Open the doors to a whole new world by planning a trip to Chiang Mai – the spiritual capital of Thailand. It is a beautiful, mountainous part of Thailand that has so much to offer to visitors.
Chiang Mai is a destination ideal for all types of tourists thanks to its diverse culture and natural magnificence. It is a must-visit city in Thailand, after Bangkok. In contrast to the glamour and madness of Bangkok, Chiang Mai is more relaxed.
Whether you want to indulge in a trekking adventure, go on a temple tour or witness a spiritual awakening experience, Chiang Mai has many amazing experiences waiting for you. Read on for the perfect 4-day Chiang Mai travel itinerary.
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The Best Chiang Mai Travel Itinerary in 4 Days
Table of Contents
It is important to do your research into Elephant sanctuaries to ensure that you are visiting somewhere that puts the elephants first more. You can read more about how to look for an ethical elephant sanctuary here.
Planning Your Trip
We use the below booking platforms to plan our trips. We hope you find them useful too!
Where to Stay in Chiang Mai
One of our favourite parts of travelling around Asia is the affordability of accommodation in each country. Thailand is no different, with plenty of incredibly affordable and comfortable places to stay across the country. When we are on the road, we will normally book our accommodation through Booking.com, as we find this gives us the best prices and the most choice.
We have listed your top choice of accommodation for different budget ranges below.
Luxury – For those who want a trip that they will remember for a lifetime, the extremely luxurious (and surprisingly affordable) Centara Khum Phaya Resort & Spa is the place for you. Featuring modern Northern Thai style, the spacious rooms, outdoor pool, and close proximity to Chiang Mai Old Town will make it an experience to never forget.
Book your stay at Centara Khum Phaya Resort & Spa here.
Mid-Range – Just 3 miles away from the Chiang Mai Airport, the Hnuphen Chiangmai Homestay is the perfect place to stay during your trip to Chiang Mai. Comfortable and affordable, this homestay offers AC rooms and free wifi to all guests.
Book your stay at Hnuphen Chiangmai Homestay here.
Budget – If you are looking for a place to rest your head between days of adventure and are not too fussed about the extravegance of the above suggestions, the best budget option for you in Chiang Mai is definitely The Newnormal House. Offering the lowest rates for private rooms, the spacious and comfortable rooms, and close proximity to the centre of Chiang Mai make it a no brainer.
Book your stay at The Newnormal House here.
Hostel – Sherloft Home is a popular hostel in Chiang Mai as it is perfectly situated for those who wish to explore the beauty the city.
Best Time to Visit Chiang Mai for a 4-Day Trip
The weather in Chiang Mai varies throughout the year, but the best time to visit Chiang Mai is from October to February.
The weather in these months is pleasant and cool with a light breeze, making it perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. This is, however, also the peak season, and you can expect Chiang Mai to be packed with tourists.
If you want to save some money, you can also plan your trip between July and October. This is the rainy season and so it is the cheapest time of the year to go to Chiang Mai. It means you can find some great deals on flight tickets and accommodation deals.
If you’re looking to cover local festivals on your list of things to do in Chiang Mai in 3 days, look to plan your visit in April or November. Songkran Festival and Thai New Year are celebrated in April and are undoubtedly among the key highlights of Thailand tourism during that time. November celebrates Lopburi Monkey Banquet, Yi Peng (Lantern Festival), Surin Elephant Festival, and Loi Krathong Festival.
Things to Do in Chiang Mai in 4 Days
DAY 1
Explore the Old City and the Temples
The city of Chiang Mai is home to more than 300 temples, many of which are located in the old city. While on a temple tour in Chiang Mai, make sure you visit the oldest shrine in the city – Wat Chiang Man.
Other popular temples to visit are Wat Saen Muang Ma Luang, Wat Inthkhin Sadue Muang, Wat Phan Tao, Wat Chedi Luang, and Wat Phra Singh.
Aside from exploring incredible temples here, this part of the city is also great to stay in, especially if you are visiting Chiang Mai for the first time.
And to get around, you can rent a bicycle or simply explore on foot. There are plenty of hostels in Chiang Mai that offer bicycles for hire
Visit Backstreet Academy to Learn the Making of Local Souvenirs
Once you are done exploring the temples in Chiang Mai, it will be afternoon. Time to enjoy a nice meal at one of the many cafes or restaurants, and then get ready for an afternoon of crafting.
Backstreet Academy is a unique attraction in Chiang Mai. It offers plenty of different activities to indulge in, below are just a couple of the options available at Backstreet Academy.
- Gold Leaf Lacquerware: Chiang Mai is the city where the Tai Khern lacquerware artisans migrated from Chiang Toong back in the 18th and 19th centuries. This artwork needs sophisticated workmanship. And when you choose to do Gold Leaf Lacquerware, you will have the chance to do a variety of patterns ranging from adorning temples to traditional designs. There is a fee of around $24 to book this art class.
- Soap Making: Yes, soap making is an art in Chiang Mai and quite a popular one. The soap-making course at Backstreet Academy is 2 hours long. You will be assigned a local master who will teach you to carve 2 different flowers. If you are looking to take a souvenir back home, this is the perfect activity, as you can take your creation with you when you’ve finished. The soap-making class at Backstreet Academy can be booked for $29.
Chiang Mai Night Market
Once you have finished at Backstreet Academy, head back to your hotel and relax. Then get ready for the final, and possibly best, part of day 1 on your Chiang Mai 3 days itinerary.
Food and shopping are fantastic activities on any trip, but Chiang Mai Night Bazaar offers one of the most vibrant experiences in Chiang Mai. The market is located in the suburbs of the city and starts at 5:00 PM. It is located just 500 metres from Tha Phae Gate.
Whilst you can enjoy delectable food in Chiang Mai cafes and restaurants, the Thai street food has a different charm at the night market, cooked fresh right in front of you. And the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar hosts plenty of street food stalls to keep your foodie soul satiated. When it comes to food, Chang Puak Market is another spot to explore, located outside the Old City Gates.
If you happen to be here on a Sunday, the Chiang Mai Sunday Night Market is another popular spot to visit. It’s held every Sunday from 4:00 PM until midnight and is one of the most popular markets in Chiang Market, attracting both locals and tourists alike.
DAY 2
Start Your Day at Ethical Elephant Sanctuary
Thailand is not short on amazing wildlife, and animal tourism is flourishing in the country. Chiang Mai city is where you can experience some of the rich wildlife of Thailand, including a surreal experience at an Ethical Elephant Sanctuary.
When it comes to animal tourism, we know not all travellers are comfortable with it, considering the mistreatment of these wonderful wild creatures. But fret not! There are some ethical elephant sanctuaries in Chiang Mai.
An important thing to know here is that most Southeast Asian countries do not have any laws on what is considered a sanctuary. So, almost every elephant activity or experience here will call itself a sanctuary but that doesn’t mean it’s ethical. So, be aware and do your research!
Elephant Nature Park is said to be one of those ethical options available here in Chiang Mai. For tourists, they have 2 options. You can either explore their famous elephant park, or be part of one of the many projects they are working on with the local community. These projects display how income can be generated within an ethical elephant experience.
It is crucial to book your slots beforehand, sometimes even months in advance. We do strongly recommend you do your research on their ethical animal tourism.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
In the afternoon, get ready to explore Wat Phra That Doi Suthep – one of the top tourist sites in Chiang Mai. Located some 40 minutes drive from the Old Town, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a spectacular temple.
To reach the temple, you’ll need to climb 306 steps. From the top of the temple, you’ll see mesmerising views over the city. There is the option to take the funicular to reach the top instead of the stairs. This costs around 20 baht.
This huge temple will take some time to explore but is incredible.
Thailand’s culture is quite conservative when it comes to visiting temples. So, make sure you dress appropriately, this goes for both men and women.
See a Lady Cabaret Show
An amazing form of local entertainment is the Lady Cabaret. It is a ladyboy show which is absolutely beautiful to watch. In the culture and society of Thailand, ladyboys are well-accepted, and you can expect to witness entertaining shows and cabarets around the country.
The show starts at 9:30 PM, but we recommend you book the tickets somewhere between 8pm and 9pm. The ticket for the Lady Cabaret Show costs around 350 Baht. If you still have some energy left to be a part of Chiang Mai’s nightlife scene, then visit the Old City for the ultimate party experience at some of the top clubs in Chiang Mai.
DAY 3
Sticky Waterfall Day Trip
A day-trip sounds almost impossible on a 3-day Chiang Mai itinerary. But this itinerary gives you the opportunity to go on the ultimate day trip to one of the most stunning attractions – Sticky Waterfall.
Located around 50km from Chiang Mai city, the waterfall is located in Jedsee Fountain Forest Park. The reason Sticky Waterfall (formerly known as Bua Tong Waterfall) is a special place to go on your Chiang Mai trip, is because you can climb the waterfall.
The climb is steep, but because the mineral deposits on the rocks create friction, it is easy to grab the rocks and climb. You don’t need any climbing gear either as there are ropes throughout the route to make the climb easier and more fun.
As you reach the top, you are welcomed by the mesmerising waterfall and the spectacular views over the lush-green jungle. Go swimming as you reach the top in one of the many pools.
Amazingly, there is no entrance fee for Sticky Waterfall. A top tip is to make sure you take your own drinks and some snacks.
Cooking Class
If you still have some time for another day activity after your visit to Sticky Waterfall, why not indulge in a cooking class experience. It’s just not souvenirs you take home from a vacation; sometimes, it is also an experience.
And learning to cook a local dish will come in handy long after your vacation, when you are craving some delicious Thai food. A cooking class may end up being the highlight of your Chiang Mai trip!
There are plenty of cooking classes hosted in the city, and many of them start in the late afternoon. Unlike a traditional cooking class experience, this includes visiting the market to shop for ingredients.
For an authentic experience, you can choose a farm cooking class. You will get an opportunity to visit an organic farm and learn about the local process of farming in Chiang Mai.
Conclude the Tour With a Thai Massage
Do we even need an introduction to Thai Massage? It’s world-famous! And on your Thailand tour, you cannot afford not to miss the once-in-a-lifetime experience of getting an authentic Thai Massage.
This is the perfect activity to unwind after being on the go for three continuous days. And a disclaimer for the first-timers, the massage might seem a little intense, but it’s all worth it.
Being an ancient practice, entirely different from massages offered around the globe, a Thai Massage in Thailand is more of a cultural experience that benefits your body. Throughout the city, you can find plenty of options to choose from. So, do your research and enjoy the ultimate experience.
Before You Leave for Thailand
Before you set off on your way to Thailand, there are a number of things you will need to get organised to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. These include what to pack, where to stay and what is the best insurance for your trip to Thailand. All of this is discussed in detail below.
How to Get to Chiang Mai
There are two popular ways to get to Chiang Mai: One is by flight from Bangkok to Chaing Mai International airport which is 25 minutes from the city. The other is to get there by car from Chaing Ray.
Where to Stay in Chiang Mai
One of our favourite parts of travelling around Asia is the affordability of accommodation in each country. Thailand is no different, with plenty of incredibly affordable and comfortable places to stay across the country. When we are on the road, we will normally book our accommodation through Booking.com, as we find this gives us the best prices and the most choice.
We have listed your top choice of accommodation for different budget ranges below.
Luxury – For those who want a trip that they will remember for a lifetime, the extremely luxurious (and surprisingly affordable) Centara Khum Phaya Resort & Spa is the place for you. Featuring modern Northern Thai style, the spacious rooms, outdoor pool, and close proximity to Chiang Mai Old Town will make it an experience to never forget.
Book your stay at Centara Khum Phaya Resort & Spa here.
Mid-Range – Just 3 miles away from the Chiang Mai Airport, the Hnuphen Chiangmai Homestay is the perfect place to stay during your trip to Chiang Mai. Comfortable and affordable, this homestay offers AC rooms and free wifi to all guests.
Book your stay at Hnuphen Chiangmai Homestay here.
Budget – If you are looking for a place to rest your head between days of adventure and are not too fussed about the extravegance of the above suggestions, the best budget option for you in Chiang Mai is definitely The Newnormal House. Offering the lowest rates for private rooms, the spacious and comfortable rooms, and close proximity to the centre of Chiang Mai make it a no brainer.
Book your stay at The Newnormal House here.
If you are more into the hostel scene when you travel, there are an unbelievable number of funky, cheap, and social hostels spread through the country. Browse the full range of hostels that Thailand has to offer and book your stay right here.
What to Pack for Your Trip to Thailand
Thailand is blessed with tropical, scorching weather year-round. This means there are three seasons: a hot season (March-June), the wet season (July-October) and cool season (November-February). The temperature during these seasons remains above 26oC and humidity averages around 78%. Due to this, we would recommend that you pack light clothing and a light waterproof. Lucky for you, this makes packing a lot easier and your luggage a lot lighter.
Check out our Summer Packing List for Women and Summer Packing List for Men for some clothing inspiration for your trip to paradise.
When it comes to sun protection in Thailand, it is a lot more expensive to buy it when you arrive. We, therefore, recommend packing as much sunscreen as you can before you leave for Thailand.
You definitely don’t want to forget your camera when you are travelling to Thailand. No matter where we go in the world, we always ensure our camera bag is fully topped up.
If you would like to know more about what is in our camera bag, click right here.
For our full list of items that we pack no matter where we go in the world, check out our full packing guides over here.
Photography Equipment
Main Photography Camera – Sony A7v Mirrorless Camera and Sony A7iii Mirrorless Camera
Microphone – Sony Mic ECM-B1M
Main Lens – Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8
Zoom Lens – Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8
Camera Tripod – ZOMEI Z669C Camera Tripod
Gorilla Pod – JOBY JB01507-BWW GorillaPod
Action Camera – GoPro Hero 11 and Insta 360 One RS
Drone Camera – DJI Mavic Pro 3
Camera Bag – Wandrd PRVKE 41L and The Nest by Tropicfeel
Phone Tripod – Manfrotto MKPIXICLAMP-BK, Mini Tripod with Universal Smartphone Clamp
Sturdy Phone Tripod & Selfie Stick – ATUMTEK 61″ Selfie Stick Tripod, Sturdy Phone Tripod Stand with Wireless Remote
Hard Drives – LaCie Rugged Mini, 5TB, 2.5″, Portable External Hard Drive
SSD – SanDisk Extreme Pro 1TB Portable NVMe SSD
Travel Adapter –Worldwide Travel Adapter Universal Travel Plug with 4 USB Ports+Universal AC Socke
What is the Best Travel Insurance for Thailand
I know travel insurance is the least enjoyable thing to purchase and look at when you’re planning a trip, however, you wouldn’t want to be without it in the event that something happened. Accidents can happen anywhere and the extortionate medical bills will ruin your trip if you are not covered.
To ensure you have a stress-free trip with no worries about potential medical bills, make sure you cover yourself when you travel. We can recommend using SafetyWing, a backpacker-friendly and cheap insurance company that provides good coverage and support. It is also nomad-friendly, unlike most other insurance companies, meaning you do not need to worry about being out of your home country for too long.
Get a quote for your travel insurance right here and get covered!
So there you have it, your one day itinerary to Chaing Mai. If you are visiting this incredible city and have any other questions on what to expect, leave us a comment down below. We love to chat about this stuff! If you have already been, let us know how it was! Let us know in the comments below!
Also, remember to share this with your friends and family that you are going to share this amazing experience with. Sharing is caring and we want to ensure that everyone is fully prepared to maximise their experience completing this stunning walk.
If you are planning a Thailand trip soon then check out our Thailand content here. Come and find us on social media to see where we are currently exploring. Tag us in your photos from your stay and we will share them with the rest of our community of explorers and backpackers.
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