Begin your trip with a visit to two of the most popular tourist sites in Chiang Mai. Start with Doi Suthep, a mountain located 15 km away from the city, where you can see a stunning panoramic view of Chiang Mai. Then, move on to Bhubing Palace, the winter residence of the Thai royal family. The palace is set in beautiful gardens and is perfect for nature lovers and architecture enthusiasts.
Start your day with a visit to the Elephant Nature Park where you can spend time with elephants and learn more about their conservation. After a half day at the park, head back to the city center to visit Wat Chedi Luang, which is a temple complex that dates back to the 14th century. Here you can witness traditional Thai architecture and learn about Chiang Mai's history.
Ease into the day with a peaceful cycling tour through Mae Rim Rice Paddy farmland. Enjoy the countryside scenery of rice paddies and local village life. Afterward, head back to the hotel to relax and prepare for an evening at the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. This is the perfect spot to grab traditional Thai souvenirs, taste local street food, and enjoy traditional Thai live performances.
End the trip with a fun and informative Thai cooking class. Learn how to cook some of Thailand's delicious dishes from a local chef. After lunch at the cooking school, head to the Sankampaeng Handicraft Village to witness traditional Thai handicrafts being made. This village is home to an array of local artisans making everything from silverware to lacquerware.
Getting around Chiang Mai is easy and comfortable with private cars or taxis. You can find taxi stands and car rentals at most major tourist destinations. Depending on your destination, a taxi ride can cost around ฿300-฿500. Alternatively, you can also use Grab application where you can expect similar travel costs.
If you have more time, consider visiting some of the many temples in Chiang Mai such as Wat Phra Singh or Wat Umong. For those interested in hiking, you can also take a day trip up to Doi Inthanon National Park to explore the highest peak in Thailand. If you have less time, consider skipping the Sankampaeng Handicraft Village or the Thai cooking class.
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) is the primary airport serving Chiang Mai. The airport is located approximately 4 miles southwest of the city center and there are taxi and shuttle services available to take you to your hotel.