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Day 1 in Chiang Mai
Welcome to Chiang Mai! Upon arrival at the airport, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do!
We recommend you get acquainted with the city, take a songthaew or tuk-tuk ride into the historic Old City, here you will find over 30 Buddhist temples, monuments, and museums. Inside the Old City walls explore the fascinating landmarks such as the Wat Chedi Luang temple with its impressive pagoda, the PhaeGate and the Chiang Mai Arts and Cultural Center where the Three Kings Monument can be found.
Grab some lunch in the area, there are plenty of options in the Old City for dining such as street food vendors, antique teak houses with pad Thai curry and places serving Western food like burgers, fries, and burritos! Even an English fry up breakfast! If you get lunch on the go head to Suan Buak Haad Park the only natural area inside the moat and ruins, find a place to sit and relax, enjoy a picnic and the beauty of the lush green landscapes.On your first evening in Chiang Mai head to Night Bazaar where you can find plenty of markets and restaurant from every region, people come here to shop, eat and explore! You can also catch a free Thai boxing show.
Day 2 in Chiang Mai
Start your second day with a visit to Doi Suthep-Pui National Park where you can hike up the eighth tallest mountain in Thailand, which stands at 5,528 feet tall. Climb the Naga staircase where you will find a working monastery and spectacular views over the city.
Acres of forest are accessible in the National Park with waterfalls, wildlife and plenty of activities. You can find restaurants and shops throughout the park where you can grab a bite to eat and find a tranquil spot to sit down and enjoy your food and the wonders of nature.
Just south of here is The Bhubing Palace, the royal palace features ruean mu architecture with beautiful rose gardens, exotic flowers, and fountains in a spectacular setting nestled in the mountains overlooking the city. The Wat Pra That Suthep which is also known as the Golden temple is also close by, located on a hilltop with impressive views over the city and the mountains with a 55 foot tall golden Buddha statue situated at the top of 300 steps.The Chiang Mai Zoo is also worth a visit and is in the same area as the attractions above, the zoo sits on 200 acres in the foothills of the Doi Suthep Mountains with over 400 different species of animals that inhabit that zoo. See the world`s longest aquarium tunnel and the largest marine aquarium in Asia.After a busy day of sightseeing relax and enjoy a traditional Khantoke dinner and show at the Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center, food will be served in large platters at low tables where you sit on mats on the floor which is a customary northern Thai style of dining. There will be a variety of Traditional Thai dances performed on stage with a special hill tribe show at the end.
Day 3 in Chiang Mai
Start your day with a trip to Doi Inthanon National Park where you can witness the highest peak in Thailand, the mountain rises up to 8,415 feet above sea level. The park features 186 square miles of hiking, trekking and walking trails with several rivers and two of the most spectacular waterfalls set amongst magnificent fauna and flora with hundreds of species of birds, a great place for bird watching.Head to the Tiger Kingdom, the tiger zoo where you can see and interact with these magnificent creatures. The Kingdom was founded in 2008 as a branch of the Ubon Zoo, providing extra space and homes for the tigers with the aim to increase the tiger population in Thailand through captive breeding. There are over 100 tigers at the Tiger Kingdom.
End your busy day with a traditional Thai massage! You can get traditional, hot stone or reflexology massages from attentive massage therapists. Some spas even offer steam rooms, saunas, and other body treatments. A popular place is Cheeva Spa with two locations in Chiang Mai and the winner of numerous awards. They also offer complimentary pickup and drop off with an appointment.
Additional Days in Chiang Mai
If you are able to spend additional days in Chiang Mai and you are there during the first weekend in February (7th - 9th) check out the Chiang Mai Flower Festival held every year. Shop owners line the streets with stunning collections of colorful flowers. Hence the cities nickname `Rose of the North`. During the three days, prized blooms are set out on display at the Suan Buak Haad along with miniature trees and orchids for judges to select the best of the best.The Loi Krathong and Yi Peng Festivals are held in Chiang Mai, it lasts for three full days with the last night held on the 12th full moon of the year (normally in November). The small town of Mae Jo starts the festival on Saturday night by launching thousands of lanterns, called khom Loy into the sky. They symbolize letting go of all your ills and misfortunes from the previous year.
The Songkran Festival celebrates the Thai new year from April 13th - 15th which is similar to a giant street water fight in the city! You might end up with a bucket of water poured on you or getting hit by a skirt gun! This Thai tradition is said to bring good luck.
The Tribal Museum displays the artifacts and history of the indigenous culture of nine hills tribes, each with their own unique identity and culture. Here you can see examples of their traditional dwellings located in the outdoor museum area set amongst tropical gardens.
Wat Umong is a 700-year-old Buddhist temple in the foothills of Doi Suthep surrounded by forest and a small zoo. The unique feature of this temple is the ancient tunnels and large stupa. The tunnels feature Buddhist images and can be explored.
Wlang Kum Kam is an ancient city about 2 miles south of the city situated in the countryside along the Ping River it dates back to the 8th century and was built as the capital for King Mangrai. The Wat Chedi Liam is the centerpiece located here along with the Wat Change Kham and the local wisdom learning center.
Your Last Day in Chiang Mai
Depart from your hotel to the airport for your return flight home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer to the airport if so the representative will meet you at your hotel with plenty of time to get you to the airport for your flight out.
