5 Days Chiang Mai, Thailand Itinerary
This 5-day itinerary explores the best of Chiang Mai on a budget, balancing cultural immersion with relaxation and adventure. You'll visit iconic temples, explore bustling markets, learn about Thai cuisine, and experience the natural beauty of northern Thailand.
Duration
5 days
Budget
$250-500
Best Time
The best time to visit Chiang Mai is during the cool and dry season from November to February, when temperatures are pleasant (20-30°C) and ideal for outdoor exploration
Activities
20
Daily Avg
$75/day
Pace
Moderate
Chiang Mai offers a captivating blend of ancient temples, lush landscapes, and vibrant culture. It's a budget-friendly destination perfect for exploring historical sites, indulging in delicious street food, and experiencing authentic Thai traditions.
Your itinerary covers 10 of 11 must-have experiences
Ancient Lanna Temple Immersion
Day 1: Wat Phra Singh
Vibrant Night Market & Street Food Feast
Day 2: Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Experience
Day 2: Elephant Land
Authentic Thai Cooking Class
Day 3: Thai Farm Cooking School
Mountain Viewpoint & Nature Retreat
Day 4: Doi Inthanon National Park Tour
Chiang Mai Cafe Hopping & Coffee Culture
Day 1: Wat Phra Singh
Relaxing Traditional Thai Spa & Massage
Day 1: Wat Phra Singh
Riverside Dining & Live Music
e.g., The Good View Bar & Restaurant, Riverside Bar & Restaurant
Traditional Handicraft Village Exploration
Day 3: Nimmanhaemin Road Exploration
Refreshing Waterfall & Jungle Hike
Day 4: Wachirathan Waterfall
Local Daytime Market Discovery
Day 5: Morning at Warorot Market (Kad Luang)
Chiang Mai's cuisine is a delightful blend of Thai flavors with Burmese and Yunnanese influences. From fragrant curries to savory noodle dishes, the city offers a diverse and affordable culinary experience. Be sure to explore the night markets and local eateries for the most authentic tastes.
Must-Try Dishes
Chiang Mai's signature dish: a creamy coconut curry noodle soup with crispy fried noodles on top, usually served with pickled mustard greens, shallots, and lime. It's a rich and flavorful experience.
📍 Warorot Market (Kad Luang), Khao Soi Khun Yai, any local restaurant in the Old City
A flavorful grilled pork sausage infused with herbs, spices, and chili. It's a must-try appetizer or snack, known for its distinct aroma and taste.
📍 Warorot Market (Kad Luang), Sunday Walking Street, any local market
A slow-cooked, rich and tangy pork curry with ginger, garlic, turmeric, and tamarind. It's a milder curry compared to others, with a unique sweet and sour flavor profile.
📍 Huen Phen, The Good View Village, local Northern Thai restaurants
Fermented rice noodles served in a spicy tomato-based pork broth, topped with crispy garlic, fermented soybeans, and dried chilies. It's a flavorful and slightly sour noodle soup.
📍 Local markets, street food stalls, restaurants specializing in Northern Thai cuisine
Food Neighborhoods
Traditional Northern Thai cuisine and street food.
Trendy cafes, international cuisine, and modern Thai restaurants.
Authentic local dishes, street food, and fresh produce.
Wide variety of street food, seafood, and tourist-friendly options.
Vegetarian options are readily available, especially in tourist areas. Look for dishes with tofu or vegetables. 'Jay' (เจ) indicates vegan food. Halal food can be found, but it's less prevalent than in other parts of Thailand. Inform restaurant staff about any allergies before ordering.
Use a spoon and fork for most dishes. Chopsticks are generally used for noodle dishes. It's considered polite to share dishes when dining in a group. Avoid pointing with your chopsticks. Don't waste food; order only what you can eat.
Songkran
Thai New Year water festival - the world's largest water fight.
Note: Book 1 month ahead
Loy Krathong
Festival of Lights with floating lanterns and flower offerings on water.
Note: Book 1-2 months ahead for Chiang Mai
🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips
- 🚶From your hotel in the Old City, walk or take a short tuk-tuk ride to Wat Phra Singh.$1
9:00 AM - Wat Phra Singh
Explore this beautiful temple known for its exquisite Lanna architecture and Phra Singh Buddha image. Arrive early to avoid crowds and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.
Book on Klook - 🚶Wat Phra Singh is within walking distance of Wat Chedi Luang.$1
11:00 AM - Wat Chedi Luang
Visit this impressive ruined temple, once the tallest structure in Chiang Mai. Explore the grounds and admire the massive chedi, a testament to the city's rich history.
Book on Klook - 🚶Huen Phen is a short walk from Wat Chedi Luang.$5-7
1:00 PM - Lunch at Huen Phen
Enjoy authentic Northern Thai cuisine at this popular restaurant. Try the Khao Soi (curried noodle soup) and Sai Oua (Northern Thai sausage).
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- 🚶Hire a red truck (songthaew) or taxi for the trip to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, as it's located on a mountain outside the city.$1.50 (songthaew) + $1 (temple entrance)
3:00 PM - Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Take a songthaew (red truck) up the mountain to this iconic temple. Enjoy panoramic views of Chiang Mai and explore the golden chedi.
Book on Klook
Old City
Centrally located, close to temples, restaurants, and markets. Easy to explore on foot.
📅 Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Chiang Mai is during the cool and dry season from November to February, when temperatures are pleasant (20-30°C) and ideal for outdoor exploration. This peak season coincides with vibrant festivals like Loy Krathong and Yi Peng, but also means larger crowds and higher prices. March to May is the hot season, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C and significant air pollution from agricultural burning. The rainy season, from June to October, offers lush landscapes and fewer tourists, typically with refreshing afternoon showers.
During the peak season, Chiang Mai experiences sunny days with low humidity and cool evenings. Temperatures are comfortable for exploring the city and surrounding areas. Rainfall is minimal.
Chiang Mai's peak season is during the cool and dry months from November to February, offering pleasant weather ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Loy Krathong (November) and Yi Peng (November) are major festivals that attract large crowds and can affect travel arrangements.
Getting Around
BTS/MRT in Bangkok; songthaews and tuk-tuks elsewhere
Rabbit Card (BTS) / MRT Card
Use Grab for fair-priced rides. Always agree on tuk-tuk fare before getting in.
Travel
$50-100 (depending on flight deals)Accommodation
$50-100 (for 5 nights in budget hostels/guesthouses)Food
$75-100Activities
$75-150Indulge in delicious and incredibly affordable street food. Local markets like Warorot Market or the Chiang Mai Gate Night Market offer endless options for a few dollars per meal.
Utilize Chiang Mai's red truck songthaews for local transport. They are much cheaper than private taxis or Grab rides for short distances; just agree on the fare beforehand.
Invest in an ethical elephant sanctuary experience. It's a truly memorable and responsible way to interact with these magnificent animals in a respectful environment.
Treat yourself to a traditional Thai massage at a reputable spa. Prices are still very reasonable compared to Western countries, offering ultimate relaxation after a day of exploring.
Wander off the main tourist thoroughfares. Hidden soi (alleys) often lead to charming local eateries, unique boutique shops, and authentic experiences at better prices.
Always smile and be polite. A 'wai' (Thai greeting) and a friendly demeanor can often lead to better service and a more welcoming experience, even when bargaining.
- Always remove your shoes before entering temples, private homes, and some businesses. Dress modestly when visiting temples (shoulders and knees covered).
- Bargain politely at markets, but be prepared for fixed prices in most shops and restaurants. Always agree on a price before getting into a songthaew (red truck taxi).
- Carry small denominations of Thai Baht (THB) for street food, local markets, and small purchases. ATMs are common, but inform your bank of your travel plans.
- Be aware of common scams, particularly around popular tourist areas. Keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded markets.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of bottled water and protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
- Learn a few basic Thai phrases like 'Sawasdee krap/ka' (hello male/female speaker), 'Khob khun krap/ka' (thank you male/female speaker), and 'Tao Rai krap/ka?' (how much?).
- Embrace the local street food scene, but choose vendors with high turnover and visible hygiene practices to ensure freshness.
- 1Lightweight, breathable clothing (cotton, linen) for the hot and humid climate.
- 2Modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered) for visiting temples and sacred sites.
- 3Comfortable walking shoes or sandals for exploring temples, markets, and city streets.
- 4Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat for strong sun protection.
- 5Insect repellent, especially for evenings or if planning jungle treks.
- 6Small daypack for daily excursions to carry water, camera, and essentials.
- 7Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste.
- 8Universal travel adapter for Type A/B/C outlets.
- 9Light rain jacket or umbrella if traveling during the rainy season (June-October).
- 10Basic first-aid kit, including any personal medications.
Flights & Accommodation
Book 3-6 months ahead for peak season (Nov-Feb) to secure best prices and availability, 1-3 months otherwise.
Travel Insurance
Purchase as soon as flights are booked to cover unforeseen events like medical emergencies or trip cancellations.
Visa Requirements
Check 1-2 months before departure if your nationality requires a visa for Thailand to ensure smooth entry.
Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Tour
Book 1-2 months in advance, as reputable ethical sanctuaries (e.g., Elephant Nature Park) have limited capacity and often sell out, especially during peak season.
Thai Cooking Class
Book 2-4 weeks in advance, as popular cooking schools have limited spots and fill up quickly.
Airport Transfer
Arrange 1-2 weeks in advance for a hassle-free arrival, especially if arriving late or during busy periods.
eSIM / Tourist SIM Card
Pre-order online 1-2 weeks ahead for immediate connectivity upon arrival, saving time at the airport.
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
📍 Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX), AIS stores, 7-Eleven
📍 Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX), TrueMove H stores, 7-Eleven
📍 Airalo app/website (download before arrival)
📍 Online booking, Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX)
Free WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants. Some public areas also offer free WiFi, but the speed and reliability may vary. Consider using a VPN for added security on public networks.
Useful Apps
Purchase your SIM card at the airport for convenience. Check data coverage maps for different providers before buying. Consider a local SIM even if your phone has international roaming, as it will likely be cheaper and faster. Download offline maps before you arrive to save on data usage.
Electric Socket Guide
Socket Types
Two flat parallel pins
Two flat parallel pins + round ground
Two round pins (Europlug)
Three round pins (Thai)
220V
50Hz
Tipping Etiquette
10% at sit-down restaurants if no service charge
Round up to the nearest 10 baht
20–50 baht per bag for porters
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. Leave change at casual eateries.
Safety & Travel Advisories
Chiang Mai is generally a safe city for tourists. Exercise normal precautions against petty theft, especially in crowded areas. Be aware of traffic safety.
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
191
1669
199
1155 (English-speaking)
Tourist police (1155) is the best option for visitors
Payments
Cash preferred at markets, street food, and small shops
Widely accepted at malls, hotels, and mid-range+ restaurants
Growing acceptance; PromptPay QR codes common
ATMs dispense 1000-baht notes; break them at 7-Eleven. Carry small bills for street vendors.
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Trip Summary
How was this itinerary?
The best time to visit Chiang Mai is during the cool and dry season from November to February. The weather is pleasant, making it ideal for outdoor activities. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices.
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