*READ FOR CONTEXT* Chiang Mai is one of our favourite places in Thailand and amazing for just how much there is to do! This is an example itinerary that you could stretch anywhere from 3 to 6 days (with a few add-on's, see below) depending on how much time you have.
BREAKDOWN:
DAY 1 is all about settling in and landing in Chiang Mai. Get to know the city, maybe visit a few temples. I have put a few options under the description for Wat Rajamontean so choose the ones you like the look of the most.
❗️You can only visit the Coconut Market if you're in Chiang Mai on a weekend, but if you are - I highly recommend it! Otherwise just keep exploring the city.
Around 4 pm you're going to make your way to Chiang Mai Chaloem Phrakiat Park which is a beautiful and peaceful park with lots of flowers. If you're in Chiang Mai between November - January there is an annual flower festival in this park! Go around 4 pm to see the park in golden light and then have dinner in one of the food stalls and wait for the dark. After 6 pm the evening lights and show will start that should not be missed!
However, if you visit Chiang Mai outside of the flower festival it is still a wonderful park to visit but perhaps not a "must", so you can do something else instead. Perhaps make your way to Mon Jam flower farm instead if you have time which is an hour outside of Chiang Mai but a beautiful mountain flower farm! Just check on Google Maps under recent photos that they actually have some flowers when you plan to visit because sometimes they don't.
DAY 2: Take a daytrip to 2 of the top attractions 1 hour outside of Chiang Mai - Dantewada and Sticky Waterfall. You can rent a scooter and drive yourself or join a tour. There's plenty that combine the two. For sunset when you're back in Chiang Mai visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep for one of the best sunset spots in the city.
DAY 3: We're leaving the city to visit Doi Inthanon National Park 1.5 hours away from Chiang Mai. You can visit as a daytrip or stay overnight in the park. A daytrip is *doable* but if you want to see everything you will need to leave Chiang Mai super early. We stayed overnight in the park instead and would recommend it for a more relaxed visit. On your first day leave early and make it to the park. You will need to drive here yourself or take a tour. There is no public transport. Visit Wachirathan Waterfall and head out on a hike - either Pha Dok Siew Hike AND/OR Kew Mae Pan Trail (2 hours each). You could do Pha Dok Siew Hike during the day and Kew Mae Pan Trail for sunset to see the sun set from above the clouds!
The next day visit the King and Queen Pagodas for sunrise for the most quiet and magical experience. Then visit Doi Inthanon to stand on the highest spot in Thailand. If you didn't do any of the hikes the day before you can do them now too, if you have the time. Then it is time to leave the national park. On your way back to Chiang Mai - visit the second tallest waterfall in Thailand - Mae Ya Waterfall and Pha Chor Canyon.
DAY 5: Today is either departure day or if you have extra days in Chiang Mai here are some fun things you can do:
🏖️🎢Grand Canyon waterpark
🛖Mae Kampong Village
🐘 Elephant sanctuary (true one - ex. @changchill_th or @beeselephants)
💦 Mok Fa waterfall
🌼 Mon Jam Flower Farm + the nearby Jungle Coaster
