and bring plenty of water and snacks. 

Khamphaeng Hot Spring is located around 40km (around 30 miles) to the east of Chiang Mai. This is a great activity for families. You can watch geysers, boil eggs in the pool close to the spring. You can buy baskets of eggs so you don’t need to bring your own! 

At the source of the hot springs you can see impressive piped hotspring fountains shooting superheated water high into the air. As the water flows away from the spring and cools you can dip your legs in. And further still you can go to a mineral swimming pool. There is also a children’s pool and a playground for children. There are also private pools and massages. 

How much does the Khamphaeng Hot Spring cost?

The entrance fee is 100 baht for adults and 50 baht for children (£2 or $2.50). It costs a further 100 baht for adults to swim and 50 baht for children. Children 6 and under are free. Private hot tubs cost around 300- 500 baht (£6 – £10 or $8 – $13). You can swim in the smaller children’s pool for 10 baht. You can also buy eggs to boil in the hot springs for 40 baht. There is a restaurant and cafes selling food and drinks.  Khamphaeng Hot Spring is open daily from 7am – 6pm.

Address: Khamphaeng Hot Spring 7 Ban Sa Ha Khon, Mae On District, Chiang Mai 50130, Thailand

If you have time after the hotspring, visit the Muang On Cave. It is a beautiful complex of caves with stalactites, stalagmites and Buddhist statues. Entrance to the caves cost 30 baht per person. These caves are quiet compared to other sites of interest around Chiang Mai. Opening hours 8am – 5pm. 

Address: Muang On Cave, Ban Sa Ha Khon, Mae On District, Chiang Mai 50130, Thailand

Day 10 Visit a water park, Khom Chocolate House and get a Thai massage

Your itinerary in Chiang Mai finishes with an exhilarating splash and then some much needed pampering. Chiang Mai Grand Canyon is a large natural outdoor waterpark. You can often arrange tours to the Grand Canyon water park with tour operators in Chiang Mai. Tours range in price from 1,000 – 2,500 baht (£20 – £50 or $25 – $70) and include return transportation. We recommend doing this one independently. It will be cheaper AND you can choose to spend as long as you want there. Pack a bag with water, swimming stuff and sun protection. 

Don’t miss our FULL GUIDE on the Grand Canyon Waterpark Chiang Mai

Getting to grips: There are actually two separate water parks located right next to each other (the walk between these water parks in only a few minutes). The first one is just called “The Grand Canyon” and is to the north east and is smaller. This first site is cheaper and there are less activities. It costs 30 baht to enter and activities cost 50 baht. They have a zip line, jump platform, air cushion jump, kayaking and pedal boats. The Second site is bigger and it is to the south west is called “The Grand Canyon Water Park”. This second site is more developed and in better condition. The second site has more activities and it is more expensive. They have an inflatable obstacle course, zipline, wakeboarding circuit and a children’s water park. The water slide is very fast and has a big drop at the end. Take care if you plan to do this activity. If you are limited on time we recommend only visiting the second site. Both sites have restaurants serving Thai and western food (more expensive than local food). Here are a few more details:

The Grand Canyon Water Park (south west – big park)

They have a wide range of activities including slides, cliff jumping, wakeboarding, a zip line and an inflatable obstacle course. They also have an excellent children’s water play area. The Grand Canyon Water Park has excellent facilities including toilets, showers and changing areas. They have a strict no outside drinks policy here and may check bags! We recommend bringing water anyway, just keep it discreetly in your bag.

Discounted ticket prices: Recently the Grand Canyon waterpark has been offering discounted ticket rates. Adult tickets cost 300 baht (£6 or $8) and include access to the aqua park, kids play area, zip line, kayaking and water slide. Children’s tickets allow access to the children’s water park for 150 baht (£3 or $4). 

Normal prices: Adult tickets cost 650 Baht per person (£13 or $16). Children’s tickets cost 500 baht (£10 or $13) height between 90-120 cm. Children under 90cm get free entry. Ticket includes entrance to the water park, canoeing and kayaking, cliff jumping, giant sliders, life jacket and one ride of the zipline. 

Wakeboarding costs 550 baht for 1.5 hours

For more information: 

http://grandcanyonwaterpark.velaeasy.com/

Head back to the Old Town for some well earned decadence. Start at the Khom Chocolate House located in the northwest side of the old town. This is a small cafe dedicated to all things chocolate. The prices are a little higher than average but well worth it. The Khom Chocolate House is open 10.30am – 6pm every day except tuesdays. 

Finally take a massage at the Tha Lanna Spa. Thai Massages are beautifully relaxing. Although there is some kneading and rubbing, a lot of Thai massage is about bending and manipulating your body to release tension and find pressure points. It is the perfect type of massage if you have been active – and this is a very active itinerary. 

Most massages range from 500 baht – 1,000 baht (roughly £10 – £20 or $13 – $26)

What are the best places to stay for this itinerary in Chiang Mai?

If you’re planning a family holiday in Chiang Mai don’t miss our full guide on the best family hotels in Chiang Mai.

Wherever you choose to stay in Chiang Mai we do recommend staying inside or close to the Chiang mai old town. This area is best for food and also experience. In the old town you can explore quaint temples and easily get to coffee shops and restaurants. We have selected a range of THE BEST hotels in Chiang Mai based on price, location, character and facilities. 

A bit cheeky, but we do ask that if you go for any that we’ve shown you could you pretty please use our links to book Chiang Mai hotels as we get a little commision (at no extra cost to you – it’s the big boys at booking.com that take the hit, not you or us) This helps keep us on and our family on the road writing articles to empower you to travel…

Rati Lanna Riverside Spa Resort – BEST hotel for luxurious royal decadence

This stunning resort is excellent situated on the bank of the Mae Ping river around 2km to the South East of the old town walls. The Riti Lanna Riverside Resort has a tasteful regal, lush east asian style and rich warm furnishings. Rati Lanna Riverside Spa Resort has luxurious spacious rooms and beautiful views of Chiang Mai’s Mae Ping River. There are 3 dining options, a spa, and an infinity pool spanning. The bathrooms feature a flat-screen TV mounted by the bathtub, a separate rain shower stall and complimentary aromatherapy toiletries.

Rooms range in price from 8,000 – 15,000 baht (roughly £160 – £300 or $200 – $400). We adore the Executive Suite. The Mira Terrace Restaurant is open all day and serves a breakfast buffet and international a la carte dishes at both their indoor or outdoor dining areas. Buffet and barbecue dinners are offered at Rio Restaurant & Bar. Drinks can be enjoyed at the swim-up Dips and Sips bar or at Malin Pavilion. They also offer a free shuttle bus to the Chiang Mai night Bazaar. 

Akyra Manor – TOP PICK comfort, epic views and contemporary style

We love the rooftop infinity swimming pool at the Akyra Manor hotel – swim in style and with a view. There is a clean contemporary style running through the hotel. Rooms include an amazing American style breakfast which impresses most guests. We also love the stylish Premier Suite with its spacious design and freestanding bathtub.

Rooms range in price from  4,000 – 10,000 baht (Roughly £80 – £200 or $100 – $250). Find out the latest prices. You can also enjoy an exquisite Italian meal at Italics with a state-of-the-art show kitchen and pizza oven. Drinks can be ordered at Rise, the hotel’s rooftop bar. The Ankyra Manor is well located around 1km from the northwest corner of the Chiang Mai Old City. 

Shangri-La Chiang Mai – The BEST hotel for luxurious family holiday

Shangri-La Hotel Chiang Mai earns it’s 5 stars with style. This large luxurious hotel is stylish and well equipped with all of the facilities and amenities you would hope for. Rooms are designed with a beautiful Northern Thai decor and charm. The hotel’s signature Spa provides private suites and relaxing beauty treatments. The Kad Kafe serves a selection of all-day international dishes and a buffet breakfast spread.

Authentic Szechuan and Cantonese dishes can be sampled at the chic and modern China Kitchen. Drinks can be enjoyed at Dhala Pool Bar while afternoon tea can be found at the Lobby Lounge. We were super impressed with the facilities for families. The outdoor pool features a waterslide.

There is also a soft play space for kids and kids clubs are offered here. Rooms range in price from 3,000 – 12,000 baht (approximately £60 – £240 or $80 – $300). Located less than 1km from the south east corner of the old town, the Shangri-La Chiang Mai is a great location to see the Mae Ping river and also to access the bustling Chiang Mai gate of the old town. 

Saran Boutique Hotel – TOP PICK for location and value for money

We love the zen east asian style of this boutique hotel. This place really stands out due to the price and excellent location. Located in the heart of the Chiang Mai old town you can literally stroll out your door to quaint streets and ancient temples.

It is located on the bustling east side of the old town near Thapae gate. It is also under 1km from the Chiang Mai gate with its markets and happy vibes. Rooms range in price from 1,500 – 2,500 baht (roughly £30 – £50 or $40 – $65). Find out the latest prices here. We love the suite with a balcony and bathtub.

Yak Guest House – Budget and great location

Yak Guest House is a cheap, clean and simple guest house located a few minutes walk from the east side of the old city. We love the area for its buzz and good vibes. Yak Guest House has a happy welcoming atmosphere. They offer a simple free breakfast (toast, tea and coffee).

Rooms are simple, comfortable and well equipped for a budget guest house. This area is fantastic for visiting Warorot market, Thapae Gate which are both around 5-10 minutes walk away. Find out the latest prices. Rooms range in price from 400 – 800 baht and they do have options for families too.

Other things to do around Chiang Mai (not included on this itinerary in Chiang Mai)

There really is SO MUCH to do in and around Chiang Mai. Here are some more ideas. Any of these could be substituted into this itinerary or done as an extra if you have more time in the area.  

1 The weekly old town night market

Every Saturday and Sunday evening from 4pm-10pm there is a lovely night market along Rachadamnoen road (through the old city). Stalls spill out into the surrounding streets and temples. Lovely clothes, bags, gifts and plenty of tasty street food. We have not included this on your itinerary because it depends what day of the week you arrive. 

Due to an increase in tourism in recent years it has become increasingly important to barter if you do want to buy things. Locals will often try to charge western prices for products, however there may not be the same quality. And if your product breaks, you will not be able to return it. 

2 Get a rush with Adventure sports at the X centre 

Check out the X centre Chiang Mai. We have not included this on the itinerary which is already packed with fun activities. However, if you are one of those crazy families who like to do crazy things, then you will love the Chiang Mai X centre. They offer activities like Gokarting, Paint balling, Zorb balls, Off road buggies, ATVs and Trail bikes and of course bungee jumping.

3 See the world from a hot air balloon

You can take hot air balloon trips over Chiang Mai. A stunning and unique way to see the beautiful landscape of this region. Flights are around 45 minutes – 1 hour. The cost is normally around 8,000 baht for an adult (£160 or $200) and 5,000 baht (around £100 or $130) for children 5 – 10 years old. There may be some flexibility in the price. For more information contact Balloon Chiang Mai by Tethering Balloon Thailand: ​​ballooncnx.sales@gmail.com

4 Try out Muay Thai at the Chiang Mai Muay Thai Gym

This is a great activity for anyone who wants to be physically and metally challenged and learn some epic skills. We highly recommend the Chiang Mai Muay Thai Gym. They offer a range of courses and classes to meet everyone’s needs. Whether you’re a total beginner or experienced fighter, this place offers training, challenge and fun. The Chiang Mai Muay Thai gym is a very well equipped indoor gym with a ring, training stations and very experienced friendly staff. 

Public classes involve stretching, warm up, routines and sparing, bag work and feedback from highly experienced instructors. They have a range of prices depending how many sessions you wish to do in a month. One off sessions cost 390 baht (around £8 or $10) up to 6,500 baht (£130 or $160) for 20 sessions in a month. If you’re looking for something more intense, a month’s course with one session per day costs 8,000 baht (£160 or $200) and a month with 2 sessions per day costs 10,000 baht (around £200 or $250). Private one-to-one training costs 1,000 baht for an hour (£20 or $25). The training schedule may be changed over time so drop them a message to check: s.thitithan@gmail.com

5 Visit a butterfly farm

The Bai Orchid butterfly farm (ใบออร์คิด-บัตเตอร์ฟลายฟาร์ม) is a beautiful place to drop in.. Entrance costs 40 baht for adults and 20 baht for children. You will probably only spend 30 minutes at the butterfly farm as it is not very big. Open daily from 7.30am – 5pm. This is not too far from the Siam Insect Zoo. 

6 Explore the Doi Suthep-Pui national park

In the Doi Suthep-Pui national park you can visit a beautiful pagoda called Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (วัดพระธาตุดอยสุเทพราชวรวิหาร) on the way to the Doi Pui Waterfall. The Doipui waterfall is located next to Hmong ethnic village and you can also visit the Pan dow strawberry farm if you have time. This is a great place to get an amazing view of Chiang Mai and the surrounding hills. It would be too far to walk through the national park in one day, however a red songthaew (shared taxi) runs up the road and can drop you off at various points along the way. It will cost you around 50 Baht for each section of the journey. Songthaews wait on Huaykaew road, near the zoo, and once they are full they will set off. 

Alternatively, you can find many tour agents in Chiang Mai old town where you can pre-book tours to the Doi Suthep-Pui national park for 500 baht (around £10 or $13) and this includes transport to and from the national park. 

7 Check out the Tad Mork Waterfall

The Tad Mork Waterfall (น้ำตกตาดหมอก) is a beautiful quiet waterfall located around 30km (around 20 miles) northwest of Chiang Mai. Take route 107 north out of Chiang Mai for around 20km then turn left on route 1096 for a further 10km. The entry fee costs 100 baht for adults (£2 or $2.50) and 50 baht for children (£1 or $1.30)

8 Learn about space at the Astro Park 

This is a great one for the kids. The Chiang Mai Astro Park is a space museum with exhibitions and a daily space show. It is located in the north of Chiang Mai. The Astro Park is open Tuesday – Fridays 9am – 4pm and Saturday and Sunday 10am – 5pm. 

9 Visit two epic waterfalls to the north

This would be a long day trip from Chiang Mai. The impressive Mork Fa waterfall is an idyllic jungle waterfall. There is an impressive sheer drop into a plunge pool which is deep enough for swimming. You can also follow a small trail to a path that leads along the side of the waterfall to a small cave. The Mork Fa waterfall costs 100 baht to visit (£2 or $2.50). In the area you can also visit the Sagee waterfall. People do slide down this waterfall. Such high risk activities need to be done with risk assessment and care.

10 Expand your mind at Art in Paradise

Art in Paradise is a 3D illusion art exhibition where you can literally step into the artwork. There are six zones with different themes and over 130 pieces of illusion artwork. Art in Paradise is genuinely a lot of fun – it’s almost impossible to resist doing crazy poses to get an awesome insta snap. Entrance tickets cost 460 baht for adults (around £10 or $13) and 260 baht (around £5 or $6.50) for children under 140cm. This is likely to take around 2 hours if you love getting photos. Art in Paradise is located around 1km southeast of the old town. Art in paradise is open daily from 9am – 7pm. 

 http://chiangmai-artinparadise.com

Short of time? Alternative three day itinerary in Chiang Mai

Because you don’t always have the luxury of time you may need a shorter itinerary in Chiang Mai. If you only have a few days, we recommend focusing on the activities that are closer to Chiang Mai and missing out on the longer day trips (where a lot of time is lost travelling). It is still possible to have an amazing time even in three days. Don’t miss our EPIC 3 day Chiang Mai itinerary.

Things to know before your 10 day itinerary in Chiang Mai

Do you need a visa to travel from the UK to Thailand?

If you are from the UK and have a British passport you can stay in Thailand for 30 days without needing a visa. This is called the 30 day visa exemption period. You can also apply to extend your stay for up to 30 days. To reduce people staying long term and doing “visa runs” you can now only enter Thailand two times per year overland. Remember to keep up to date with the latest information: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/thailand/entry-requirements

When is the best time to visit Chiang Mai? 

Chiang Mai is very pleasant to visit in any season, although the cool season from November – February is probably the most pleasant time to visit. Chiang Mai is generally hot throughout the year. However it can be slightly chilly in the hills, especially in the morning or during the rainy season. You may need an additional layer if you are planning to be in the hills. North Thailand has three seasons. The seasons are as follows:

Hot season: January – May 

Rainy season June – October

The cool season: November – February

What is the best currency to take to Thailand?  

Thai Baht is the national currency of Thailand. It is easy to buy Thai Baht before your trip and sell it at the end of the trip. You may get a better rate exchanging money in Thailand. There are also plenty of ATMs around Chiang Mai and many places accept international bank cards. 

Is English spoken in Thailand?

English is widely spoken in Thailand, especially in cities and tourists hubs. However in rural locations people’s level of English may be very limited or they may not speak English at all. Most locals in Chiang Mai speak a good level of English. Many places have menus in English, and if not they generally include pictures. Hostels and hotels almost always have staff who speak English. 

What is child care like in Chiang Mai? 

There are several nurseries and daycare centres around Chiang Mai. The normal rate for child care is 800 baht – 1000 baht per day. They will normally include snacks, lunch and a nice range of activities. Some of the higher end hotels also offer babysitting services for guests. This typically costs around 300 baht per child per hour. To get a feel for what you can find in Chiang Mai, check out Egg Tots House: http://www.eggtotshouse.com/

What is Thai culture like?

Northern Thai culture is wonderfully friendly. Locals are generally very cheerful and helpful. Northern Thailand is less affected by mass tourism compared to the south. Having said that, there is still a lot of tourism in Chiang Mai so the locals are very accustomed to having foreign guests in the city. 

The only thing to be aware of is that Thai people can sometimes be a bit intense, especially when they are selling something. Remember to try to keep it friendly and walk away if you need to. In terms of a dress code, in the city you can dress for the climate – showing knees and shoulders is generally fine. However we recommend that you cover your knees and shoulders when you are visiting temples and rural villages. 

Is Chiang Mai safe? 

Chiang Mai is very safe for travel. Crime rates are low in Chiang Mai. There are less scams in northern Thailand compared to the south. In fact we haven’t come across any scams in the north. That doesn’t mean that people wont occasionally try to charge too much for a taxi ride but you don’t seem to find the more elaborate and intentional scams that you find in south Thailand. 

What is the best way to get to and from Chiang Mai?

DON’T miss our guide on HOW TO TRAVEL FROM BANGKOK TO CHIANG MAI

This 10 day itinerary in Chiang Mai shows you all of the best things to do in and around Chiang Mai. But we also wanted to take a moment to mention travel to and from Chiang Mai. 

Bangkok is the main international hub to access Thailand. In general the cheapest option is to fly to and from Bangkok and then travel to Chiang Mai overland. If you are short of time and you can afford it, Chiang Mai has a small airport and you can fly all the way to Chiang Mai. If you do this it is likely that you will need to transfer in Bangkok. 

In order to get to Chiang Mai overland the easiest and most comfortable option is to take a night train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.

• There is a night train with air conditioning and beds with bedding. The train journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes around 13 hours. 
• You can book tickets directly from the main train station (Hua Lamphong station) – ideally a few days in advance. Alternatively travel agents around the Khaosan road area may be able to book tickets. You could also ask your hotel or hostel to help you book tickets.
• A lower bed costs around 900 baht and an upper bed costs around 800 baht. We recommend that you go for a lower bed if possible. The top beds are closer to the over zealous aircon and they leave the lights on overnight. The lower beds are wider and you can enjoy the sunrise and views from the comfort of your bed. 

Transport connections from Chiang Mai to other places:

Don’t miss out FULL GUIDE on how to travel from Chiang Mai to Pai

Arcade bus station terminal 2 and 3 are two buildings next to each other. Overnight sleeper bus to Bangkok starting around 500 baht or 569 baht for a VIP ticket. 

You can also take an overnight sleeper train to Bangkok. Book tickets in advance. This is  a very beautiful journey. Avoid the top bunk in the A.C. carriage – it is very cold!

Aya Services have A.C. minibus connections to various locations. 150 baht to Pai. The journey takes around 3 hours from Chiang Mai to Pai. You can take buses from the railway station. The office is very close: As you come out the station exit, exit the car park to the left. Cross the road and go right, take the first left. Follow the small street 1 minute to the office.

Chiang Mai also has a small airport offering domestic and international flights. We do not recommend taking internal flights unless you have a large budget or are very short of time. 

What is the best way to get around in Chiang Mai? 

This itinerary in Chiang Mai does involve quite a lot of travel around the area. 

Tuk tuks are small motorbike powered vehicles that zip around. They usually seat 2-4 people and go where you need. They can be more expensive than you might expect.  Songthaews are small pickup trucks with benches in the back: You normally flag these at the roadside. They charge a price per person and generally follow set routes. You can also find car taxis around Chiang Mai: again agree on a price at the start of the journey unless they agree to use the meter. 

Note on using Apps to book taxis in Chiang Mai

For short journeys around the old town the red songthaew buses are likely to be cheapest. They normally cost around 20-30 baht for short journeys (bartering may be needed). For medium length journeys we recommend the Bolt App. For long journeys arrange your transport in advance with a driver. Red Songthaew drivers are normally very happy to agree prices for longer day trips. 

You can arrange taxi journeys using the Grab App or the Bolt App. Grab is more expensive but more user friendly. Due to the higher prices people are very quick to respond to Grab so you will always be able to find a driver. However, in Chiang Mai Grab is likely to be more expensive than agreeing a price with a driver at the roadside. Alternatively the Bolt App is much cheaper, but drivers can be less committed and it can be hard to find rides with Bolt. Especially if you want to go further out of town. For the longer day trips in this itinerary we recommend arranging your taxi in person with a driver in Chiang Mai rather than trying to use an app.

Tuk tuks, private Songthaews and car taxis can be quite expensive for day trips. Always negotiate a price at the start of the journey. Make sure you agree on all of the details such as pick up and drop off locations, timings and stops throughout the day. A day trip is likely to cost 800-1,000 baht for the day depending on your bartering skills. Short trips around Chiang Mai are likely to cost 50 – 150 baht or more depending on the distance. 

Local bus: May be flexible with their route. 20 baht. Run from 5.30am until around 8-9pm

Bike rental. Most families will not be able to do this – but if you can, bike rental is a very cheap option. Many places start at 250 baht for 24 hours. Some places will go down to 100-200 baht. Negotiate especially if you want to rent for a few days.

Top tip: Consider car rental for a family. You can rent a small car in Chiang Mai for around £150 – £200 (7,500 – 10,000 baht) for 10 days. By the time you add up the cost of doing some of the long journeys by tuk tuk, it may be a similar price, but a lot more convenient to rent a car. Make sure that you check the license requirements for your nationality e.g. do you need an international driver’s license from your country? 

For car rental check out Chiang Mai wheels for excellent deals and friendly staff

What are the best places to eat around Chiang Mai?

There is so much amazing food available in Chiang Mai. We have already mentioned some amazing places on the itinerary – Much Room cafe, the Carp Cafe and Khom Chocolate House are all well worth a visit both for the experience and food. But there’s always more. Here are some more of the best restaurants and cafes to try in Chiang Mai:

1 Coconut Shell cafe

For super tasty and very affordable Thai dishes Check out the Coconut Shell cafe in the old town. They also run a cookery school so the food really is top end for local Thai prices.

42/4 rachamankha, Muang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 

2 Crispy pork and rice

For the BEST crispy roast pork on rice Yaowarat Chiang Mai Boiled Rice with Pork Ribs. This place is just open in the evenings from 6pm – 10.30pm and can get pretty busy at times. It is one of the best after all! Pork rice costs around 60 baht here. 

Tambon Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50300 

3 Samurai Kitchen

For a Japanese fix don’t miss Samurai Kitchen. They serve a range of sushi, sashimi and Japanese rice dishes. Open at lunch and in the evenings – it can get pretty busy here so arrive early. Everything on the menu is 59 baht. 

A, 147/149 T Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200

4 Khunkae’s Juice bar

If you’re after a super healthy treatful fix try Khunkae’s Juice Bar. They serve an impressive range of juices, smoothies and smoothie bowls. There is also a small waffle shop next door too – very tempting fresh waffles. 

19 3 Mun Mueang Rd, Si Phum Sub-district, เมือง Chiang Mai 50200

5 Fern Forest Cafe

For amazing coffee and tempting treats and an amazing ambiance check out the Fern Forest Cafe. 19 3 Mun Mueang Rd, Si Phum Sub-district, เมือง Chiang Mai 50200

6 Rock Me Burger

Because everyone needs a good burger in their life – check out Rock Me burger. Delicious juicy pates, gourmet recipes and soft fresh bread buns. If you love a good burger this is a restaurant you’re not going to want to miss. 

17, Raming Lodge Hotel & Spa, 19 Loi Kroh Rd, Tambon Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100

7 Wawee Coffee

For a relaxing coffee beside the Ping river check out Wawee Coffee.

1/2 Wat Ket, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 83000

8 Huen Phen

For a great variety of fresh northern Thai food try Huen Phen. Reasonable prices and a great spot of lunch if you’re in the old town. 

เชืยงใหม่, 112 Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang Mai District, 50200

9 Indish Restaurant Bar & Grill

If you are just missing curry we get that. Get your curry fix at Indish Restaurant Bar & Grill

15, Soi 6, Moonmuang Road, Si Phum, Chiang Mai 50200 Thailand

AND last but definitely not least… remember to check out the morning and night market at the Chiang Mai gate on the south of the old town wall. 

Make sure you try these local treats in Chiang Mai: 

• Pad thai – stir fried noodles and vegetables -very popular in Thailand
• Sai Oua – Chiang mai sausage
• Khao Soi – coconut crispy noodle curry
• Crispy roast pork rice – served with egg, rice and a marinade and soup
• Mango Sticky Rice

What do you need to pack for a trip to Chiang Mai?

Chiang is a hot climate so we recommend thin loose fit clothing. In addition to the general things that you would want to pack we also recommend the following: 

• Bring a day bag that you can pack up for day trips
• Swimming stuff and a travel towel
• Umbrella or sun hat 
• Sunglasses 
• High factor sunscreen (SPF 30 or more)
• Light scarf for sun protection and nice insta shots
• Insect repellant (ideally containing DEET) – particularly for trekking
• Long trousers for the evenings
• At least one top that covers your shoulders (temple visits)
• One warmer top for air conditioned places
• Bring sandals or flip flops and also bring some trainers or lightweight hiking shoes 
• A waterproof dry sack can be a great way to keep your valuables dry if there is a tropical downpour and you are out and about
• A breathable raincoat is recommended – try to find something with a Pertex material
• Bring a universal travel adaptor: Most plugs in Thailand have two pins. Plug types A, B or C generally work in Thailand.

Where are you going next? 

We highly recommend spending some time in Pai if you get the chance. There really are SO MANY things to do in Pai.

It is a three hour bus journey from Chiang Mai. If you’re planning a trip to Pai definitely check out our epic itinerary for Pai. As ever we also have a shorter itinerary if you have less time.

Why follow our 10 day itinerary in Chiang Mai rather than booking a tour? 

THIS 10 day itinerary in Chiang Mai is designed to help you SAVE MONEY and not miss a thing. If you book a tour to Chiang Mai through a travel agent it will cost thousands of pounds and probably wont include as many activities as we have included. If you follow our FREE itinerary in Chiang Mai we will show you how to do it step by step and save you money. This means you can fit more epic travel into your budget. 

Also tours don’t generally allow much flexibility to go at your own pace. If you use our itinerary in Chiang Mai to plan your holiday and then you fall in love with a waterfall, you can stay as long as you want without needing to panic about getting back to the bus on time. Also you can switch things around and change this itinerary to best fit the needs of yourself and your family.  

Have we helped you? 

If we have helped you plan your trip please help us by SHARING our 10 day itinerary in Chiang Mai on Facebook and using our links to book your accommodation. We use affiliate links, and this means we get a small commission for any booking made through our links – at no extra cost to you. 

We hope that this step-by-step 10 day itinerary in Chiang Mai tells you everything you need to know to have a smooth and enjoyable trip to a truly amazing part of the world. We do everything we can to make sure our travel advice is accurate, clear and relevant. If you think we have missed something important in this itinerary please let us know. What’s more, if you think there is a mistake in this itinerary please let us know.

AND FINALLY. Need more inspiration? DON’T MISS our guide on THE BEST things to do in Thailand