← CHIANG MAI TRAVEL GUIDE🐘
SOUTHEAST ASIA · THAILAND
3-Day Chiang Mai Itinerary
Temples, night markets, jungle, and ethical elephants
Chiang Mai is Thailand’s laid-back north — a moated old town of golden temples, buzzing night markets, mountain jungle, and ethical elephant sanctuaries. Cheap, friendly, and easy.
BEST TIME
November–February (cool, dry)
BALLPARK
$200–$500 per person
Your 3-day Chiang Mai itinerary
Day 1 · Arrive & settle in
Land, drop your bags, and ease into Chiang Mai with something low-key nearby. Choose an elephant sanctuary that’s no-riding, observation-only — it’s the ethical kind.
Day 2 · Doi Suthep temple
Spend the morning on the highlight, then in the afternoon or evening: old town temple-hop.
Day 3 · Last morning & departure
Squeeze in one more before you go — sunday walking street market if you have time — then head to the airport.
Top things to do in Chiang Mai
- Doi Suthep temple
- Old town temple-hop
- Sunday Walking Street market
- Ethical elephant sanctuary
- Thai cooking class
- Jungle waterfalls and Doi Inthanon
More detail: the best things to do in Chiang Mai →
LOCAL TIP
Choose an elephant sanctuary that’s no-riding, observation-only — it’s the ethical kind.
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