All citiesChiang Mai Things to do and walking itinerary
Thailand Chiang Mai travel guide
17 things to do in Chiang Mai, where to stay, airport transfers. Pick places on the map and get a day-by-day walking route from your hotel with steps, kilometres and minutes.
Top things to do in Chiang Mai
- Wat Chedi Luang — Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai, Thailand (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Wat Phra Sing — Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai, Thailand (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Wat Chiang Man — Buddhist temple in Muang Chiang Mai district, Chiang Mai province, Thailand (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Chiang Mai Zoo — zoo in Thailand (visit ≈ 150 min)
- Wat Chet Yot — Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai, Thailand (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Ban Ho Mosque — mosque in Chiang Mai, Thailand (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Wat Suan Dok — Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai province, Thailand (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Wat Lok Moli — Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai, Thailand (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Attaqwa Mosque — mosque in Chiang Mai, Thailand (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Wat Buppharam — Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai, Thailand (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Wat Umong Suan Phutthatham — Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai, Thailand (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Wiang Kum Kam — archaeological site in Chiang Mai province, Thailand (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Sacred Heart Cathedral — church in Chiang Mai, Thailand (visit ≈ 35 min)
- Chiang Mai National Museum — museum in Chiang Mai, Thailand (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Wat Chiang Yuen — Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai province, Thailand (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Wat Chang Kham — Buddhist temple ruins in Chiang Mai province, Thailand (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Wat Si Suphan — Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai, Thailand (visit ≈ 40 min)
3-day Chiang Mai walking itinerary
Starting point: Old City. The top 8 places at a normal pace (up to ~10 km of walking a day), in this order. Change places or your hotel on the map and the route is recalculated; distances are estimates with a street allowance.
- Day 1 (≈ 7.5 km · 10,160 steps · 1 h 40 min on the way): Ban Ho Mosque → Attaqwa Mosque → Wat Chiang Man → Wat Lok Moli
- Day 2 (≈ 8.5 km · 11,500 steps · 1 h 54 min on the way): Wat Chet Yot
- Day 3 (≈ 7.0 km · 9,510 steps · 1 h 35 min on the way): Wat Suan Dok → Wat Phra Sing → Wat Chedi Luang
Hidden gems and overlooked spots in Chiang Mai
- Elephant Nature Park — Valley sanctuary north of the city for rescued elephants: no riding, just observation and feeding visits. (visit ≈ 360 min)
Where to stay in Chiang Mai
- Old City: The moated historic centre; temples within walking distance.
- Nimman: Cafés, boutiques and a young crowd near the university.
- Night Bazaar: Lively area of evening markets and hotels near the river.
- Riverside / Wat Ket: A quiet neighbourhood of old wooden houses on the Ping River.
Getting from the airport to Chiang Mai
- Chiang Mai (CNX): The airport is very close to town; taxi or Grab ≈ 15 min.
Getting around
The Old City is walkable; for longer trips use the red songthaew trucks or Grab. Songthaews also run up to Doi Suthep.
Classic places to eat
- Huen Phen: Northern Thai cooking in the Old City for decades; khao soi and sai ua sausage.
- Khao Soi Lamduan Faham: Family shop east of the river that has made khao soi for generations.
- Khao Soi Khun Yai: Small stall by the Old City wall, open only until lunchtime.
- Khao Soi Mae Sai: A simple khao soi shop near Nimman, popular with locals.
- Tong Tem Toh: Open-air northern Thai food in Nimman; busy in the evening.
- SP Chicken: Rotisserie chicken over charcoal near Wat Phra Singh.
- Ristr8to: A pioneering Nimman coffee bar known for latte art.
- Akha Ama Coffee: Community-founded café serving coffee from Akha hill villages.
Romantic views
- Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (Sunset): From the golden mountain temple you see the whole valley and city.
- Wat Pha Lat (Early morning): A quiet temple in the forest beside a waterfall.
- Iron Bridge (Evening): An old, lit-up footbridge across the Ping River.
- Huay Tung Tao Lake (Sunset): Bamboo huts on a lakeshore facing the mountains.
Good to know before visiting Chiang Mai
- Fine: Insulting the monarchy (lèse-majesté) carries long prison terms, including social media posts.
- Fine: Bringing, owning or using e-cigarettes or vapes is illegal; expect confiscation, fines or jail.
- Fine: Since 2025 cannabis sales need a prescription and public smoking is banned; other drugs bring severe penalties.
- Fine: Smoking and dropping butts on popular beaches is banned.
- Fine: Scooters need a motorcycle licence and helmet; don't leave your passport as a rental deposit.
- Warning: In temples cover shoulders and knees and remove shoes; never climb Buddha images.
- Emergency: police 191, ambulance 1669, fire 199
- Plugs: A/B/C/O, 230V
- Tap water: Don't drink tap water; use bottled.
- Tipping: Tipping isn't required; leave small change; upscale places add 10% service.
Sources: UK FCDO — Foreign travel advice: Thailand, Tourist Police (Thailand) — 1155, Wikivoyage — Thailand, T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı — Türk vatandaşlarının tabi olduğu vize uygulamaları · For information only; rules change, check official sources before you go. Last checked: 2026-10
Chiang Mai travel FAQ
- How many days do you need in Chiang Mai?
- The top 8 places in the centre take about 3 days at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel. Allow 4 days for the top 13 places within walking distance.
- What are the top things to do in Chiang Mai?
- Highlights: Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Sing, Wat Chiang Man, Chiang Mai Zoo and Wat Chet Yot. The map has 17 things to do in total.
- Where to stay in Chiang Mai?
- Old City: The moated historic centre; temples within walking distance. Other options: Nimman, Night Bazaar and Riverside / Wat Ket.
- How do you get from the airport to Chiang Mai city centre?
- Chiang Mai (CNX): The airport is very close to town; taxi or Grab ≈ 15 min.
- How do you get around Chiang Mai?
- The Old City is walkable; for longer trips use the red songthaew trucks or Grab. Songthaews also run up to Doi Suthep.
- What is the emergency number in Chiang Mai?
- Emergency: police 191, ambulance 1669, fire 199.
- Do you tip in Chiang Mai?
- Tipping isn't required; leave small change; upscale places add 10% service.
Nearby cities
Naypyidaw · Vientiane · Bangkok · Hanoi · Siem Reap · Phnom Penh · Hội An · Dhaka
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