The northern city of Chiang Mai is one of the best places to visit in Thailand if you’re interested in exploring Thai culture, history and food. From temple hopping in the Old City, to eating your way through the night markets, there’s plenty of interesting things to see and do in Chiang Mai.
But don’t stop there! Chiang Mai is not just a city – it’s a province with so much natural beauty and interesting culture to discover. Chiang Mai city makes a great base for exploring the surrounding nature and the rest of northern Thailand.
There’s some amazing places to visit near Chiang Mai, from elephant sanctuaries, waterfalls, caves and national parks, to unique temples and historic cities. So make sure you leave some time in your itinerary to take some day trips from Chiang Mai too!
I spent a couple of months living in Chiang Mai and exploring northern Thailand so, in this blog post, I’ll let you know about the best places to visit on a day trip from Chiang Mai and give you tips on how to get there and make it happen.
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How to Explore Northern Thailand
Northern Thailand is pretty easy to explore. Whether you take a guided tour, use public transport, or rent a motorbike and explore independently, there’s no shortage of options and plenty of adventure to be had on a Chiang Mai trip.
There’s plenty of travel agencies in Chiang Mai offering tours and day trips but prices and quality can vary. I prefer to book online with Viator and Get Your Guide because I can book in advance and read reviews to ensure I have a good experience.
These websites have a large selection of both group trips and private tours with friendly, knowledgeable, English speaking guides and many offer free cancellation should plans change. Most Chiang Mai day trips also include transportation from your hotel to ensure a stress free day sightseeing.
If you want to explore independently you can use public transport – buses and songthaews can help you reach some places, but a taxi might be needed to get more off the beaten track. You can book buses online on 12Go Asia. You might also want to check out Klook – a popular platform for Southeast Asia tours that sometimes has cheaper prices.
One of my favorite ways to explore is by motorbike as it offers the most freedom, but only consider this if you are confident driving a motorbike in Asia and have an international driving licence and travel insurance that covers you for this. There are several motorbike rental shops in the city offering daily rentals from 150 Baht per day, we used Mango Bikes in Nimman, and had a great experience.
The Best Chiang Mai Day Trips
So where to go? Here’s a quick rundown of my favorite places to go on a day trip from Chiang Mai and why they are worth visiting. Keep reading for more information…
- The Essential Chiang Mai Trip – Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
- Best for Nature Lovers – Doi Inthanon National Park
- Best for Animal Lovers – Elephant Sanctuaries
- Best for Temples, History and Culture – Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle
- Most Unique Nature Experience – The Sticky Waterfalls
- Best for Cave Adventures – Chiang Dao
- Best for Families with Kids – Grand Canyon Waterpark
- Best Road Trip Adventure – Mae Sa Valley and Samoeng Loop
- Most Relaxing Day Trip – San Kamphaeng Hot Springs
- Best Offbeat Cultural Excursion – Lamphun and Lampang
- Best for Nature and Relaxation – Pai
The Best Places to Visit near Chiang Mai – Perfect for Day Trips
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
One of Chiang Mai’s most iconic landmarks is Doi Suthep, a mountain located just outside of the city home to Wat Phra That, one of the most revered and famous temples in Thailand. You simply cannot visit Chiang Mai without visiting Wat Phra That Doi Suthep so it’s one of the most popular half day excursions.
As you drive up through the jungle along the windy mountain roads you’ll feel the air become cool and fresh. When you arrive you’ll be greeted by colourful Nagas and climb 306 steps up to the temple itself. (There is also an elevator available for a small fee.)
Once a the top you’ll be rewarded with the most beautiful and famous sight in Chiang Mai. Expect stunning architecture, colourful glittering mosaics, an impossibly golden stupa, and amazing views over the jungle and back down the city.
Getting there:
It’s only a 40-minute drive from the city center up to Doi Suthep so it’s perfect for an easy half-day trip from Chiang Mai. The best time to visit is in the early morning or at sunset time.
To get there, you can either hire a taxi, hop in one of the songtaews (shared red trucks) take a group or private tour, or rent a motorbike and drive up there yourself. The road is windy but in good condition.
I took this sunrise temple tour with a former monk which helped me to understand the history and significance of the temple. I learned so much about Thai culture and Buddhism so it was much more meaningful than just a sightseeing tour.
As with all sacred temples in Thailand, both men and women need to be modesty dressed and remove footwear to enter the temple. Wearing loose, light pants or a long skirt and a t shirt or sarong that covers your shoulders is appropriate.
Doi Inthanon National Park
One of the most popular Chiang Mai trips for nature lovers is Doi Inthanon National Park, home to Thailand’s highest mountain peak. Doi Inthanon stands at 2,565 meters above sea level and offers refreshingly cooler temperatures, lush jungles, amazing views, impressive waterfalls, hiking trails and hill tribe villages.
One of the highlights of the park is the Twin Royal Pagodas, built in honor of the Thai King and Queen’s 60th birthdays, which are located just below the summit of Doi Inthanon. These striking structures are surrounded by beautiful gardens and offer amazing views of the surrounding mountains. It’s especially magical at sunrise when the landscape below is covered in a sea of misty clouds.
The best way to explore Doi Inthanon is by hiking through the nature. There are several hiking trails, the most popular trail is the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail, a 2 hour hike lead a by a local Hmong hilltribe guide that takes you through the lush jungle to several viewpoints. The Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail is famous for it’s waterfalls and also takes 2 hours. Or, if you fancy a shorter hike, the Ang Ka Luang Nature Trail is a quick loop around the summit which only takes 20 minutes.
Another highlight is the waterfalls, Mae Klang waterfall is a stunning seven-tiered waterfall that cascades down into a natural pool where you can take a dip and cool off, while Wachirathan waterfall is the most powerful and photogenic. Mae Ya Waterfall, is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Thailand, boasting 30 stories of cascading water and a natural swimming pool – it’s a bit more out of the way but well worth a visit.
Getting there:
Doi Inthanon National Park is located about 1.5 hours outside of the city and makes a great day trip from Chiang Mai. You can rent a car or motorbike and drive there yourself, but be aware that the roads are steep and windy.
A better option is to join a guided tour from Chiang Mai. This highly rated Doi Inthanon day trip includes air conditioned transportation and a knowledgeable English speaking local guide. This small group guided tour visits all the highlights including a short nature trail hike, waterfall and Karen hill tribe village.
The park is open daily from 5:30am to 6pm and there is an entrance fee of 300 Baht for foreign adults and 150 baht for children.
Elephant Nature Park
One of the most popular activities to do in Chiang Mai is having an up close encounter with elephants. While this is an amazing experience do your research on any elephant sanctuary before visiting to make sure you visit an ethical one that does not harm the elephants.
The Elephant Nature Park is an ethical sanctuary that rescues elephants and provides them with a safe and comfortable natural environment. Their mission is to promote ethical and responsible tourism and educate visitors about the importance of protecting these gentle giants.
The park has a strict no riding policy as it can be harmful to the elephants’ well-being. Instead you can feed, observe, and interact with the elephants in their natural habitat, which is a more meaningful experience than riding them anyway.
Getting there:
Elephant Nature Park is located about an hour outside of the city and is one of the most popular Chiang Mai day trips. You can book a half day or full day trip through their website or at various travel agencies in the city.
The park offers various packages that include transportation, lunch, and activities with the elephants. If you visit in peak season (Nov – Feb) I recommend that you book in advance to avoid disappointment as spots fill up quickly due to the popularity of this unique experience.
If Elephant Nature Park is fully booked don’t worry, there are also many other ethical elephant sanctuaries near Chiang Mai including Rantong Elephant Rescue Centre where you’ll change into red mahout clothes native to the Karen tribe clothes to feed and bathe them in a natural environment.
Some Chiang Mai tours also combine visiting an elephant sanctuary with a waterfall, bamboo rafting or trekking – just make sure it’s an ethical one that doesn’t allow riding.
Some recommended tours include:
Chiang Rai and the White Temple
If you want to see one of the most unique and beautiful temples in Thailand head to Chiang Rai. Located in the northernmost province of Thailand, Chiang Rai is a charming city with a laid-back atmosphere and stunning natural surroundings. But the main attraction here is the Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple.
Built by renowned Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, this temple is unlike any other you’ll see in Thailand. Its intricate and detailed white design is meant to represent purity and the journey to enlightenment.
While in Chiang Rai also don’t miss the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten), a stunning blue temple with golden accents. You can also visit the Black House (Baan Dam Museum) an art museum and cultural center which showcases dark and eerie art pieces
Getting there:
From Chiang Mai, you can take a bus or minivan to Chiang Rai which takes about 3-4 hours. The easiest place to book your bus ticket is on 12 Go Asia. Note that The White Temple is located about 13km south of the city center, so you’ll need to hire a taxi to get there from Chiang Rai bus station.
Taking a guided day tour from Chiang Mai is a more convenient option as it includes transportation and visits to all the must-see sights. This Chiang Rai Temple Tour includes transport and a guided tour of the white temple, the blue temple and the black house as well as a visit to the hot springs.
The Golden Triangle
Further north from Chiang Rai, is the Golden Triangle where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet. Once notorious for opium production, the area is now a popular tourist destination offering stunning views of the Mekong River and surrounding mountains.
Highlights include visiting the Hall of Opium Museum, to learn about the opium trade and its impact on society, and taking a boat ride on the Mekong River to see where the three countries meet. You also get great views from Wat Phra That Doi Pu Khao, a beautiful temple perched on top of a hill over the town.
Getting there:
The Golden Triangle is about 4 hours from Chiang Mai but only 1.5 hours from Chiang Rai. You can take a bus from Chiang Rai to Mae Sa and then hire a taxi or songthaew. It’s also a popular add on to Chiang Rai temple trips.
But if you are doing a day trip from Chiang Mai then the easiest way to see it all is on a Chiang Rai and Golden Triangle tour which visits the three temples in Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle and includes a stop at the hot springs, a Long Neck Karen Tribe village, and a boat ride on the Mekong River. You cover a lot of ground and it’s a long day but it’s worth it to see all the highlights of far northern Thailand in just one day.
Sticky Waterfalls (Bua Tong Waterfalls)
One of the most unique natural attractions in Chiang Mai are the Bua Tong Waterfalls, also known as the Sticky Waterfalls. These waterfalls are made up of limestone formations that have a unique texture, making them “sticky” so you can have fun walking and climbing up the waterfalls without slipping.
Getting there:
The Sticky Waterfalls are located about an hour outside of Chiang Mai and can be accessed by taxi, motorbike or guided tour. This elephant sanctuary and sticky waterfalls guided day tour from Chiang Mai visits both the sticky waterfalls and an elephant sanctuary so you can have two unforgettable experiences in one great day trip package.
Chiang Dao
The lush jungles, mountains, caves and temples of Chiang Dao offer some of the best offbeat nature adventures in northern Thailand.
Don’t miss Chiang Dao Cave, a magnificent limestone cave system that stretches over 12 kilometers. You can take a guided tour through the caves and marvel at the beautiful stalactites and stalagmites and sleeping Buddha statue.The temple, Wat Tham Chiang Dao, at the entrance is very beautiful and atmospheric with lots to explore.
You can also visit Wat Tham Pha Plong, a temple built into the side of a mountain. The climb up is challenging but you’ll be rewarded with stunning views over the jungle and mountains and the chance to look inside the interesting cave like temple. Head to the hot springs to relax afterwards.
Getting there:
Chiang Dao is located 1.5 hours north of Chiang Mai. You can visit the caves and temples on a day trip from Chiang Mai but plan to stay longer to hike to the summit of Doi Chiang Dao wildlife sanctuary, one of Thailand’s top bird watching spots, and the Pha Daeng National Park.
You can get there by local bus or taxi but will need transport to get around once you’re there. You can also take a guided tour, some tours also include trekking, rafting, kayaking, or visiting the sticky waterfalls.
Some recommended tours to Chiang Dao include:
Mae Sa Valley and Samoeng Loop
Just 30 minutes north of Chiang Mai is Mae Sa Valley and Samoeng village where you’ll find lush nature, waterfalls, viewpoints, hill tribe farms, and numerous outdoor attractions and activities including ziplining that make the perfect short one day road trip adventure from Chiang Mai.
If you’re looking for adventure but don’t have time to do the Mae Hong Son Loop, then the Samoeng Loop is perfect. The route is 100 km and there’s plenty of viewpoints to stop at and cafes to refuel along the way.
Highlights of the loop include Mae Sa waterfall and the Queen Sirikit Botanical Gardens, 227 hectares of beautiful gardens, nature trails and plantations. On the way back to the city you could stop at Royal Park Rajapruek and explore the elegant landscaped gardens and pavilions.
Getting there:
Driving the 100 km of the Samoeng Loop takes about 3-4 hours if you don’t stop. Make it a full day trip from Chiang Mai by taking your time, stopping often and enjoying all the sights. You’ll need to either rent a motorbike, charter a taxi, or hire a private driver for the day to do it.
San Kamphaeng Hot Springs
There are several natural hot springs near Chiang Mai where you’ll find warm mineral-rich waters that are believed to have therapeutic properties offering a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.
One of the best is San Kamphaeng hot springs which offers multiple attractions spread across spacious gardens. Admire the spouting natural geysers, soak your feet in the lazy river or get the full immersion in the warm thermal baths and private bathhouses.
The hottest pools by the geysers reach 100 C – so boiling eggs in the hot springs is also a popular activity here! You can spend all day here relaxing in nature – it’s a popular picnic spot for locals families at the weekend and a unique day out for travellers.
Getting there:
San Kamphaeng hot springs are located approximately 1 hour east from Chiang Mai. Take a taxi or rent a motorbike to get there.
The Grand Canyon
Chiang Mai’s Grand Canyon is a waterpark built in an old limestone quarry just outside Chiang Mai which offers a fun and adrenalin filled day out great for families with kids – there’s even a children’s pool for the little ones.
Some of the highlights of the Grand Canyon Waterpark are the water slides and the giant floating inflatable obstacle course. There’s also many other activities to try, from swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding, to wake boarding, ziplining, climbing, cliff jumping, and a cafe, so you could spend all day here and not get bored.
Getting there:
The Grand Canyon is about a 30-minute drive from the Old City and is easy to reach via taxi, songthaew, or motorbike.
Lamphun
If you’re looking for some off-the-beaten-track cultural adventures near Chiang Mai, then Lamphun city and Lampang city are the perfect destinations. These two nearby lesser-visited cities offer an authentic glimpse into Thai history and traditional way of life and can be combined together to visit both in one day.
Lamphun is the oldest city in Thailand and used to be the capital city of an ancient Mon kingdom of Haripunchai. The oldest part of the city is surrounded by rivers and is home to many temples.
The most famous temple is the ancient 9th century Wat Phra That Hariphunchai Woramahawihan. Also worth a visit is the Hari Phun Chai National Museum and the unique 13th century Wat Chamthewi Temple which has a unique ‘stepped pyramid’ pagoda.
Lampang
This historic riverside city is also home to an impressive collection of ancient temples, traditional wooden houses and museums. It’s also the only city in Thailand that still has horse drawn carriages. The most important temple, Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao, used to be home to the Emerald Buddha, and is still worth a look to see the Burmese style architecture and visit the Lanna Museum.
Also don’t miss the impressive 13th century Lanna style Wat Phra That Lampang Luang complex which is home to the oldest and most beautiful wooden temple in Thailand. Other highlights include the twenty golden chedis at Wat Chedi Sao, and Baan Sao Nak, an old Lanna style house turned into a museum.
About 2.5 hours from Chiang Mai (1 hour north from Lampang city) is the unique and off beat Wat Chalermprakiat. The white pagodas perched on top of the jagged limestone mountain peaks surrounded by floating clouds create a surreal and magical sight that have lead the temple to be known as the sky temple and the floating pagodas.
Getting there:
Lamphun city is only a 30 minutes drive from Chiang Mai while Lampang city is about 1.5 hours. Both can be reached via bus, train, taxi or guided tour (note that trains are often slower than buses.)
This Lamphun and Lampang Temple Tour is the easiest way to see the 4 most impressive temples in both cities in one day with a small group. Unfortunately the group tour doesn’t visit Wat Chalermprakiat (the sky temple) so you’d have to take a taxi or this private tour to this off the beaten track temple.
Pai
If you love nature and laid-back hippie vibes then you’ll love Pai. Nestled in a picturesque valley in the mountains, this small town is surrounded by stunning scenery and has a relaxed pace of life.
In my opinion, it’s better to spend a few days exploring Pai and soaking up the relaxed atmosphere, but if you’re short on time you can visit the main attractions on a day trip. Highlights include Yun Lai Viewpoint, Santichon Village, Mo Pang Waterfall, Pai Hotsprings and Kho Ku So Bamboo Bridge.
Don’t miss Pai Canyon, a unique natural formation with incredible views and the perfect sunset spot. You can also go ziplining through the forest or tubing down the river for a fun way to soak up the natural beauty.
Getting there:
Pai is located about 3 hours from Chiang Mai and can be reached by minivan, taxi or motorbike. The road to Pai is legendary for it’s 762 turns!
The journey has many twists and turns so if you get bad motion sickness consider hiring a private taxi or choosing a different destination! Once in Pai, the best way to explore the surrounding area is to rent a motorbike or scooter, public transport is very limited but pick up truck taxis are available.
Another option is to take a Pai day trip tour which will include travel from Chiang Mai as well as transport to the sights. It’s the best way to see as much as you can in a short time.
Ready to Explore Beyond Chiang Mai?
So now you know that there’s so much more to see in northern Thailand you’ve got no excuses not to explore beyond Chiang Mai city!
Whether you’re interested in temples and history, or prefer nature and adventure, there’s plenty of incredible places to visit near Chiang Mai.
So when you plan your Chiang Mai itinerary make sure you allow time to take some day trips too. Book a tour or rent a bike and explore the magic of northern Thailand because getting off the beaten track often ends up being the most memorable experience of the whole trip!
Need more Thailand travel guides?
I’ve tried to make this the most comprehensive guide to Chiang Mai day trips – if I’ve missed anything or if you have any questions leave a comment and I’ll try and help you out. If you’ve found this blog helpful then you might find my other Chiang Mai and Thailand blogs and guides useful.
