Planning a Chiang Mai tour itinerary can be a little overwhelming as there is so much to see and do in this beautiful part of Thailand.
Are you planning your trip to Chiang Mai last minute?
Be sure to book your accommodation and tours in Chiang Mai ahead of time to ensure availability!
Here are our top recommendations for tours in Chiang Mai:
Here are our top picks for places to stay in Chiang Mai:
To get the most out of your visit to Chiang Mai we have compiled a collection of Chiang Mai tours and activities that showcase the local culture and regions natural wonders, allowing you to immerse yourself in the true heart of Chiang Mai.
So, get ready to enjoy Thai smiles, delicious Thai cuisine, stunning mountain vistas and fertile valleys. Fall under the spell of Chiang Mai and discover why the city should be on the top of everyone’s list of places to visit in Thailand.
Chiang Mai City Tours
There are many tourist attractions in Chiang Mai, and one of the best ways to explore all Chiang Mai tourist attractions is to take a tour.
This is especially true if you are only spending a couple of days as it allows you to cover a lot of ground in a short period of time.
Chiang Mai Old City
There is a good selection of tours in Chiang Mai Old City, a place which is also known as Chiang Mai Old Town. The Old City is surrounded by a moat with the main entry being through Tha Phae Gate, the most famous of the four ancient gates that lead into the city.
Within these four walls you will find some of the oldest Buddhist Temples in Chiang Mai. These temples are steeped in history and filled with a serene beauty.
If you are a history buff the city has a collection of museums which tell the story of Chiang Mai and the local Lanna culture.
Chiang Mai is also a culinary hub with a vast array of Thai and international cuisines that range from street food to fine dining.
Visit Doi Suthep Buddhist Temple & Hilltribe Village
Wat Phra That is one of Thailand’s most sacred Buddhist Temples and it overlooks Chiang Mai from Doi Suthep mountain.
Take the twists and turns up to Doi Suthep mountain and walk up the Naga staircase to admire the striking golden Chedi and buildings of this stunning temple complex. From here you can see spectacular views overlooking Chiang Mai.
Visit a Karen Long Neck hilltribe village and learn about their peaceful life, in the mountains that surround the Chiang Mai region.
Click here to book Dio Suthep & Hilltribe Village tour
Chiang Mai Sak Yant Tattoo
Do you have an interest in ethnic and religious tattoos? A Sak Yant is a traditional Thai tattoo that is performed and blessed by a Buddhist Monk.
Because Monks bless Thai Buddhist tattoos, they are believed to hold special powers and are often used by Thai boxers for protection and success. The tattoos are also said to give good fortune, love, and influence.
Street Food & Cooking Class Tours
One of the most popular things to do in Chiang Mai is to discover the secrets of Thai cuisine by taking a food tour or cooking class.
Chiang Mai Street Food Tours
Taking a street food tour is so much fun and you have the choice of visiting in the evening or during the day.
Here you can live like a local as you visit the street food markets or small restaurants and taste test a variety of local delicacies.
Thai Cooking Class
What better way to understand the Thai culture than by starting with its food. Thai dishes are renowned for their complexity of flavour, making it one of the world’s favourite cuisines.
Most Thai cooking classes include a trip to the local market where you can discover a host of exotic ingredients and immerse yourself in the daily hubbub of market life. Learn how to make Chiang Mai’s signature dish Khao Soi and other regional dishes.
Shopping Tours
If you love shopping you have come to the right place, a trip to Chiang Mai may have you picking up a bargain at a local market or buying that unique gift or homeware from artisan dealers.
Warorot Market
Warorot Market is a rabbit warren of trinkets, homewares, Buddhist religious items, traditional Thai costumes, clothing, and food.
It is the place to see locals going about their daily life and shop for a bargain. If you are hungry stop off at the food court and sample traditional northern Thai dishes.
Visit the nearby Flower Market and see the intricate bouquets and Buddhist flower offerings which are used to make merit at the temple.
Click here for Warorot Market tour
Sankampaeng Handicraft Tour
Chiang Mai is well known for its handicrafts and the Sankampaeng Handicraft Tour showcases many of these local skills.
During the tour you will be taken to a selection of handicraft centres that feature a fabulous array of Asian collectables, umbrella and silk making, gem and silverware galleries.
Click here for Sankampaeng Handicraft Tour
Chiang Mai Day Trips
There is a great selection of day trips from Chiang Mai which cover the surrounding area and further afield. These Chiang Mai tour packages will have you enjoying the natural beauty and hidden hotspots of the region.
Ran-Tong Rescue Elephant Centre Tour
The treatment of elephants is a controversial subject. Long gone are the days of watching elephants pulling logs or painting pictures for the entertainment of humans. Today the welfare of these majestic creatures is top priority.
If you are interested in taking a Chiang Mai elephant tour look no further than taking a day trip to the Ran-Tong Rescue Elephant Centre.
The sanctuary is dedicated to rescuing abused elephants from all over Thailand and are committed to the prevention of cruelty to Elephants.
The Ran-Tong Rescue Elephant Centre is the place to join in the care of the elephants and learn about the measures taken for their protection.
Click here for Rescue Elephant Centre Tour & Reviews
Mon Jam Highlands Tour
Mon Jam is in the picturesque Mae Rim Valley overlooking mountains and the Nong Hoi Royal Project Farms which produce fruits, vegetables, and colourful seasonal flowers.
Close by you will find the Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden and if you like adventure you can visit the Pong Yaeng Jungle Coaster & Zipline.
Click here for Mon Jam Highlands Tour
White Temple & Golden Triangle Tour
This Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai tour takes you to the Chiang Rai Province where you will see Wat Rong Khun or White Temple as it is more commonly known.
Unlike most Thai Buddhist temples which are full of colour, Wat Rong Khun is a brilliant white symbolising Buddhas purity.
This tour also takes you on a long-tail boat ride of the Mekong River to visit the Golden Triangle, an area where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet.
Doi Inthanon National Park
This Chiang Mai day tour takes you to the Doi Inthanon National Park to see the Royal Twin Pagodas which were built to honour the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej and his wife Queen Sirikit. These beautiful Pagodas are surrounded by peaceful gardens and ponds.
Stop off for a visit to Wachiratarn Waterfalls and watch the water spill over the gently sloping bedrock. Relax and cool off as the waterfall sprays mist into the lush tropical greenery.
Chiang Dao Cave & Pong Arng Hot Springs
Sitting in the shadow of Chiang Dao mountain, the Chiang Dao district is home to Buddhist Monasteries, caves, hot springs, and waterfalls.
The highlight of this scenic area is the Chiang Dao Cave which is a Buddhist cave temple called Wat Tham Chiang Dao. Here you can admire the Buddha statues and shrines before exploring the cave system.
Discover the natural wonders of Sri Sungwan Waterfalls and soak your body in the Pong Arng Hot Springs.
Click here for private Chiang Dao tour
Wat Chalemprakiat in Lampang Province
Leave the city behind and head east to the Lampang Province. Here you will visit Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, a 13th century Buddhist temple.
Then get ready for a real treat as you climb the steps up to the stunning mountain top temple of Wat Chalemprakiat where you can take in spectacular views of northern Thailand.
Click here for private tour to unseen temples
Multi Day Tours From Chiang Mai
If you are spending more time in northern Thailand take advantage of these multi day tours.
Once you leave the city you will find stunning mountain scenery with vistas that will take your breath away. Enjoy the slower pace of life within the villages and small towns of the region.
2-Day Chiang Mai to Pai Tour
Take the 762 twists and turns on a 3-hour drive from Chiang Mai to Pai. Along the way you will pass small villages and rugged mountain terrain.
Enjoy a 2 Day Chiang Mai to Pai tour with a fabulous assortment of attractions which include the Mok Fah Waterfalls, Pai Grand Canyon, Wat Pratart Mae Yen Buddhist temple, Pai walking street, Tha Pai Hot Spring and many more.
Click here for best of Pai tour
4-Day Chiang Mai, Pai & Mae Hong Son Loop Tour
This 4-day extravaganza will have you immersing yourself in the beauty of northern Thailand. Visit some of Thailand’s most isolated communities and see the iconic attractions of the regions.
Here are just some of the highlights of this four-day tour.
- Doi Suthep Buddhist Temple in Chiang Mai
- Doi Inthanon & Wachiratarn Waterfalls
- Karen Hill Tribe Villages
- Wat Doi Kong Moo Buddhist Temple in Mae Hong Son
- Lod Cave
- Pai Walking Street
- Pai Canyon
- Pai Iron Bridge
This four-day tour will bring so many memorable experiences and we can highly recommend it to anyone wanting to get a true taste of northern Thailand.
Click here for 4 day tour from Chiang Mai
Where to stay in Chiang Mai
Most people who visit Chiang Mai Thailand stay in either the Old City or Night Market area. Both districts have their own unique vibe and mix of interesting places to visit.
The Old City is Chiang Mai’s historical and cultural centre, and the Night Market area is a shopaholics delight, with a good selection of restaurants and entertainment.
To help you decide where to stay when planning a Chiang Mai tour itinerary, we have a selection of top accommodation options.
Click here to a hotel in Chiang Mai
Best Time to Visit Chiang Mai
The best time to visit Chiang Mai is between November and February. These are the coolest months, and they coincide with the Loy Krathong and Yi Peng Lantern Festival in November and Chiang Mai Flower Festival in February.
Other important festivals include Songkran, the Thai New Year’s national holiday which is held on the 13th of April. Songkran is the time to visit the local temple and take to the streets for possibly the world’s largest water fight.
The worst time to visit Chiang Mai is in the smoky season between February and April. This time of year, Chiang Mai is enveloped with smoke as farmers burn their crops.
Chiang Mai Airport Transfers
The Chiang Mai International Airport services both International and domestic flights, with multiple flights daily from Bangkok and other regional destinations.
Getting to your hotel from Chiang Mai International Airport is easy, you can either use the taxi booths inside the airport or for a worry-free journey, take a private hotel transfer directly to your hotel.
Click here for private hotel transfer bookings
Last Words on Chiang Mai Tour Itinerary
There you have it, if you are looking for tours from Chiang Mai in Thailand you have a fabulous range to pick from. The hardest decision will be choosing which one to take.
One thing for sure is that you are going to fall in love with Chiang Mai and find yourself returning time and time again.
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