Itinerary Summary
Land at Chiang Mai airport and walk into the old city for the first nights. Day two is Chedi Luang and Phra Singh in the walled city, day three Doi Suthep at sunset plus Nimmanhaemin Road in the eveni…
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Old City Arrival and a Night Market Dinner
14:00
0.75h
Chiang Mai airport to old city guesthouse
Take a metered taxi from the airport desk or a shared songthaew outside. The ride is short, so confirm the fare before setting off and keep small notes for the driver.
📍 Chiang Mai International Airport to old city
16:00
1h
Wat Phan Tao teak hall visit
The dark teak viharn is a quiet first stop near the Sunday market street. Entry is by donation, shoes come off at the steps, and the courtyard is usually empty in late afternoon.
📍 Wat Phan Tao, Chiang Mai
18:00
2h
Night Bazaar dinner of khao soi
Eat khao soi at a bazaar food stall and follow with mango sticky rice. Portions are small, so two or three stops make a full meal, and cash is faster than cards.
📍 Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
💡 Pro Tip: Thailand is UTC+7. Entry rules depend on your passport, so check the Thailand visa section before travel. Chiang Mai airport is 15 minutes from the old city, and metered taxis from the desk are the simplest option. Temples require covered shoulders and knees, and shoes come off at every ordination hall. The old city is flat and walkable, with the moat as a landmark. Nights can be cool from November to February.
Days 2-5 are member-only
Members get the complete day-by-day plan with timing, transport and on-the-ground tips.
Budget Breakdown
AccommodationUS$30035%
Boutique old-city guesthouses, 4 nights
Food & DiningUS$17020%
Khao soi, som tam, grilled meat and tropical fruit
Remaining cost categories are member-only
Members see the full breakdown for flights, hotels, food, tickets and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the dress code for Chiang Mai's temples, including Doi Suthep?+
Cover shoulders and knees at all active temples, including Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh and Doi Suthep. Remove shoes and hats before entering halls, and sit with feet pointing away from Buddha images. Some sites provide wraps, but bringing your own light scarf and long trousers is simpler.
How do I get up to Doi Suthep without a tour, and when should I go?+
Red songthaew trucks run from the old city and Chiang Mai University to the temple, or hire a private car for the half-day. Late afternoon is cooler and the sunset view over the city is best. The road climbs steeply, so allow extra time in the rainy season.
What is the weather like in Chiang Mai from November to February?+
These are the coolest, driest months, with daytime temperatures around 25-30°C and noticeably cold nights on the mountains, so pack a light jacket for Doi Suthep and early starts. March to May is hot and smoky from seasonal burning, and the June to October rains are heavy but usually brief.
How do I choose an ethical elephant sanctuary near Chiang Mai?+
Look for sanctuaries that forbid riding, do not offer elephant bathing shows with forced interaction, and limit group sizes. Read recent independent reviews and ask how many elephants they keep and where the animals came from. Book ahead in high season, and confirm your visit includes observation rather than performances.
Attractions in This Guide
Guide at a Glance
- Duration: 5 days
- Budget: Comfort · approx. $670–1,050 (≈ €590–910), excl. int'l flights
- Difficulty: easy
- Best for: Religion & Heritage
Budget Spreadsheet
Download the customizable budget template for this itinerary.
Unlock Budget DownloadPrint / Save as PDF
Open a print-ready version, then choose Save as PDF in the print dialog.
Unlock Print / PDFYou May Also Like
- Bangkok to Ayutthaya: Temples & Ancient Ruins in 4 DaysThailand · 4 days · Comfort · approx. $520–820 (≈ €460–720), excl. int'l flights
- Northern Thailand Off the Beaten Track: Chiang Mai, Pai & Chiang Rai in 5 DaysThailand · 5 days · Comfort · approx. $670–1,050 (≈ €590–910), excl. int'l flights
- Phuket Beach Holiday: Islands, Karsts & Old Town in 6 DaysThailand · 6 days · Resort · approx. $900–1,500 (≈ €780–1,300), excl. int'l flights