Start your cultural immersion trip in Chiang Mai by exploring the old city. Experience ancient temples such as the Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh, and Wat Chiang Man. Visit the Three Kings Monument and learn about the history and culture behind it. Explore the street markets where you can find local handicrafts and souvenirs. End your day by enjoying traditional Northern Thai cuisine at Huen Phen restaurant.
Start your day by participating in a monk chat at Wat Suan Dok temple. Here, you can have the opportunity to learn about the Buddhist religion from the monks themselves. Visit the Chiang Mai National Museum to learn more about the history of Chiang Mai and its people. Try a traditional Lanna-style massage at Fah Lanna Spa before indulging in a Khantoke dinner at Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center, where you can appreciate Northern Thai culture.
Chiang Mai has several transportation options for travelers. There are tuk-tuks, songthaews, taxis and Uber/Grab. Tuk-tuks are the most iconic and fun mode of transportation but make sure to agree on a price before the ride. Songthaews are like shared taxis that make routine trips so tell them your destination before boarding. Taxis and Grab/Uber are more convenient to use, but can be a bit more expensive. For easier navigation, consider renting a motorbike or bicycle for the duration of your stay.
Estimated costs: Tuk-tuk ฿60-150, Songthaew ฿20-30, Taxi or Grab/Uber ฿130-200 per ride, Motorbike rental ฿150-300 per day, and Bicycle rental ฿50-100 per day.
If you have more time, consider visiting other popular cultural sites like the Doi Suthep temple, the Elephant Nature Park or the Night Bazaar. For food lovers, experience the local street food at the Warorot Market. If you have less time, shorten the time spent at each location or visit fewer places to avoid rushing.
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) is the main airport serving Chiang Mai. It is located about 5.5 kilometers from the old city and can be reached by tuk-tuk, taxi, or Grab/Uber. The airport has a variety of facilities including restaurants, cafés, and duty-free shops.