The northern metropolis of Chiang Mai is among the finest locations to go to in Thailand if you happen to’re all for exploring Thai tradition, historical past and meals. From temple hopping within the Outdated Metropolis, to consuming your means by way of the night time markets, there’s loads of attention-grabbing issues to see and do in Chiang Mai.
However don’t cease there! Chiang Mai is not only a metropolis – it’s a province with a lot pure magnificence and attention-grabbing tradition to find. Chiang Mai metropolis makes an important base for exploring the encompassing nature and the remainder of northern Thailand.
There’s some wonderful locations to go to close to Chiang Mai, from elephant sanctuaries, waterfalls, caves and nationwide parks, to distinctive temples and historic cities. So be sure to go away a while in your itinerary to take some day journeys from Chiang Mai too!
I spent a few months residing in Chiang Mai and exploring northern Thailand so, on this weblog put up, I’ll let you realize about the most effective locations to go to on a day journey from Chiang Mai and provide you with recommendations on the way to get there and make it occur.
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The right way to Discover Northern Thailand
Northern Thailand is fairly simple to discover. Whether or not you’re taking a guided tour, use public transport, or lease a motorcycle and discover independently, there’s no scarcity of choices and loads of journey available on a Chiang Mai journey.
There’s loads of journey businesses in Chiang Mai providing excursions and day journeys however costs and high quality can fluctuate. I favor to guide on-line with Viator and Get Your Information as a result of I can guide upfront and browse opinions to make sure I’ve a superb expertise.
These web sites have a big choice of each group journeys and personal excursions with pleasant, educated, English talking guides and plenty of supply free cancellation ought to plans change. Most Chiang Mai day journeys additionally embody transportation out of your resort to make sure a stress free day sightseeing.
If you wish to discover independently you should utilize public transport – buses and songthaews will help you attain some locations, however a taxi could be wanted to get extra off the overwhelmed observe. You’ll be able to guide buses on-line on 12Go Asia. You may additionally wish to try Klook – a well-liked platform for Southeast Asia excursions that typically has cheaper costs.
One among my favourite methods to discover is by motorcycle because it presents essentially the most freedom, however solely think about this if you’re assured driving a motorcycle in Asia and have a global driving licence and journey insurance coverage that covers you for this. There are a number of motorcycle rental outlets within the metropolis providing day by day leases from 150 Baht per day, we used Mango Bikes in Nimman, and had an important expertise.
The Greatest Chiang Mai Day Journeys
So the place to go? Right here’s a fast rundown of my favourite locations to go on a day journey from Chiang Mai and why they’re value visiting. Preserve studying for extra data…
- The Important Chiang Mai Journey – Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
- Greatest for Nature Lovers – Doi Inthanon Nationwide Park
- Greatest for Animal Lovers – Elephant Sanctuaries
- Greatest for Temples, Historical past and Tradition – Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle
- Most Distinctive Nature Expertise – The Sticky Waterfalls
- Greatest for Cave Adventures – Chiang Dao
- Greatest for Households with Youngsters – Grand Canyon Waterpark
- Greatest Highway Journey Journey – Mae Sa Valley and Samoeng Loop
- Most Stress-free Day Journey – San Kamphaeng Scorching Springs
- Greatest Offbeat Cultural Tour – Lamphun and Lampang
- Greatest for Nature and Leisure – Pai
The Greatest Locations to Go to close to Chiang Mai – Good for Day Journeys
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
One among Chiang Mai’s most iconic landmarks is Doi Suthep, a mountain positioned simply exterior of town residence to Wat Phra That, one of the crucial revered and well-known temples in Thailand. You merely can’t go to Chiang Mai with out visiting Wat Phra That Doi Suthep so it’s one of the crucial standard half day excursions.
As you drive up by way of the jungle alongside the windy mountain roads you’ll really feel the air develop into cool and contemporary. Whenever you arrive you’ll be greeted by vibrant Nagas and climb 306 steps as much as the temple itself. (There’s additionally an elevator out there for a small payment.)
As soon as a the highest you’ll be rewarded with essentially the most stunning and well-known sight in Chiang Mai. Anticipate beautiful structure, vibrant glittering mosaics, an impossibly golden stupa, and wonderful views over the jungle and again down town.
Getting there:
It’s solely a 40-minute drive from town middle as much as Doi Suthep so it’s good for a straightforward half-day journey from Chiang Mai. The perfect time to go to is within the early morning or at sundown time.
To get there, you may both rent a taxi, hop in one of many songtaews (shared pink vehicles) take a gaggle or non-public tour, or lease a motorcycle and drive up there your self. The street is windy however in good situation.
I took this dawn temple tour with a former monk which helped me to grasp the historical past and significance of the temple. I realized a lot about Thai tradition and Buddhism so it was rather more significant than only a sightseeing tour.
As with all sacred temples in Thailand, each women and men should be modesty dressed and take away footwear to enter the temple. Carrying unfastened, gentle pants or a protracted skirt and a t shirt or sarong that covers your shoulders is acceptable.
Doi Inthanon Nationwide Park
One of the crucial standard Chiang Mai journeys for nature lovers is Doi Inthanon Nationwide Park, residence to Thailand’s highest mountain peak. Doi Inthanon stands at 2,565 meters above sea degree and presents refreshingly cooler temperatures, lush jungles, wonderful views, spectacular waterfalls, climbing trails and hill tribe villages.
One of many highlights of the park is the Twin Royal Pagodas, in-built honor of the Thai King and Queen’s sixtieth birthdays, that are positioned slightly below the summit of Doi Inthanon. These putting constructions are surrounded by stunning gardens and supply wonderful views of the encompassing mountains. It’s particularly magical at dawn when the panorama under is roofed in a sea of misty clouds.
The easiest way to discover Doi Inthanon is by climbing by way of the character. There are a number of climbing trails, the preferred path is the Kew Mae Pan Nature Path, a 2 hour hike lead a by an area Hmong hilltribe information that takes you thru the luxurious jungle to a number of viewpoints. The Pha Dok Siew Nature Path is legendary for it’s waterfalls and in addition takes 2 hours. Or, if you happen to fancy a shorter hike, the Ang Ka Luang Nature Path is a fast loop across the summit which solely takes 20 minutes.
One other spotlight is the waterfalls, Mae Klang waterfall is a surprising seven-tiered waterfall that cascades down right into a pure pool the place you may take a dip and funky off, whereas Wachirathan waterfall is essentially the most highly effective and photogenic. Mae Ya Waterfall, is among the most stunning waterfalls in Thailand, boasting 30 tales of cascading water and a pure swimming pool – it’s a bit extra out of the best way however effectively value a go to.
Getting there:
Doi Inthanon Nationwide Park is positioned about 1.5 hours exterior of town and makes an important day journey from Chiang Mai. You’ll be able to lease a automotive or motorcycle and drive there your self, however remember that the roads are steep and windy.
A greater possibility is to affix a guided tour from Chiang Mai. This extremely rated Doi Inthanon day journey contains air conditioned transportation and a educated English talking native information. This small group guided tour visits all of the highlights together with a brief nature path hike, waterfall and Karen hill tribe village.
The park is open day by day from 5:30am to 6pm and there may be an entrance payment of 300 Baht for overseas adults and 150 baht for youngsters.
Elephant Nature Park
One of the crucial standard actions to do in Chiang Mai is having an up shut encounter with elephants. Whereas that is an incredible expertise do your analysis on any elephant sanctuary earlier than visiting to be sure to go to an moral one that doesn’t hurt the elephants.
The Elephant Nature Park is an moral sanctuary that rescues elephants and gives them with a protected and cozy pure atmosphere. Their mission is to advertise moral and accountable tourism and educate guests in regards to the significance of defending these mild giants.
The park has a strict no driving coverage as it may be dangerous to the elephants’ well-being. As an alternative you may feed, observe, and work together with the elephants of their pure habitat, which is a extra significant expertise than driving them anyway.
Getting there:
Elephant Nature Park is positioned about an hour exterior of town and is among the hottest Chiang Mai day journeys. You’ll be able to guide a half day or full day journey by way of their web site or at varied journey businesses within the metropolis.
The park presents varied packages that embody transportation, lunch, and actions with the elephants. Should you go to in peak season (Nov – Feb) I like to recommend that you just guide upfront to keep away from disappointment as spots refill shortly as a result of recognition of this distinctive expertise.
If Elephant Nature Park is absolutely booked don’t fear, there are additionally many different moral elephant sanctuaries close to Chiang Mai together with Rantong Elephant Rescue Centre the place you’ll grow to be pink mahout garments native to the Karen tribe garments to feed and bathe them in a pure atmosphere.
Some Chiang Mai excursions additionally mix visiting an elephant sanctuary with a waterfall, bamboo rafting or trekking – simply be sure that it’s an moral one which doesn’t enable driving.
Some advisable excursions embody:
Chiang Rai and the White Temple
If you wish to see one of the crucial distinctive and exquisite temples in Thailand head to Chiang Rai. Positioned within the northernmost province of Thailand, Chiang Rai is a captivating metropolis with a laid-back environment and beautiful pure environment. However the principle attraction right here is the Wat Rong Khun, also referred to as the White Temple.
Constructed by famend Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, this temple is in contrast to some other you’ll see in Thailand. Its intricate and detailed white design is supposed to characterize purity and the journey to enlightenment.
Whereas in Chiang Rai additionally don’t miss the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten), a surprising blue temple with golden accents. You too can go to the Black Home (Baan Dam Museum) an artwork museum and cultural middle which showcases darkish and eerie artwork items
Getting there:
From Chiang Mai, you may take a bus or minivan to Chiang Rai which takes about 3-4 hours. The best place to guide your bus ticket is on 12 Go Asia. Notice that The White Temple is positioned about 13km south of town middle, so that you’ll want to rent a taxi to get there from Chiang Rai bus station.
Taking a guided day tour from Chiang Mai is a extra handy possibility because it contains transportation and visits to all of the must-see sights. This Chiang Rai Temple Tour contains transport and a guided tour of the white temple, the blue temple and the black home in addition to a go to to the new springs.
The Golden Triangle
Additional north from Chiang Rai, is the Golden Triangle the place Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet. As soon as infamous for opium manufacturing, the realm is now a well-liked vacationer vacation spot providing beautiful views of the Mekong River and surrounding mountains.
Highlights embody visiting the Corridor of Opium Museum, to be taught in regards to the opium commerce and its affect on society, and taking a ship experience on the Mekong River to see the place the three nations meet. You additionally get nice views from Wat Phra That Doi Pu Khao, a ravishing temple perched on high of a hill over the city.
Getting there:
The Golden Triangle is about 4 hours from Chiang Mai however just one.5 hours from Chiang Rai. You’ll be able to take a bus from Chiang Rai to Mae Sa after which rent a taxi or songthaew. It’s additionally a well-liked add on to Chiang Rai temple journeys.
However if you’re doing a day journey from Chiang Mai then the simplest option to see all of it is on a Chiang Rai and Golden Triangle tour which visits the three temples in Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle and features a cease on the sizzling springs, a Lengthy Neck Karen Tribe village, and a ship experience on the Mekong River. You cowl quite a lot of floor and it’s a protracted day nevertheless it’s value it to see all of the highlights of far northern Thailand in simply at some point.
Sticky Waterfalls (Bua Tong Waterfalls)
One of the crucial distinctive pure points of interest in Chiang Mai are the Bua Tong Waterfalls, also referred to as the Sticky Waterfalls. These waterfalls are made up of limestone formations which have a novel texture, making them “sticky” so you may have enjoyable strolling and climbing up the waterfalls with out slipping.
Getting there:
The Sticky Waterfalls are positioned about an hour exterior of Chiang Mai and might be accessed by taxi, motorcycle or guided tour. This elephant sanctuary and sticky waterfalls guided day tour from Chiang Mai visits each the sticky waterfalls and an elephant sanctuary so you may have two unforgettable experiences in a single nice day journey bundle.
Chiang Dao
The plush jungles, mountains, caves and temples of Chiang Dao supply a number of the finest offbeat nature adventures in northern Thailand.
Don’t miss Chiang Dao Cave, a powerful limestone cave system that stretches over 12 kilometers. You’ll be able to take a guided tour by way of the caves and marvel on the stunning stalactites and stalagmites and sleeping Buddha statue.The temple, Wat Tham Chiang Dao, on the entrance could be very stunning and atmospheric with heaps to discover.
You too can go to Wat Tham Pha Plong, a temple constructed into the facet of a mountain. The climb up is difficult however you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views over the jungle and mountains and the prospect to look contained in the attention-grabbing cave like temple. Head to the new springs to chill out afterwards.
Getting there:
Chiang Dao is positioned 1.5 hours north of Chiang Mai. You’ll be able to go to the caves and temples on a day journey from Chiang Mai however plan to remain longer to hike to the summit of Doi Chiang Dao wildlife sanctuary, one in every of Thailand’s high chook watching spots, and the Pha Daeng Nationwide Park.
You may get there by native bus or taxi however will want transport to get round when you’re there. You too can take a guided tour, some excursions additionally embody trekking, rafting, kayaking, or visiting the sticky waterfalls.
Some advisable excursions to Chiang Dao embody:
Mae Sa Valley and Samoeng Loop
Simply half-hour north of Chiang Mai is Mae Sa Valley and Samoeng village the place you’ll discover lush nature, waterfalls, viewpoints, hill tribe farms, and quite a few out of doors points of interest and actions together with ziplining that make the proper quick at some point street journey journey from Chiang Mai.
Should you’re in search of journey however don’t have time to do the Mae Hong Son Loop, then the Samoeng Loop is ideal. The route is 100 km and there’s loads of viewpoints to cease at and cafes to refuel alongside the best way.
Highlights of the loop embody Mae Sa waterfall and the Queen Sirikit Botanical Gardens, 227 hectares of gorgeous gardens, nature trails and plantations. On the best way again to town you could possibly cease at Royal Park Rajapruek and discover the elegant landscaped gardens and pavilions.
Getting there:
Driving the 100 km of the Samoeng Loop takes about 3-4 hours if you happen to don’t cease. Make it a full day journey from Chiang Mai by taking your time, stopping usually and having fun with all of the sights. You’ll have to both lease a motorcycle, constitution a taxi, or rent a personal driver for the day to do it.
San Kamphaeng Scorching Springs
There are a number of pure sizzling springs close to Chiang Mai the place you’ll discover heat mineral-rich waters which are believed to have therapeutic properties providing a calming and rejuvenating expertise.
Among the finest is San Kamphaeng sizzling springs which presents a number of points of interest unfold throughout spacious gardens. Admire the spouting pure geysers, soak your toes within the lazy river or get the total immersion within the heat thermal baths and personal bathhouses.
The most popular swimming pools by the geysers attain 100 C – so boiling eggs within the sizzling springs can also be a well-liked exercise right here! You’ll be able to spend all day right here enjoyable in nature – it’s a well-liked picnic spot for locals households on the weekend and a novel day trip for travellers.
Getting there:
San Kamphaeng sizzling springs are positioned roughly 1 hour east from Chiang Mai. Take a taxi or lease a motorcycle to get there.
The Grand Canyon
Chiang Mai’s Grand Canyon is a waterpark in-built an outdated limestone quarry simply exterior Chiang Mai which presents a enjoyable and adrenalin crammed day trip nice for households with youngsters – there’s even a youngsters’s pool for the little ones.
Among the highlights of the Grand Canyon Waterpark are the water slides and the large floating inflatable impediment course. There’s additionally many different actions to strive, from swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding, to wake boarding, ziplining, climbing, cliff leaping, and a restaurant, so you could possibly spend all day right here and never get bored.
Getting there:
The Grand Canyon is a few 30-minute drive from the Outdated Metropolis and is straightforward to succeed in by way of taxi, songthaew, or motorcycle.
Lamphun
Should you’re in search of some off-the-beaten-track cultural adventures close to Chiang Mai, then Lamphun metropolis and Lampang metropolis are the proper locations. These two close by lesser-visited cities supply an genuine glimpse into Thai historical past and conventional lifestyle and might be mixed collectively to go to each in at some point.
Lamphun is the oldest metropolis in Thailand and was the capital metropolis of an historic Mon kingdom of Haripunchai. The oldest a part of town is surrounded by rivers and is residence to many temples.
Probably the most well-known temple is the traditional ninth century Wat Phra That Hariphunchai Woramahawihan. Additionally value a go to is the Hari Phun Chai Nationwide Museum and the distinctive thirteenth century Wat Chamthewi Temple which has a novel ‘stepped pyramid’ pagoda.
Lampang
This historic riverside metropolis can also be residence to a formidable assortment of historic temples, conventional picket homes and museums. It’s additionally the one metropolis in Thailand that also has horse drawn carriages. Crucial temple, Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao, was residence to the Emerald Buddha, and remains to be value a glance to see the Burmese fashion structure and go to the Lanna Museum.
Additionally don’t miss the spectacular thirteenth century Lanna fashion Wat Phra That Lampang Luang complicated which is residence to the oldest and most stunning picket temple in Thailand. Different highlights embody the twenty golden chedis at Wat Chedi Sao, and Baan Sao Nak, an outdated Lanna fashion home changed into a museum.
About 2.5 hours from Chiang Mai (1 hour north from Lampang metropolis) is the distinctive and off beat Wat Chalermprakiat. The white pagodas perched on high of the jagged limestone mountain peaks surrounded by floating clouds create a surreal and magical sight which have lead the temple to be often known as the sky temple and the floating pagodas.
Getting there:
Lamphun metropolis is simply a half-hour drive from Chiang Mai whereas Lampang metropolis is about 1.5 hours. Each might be reached by way of bus, practice, taxi or guided tour (word that trains are sometimes slower than buses.)
This Lamphun and Lampang Temple Tour is the simplest option to see the 4 most spectacular temples in each cities in at some point with a small group. Sadly the group tour doesn’t go to Wat Chalermprakiat (the sky temple) so that you’d need to take a taxi or this non-public tour to this off the overwhelmed observe temple.
Pai
Should you love nature and laid-back hippie vibes then you definitely’ll love Pai. Nestled in a picturesque valley within the mountains, this small city is surrounded by beautiful surroundings and has a relaxed tempo of life.
For my part, it’s higher to spend a number of days exploring Pai and absorbing the relaxed environment, however if you happen to’re quick on time you may go to the principle points of interest on a day journey. Highlights embody Yun Lai Viewpoint, Santichon Village, Mo Pang Waterfall, Pai Hotsprings and Kho Ku So Bamboo Bridge.
Don’t miss Pai Canyon, a novel pure formation with unbelievable views and the proper sundown spot. You too can go ziplining by way of the forest or tubing down the river for a enjoyable means to absorb the pure magnificence.
Getting there:
Pai is positioned about 3 hours from Chiang Mai and might be reached by minivan, taxi or motorcycle. The street to Pai is famous for it’s 762 turns!
The journey has many twists and turns so if you happen to get dangerous movement illness think about hiring a personal taxi or selecting a distinct vacation spot! As soon as in Pai, the easiest way to discover the encompassing space is to lease a motorcycle or scooter, public transport could be very restricted however choose up truck taxis can be found.
An alternative choice is to take a Pai day journey tour which is able to embody journey from Chiang Mai in addition to transport to the sights. It’s the easiest way to see as a lot as you may in a short while.
Able to Discover Past Chiang Mai?
So now you realize that there’s a lot extra to see in northern Thailand you’ve obtained no excuses to not discover past Chiang Mai metropolis!
Whether or not you’re all for temples and historical past, or favor nature and journey, there’s loads of unbelievable locations to go to close to Chiang Mai.
So if you plan your Chiang Mai itinerary be sure to enable time to take some day journeys too. E book a tour or lease a motorcycle and discover the magic of northern Thailand as a result of getting off the overwhelmed observe usually finally ends up being essentially the most memorable expertise of the entire journey!
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I’ve tried to make this essentially the most complete information to Chiang Mai day journeys – if I’ve missed something or when you’ve got any questions go away a remark and I’ll attempt to make it easier to out. Should you’ve discovered this weblog useful then you definitely may discover my different Chiang Mai and Thailand blogs and guides helpful.