Surrounded by tranquil countryside Chiang Mai is the second largest city in Thailand. Bursting with history, glittering temples, shopping, night life and fantastic food – it’s easy to spend a long time exploring this city.

Day 1: Explore the Old City temples

Let’s assume you arrived last night and are ready to explore this morning. If breakfast isn’t included in your hotel, then highly I recommend starting your day with an açai bowl from Sunflower Smoothies – delicious! Then take yourself on a self-guided walking tour of the temples. Start with the famous Wat Phra Singh, continue to the beautiful teak Wat Phan Tao and finally the atmospheric Wat Chedi Luang.

Wat Phra Singh
Wihan Lai Kham is a beautiful red and gold chapel which houses Phra Singh (known as the Lion Buddha). Beautifully decorated with lots of gold and immaculate gardens. Look for ‘words of wisdom’ in the trees.

Wat Phan Tao
Beautiful teak temple close to Wat Chedi Luang. Garden area is very pretty.

Wat Chedi Luang
Within the walls of the Old City, pictures just don’t do it justice. Wat Chedi Luang is incredibly atmospheric with a towering Lanna-style chedi built in 1441. Part of the top of the chedi was destroyed either in the invasion of the Burmese or an earthquake in the 16th century. The chedi was saved as part of a UNESCO project in the 90s. The Emerald Buddha was once housed here but has since moved to Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok. You can now view a replica which was given as a gift from the King to celebrate the 600th anniversary of the chedi.

After exploring, escape the heat with a relaxing foot massage before enjoying a bowl of Khao Soi – a Northern Thai speciality of soft and crispy noodles in a mild yellow coconut curry soup, served with spring onions and cabbage. Choose chicken, pork, or beef. Some places also offer seafood but this isn’t common.

Day 2: Cooking class & exploring Wat Srisuphan

One of the best ways to experience Thailand is through the food – and what better way to do that than enjoying a cooking class. There are plenty of classes on offer around Chiang Mai. Morning classes typically start by visit the market first to learn about the ingredients. Choose one outside of town to experience a relaxing countryside setting. It’s fun to go with friends so you can make different dishes to share.

After your cooking class, you’ll be dropped back at your accommodation. From there, either take a Grab or enjoy a walk beyond Chiang Mai’s old city walls to Wat Srisuphan. This stunning silver temple decorated with silver, nickel and aluminium. Take time to look at the carvings – you’ll find some interesting surprises!Evening is a particularly magical time to visit, as the soft golden light reflects beautifully off the temple’s surface.

Have dinner back in the old city or head to the riverside area to enjoy dinner overlooking the water.

Day 3: Wat Phra That Doi Suthep & markets

Take a short trip outside the city to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of northern Thailand’s most sacred temples. Perched atop Doi Suthep (with doi meaning “mountain” in Thai), its origins trace back to 1382. From the drop-off point, climb the 306 steps guarded by Naga, leading up to the gleaming temple. At the summit, you’ll find a striking golden chedi (stupa) and sweeping views over Chiang Mai – especially beautiful if you can arrive for sunrise.

If your visit falls on a weekend, spend the evening at the Saturday or Sunday Night Market. Soak in the lively atmosphere as you wander the stalls of hand-made crafts, jewellery, paintings, clothing, random souvenirs and plenty of choice for delicious food! Look out for places to try Sai Oua (Northern Thai sausage), this spicy and herby grilled pork sausage can be seen in huge coils at the street stalls.

If it’s not a weekend, explore the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar instead. Open nightly, it’s another bustling spot to pick up souvenirs.

Where to stay

If it’s your first visit to Chiang Mai stay in the Old City. It’s so pretty and there is so much to explore.

How to get to Chiang Mai

Arriving by air
Most long-haul international flights connect via Bangkok before continuing to Chiang Mai. For shorter journeys, there are direct domestic and regional flights linking Chiang Mai to Thailand’s southern islands and neighbouring countries. The airport is only a 10-minute drive to the Old City – choose from Metered taxis, Grabs and organised pickups with your tour operator or hotel.

Arriving by bus
The main bus terminal about 15 – 20 minutes’ drive to the Old City depending on traffic.

Arriving by train
Chiang Mai’s train station is also around 15 – 20 minutes from the Old City. Trains run regularly south towards Ayutthaya and Bangkok.

Travel north
Chiang Mai is a great starting point for exploring Northern Thailand. Pai and Chiang Rai are only three hours away by bus. Buses can take you all the way to the Thai-Laos boarder where you can catch a slow boat to Luang Prabang. 

How to get around

Exploring the Old City by foot is easy but when the hear gets too much wizz around in a tuk-tuk or head out the city walls by Grab. You’ll also see the iconic red songthaews – a cross between a bus and a shared taxi – which are a cheap and flexible way to get around.

Little Amy Tours @littleamytours