Chiang Mai is famous for numerous attractive temples, historic as well as artistic sites. Besides, this place is surrounded all over by the most beautiful, peaceful countryside scene in Thailand. Though it can take you forever to discover the beauty of Chiang Mai, only three day is appropriate for you to enjoy the attraction of the “Northern rose”. Here are the Chiang Mai itinerary guide for what to do in Chiang Mai in 3 days (3 days in Chiang Mai) and things to do in Chiang Mai for 3 days.

Notice before you go

• The dry season in Chiang Mai often starts from the beginning of October to February, the hot season lasts from Februảy to June, and from June to October is the humid season. While it rains quite much in humid season, fog would ease the temperature, which is more comfortable for the travelers, not mentioning about the stunning evergreen countryside view.
• The easiest traveling method around Chiang Mai is by bicycle. Renting a bicycle is normally reachable. The second way is traveling by “tuk-tuk” or “songthaew”, but remember to carefully deal the price most accurately with the driver.
• Also, notice to be well-behaved and friendly if you tend to bargain in Chiang Mai market. It is better to do so than showing your discommodity and pretending to know all their tricks. Have a light smile on your face. The price may be just different in some pennies.
• Last but not least, it should be understood to dress nicely and politely when visiting the temples and pagodas in Chiang Mai as well as leaving your shoes when entering. Don’t use your feet to point to the altars inside.

Chiang Mai 3 day itinerary — The very first day

Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep

Let begin your itinerary in Chiang Mai by visiting one of the most important temples here. Being built on the highest hill, Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep is one of the most popular Buddism temples in all over the Northern Thailand.

There is a twinkle golden tower and breathtaking view of the city under that. If you are not enthusiastic enough to climb hundreds of stairs, you can reach the top by cable car.

It is recommended to come as early as possible and bring your camera. The sunrise here is really taking your breath away.

• Estimated time spent: 1 to 2 hours
• Location: Mueang Chiang Mai District, Doi Suthep, Thailand

Wat Chedi Luang nightlight

Wat Chedi Luang is also a must-visit on Chiang Mai itinerary. It is named Wat Chedi Luang because of the giant brick tower inside the pagoda area. Being built around 600 years ago, Wat Chedi Luang is even more special with its lights at night to highlight its unique architecture structure.

You can find Wat Chedi Luang in the cross of Phra Pokklao and Ratchamanka. Its position is considered to be convenient for travelers, near various hotels and restaurants in Chiang Mai.

The center of the pagoda is close to Sunday Night Market, which means you can get back to enjoy the market at night.

• Estimated time spent: Less than 1 hour
• Address: 103 Phra Pok Klao Road, Phra Singh, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

Wat Phra Singh

If you do not visit Wat Phra Singh then it seems like you have not come to Chiang Mai. You can come to admire the amazing masterpiece of Ancient Buddist and Lanna. Wat Phra Singh locates at the end of Ratchadamnoen Road. Its campus opens for everyone from sunrise to sunset.

• Estimated time spent: from 1 to 2 hours
• Locate: Singharat Road, Phra Sing Subdistrict, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Doi Inthanon

When in Chiang Mai, it would be a pity if you do not go around to discover the nature beauty here. Doi Inthanon is the highest mountain in Thailand, and it also consists of the spectacular national park. There are paths leading to the mountain, waterfalls and 2 impressive pagodas. This place is normally chosen to be the most popular 1-day trip of tourists from Chiang Mai, who want to escape from the heat of the city and look for some refresh.

The wisest choice to visit Doi Inthanon is going by taxi or registering a tour.

In the National Park Doi Inthanon, the atmosphere is totally fresher compared to the city so you should prepare yourself a coat just in case it turns cold.

• Estimated time spent: More than 3 hours
• Address: 119 Moo 7, Ban Luang Subdistrict, National Park Doi Inthanon 50160, Thailand

Chiang Mai night bazaar

Visiting Night Bazaar seems to be an unofficial “ceremony” for tourists to Chiang Mai. Locating right in the center of the city, Night Bazaar is absolutely a perfect place to enjoy the nightlife. The interesting thing is it is busy and quite at the same time compared to other Thai markets.

Remember to have your dinner in one of the inner on the main road to the marker.

• Estimated time spent: 2 to 3 hours
• Address: 104-1 Chang Klan Road, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand

Chiang Mai 3 day itinerary — The second day

Warorot Market (Kad Luang)

Let start your second day in Chiang Mai like a local, which is heading to Warorot Market. The market spreads out on three whole floors, and become the ideal place to try the local food. You can widen your choice with Thai breakfast or save it later after wondering around. A part of the market is for the unprepared food which is only cooked and added more spices to increase its amazing taste.

Warorot Market locates near the river by Chang Moi road, in the northern of Night Bazaar.

• Estimated time spent: 1 to 2 hours
• Address: In the middle of Thapae and Chang Moi road, northern side of Nawarat bridge and western side of Ping River, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Mae Sa Waterfall

Mae Sa Waterfall actually is a chain of waterfalls, consisting of 8 floors. I bet you can gather bunches of incredible photos. It is also an outstanding place for climbing. More than that, you can enjoy yourself in the appealing scenery in the camping.

Mae Sa locates in National Park Doi Suthep, so you have to pay a fee to get in. The fee is different for the Thai and foreigners.

• Estimated time spent: 2 to 3 hours
• Address: Mae Rim – Samoeng Road, Chiang Mai, Thailand
• Open time: 9:00 – 16:30 everyday

Chiang Mai Thai Cookery School

Chiang Mai is the perfect place for you to learn Thai cooking methods. If you are interested in staying in the city one day, it would be a good chance to learn a little Thai cuisine.

The school is running by “Master Chef” Sompon Nabnian, so they always use the freshest ingredients. They will teach you to prepare professionally, then how to mix the ingredients in the most appropriate and suitable way, and in the right timing to get the perfect result.

• Estimated time spent: more than 3 hours
• Address: 47/2 Moon Muang (Opposite Tha Phae Gate), Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

Sunday Walking Street Night Market – Tha Pae Gate

If you are fascinated in shopping then make sure one of your day fall into the weekend. Chiang Mai will have night market on Saturday night and it opens from the evening until midnight. There is also night market in Tha Phae Gate on Sunday, spreading about 1 km along the Ratchadamnoen Road. It would be super busy and noisy but promisingly interesting, with colorful small stores fulfilling the road. Many diversity handicrafts are sold from clothes to jewels and sculptures.

The market night is also perfect for dinner, with numerous stores, providing every single tasty kind of Thai food, and unlimited choices of desserts.

• Estimated time spent: 1 to 2 hours
• Location: Rajdamnoen (Near Tha Pae Gate) Thailand

What to do in Chiang Mai for 3 days — The third day 3

Elephant Nature Park

It would be more special here to visit the specific place to take care and conserve the elephants. If you are a big fan of these giant but nice species, you will be pleased to know the Elephant Nature Park has been rescued and been the habitat of many elephants. There are stimulating stories of the elephants, and you also have chances to feed or bathe them directly.

• Estimated time spent: More 3 hours

Massage in Green Bamboo

When in Chiang Mai, you should ease yourself a little bit and enjoy an afternoon massage in classic Thai style. There many places that can demonstrate this but Green Bamboo is the most famous one, with its cozy atmosphere and focusing on therapy in Thai Lanna style.

• Estimated time spent: 1 to 2 hours
• Address: 1 Moon Muang, Soi 1, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
• Opening time: 10:00 – 21:00 everyday

David’s Kitchen

With various delightful dishes, high-qualified alcohols, and refreshing environment, dinner in DK David is one of the most excellent ways to experience tasty foods in Thailand.

DK David’s Kitchen is quite in a rural area, so you should call a taxi to come back as well as reserve a table in advance.

• Estimated time spent: 2 to 3 hours
• Address: 113 Bumrungrad, Wat Kate Subdistrict, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand
• Opening time: Wednesday to Saturday, 17:00 – 22:00

A nice dinner at DK with some moments around Chiang Mai City would be an accomplished close for the itinerary. And if you still want to have fun, the bars and night clubs in Chiang Mai are always welcome. Hope that you would have a joyful journey in this beautiful area with the guides for Chiang Mai itinerary in 3 days. Good luck!

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in and from Chiang Mai you can refer to

• Private Chiang Mai International Airport Transfers (CNX) for Chiang Mai and More
• Private Chiang Mai International Airport Transfers (CNX) for Chiang Mai by Thai Rhythm
• Private City Transfers between Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai
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• Private City Transfers between Chiang Mai and Pai by Thai Rhythm
• Private Chiang Mai International Airport Transfers (CNX) for Chiang Rai
• Private City Transfers between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai
• Chiang Mai City & Temples Half Day Tour by Tour East
• Chiang Rai One Day Tour from Chiang Mai
• Doi Suthep-Chiang Mai City Temple Tour
• Classic Chiang Mai Doi Suthep Half Day Tour
• Chiang Mai Custom Tour: Chiang Mai Night Safari, Doi Suthep, Elephant Sanctuary, Zipline Adventure, and More
• Private Car Charter Between Chiang Mai and Pai
• Doi Inthanon National Park Day Tour in Chiang Mai
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Are you looking for more Chiang Mai travel guide and top things to do in Chiang Mai? Let’s read: Chiang Mai travel blog — The fullest Chiang Mai travel guide for a great trip to the “Rose of the North” of Thailand.