Three days in Chiang Mai is enough to hit the highlights without rushing. This itinerary is based on real places from our database of 7,288 venues - every restaurant, temple, and activity has been visited and reviewed by real travelers.
Day 1: Temples, Old City & Your First Khao Soi
Morning
- 8:00 AM - Somphet Market (Old City) - Start with jok (rice porridge) or pa tong ko (Thai donuts). 40-80 THB.
- 9:00 AM - Wat Chedi Luang - The massive ruined chedi is breathtaking. Join the Monk Chat program (9 AM-noon). 40 THB entry.
- 10:00 AM - Wat Phra Singh - The most important temple in the city. Do not miss the Lai Kham chapel murals. 40 THB.
- 11:00 AM - Khao Soi Khun Yai - Your first khao soi. Get the chicken leg version. Arrive before 11:30 to beat the rush. 50-60 THB.
Afternoon
- 12:30 PM - Walk the Old City walls along the moat from Tha Phae Gate to Chang Phueak Gate. Free.
- 1:30 PM - Wat Umong (Tunnel Temple) - Underground tunnels with ancient Buddha images. Peaceful forest setting. 20 THB donation. Take a songthaew (30 THB).
- 3:00 PM - Nimman exploration - Browse One Nimman, check the street art, grab an iced coffee at Ristr8to Lab (80-120 THB).
Evening
- 5:30 PM - Doi Suthep sunset - 309-step Naga staircase. Golden light on the chedi is magical. 30 THB entry + 60 THB songthaew.
- 8:00 PM - Night Bazaar dinner - Anusarn Market food stalls. Try sai ua (northern sausage) and nam prik ong. 150-300 THB.
Day 1 budget: 800-1,500 THB
Day 2: Nature, Cooking Class & Nightlife
Morning
- 7:00 AM - Monk alms giving - Watch from a respectful distance as monks walk through sois collecting food. Free.
- 8:00 AM - Jing Jai Market - Organic farmer's market. Great smoothies and local dishes. 50-100 THB. Open Wed-Sun.
- 9:30 AM - Bua Thong Sticky Waterfall - Limestone waterfall you can walk up barefoot. 60 km north, book a Grab or tour. Free entry + 500 THB transport.
Afternoon
- 1:00 PM - Huen Phen lunch - Classic northern Thai set: khao soi, laab, nam prik, kaeng hang le. 60-120 THB.
- 2:30 PM - Thai cooking class - Book ahead. Mama Noi, Thai Farm, or Pantawan. 5-7 dishes, includes market visit. 800-1,200 THB.
Evening
- 6:30 PM - Rest - You will be full from cooking class.
- 8:00 PM - Nimman nightlife - Warm Up Cafe for live music, Ninety for cocktails. 200-500 THB.
Day 2 budget: 1,800-3,000 THB
Day 3: Markets, Massage & Farewell
Morning
- 8:00 AM - Warorot Market (Kad Luang) - Biggest local market. Buy dried longan, sausages, Lanna textiles. 100-300 THB.
- 9:30 AM - Akha Ama Coffee - Social enterprise single-origin pour-over. 80-120 THB.
- 10:30 AM - Thai massage - Lila Thai Massage or Women's Correctional Institution center. 200-350 THB/hour.
Afternoon
- 1:00 PM - Farewell khao soi at Lam Duan Fah Ham - Compare with Day 1. 50-60 THB.
- 2:00 PM - Tha Phae Gate - Iconic photo spot. Free.
- 3:00 PM - Walking Street market (if Saturday or Sunday) - Handmade crafts, street food, live music. 200-500 THB.
Evening
- 6:00 PM - Huay Tung Tao Lake sunset - Bamboo huts, grilled chicken, views of Doi Suthep. 50 THB entry + food.
- 8:00 PM - Farewell dinner - SP Chicken, Dash!, or The Riverside. 200-500 THB.
Day 3 budget: 1,200-2,500 THB
Total 3-Day Budget
| Style | 3-Day Total | Per Day |
|---|---|---|
| Backpacker | 2,500-5,000 THB ($70-140) | ~$25-50 |
| Mid-Range | 7,000-15,000 THB ($200-430) | ~$70-145 |
| Comfort | 19,000-36,000 THB ($540-1,030) | ~$180-345 |
Does not include accommodation or flights.
Want a custom itinerary? Our trip planner builds personalized plans from 7,288 real places. Or see the interactive 3-day itinerary with tabbed day views.