After living in this city for over 3 years, I can say with certainty that there are endless things to do in Chiang Mai that will leave you speechless and wanting more. Today, we’re going to explore some of the best day trips from Chiang Mai that you can join.
If you’ve already explored the city center of Chiang Mai and are not sure what to do next, worry not. There’s a whole world of adventures for nature lovers or those looking to explore some stunning temples.
There’s so much waiting for you outside the Chiang Mai city limits. Picking any of these day trips will introduce you to a breathtaking side of Thailand and Thai culture you’ve never seen before.
All you have to do is choose what looks and sounds like the most interesting day trip for you.
So let’s get started!
10 Unique Day Trips From Chiang Mai
Full-Day Doi Suthep Trekking Tour
Hiking enthusiasts visiting Chiang Mai will be thrilled to find out that Northern Thailand’s Doi Suthep National Park is the perfect place to lose yourself on the narrow mountain trails and become one with nature.
Located on the Doi Suthep mountain, the National Park offers plenty of stunning activities that are covered in a full-day tour.
Begin the trip by wandering around bamboo forests off the beaten path and watching birds and animals that are shying away from the bigger trails.
To make your trip more unique, take a swim in a waterfall! Doi Pui is an area in the National Park and you’ll love seeing the local life around Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.
Getting to the top of the mountain means you’ll have to climb the additional 300 steps to the golden temple of Wat Doi Suthep.
You’ll be rewarded for those extra calories burned with a breathtaking view of Chiang Mai.
To sum this up, Doi Suthep really knows how to make an impression, and all this makes this experience the best day tour from Chiang Mai.
Inthanon National Park Full-Day Tour
If you want to see Thailand from its highest point, I highly suggest that you book a tour of the Doi Inthanon National Park. The mountain of Doi Inthanon towers at a staggering height of 2,565 meters above sea level.
The National Park stretches across the slopes of Doi Inthanon, covered in forests, small villages, and ancient temples, all waiting for you to explore!
Doi Inthanon is Northern Thailand’s highest mountain and is definitely one that you need to visit.
The tour includes several stops at stunning rivers and waterfalls. Meanwhile, you’ll have a moment to take a breath and get to spend time taking in the amazing views from Northern Thailand. After that, you will be taken to the royal queen pagodas that are so famous in Northern Thailand, and wander around the stunning botanic gardens.
The trip comes to an end at the village of the Long Neck Karen Tribe, an ethnic settlement of refugees from Myanmar known for wearing rings around their necks and ankles.
Don’t miss a chance to talk to the people of the tribe, learn about their culture and buy something homemade from the many locals.
This is a great day trip to take if you want a break from Chiang Mai and get out into the fresh air of the Thai countryside.
White Temple & Golden Triangle Day Trip
This day trip away from Chiang Mai takes you to some of the most stunning places you can visit in Northern Thailand, including the Golden Triangle.
A vision in silver and white, the White Temple (called Wat Rong Khun by locals) in Chiang Rai stands in the middle of the green garden, looking too pure and beautiful not to be shared on Instagram.
The temple could be described as an art exhibit with some Buddhist touches to it. The White Temple tells the life story and the teachings of Buddha in stark white statues. You’ll feel as if you have stepped into another world as the local guide teaches you the history of the beautiful temple.
Joining a tour to Chiang Rai and its White Temple is one of the best full-day tours from Chiang Mai that you can take.
As you continue on the group tour, you will reach Sop Ruak, where the rivers of Mekong and Ruak come together. This is known as the Golden Triangle – the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar all meeting in the middle.
Snap a picture of the sign marking the separation of the three countries and marvel at the flow of the mighty rivers, rushing through the jungles just like they did hundreds of years before.
If you plan to spend more time in town, check the best things to do in Chiang Rai and the other temples, like the Blue temple, to make the most of your time in Thailand.
Elephant Care Trip at an Elephant Nature Park
This is an opportunity of a lifetime that will blow your mind and one of my favorite day trips from Chiang Mai!
The Elephant Sanctuary Park is an elephant nature park that rescues the elephants that were mistreated and those who retired from the entertainment business. They aim to provide the best possible home for these wonderful animals.
You’ll get the chance to walk around the jungle with the elephants that are living in the elephant nature park and learn more about them. After that, if the elephants are happy and in a good mood, you’ll get a chance to interact with them.
Once you’ve earned their trust, you can feed the elephants and even play in the mud with them, partaking in what these animals consider a spa day. Be respectful and inquisitive; you may just leave the Park with some new friends.
Last but not least, while they are popular, please don’t join an elephant riding tour. It’s a very common problem in Thailand where the owners beat the elephants and sometimes even torture them just for the sake of tourism.
For this reason, choosing an elephant rescue sanctuary is the most ethical choice that you can make on your trip to Thailand.
All in all, visiting an elephant nature park is one of the best day tours you can join from Chiang Mai!
Chiang Mai Old Town Cycling Tour
Drive straight back to the colorful city center of Chiang Mai and take a cycling tour around the old town. Follow the local guides as they take you through the small alleys of the ancient city.
Ride past the old city wall for a quick stop at the wall gates and make your way to the golden temple of Wat Phra Singh.
After that, you’ll get to visit the tallest temple in the city, Wat Chedi Luang.
Lastly, end your journey at the local market, where you will sample Chiang Mai’s local delicacies. If you’re looking for one of the best cycling day trips from Chiang Mai, you will not be disappointed with this one.
Chiang Mai Temples & Culture Tour
If you want to spend more time in the temples of Chiang Mai and learn about Thai culture, this is the tour for you.
You’ll make stops at the three most important temples in Chiang Mai, taking time to learn about their cultural significance.
As you get closer to Wat Phra Singh, you’ll notice the temple shining in gold underneath the early morning sun, beckoning you closer.
The second temple you will visit is Wat Chedi Luang. Towering at a height of 80 meters, it is a 14th-century stone pagoda that impresses everyone passing by.
From there, you will go on to visit the third temple, Wat Chiang Man. This is the oldest temple in town and is decorated in black and gold. The temple houses a statue of Crystal Buddha.
A trip into the local culture has never been this interesting. If you’re looking for an authentic day trip from Chiang Mai that will help you discover Buddhism in more detail, I highly recommend this one.
3-Day Chiang Dao Mountain Trek
One day is simply not enough time to appreciate the true beauty of nature in Thailand. If you’re a nature lover, then you’ve got all your needs catered for with this three-day trek through the mountain of Chiang Dao, which aims to give you just the right amount of time to enjoy the scenic views around you.
This is the ultimate day trip away from Chiang Mai for nature lovers and will give you just the right amount of time to enjoy the scenic views around you.
Get your most comfortable hiking shoes and prepare to trek through the mountain jungle with a guide who seemingly knows everything about each small village that you pass by.
Following a stay overnight at the homestay, the trek continues as you make stops to admire the waterfalls and colorful flowers.
After that, the following day marks the beginning of your journey back, leaving the lush green jungles behind.
Without a doubt, trekking in Chiang Dao is one of the best day trips from Chiang Mai that I have been on. Whether you’re in Thailand for the beaches or the temples, these three days will certainly make you fall in love with Southeast Asia.
Chiang Mai Hot Air Balloon Adventure
Every hopeless romantic deserves to go on a hot air balloon ride. Needless to say, one where you get to float 2,000 meters above Chiang Mai is not one to miss.
Firstly, you’ll meet your guide early in the morning, where you will be given safety equipment and will need to listen to the safety instructions.
After that safety briefing, you can begin sipping on a welcome drink before slowly ascending to the skies as the panorama of gorgeous Chiang Mai unveils itself.
The hour that you spend in the sky admiring the city from above may certainly pass too quickly. However, back on the ground, you’re greeted with a glass of champagne and a full breakfast.
In my opinion, there is no better meal than this for when you’re still coming down from your time in the clouds.
Mae Taeng Forest Full-Day River Kayaking
If you want to get away from the city chaos of Chiang Mai for a while, you’ll enjoy kayaking as a small group through the Mae Taeng Forest on the Ping River. As you follow the guide deeper into the forest, you’ll find yourself at one with mother nature.
With the absence of people, your trip is highlighted by an occasional village fisherman or a farmer with a herd of water buffaloes.
If you’re lucky, you’ll come across a family of elephants taking a bath and continue your journey between cliffs and rocks.
Let this trip become a welcome escape from the vibrance of city life, and take a moment to breathe and appreciate Thailand.
If you’re looking for some sportive activities with mother nature, this is definitely the best day trip from Chiang Mai you can join.
Chiang Mai Evening Street Food Tour
This is definitely the best tour in Chiang Mai for foodies! This tour will take you to the best local dishes, and you just may discover your new favorite food. Your guide will lead you to Chiang Mai’s bustling night market, where you’ll get to sample everything from starters to desserts.
From stewed pork to delicious soups to my favorite, the sweet coconut dumplings, you’re in for a treat. Don’t be afraid to make it a learning experience as well. Try something new!
A street food tour is the best day trip from Chiang Mai for foodies. Not only will you taste local delicacies, but you’ll also create some unique content for your social media.
Ask your guide to teach you a few simple Thai words to practice ordering your favorite dishes when the tour is over. My word of advice is to stay hungry – this is not the tour to take on a full stomach!
Day Trips From Chiang Mai – FAQ
Now that we’ve covered the best day tours from Chiang Mai, let’s answer some common questions from first-time visitors here below:
How Many Days to Stay in Chiang Mai?
I recommend staying in Chiang Mai for at least 4 or 5 days to get the full experience of this beautiful city.
In 4 to 5 days, you will have plenty of time to explore iconic temples like Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang, and Doi Suthep as well as visit local markets and enjoy delicious northern Thai food.
You will also have time to explore the city’s vibrant nightlife, sample the street food and take part in outdoor activities.
And if you plan. torent a scooter, I highly recommend taking a trip to Huay Tung Tao Lake, which is just outside of town, as well as Queen Sirikit Botanic Gardens.
Needless to say, you will be able to see the best of what Chiang Mai has to offer and make some wonderful memories along the way!
Can You Take a Day Trip from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai?
Absolutely, there are many trips from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, and I recommend the one I listed in this full guide.
Day tours to Chiang Rai generally include the famous White and Blue temples, which are some of the most photographed places in all of Thailand and you’ll learn about the Lanna Kingdom.
Additionally, you’ll be treated to a boat trip at the Golden Triangle, where three countries meet: Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar.
Is a 1-Day Trip to Chiang Rai Enough?
Spending 1 day in Chiang Rai is enough to see the famous temples and the Golden Triangle. This is the trip I took when I came to Thailand for the first time and I was really pleased with it.
If you have more time available, then why not taking a bus from Chiang Mai and spending the night here? Chiang Rai has an airport and you can easily fly out from there.
What to Do in 1 Day in Chiang Mai?
There are so many things to do in Chiang Mai, but the most popular activities are:
- Joining a day trip to Chiang Rai
- Going on a trip to the sticky waterfall
- Driving up to Huay Tung Tao Lake and chilling
- Visiting the Wat Doi Suthep and Wat Pha Lat temples
Final Thoughts
There is no shortage of day trips from Chiang Mai – you could spend weeks exploring all the temples, hiking through the hills, visiting markets and elephant sanctuaries, or simply relaxing by the river.
I hope this guide has given you some ideas for your own trip and that you enjoy every minute of your time in this magical city.
So, what’s there to do around the city of Chiang Mai? The question should probably be “what’s there NOT to do”.
