The Ultimate Chiang Mai Travel Guide: 6-Day Itinerary & Best Spots
Chiang Mai is a city where ancient temples, the vibrancy of local life, and a relaxed atmosphere coexist harmoniously. A 5-night, 6-day itinerary allows you to leisurely explore everything from the main temples in the city center to mountain sanctuaries and natural attractions on the outskirts. In this guide, we have organized everything you need for an independent Chiang Mai trip, including flights, accommodation areas, must-visit spots, recommended itineraries, and travel tips.
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| Chiang Mai Travel Guide |
Travel Preparation & Basic Info
Best Time to Visit
Chiang Mai is a year-round destination, but the most pleasant time to visit is from November to February. During this "Cool Season," the average temperature hovers around 20–28°C (68–82°F) with little rain, making it perfect for outdoor activities.
Conversely, from May to October is the rainy season. While humidity is higher and showers are frequent, flight tickets and accommodation rates can be about 20–30% cheaper.
Flight Information
Flight Duration: Direct flights are available from major Asian hubs. Travelers from Europe or the Americas often transfer in Bangkok (BKK). The flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai (CNX) takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
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| Chiang Mai International Airport |
Major Airlines & Options
| Category | Airlines (Examples) | Estimated Cost Level |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Service Carriers | Thai Airways, Emirates, Korean Air, etc. | High ($$$) |
| Regional Connections | Bangkok Airways, China Southern | Medium ($$) |
| Low-Cost Carriers (LCC) | AirAsia, Scoot, VietJet, etc. | Budget ($) |
- During the low season, prices can drop significantly.
- Late-night or early-morning departures are often cheaper.
- To make the most of your first day, aim for a flight arriving between 1 PM and 4 PM.
Connectivity (SIM / eSIM)
- SIM Card: You can purchase traveler data packages from AIS, DTAC, or TrueMove booths at the arrival hall on the 1st floor of Chiang Mai International Airport.
- eSIM: Purchasing online before departure and installing via QR code is highly recommended for immediate use upon arrival. Please ensure your device supports eSIM.
| Type | Pros | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Physical SIM | Compatible with most devices, easy to swap | Risk of losing original SIM, requires setup |
| eSIM | Immediate activation, no physical swap | Device compatibility check required |
Check for data speed caps and hotspot tethering availability before purchasing.
Travel Insurance
Thailand is generally safe, but unexpected medical visits or emergencies can happen. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance.
Global providers like World Nomads or SafetyWing offer comprehensive coverage for medical expenses, baggage loss, and flight delays.
Costs are typically affordable (around $5–10 USD per day). Always check the coverage limits and policy exclusions before signing up.
Where to Stay
- Old Town
- Concentrated with temples and markets; convenient for walking.
- Close to night markets and main attractions, making it ideal for first-timers, though it can be slightly noisy at night.
- Nimmanhaemin
- A modern district filled with trendy cafes, restaurants, and boutiques. Lively atmosphere.
- However, you will need transportation to reach the main temples in the Old Town.
- Outskirts (Riverside/Resorts)
- Many resorts offer a quiet stay surrounded by nature, perfect for a relaxing getaway.
- Travel time to the city center is longer, so allow extra time for transportation.
Price Reference (Peak Season)
Hostels/Guesthouses: $15–$30 USD/night. Mid-range Boutique Hotels: $45–$75 USD/night. Luxury Resorts: $90+ USD/night. During peak season (Dec–Feb), booking at least 2 months in advance is recommended.
Top Places to Visit in Chiang Mai
When planning a Chiang Mai itinerary, it is efficient to group attractions by area. The Old Town is best explored on foot, while suburban areas require half-day trips by vehicle. Further excursions usually require a full-day tour.
Old Town
The heart of Chiang Mai, dense with ancient temples and markets. Major sites are clustered within a short distance, making it perfect for walking tours.
Three Kings Monument
A symbol of Chiang Mai, featuring statues of the three kings who founded the city. The nearby Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Center is great for understanding the city's origins.
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| Three Kings Monument |
Wat Chedi Luang
An ancient temple built in the 14th century, featuring an impressive massive brick pagoda. Located in the center of the Old Town, it's a great starting point for your tour.
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| Wat Chedi Luang |
Wat Phra Singh
Famous for its golden Buddha statue, this temple has well-maintained cloisters and gardens. Visiting early in the morning allows for a quieter experience.
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| Wat Phra Singh |
Wat Buppharam
A small but serene temple located near Tha Phae Gate, known for its quiet atmosphere.
Silver Temple (Wat Sri Suphan)
The exterior of this temple is decorated with silver, and the interior is filled with intricate metalwork. Please note that women are not allowed to enter the main ordination hall.
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| Silver Temple (Wat Sri Suphan) |
Tha Phae Night Market (Sunday Walking Street)
The representative night market where you can taste local food and browse handicrafts. It opens after 6 PM on Sundays and gets very crowded.
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| Tha Phae Night Market |
Wualai Walking Street
Held only on Saturdays, this market is full of handicrafts and street food along the alleyways.
Outskirts & Nature
A 20–40 minute drive from the city center leads to forest temples and artist villages. It's great to combine nature and art into a day trip.
Wat Umong
A tunnel temple situated in the forest, featuring meditation spaces and a quiet pond. It is known as a place where locals enjoy meditation and walks.
Wat Suan Dok
A beautiful temple lined with white pagodas, very popular as a photo spot.
Monk’s Trail → Wat Pha Lat
A forest trekking path leading up to Doi Suthep. It takes about an hour with a gentle slope. Wat Pha Lat, located midway, is considered a hidden gem of Chiang Mai.
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| Wat Pha Lat |
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Chiang Mai's most iconic temple, accessible via cable car or stairs. The panoramic view of the city from the top is stunning, especially at sunset.
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| Doi Suthep |
Baan Kang Wat (Artist Village)
An artistic community space gathering craft workshops, cafes, and galleries.
Flea markets are held on weekends, where you can see works by local artists.
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| Baan Kang Wat |
Nimmanhaemin Road
A street full of cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops, great for evening strolls or dining.
Nature & Experiences
The northern outskirts of Chiang Mai are famous for waterfalls and elephant sanctuaries. Public transport is scarce here, so using a local tour vehicle is common.
Mae Sa Waterfall
Located within a national park, featuring trekking paths and picnic areas.
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| Mae Sa Waterfall |
Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries (e.g., Elephant Nature Park)
Sanctuaries that operate with a focus on feeding and bathing experiences rather than riding elephants.
Advance booking is essential, and tours typically involve a morning pickup and afternoon return.
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| Elephant Nature Park |
Day Trips
Locations 2–4 hours away from Chiang Mai, usually visited via one-day tours from local agencies.
Doi Inthanon National Park
Thailand's highest mountain, famous for the summit viewpoint at 2,565m and the Twin Pagodas (King & Queen Pagodas). The mist created by the waterfalls makes for spectacular scenery. Tours usually depart around 7 AM.
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| Doi Inthanon Twin Pagodas |
Chiang Rai
A common one-day tour includes the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten), and the Golden Triangle. Although the travel distance is long, early morning tours allow you to see everything in one day.
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| White Temple |
Recommended Itinerary (5 Nights 6 Days)
Chiang Mai offers a mix of city temples, nature, and nearby excursions, making a 6-day trip the most balanced option. The schedule is surprisingly relaxed, so feel free to add cafe hopping or spa visits according to your taste.
Day 1 – Arrival & Old Town Exploration
Arrival & Check-in → Three Kings Monument → Wat Chedi Luang → Wat Phra Singh → Tha Phae Gate → Night Market
The afternoon can be covered on foot, a great way to get accustomed to the local vibe.
Day 2 – Doi Suthep & Art Village
Monk’s Trail Trekking → Wat Pha Lat → Wat Phra That Doi Suthep → Wat Umong → Baan Kang Wat Art Village → Nimmanhaemin Road
You can save time by taking a vehicle instead of trekking.
Day 3 – Cooking Class & Culture
Thai Cooking Class → Wat Suan Dok → Silver Temple → Wualai Night Market
Scheduling a cooking class in the morning leaves the afternoon free for other activities.
Day 4 – Nature & Relaxation
Elephant Sanctuary → Mae Sa Waterfall Trekking → Local Spa or Massage
Since the day involves a lot of movement, a massage in the evening is highly recommended.
Day 5 – Day Trip (Choose 1)
① Chiang Rai Day Tour: White Temple → Blue Temple → Golden Triangle
② Doi Inthanon Tour: Twin Pagodas → Waterfalls → Viewpoint
Both tours depart early in the morning and take up the whole day.
Day 6 – Leisure & Departure
Local Cafes → Shopping → Check-out → Airport Transfer
If your flight is in the afternoon, spend the morning exploring Nimmanhaemin or riverside cafes.
Travelers can shorten or extend this itinerary. For example, if you prefer a relaxing trip, you can split the Day 4 schedule over two days.
Chiang Mai Travel Tips & Etiquette
- Temple Etiquette
- Wear pants or skirts that cover your knees and shirts that cover your shoulders.
- Remove shoes before entering indoor areas and avoid pointing your feet at Buddha statues.
- Ask for permission before taking photos of or speaking with monks.
- Local Culture
- Chiang Mai is a quiet city; avoid speaking loudly or pointing fingers at people.
- Leaving a small tip at restaurants is appreciated, and bargain politely at markets.
- Transportation
- Grab or Bolt apps are convenient for city travel. You can also use Songthaews (Red Trucks).
- Short trips cost around 30–50 THB (approx. $1–$1.5 USD). Note that fewer vehicles are available late at night.
- Weather & Clothing
- Hot during the day but cool at night, so a light jacket is useful.
- In the rainy season (May–Oct), sudden showers are frequent, so carry a small umbrella.
- Other Tips
- Prepare small cash notes for markets and street stalls.
- Voltage is 220V. Plugs are typically Type A, B, or C (compatible with most US/EU plugs), but a universal adapter is recommended.
Chiang Mai is a city where temples, nature, and art spaces are closely gathered, offering diverse experiences even on a short trip. A 5-night, 6-day itinerary allows you to explore major city temples, suburban art villages, and even day trips to nearby regions. Adjusting your travel dates, accommodation location, and routes will make for an even more relaxing journey.
We hope this Chiang Mai travel guide helps first-time visitors plan their itinerary efficiently.
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