Luxury 4-Day Chiang Mai Itinerary

• Day 1: Doi Suthep and Wat Phra Singh
  25 minutes (6.5 miles) from Chiang Mai International Airport

  Start the trip with a visit to Doi Suthep, a mountain temple with impressive views of Chiang Mai. Then, continue to Wat Phra Singh, one of Chiang Mai's most important temples featuring beautiful Lanna architecture and murals.

• Day 2: Elephant Nature Park and Old City tour
  1 hour 10 minutes (17 miles) from Doi Suthep

  Experience the luxury of ethical elephant tourism by visiting the Elephant Nature Park in the morning to feed and bathe the elephants. In the afternoon, explore the Old City and visit attractions such as Wat Chedi Luang, the Three Kings Monument, and the Sunday Walking Street Market.

• Day 3: Bua Thong Waterfalls and Night Bazaar
  1 hour 20 minutes (31 miles) from Elephant Nature Park

  Take a day trip to Bua Thong Waterfalls, also known as the Sticky Waterfalls, where you can climb the limestone tiered waterfalls. In the evening, experience the vibrancy of Chiang Mai's Night Bazaar, a fantastic place to shop for souvenirs, taste delicious street food, and enjoy the local nightlife.

• Day 4: Mae Sa Valley and Spa Treatment
  1 hour (17 miles) from Night Bazaar

  Visit the Mae Sa Valley and its beautiful botanical gardens, Mae Sa waterfall, and Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden. In the afternoon, treat yourself to a luxurious spa experience at the Anantara Spa.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Doi Suthep (1-2 hours, ฿30 entrance fee)
• Wat Phra Singh (1 hour, free admission but donations accepted)
• Elephant Nature Park (full-day tour, starting from ฿4,500 per person)
• Old City tour (1-2 hours, free, but tour guide fees and transportation costs may apply)
• Bua Thong Waterfalls (1-2 hours, free admission)
• Night Bazaar (2-3 hours, free admission but shopping and entertainment costs vary)
• Mae Sa Valley (1-2 hours, free admission)
• Anantara Spa Treatment (2-3 hours, starting from ฿3,000)
• Total Estimated Costs: ฿7,530 - ฿10,530 per person

Transportation

To get around Chiang Mai, visitors can take a tuk-tuk, songthaew, or rent a car with a driver. Taxis and Grab are also available, but prices and standards may vary. Visitors can also rent a motorbike, but it is important to follow safety guidelines and laws. Prices for transportation may vary, but estimate around ฿200-500 per trip depending on the distance.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting other attractions such as the Chiang Mai Zoo, the Grand Canyon Water Park, and the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek. For those interested in the art and culture of Chiang Mai, the Lanna Folklife Museum and the Chiang Mai Cultural Center are excellent places to visit. For those looking for a more adventurous itinerary, consider an outdoor activity such as zip-lining or white-water rafting. On the other hand, if you have less time, it is recommended to prioritize and group attractions by proximity and relevance to personal interests.

Airports

Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) is the main airport serving Chiang Mai. It is located approximately 3 miles southwest of the city center, and it handles both domestic and international flights. Visitors can take a taxi or Grab from the airport to the city center, which takes about 10-15 minutes and costs around ฿100-200 depending on the destination.