3 Days in Chiang Mai – Step-by-Step Itinerary 2026

Visit Wiang Kum Kam Ancient City

After exploring the Chiang Mai Old Town take a horse and cart tour of an ancient abandoned city. Wiang Kum Kam was built by King Mang Rai the great. However, it was abandoned over 700 years ago due to flooding. Most of the temples can be found within an area of around 2km (north-south) by 1km (east-west). 

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. THE BEST way to see the temples is to take a horse and cart tour. Horse and Cart tours start at the Wiang Kum Kam information centre located to the south of Wiang Kum Kam on route 3029. 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. On a budget? It is possible to explore Wiang Kum Kam without taking an official tour. There are no tickets or entrance fees for the area itself. 

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

You may also be interested in a vist to Much Room cafe (not far from the Wiang Kum Kam). Much Room cafe is super quirky and fun. 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 tempting cakes and treats, high quality hot drinks and some very impressive food. 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)

Take a Ping River Cruise

Bring your day to a close with an atmosphering Ping River Cruise. River 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’s a small cafe where you can buy cruise tickets for the cruises.

Cruises depart daily every hour from 9am – 5pm. The cruise takes around 2 hours. Mae Ping River cruises cost 550 baht for adults. Children under 10 are half price and children 3 years old or under are free. You can normally just turn up and buy your ticket on the day. River cruises give you a unique perspective on local life along the Mae Ping river. In addition to sightseeing along the river, the cruise includes a visit to a Herb Garden, ice cream and juice. 

Day 2 Monks trail morning trek, sticky waterfall and Siam Insect Zoo

Trek up the Monks Trail

Start with an invigorating trek up the Monks Trail to an atmospheric hill temple called Wat Pha Lat (วัดผาลาด). We recommend an early start. Aim to take a couple of hours so you have plenty of time to set off to Sticky waterfall. 

The monks trail is used by monks who walk from the temple to town to take alms in the morning. The Monks trail is a beautiful jungle path. It is approximately 1.2km in length and takes around 30 – 45 minutes to walk up. 

Wat Pha Lat is a very picturesque temple. It has a well, small waterfalls, buddha statues, temple buildings. Wat Pha Lat also affords impressive views over the Chiang Mai area. 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. 

Visit the amazing Sticky Waterfall

Next visit the amazing sticky waterfall. This place is just so unique and special we have included it in our 3 day itinerary. Sticky waterfall is located around 60km (40 miles) north of Chiang Mai. The journey is likely to take a few hours each way. 

This waterfall is called “sticky waterfall” because the bedrock is made from crystallized limestone. The surface has so much friction you can climb surprisingly steep sections of the waterfall without slipping. Although the surface is very rough on the microscopic scale, it is not painful to walk on. Alternatively there are 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. There are also toilets and showers at sticky waterfall. 

If you are trying to arrange a taxi we recommend arranging this in advance. If you take a taxi expect to pay around 800-1000 baht for the return trip depending on your bartering skills (this is around £16 – £20 or $20 – $25). Alternatively you can rent a motorbike for around 200 baht for the day (£4 or $5) and use this to get there. Sticky waterfall is FREE. 

Visit the Siam Insect Zoo

If you have time drop into the Siam Insect Zoo. This is a great way to get up close to some large creepie crawlies – a great option for families in Chiang Mai. At the Siam Insect Zoo there is 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. 

The Siam Insect zoo costs 80 baht for an adult ticket (13 years and older) and 60 baht for a children’s ticket (3 – 12 years old). Infants are free. You can also visit the Mae Sa waterfall (น้ำตกแม่สา) – not far from the Siam Insect Zoo. Entry to the waterfall costs 100 baht per person (£2 or $2.50). The Mae Sa waterfall has 10 cascades and there is a path leading alongside the waterfalls. Some people also swim in the pools here.  

Day 3 The Grand Canyon water park, Wat Prathat Doi Kham and the Carp Cafe

Visit the Grand Canyon water park 

The Grand Canyon water park is the perfect place for an active adventure. There is a wide range of activities including slides, cliff jumping, wakeboarding, a zip line and an inflatable obstacle course. There is also have an excellent children’s water play area. The Grand Canyon Water Park has very good facilities including toilets, showers and changing areas. They also have a restaruant serving Thai and Western food.  

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.

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). Tours range in price from 1,000 – 2,500 baht (£20 – £50 or $25 – $70) and include return transportation. It is cheaper to arrange your trip independently: If you arrange your own taxi to and from the Grand Canyon water park it is likely to costs around 400 – 800 baht (£8 – £16 or $10 – $20).

TOP TIP There is another Grand Canyon water park to the north east. This park cheaper, less developed 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. 

Visit Wat Prathat Doi Kham

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. Wat Prathat Doi Kham is FREE to visit. However you can make a donation if you wish. This beautiful hill temple is pretty close to the Grand Canyon Chiang Mai. 

Visit the Carp Cafe

And finally. Don’t miss 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 swimming around. The Carp cafe embraces and celebrates the jungle with tropical folliage, mist and walkways. The cafe serves a range of hot drinks, fruit shakes and decadent cakes. You can also buy food, they serve fresh sushi here too. 

Some other great activities around Chiang Mai

Here are some other great things to do around Chiang Mai if you have time: 

• The Hidden Village
• Pong Yang Adventure Park
• San Kamphaeng hot springs
• Muang Ong Cave
• The Ginger Farm
• Chai Lai Orchid Elephant Hotel
• Visit the Royal Pagoda (Doi Inthanon National Park)
• The Elephant Nature Sanctuary
• Take an eco trek (home stays, elephants and tribal villages) 
• Learn Thai Boxing 
• Relax with a Thai Massage
• Take a Thai Cooking Class 
• Don’t miss the weekend night market

Getting to and from Chiang mai

Take a train

The cheapest and most comfortable way to travel around Thailand is by sleeper train. Not only is this a fun and interesting way to travel – you also save the money of one night’s accommodation (win!) Overnight sleeper trains run between Chiang Mai and Bangkok. Make sure you book your tickets nice and early if possible. You can get first class sleeper cabins with 4 beds and lockable doors. Alternatively if you travel on the second class sleeper carriage – you will share the carriage with lots of other people – but you do still get your own curtain for some privacy. Overall the train is the best combination of budget and comfort. 

Take a long distance bus

If you cannot take a train you can also get long distance buses from Chiang mai to other locations around Thailand. Buses are super cheap in thailand – but long distance buses don’t offer the same level of confort as a train. Not a bad option – but try to get a train if possible. 

Take a mini buses

If you’re taking a shorter journey you may need to travel by minibus. Aya Services have A.C. minibus connections to various locations. For example, it costs 150 baht to take a mini bus to Pai. The journey takes around 3 hours from Chiang Mai to Pai. We really recommend travelling to Pai if you have time. 

Take a flight

Another way to travel around Thailand is to take cheap internal flights. There are several budget airlines that operate in Thailand. Flying is fast and convenient but it is also the most expensive way to travel around Thailand. Also, if you are flying with a budget carrier like Air Asia watch out for all the sneaky charges. You may also need to pay extra for a check in bag – so factor this into your travel budget. 

Find for cheap flights on Skyscanner

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

Tuk Tuks, Songthaews and taxis 

Tuk tuks are small motorbike powered vehicles that zip around. We recommend taking a tuk tuk just for the experience. 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. Most journeys should cost 20-30 baht around Chiang Mai town. You can also take a car taxi. Use the Grab or Bolt app to get a fair taxi price. Bolt is cheaper. 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. 

Motorbike rental

Bike rental is a very cheap and convenient way to travel around Chiang mai and the surrounding areas. 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. You will normally need to leave a deposit to rent a motorbike in Chiang Mai. 

Car rental

Car rental is a great option for a family. You can rent a small car in Chiang Mai for around 700 baht – 1,000 baht per day (£14 – £20 or $18 – $25). Make sure that you check the license requirements for your nationality (e.g. do you need an international driver’s license from your country?)

What are prices like in Chiang Mai?

Prices are very cheap in Chiang Mai. 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. 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). 
• Many activities are cheap or free of charge

Best budget tips for travel in Chiang Mai

Here are a few budget tips for Chiang mai: 

• Go for fan rooms rather than air conditioned rooms
• Bartering is fine in Chiang Mai – keep it light hearted and respectful. 
• Top up your water from water machines on the streets for a few baht (bring your own water bottle) 
• 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 – 30 baht per use. Laundry typically costs 30 – 40 baht per kilogram at a laundrette. 

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.

What are the best places to stay if you only have 3 days 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. 

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

This stunning resort is located on the bank of the Mae Ping river around 2km to the South East of the old town walls. The Rati Lanna Riverside Resort has a tasteful regal, lush east asian style and rich warm furnishings. There are 3 dining options, a spa, and an infinity pool. The spacious suites are very comfortable and elegantly designed. 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). 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

The Akyra Manor boasts a rooftop infinity pool – swim in style and with a view. There is a clean contemporary style running through the hotel. Rooms include an amazing American style breakfast – perfect to set you up for a day of adventures. 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). 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 is a large luxurious 5 star hotel. Rooms are designed with a beautiful Northern Thai decor and charm. The Shangri-La’s signature Spa provides private suites and relaxing beauty treatments. Authentic Szechuan and Cantonese dishes can be sampled at the chic and modern China Kitchen. The Kad Kafe serves a selection of all-day international dishes and a buffet breakfast spread. 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 the Saran 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). We love the suite with a balcony and bathtub.

Yak Guest House – Budget and great location

If you’re looking for a budget hotel in Chiang Mai check out the Yak Guest House. The 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. Rooms range in price from 400 – 800 baht and they do have options for families too.