Your 10-Day Thailand & Laos Trip: Wat Phra That Doi Suthep & Beyond

Explore the majestic Wat Chedi Luang, a 14th-century temple complex in the heart of the Old City. Marvel at its gigantic Lanna-style pagoda and learn about its history, including damage from a 16th-century earthquake. The temple grounds are peaceful and offer a glimpse into Chiang Mai's spiritual heritage.

"Two Thai friends accompanied us, and served as our tour guides, in our recent evening visit to the wat. As the intention was specifically to enjoy the lights and the light show! Veritably, it was an truly amazing journey and experience, walking and strolling leisurely around the gigantic and awesome chedi and stupa structure. The colourful laser-light shows (each segment about 5 mins' duration) were quite interesting and fun for us. Overall, the wat is such a grand heritage creation from the ancestors generations and many centuries past. Quite unimaginable: truly, the wat remaining one of the most historically and spiritually significant temple complexes in Northern Thailand today. We were glad that we were also able to visit and experience the Chiang Mai City Pillar institution on the wat premises (near the main entrance) as well."— Sim Simon

Visit Tha Phae Gate, the iconic eastern entrance to Chiang Mai's Old City. Admire the historic wall and gate, a popular spot for photos and a central meeting point. Take some time to soak in the atmosphere of this historic landmark.

"A lively and iconic spot in Chiang Mai that perfectly blends history, culture, and local energy. The old brick gate gives a beautiful historic charm, and the open square around it makes it a great place to walk around, relax, and people-watch. I especially loved the atmosphere in the evening when the light shows bring the area to life and create a vibrant, colorful vibe. There are plenty of food options nearby, from local street food to cafes and small restaurants, so you can easily spend hours exploring and trying different flavors. Whether you visit during the day or at night, Tha Phe Gate has a special energy that makes it feel memorable. A must-visit place if you want to experience the heart of Chiang Mai."— Abhisek Roy

Discover Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan, one of Chiang Mai's most revered temples. Admire its impressive golden pagoda, beautifully adorned buildings, and the revered Phra Phutthasihing Buddha image. The temple complex showcases exquisite Lanna architecture.

"Wat Phra Singh (วัดพระสิงห์วรมหาวิหาร) is one of Chiang Mai’s most important temples and a must-visit in the Old City. It was founded in the 14th century (1345) and is famous for classic Lanna architecture, especially the beautiful viharn with detailed wood carvings. The temple is also home to Phra Singh, one of northern Thailand’s most revered Buddha images. Peaceful, impressive, and very photogenic—best visited respectfully and ideally earlier in the day for fewer crowds."— Ramon Müller

Ascend to this sacred mountain temple to experience its spiritual grandeur, admire the golden pagoda, and enjoy panoramic views of Chiang Mai from above.

"The journey up to the temple is especially memorable, with the long, iconic staircase lined by beautiful naga (serpent) sculptures on both sides. Climbing the stairs feels rewarding and adds to the spiritual atmosphere of the visit. For those who prefer an easier option, there is also a cable car available, making the temple accessible to everyone. To enter the temple grounds, visitors are required to pay an entrance fee, which is reasonable and helps with the maintenance of this historic site. At the top, the golden chedi is stunning, the grounds are peaceful, and the views over Chiang Mai are absolutely breathtaking. This temple perfectly combines culture, spirituality, and natural beauty, and is truly a must-visit landmark."— Asyraaf

Discover a unique artist village fostering a 'slow life' philosophy, with independent shops, art studios, and charming cafes housed in traditional wooden buildings.

"This market is like a little hub for cute DIY and handmade items. There are lots of unique crafts, and some shops even let you create things yourself, like painting or coloring your own keychains, paper crafts, canvases, or plaster figures, which makes the experience really fun. If you’re looking for a relaxed place to stroll around on a chill day, I definitely recommend stopping by. There are also some great coffee spots and local Chiang Mai food hidden around the market. I personally loved the food I tried — it was really delicious."— 王正德（Thyme）

Immerse yourself in Thai culinary traditions with a hands-on cooking class, learning to prepare several authentic dishes from scratch after a market visit.

"A great experience. Very well organised, friendly and inclusive for all ages. Boom was our teacher and was excellent - a very good communicator. We went as a couple - one cooking and one observing - and that worked very well, especially having someone to share the plentiful food with. Boom kindly included me (the observer) in making Thai tea and provided a full desert for me. We definitely recommend this experience. If you attend in the morning, you won't need dinner that night. We booked through Tara Trips in Thippanate Road, Chiang Mai - they were friendly and efficient."— Ray Elms

Wander through the bustling stalls of the famous Night Bazaar, browsing an eclectic mix of local handicrafts, souvenirs, clothing, and street food.

"This place definitely has something for everyone! I am a vegetarian and I don't like onions, but I found so many tasty things to try, all delicious! The fried tofu and mushrooms was great, Indian samosa, cheese corn, ice cream. My friend had a fish platter and it was great too! Atmosphere is great. Highly recommended!"— Eileen Weed

Embark on a full-day guided tour to Doi Inthanon, Thailand's highest peak. This morning, explore the impressive King and Queen Pagodas, set amidst beautiful gardens with panoramic views, and learn about the park's natural and cultural significance.

"I booked an experience through booking.com and got picked up from my hotel. The guide Pai was very friendly and provided lots of interesting information. He planned the day very well and has included lots of little activities. We stopped at 2 waterfalls, then a few tribes where we tasted coffee and tea and contributed to the little village. We also stopped at a fruit and nut market which was super delicious and fresh. I recommend you buy little portions and eat them straight away if they are fresh, otherwise there is still a long way to go and the fruits might get mushy. It was strawberry season so they tasted very very good and sweet. I also got mulberries which I haven't eaten since I was a child, which was a great memory. After we had lunch at a restaurant nearby and then we went for a walk in a little forest opposite the national park. It was great to connect with nature and the air was cooler which was great as it was super hot otherwise. I recommend bringing sunscreen and insect repellent if you know you might burn quickly or you are a treat to the insects. The national park was also great, with the highest peak in Thailand and the little shrines. I forgot to mention, but we also visited the King and Queen's pagodas which was pretty cool to see. Recommend for an all day experience."— Caleb Xävier Petcu

Continue the Doi Inthanon adventure by exploring the beautiful Wachirathan Waterfall and taking a short hike along a nature trail through the lush cloud forest, experiencing the park's diverse ecosystems before returning to Chiang Mai.

"I booked an experience through booking.com and got picked up from my hotel. The guide Pai was very friendly and provided lots of interesting information. He planned the day very well and has included lots of little activities. We stopped at 2 waterfalls, then a few tribes where we tasted coffee and tea and contributed to the little village. We also stopped at a fruit and nut market which was super delicious and fresh. I recommend you buy little portions and eat them straight away if they are fresh, otherwise there is still a long way to go and the fruits might get mushy. It was strawberry season so they tasted very very good and sweet. I also got mulberries which I haven't eaten since I was a child, which was a great memory. After we had lunch at a restaurant nearby and then we went for a walk in a little forest opposite the national park. It was great to connect with nature and the air was cooler which was great as it was super hot otherwise. I recommend bringing sunscreen and insect repellent if you know you might burn quickly or you are a treat to the insects. The national park was also great, with the highest peak in Thailand and the little shrines. I forgot to mention, but we also visited the King and Queen's pagodas which was pretty cool to see. Recommend for an all day experience."— Caleb Xävier Petcu

Begin your journey with a scenic transfer to an ethical elephant sanctuary located in the beautiful natural landscapes outside Chiang Mai.

"Such a special experience! Adam our tour guide was great! You learn a lot about elephants, their food and also each elephant’s story and traits! Hands off & no washing etc, the elephants also have lotsss of space to roam (in a beautiful mountain setting). Just observing and being in their presence is enough but it was also fun to help prepare some food and watch them enjoying it. We did the full day which included making a yummy pad thai, going to a waterfall and bamboo rafting which was a fun way to end the trip out. Thank you!!"— Olive Ramage

Immerse yourself in a full-day ethical elephant encounter. Learn about the gentle giants, participate in feeding them, and observe them in their natural habitat. This experience focuses on responsible tourism and elephant welfare.

"⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ We had the most incredible experience at Chai Lai Orchid, and it was all thanks to Bebe. From the moment we met him, he was warm, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about the elephants and the Karen community. Bebe didn’t just guide us — he educated us. He shared the elephants’ individual stories, explained their behavior and care, and gave us such a deeper understanding of ethical elephant tourism. You can tell he truly cares about the sanctuary’s mission and the local community it supports. He made us feel safe, welcomed, and completely immersed in the experience. Every question we asked was answered thoughtfully, and every interaction with the elephants felt respectful and intentional. If you’re visiting Chai Lai Orchid, ask for Bebe — he made our time there unforgettable. 💚🐘 Stefanie and Olivier"— Aiden Hepburn

Return transfer from the elephant sanctuary back to Chiang Mai, arriving on the western side of the city.

"I booked 3 tours with him. 2 in Chiang Mai / Chiang Rai, and 1 in Krabi. The éléphant sanctuary tour (half day) was amazing, you come close to them, feed and bath them but don't ride. Chiang Rai is a long day tour from Chiang Mai but you don't need to manage anything, just follow the guide. White temple is very impressive and so different, it really worth to be seen. And in Krabi I did hong island tour, many tourists, but high season and beautiful beaches... I had good prices because I booked several tours with him. He always answer on WhatsApp if needed. I recommend."— Amelie Plasse

Enjoy a peaceful stroll around Angkaew Reservoir, a serene and picturesque lake on the campus of Chiang Mai University. It's a great spot for quiet reflection, sunset views, and a breath of fresh air after a day of activities.

"A very easy and close get away from the city. I think this whole park is also from the university. You can find QR Codes on some trees and can get some information about them. You will most likely need less than 30 minutes for one round around the lake. Its a nice walk, some parts in the shadow, some in the sun. I didnt see any public toilets but i guess you will find one either near the university or the cafe at the lake. While your walk around the lake you can see the wonderful perfectionism from mother earth 🌏 🌴 🌲 🌳 You can also spot some animals like birds, fish and squirrels. Everything else when you have a good amount of patience. Definitely recommend the visit here! 0 baht entry fee!"— RealReviews

Visit Chiang Mai's oldest temple, founded by King Mangrai in 1296, featuring exquisite Lanna architecture and revered Buddha images.

"One of the most beautiful temples I’ve ever visited. It made the day absolutely wonderful. It was very quiet, with very few visitors. The area is huge, with lots of benches to relax on. It would be easy to spend hours here without even noticing the time pass. The inside of the temple is breathtaking, especially the wall paintings. I only wish there were information in English to better understand the meaning behind the stories depicted on the walls."— Natasha M.

Immerse yourself in Chiang Mai's bustling Warorot Market, a truly authentic local market experience where you can observe daily life and find a variety of local snacks, fresh produce, and traditional goods.

"Returning to Warorot Market after 15 years, I was so glad to see it hasn't lost any of its charm. It’s easily the soul of Chiang Mai; vibrant, clean, and just a fantastic place to wander and soak in the local atmosphere without it feeling like a tourist trap. The layout is great for a long stroll. You’ve got all the dried fruit and local snacks on the ground floor, and as you head up, it transitions into endless rows of textiles and clothing. We even found a decent food court on the second floor, which is perfect for a quick break. Don’t miss the connecting building either; there’s so much more to explore once you cross over. The wifey absolutely loved it and is already wanting to come back again in a couple of days. It’s a must-visit if you want a real taste of the city."— AY

Explore the stunning architecture of this royal temple, known for its ornate facades, unique 'tree of life' mosaic, and traditional Luang Prabang style. It's considered one of the most important monasteries in Laos.

"Wat Xieng Thong is, without a doubt, one of my favorite spots in Luang Prabang. From the moment I arrived, I felt like I was stepping into a serene world where hundreds of years of history quietly unfold before your eyes. The temple’s elegant roofs, intricate mosaics, and peaceful courtyards create an atmosphere that’s both grand and intimate. Walking around, you can sense the calm and reverence in every corner. The main hall is beautifully decorated, with golden details and exquisite craftsmanship that make you stop and just take it all in. The grounds are spacious and airy, perfect for strolling slowly, finding quiet spots to reflect, or snapping photos that capture the temple’s timeless beauty. One of the things I loved most is the way light plays across the walls and mosaics in the early morning and late afternoon, giving the place a magical, almost otherworldly glow. There’s a feeling here that time slows down — you can simply be present, soaking in the tranquility and the stunning artistry. Even though it’s a popular tourist destination, Wat Xieng Thong doesn’t feel crowded or chaotic. The peaceful ambiance and thoughtful layout make it easy to enjoy the beauty of the temple at your own pace. Every visit leaves me with a sense of calm, awe, and appreciation for the artistry and care that went into creating this incredible place. For anyone visiting Luang Prabang, Wat Xieng Thong isn’t just a must-see — it’s a place that stays with you long after you leave."— L A K.

Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of the Luang Prabang Night Market. Browse local handicrafts, textiles, and art, and sample delicious Lao street food specialties like Khai Paen (Mekong Riverweed snacks) from the food stalls.

"The Luang Prabang Night Market is a must-visit and one of the highlights of the city. The variety of food stalls is fantastic, offering a wide selection of local Lao dishes, fresh grilled meats, noodles, vegetarian options, desserts, and refreshing drinks. Everything is attractively displayed, freshly prepared, and very affordable. Not Aly, I was still feeling great the day after!! Indeed What really stands out is the quality of the food... flavorful, authentic, and consistently good across many stalls. It’s a great place to try traditional specialties in a relaxed, lively atmosphere while watching the cooking happen right in front of you. Beyond the food, the market has a warm and friendly vibe, making it perfect for an easy evening stroll, sampling different dishes, and soaking in the local culture."— CSSEI

Ascend the 300+ steps of Phousi Hill for panoramic views of Luang Prabang, the Mekong River, and the surrounding mountains, visiting small temples along the way. This spiritual site offers breathtaking vistas.

"Hundreds of people on tight space trying to go through the crowds, hundreds of hands all over your face with cameras trying to take a photos.. Sunset was nice but honestly not enjoyable with all those people around. Do yourself a favor and sit down at one of the places by the river Mekong and enjoy same view with nice food and drink. More peaceful, more enjoyable and same beautiful Climbing the stairs - 10 minutes Entrance ticket price - less then 2 USD"— Moriarty

Explore the former royal residence, now a museum, showcasing the history and cultural heritage of Laos with royal artifacts and the sacred Phra Bang Buddha image. Gain insight into the country's monarchical past.

"Royal Palace Museum is one of the key cultural landmarks in Luang Prabang, offering visitors an essential introduction to Laos’ royal history and national identity. Housed in the former royal residence of King Sisavang Vong, the museum provides a calm and dignified setting that reflects both traditional Lao aesthetics and early 20th-century colonial influence. The exhibition focuses on royal regalia, diplomatic gifts, ceremonial objects, and historical photographs that help contextualise Laos’ transition from monarchy to a modern nation. While the interpretation is relatively concise, it is enough to give first-time visitors a grounding in the country’s political and cultural past. The architecture itself is a highlight, symmetrical, restrained, and well integrated into the surrounding palace grounds. There are a few important practical points to note. The museum observes a long lunch break from 11:30am to 1:30pm, and access is strictly controlled, so timing your visit is essential. I visited in December, which is peak travel season, and the site was noticeably crowded. Arriving early in the morning or shortly after reopening in the afternoon is advisable. Security rules are also strict. All bags including rucksacks, sling bags, and even small pouches must be deposited at the luggage storage area, which is located at a separate corner of the compound. Visitors should also ensure they wear proper attire, as dress codes are enforced. Overall, while the visit may be brief, the Royal Palace Museum remains a meaningful stop for anyone interested in Lao history and heritage, provided you plan your visit carefully."— Lee Ying Ying

Stroll along Sisavangvong Road, observing local life and browsing the vibrant Morning Market for fresh produce, local snacks, and handicrafts before it winds down for the day. A perfect opportunity for cultural immersion and food tasting.

"Fantastic education on local cooking ingredients. We were here in Feb, so we did all our walking in early morning. This is a great market, but popular, so good as early as is comfortable... tourist buses arrive just before 7. Market is a mixture of food and goods, mostly food."— greenGoat Shop

Discover the magnificent multi-tiered turquoise pools of Kuang Si Waterfall, swim in its refreshing waters, and visit the adjacent Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre, offering a blend of nature and conservation.

"One of nature's gifts to Laos and those of us who have been so fortunate to visit this amazing country. The waterfalls and the bear sanctuary are a must see when you are in the Luang Prabang area. You will definitely not be disappointed. Luang Si is accessible by road from Luang Prabang and takes approximately 1 hour via van, Tuk Tuk or motorbike. It meanders along the river for a few kms and passed several small villages. It is currently under major renovations/construction so travellers beware that masks are advisable as dust is common and unavoidable when riding on an open Tut Tut or motorbike. Wearing a protective layer that you can remove on arrival is not a bad idea. Regardless, it is all part of the adventure. The reception area to the falls is accessible by walking or taking a shuttle from the parking area. For anyone with mobility issues it is advisable to grab the e-shuttle which is covered under the admittance fee to the falls. Many food/drink services are available as well as toilet facilities. This excursion can easily be a day trip of 4-6 hours as there is lots to see and endless opportunities for the perfect photo-op. I can assure you that spending 3-4 hours surrounded by the beauty and sounds of the falls will be an effortless task. You will have no regrets..."— JM Marsden

Embark on a scenic longtail boat journey up the Mekong River to the sacred Pak Ou Caves, filled with thousands of Buddha statues. Explore both the lower and upper caves.

"Slow boat service to the cave. Ticketing booth opens shortly before boat departs 08:30. Quite touristy. Slow and relaxing boat ride, only do it if you have plenty of time."— Kris P

Explore the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre, a museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the diverse ethnic groups and traditional crafts of Laos. Learn about their cultures and heritage.

"Really interesting place in Luang Prabang to learn a bit more about Laos and the different ethnic groups in the country and the differences between them. The gift shop at the end is nice as well because then after learning all about the different ethnic groups you can then buy items hand made by them for a fair price that then goes back into those communities"— Isabelle

Visit Ock Pop Tok to witness traditional Lao textile production, from silk worm rearing and dyeing to intricate weaving. Browse their beautiful handmade products and learn about the local artisans.

"We came with my mother for a half day bamboo weaving workshop. We really enjoyed doing it!! The place is next to the Mekong river and it's really enjoyable!! It's possible to enjoy the restaurant there if you don't want to do a workshop. We did book our workshop directly at the shop in Luang Prabang and it was super easy to do. They can organise a tuktuk to bring you to their place which is not too far from the city center. I really recommend Ock Pop Tock if you want to experience DIY workshops!"— He Lene

Visit one of Luang Prabang's most beautiful temples, known for its intricate golden bas-reliefs depicting scenes from the Ramayana, and its distinctive five-tiered roof. This is a significant spiritual and historical site.

"This temple was built in 1796 and is located near the busy Sisavangvong night market street and next to the Royal Palace compound. It is the largest and one of the most significant Buddhist temples in Luang Prabang, Laos. The name means "New Monastery of the Golden Land," reflecting its rich heritage and golden adornments."— CK Cheong

Gain a profound understanding of the historical impact of unexploded ordnance in Laos and the ongoing efforts for clearance and victim support at this important educational center.

"Harrowing but incredibly informative. An essential for anyone visiting Luang Prabang, especially westerners. Tickets available at reception. The museum is small but takes you through the history of Laos and the Indochina wars where Laos became the most bombed country in history through crossfire between the US and the Chinese. Awful to see the stories of children who are still affected by unexplained ordnance but amazing to see a country with so much still to live for and amazing work being done"— Dom

Transfer to Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ) for your evening flight home to New York, NY, allowing ample time for check-in, security, and boarding procedures for your international journey.

"This is probably one of the smallest international airports I’ve ever seen. There’s just one terminal building serving both domestic and international flights. I arrived about one hour before departure for my AirAsia flight to Bangkok, and there were no lines anywhere. The check-in counters were empty except for staff, passport control had two friendly officers with no wait, and security was also immediate and smooth. Important tip: when you arrive in Laos, you’ll receive an arrival and departure card from the flight attendant, and you must fill it out and submit it to immigration when exiting the country, so be sure to keep the departure portion during your stay. Once through security, there were no restaurants open (my flight was at 9:30 a.m.). There are a few souvenir shops and small convenience-style stores selling snacks and bottled water—but don’t expect full meals or hot food. There are only a handful of gates (around four), and my flight was the only one departing that morning. On the downside, there were no water fountains, so you’ll need to purchase bottled water. There were only a couple of restrooms available, and the airport Wi-Fi didn't work, which was disappointing. For transportation, we used the InDrive ride-sharing app from our lodging in the city center. The ride cost 100,000 kip (~$4 USD) total for my wife and I. That’s a much better value than a tuk-tuk, which costs around 100,000 kip per person (~$4 USD each). With InDrive, you also get an air-conditioned car. If you’re traveling with two or more people, I’d recommend using InDrive which is also a cash only payment. Overall, the experience was extremely fast and easy. The airport is just 10–15 minutes from the city center, and arriving about an hour before your flight is more than enough time."— Justin McBrearty