Surrounded by mountains and beautiful scenery, the city itself is rich in history and culture. Chiang Mai is also home to a staggering 300 temples, many located within the walls of the Old City.
For first-time visitors, three days is a perfect amount of time to spend in Chiang Mai. Our 3-day itinerary will help you plan your stay so you don’t miss any of the best things to do in Chiang Mai.
Day 1: Seven Must-See Temples in and Around Chiang Mai Old City
If you’re not used to the heat, either choose a few temples closer together or take advantage of a Grab Taxi to Wat Suan Dok which is a little out of the way from the old City.
Nothing like the other temples in Chiang Mai and certainly not as grand as Wat Phra Singh, the massive mythical serpents and elephants guarding the pagoda are sure to impress.
All over Thailand, there are opportunities to spend the day with elephants. But, there are a few very important things to consider before partaking in any kind of animal tourism in Thailand.
Treat yourself to a traditional Thai massage. There are many massage parlours in Chiang Mai and prices vary greatly depending on the company and the treatment provided.
Nimman is where you will find modern restaurants – both Thai and international, hipster cafes, art galleries, and boutique shopping with a focus on local designers.