Have you ever dreamt of going to Thailand? Ever since I was in my 20’s I have wanted to go to Thailand to explore this Southeastern country. I heard from friends who had gone to Thailand that it was inexpensive and unlike any place they had ever been to. I had added it to my travel bucket list and now 20 years later I was finally able to check off this amazing country from my bucket list. Are you a first-timer in Thailand looking to know what to do? This article will focus primarily on Thailand’s second-biggest city and offer the best 4 days in Chiang Mai itinerary. You’ll feel prepared and ready and ready to embark on an unforgettable journey!

Unforgettable Adventures in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is the second largest city and is located in Northern Thailand. Neither my husband nor I like big cities so we wanted to avoid Bangkok which a close friend called “like a slap in the face.”

After extensive research and talking to close friends who had traveled in Thailand, we decided that Chiang Mai would be worth a visit.

It was hard to decide how many days to stay there but we finally decided to put together a 4 days in Chiang Mai itinerary.

If you’re like us and a first-time visitor, I’ll guide you through an unforgettable adventure that encompasses the best of everything this enchanting city has to offer.

From ancient temples and bustling night markets to mouthwatering culinary delights and fun outdoor excursions, get ready to immerse yourself in the rich culture and vibrant atmosphere of Chiang Mai.

Ready to join me as we explore the hidden gems and must-see attractions that make this city a destination like no other?

4 days in Chiang Mai Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Although you can spend a week in Chiang Mai, I think 4 days is fairly sufficient. This itinerary and will allow you to maximize your experience and get a good sense of what this city is all about.

Day 1: Visit unique temples

One of the reasons I was interested in going to Thailand was to visit the temples.

Although I don’t identify as Buddhist or Hindu, I practice yoga at Sol Seek Santa Barbara which is a spiritual practice for me.

Chiang Mai has A LOT of temples.

It’s hard to decide which ones to go to and to be honest after you have seen a few they pretty much all begin to look the same.

What was a big challenge during our trip in May was that it was VERY hot and humid. When you’re inside temples you must cover your shoulders and legs since it is a holy site.

Before you spend your entire day temple hunting, I recommend researching and finding your top 3. What was enjoyable about our trip was that we found a few simply by walking around town.

Morning and Afternoon: Visit our 3 favorite temples

Begin your adventure with a visit to two of Chiang Mai’s most iconic temples: Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang.

Wat Phra Singh: This temple, also known as “The Monastery of the Lion Buddha,” is one of the most important temples in Chiang Mai.

It houses the revered Phra Singh Buddha image and showcases classic Lanna architecture. Spend some time admiring the intricate carvings, murals, and serene atmosphere.

Wat Chiang Man: This is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai town, and was built in 1296 by King Mengrai of Lanna kingdom.

It was incredibly hot while we were there so I appear unhappy in the photo but I loved the rows of elephant-shaped buttresses.

Wat Jet Lin: What sets this historic temple apart are its grounds. A magical moment we had while we were walking around the temple was looking up and being surrounded by prayer flags.

There’s also a walkway over a pond which is a magnificent and unique site. This temple is quieter than the bigger ones and is well worth checking out.

Evening: Enjoy culinary delights

Conclude your first day by exploring the Chiang Mai University Night Market, one of the city’s best-kept secret night markets.

Here, you can shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, and local products. The market is also a great place to try street food, with vendors offering a wide variety of Thai dishes.

Don’t miss the chance to taste some traditional Northern Thai cuisine like Khao Soi (a coconut curry noodle soup).

Unlike the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar which is a tourist trap, the Chiang Mai University Night Market is full of local students.

Night markets are plentiful in this city so make sure you add it to your 4 days in Chiang Mai Itinerary. The food is incredible and cheap!

Day 2: Activities and Adventure

No visit to Thailand is complete without a massage and cultivating your cooking skills! It is important to take time to rest and rejuvenate while you’re visiting the Far East.

Morning: Pamper yourself with a massage

One of the best parts of going to Thailand is that you can pamper yourself daily with a massage. The massage therapists are skilled and you’ll walk away feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.

Keep in mind that a Thai massage is significantly different than a traditional Swedish massage.

If you have never had a Thai massage before, get ready for an intense experience where you will get stretched and stepped on while lying on a mat on the floor.

Remember that Chiang Mai is renowned for its massage parlors, offering everything from traditional Thai massages to foot reflexology and aromatherapy. It’s the ultimate self-care to practice while you’re traveling.

Spend an hour or two unwinding and experiencing the therapeutic benefits of Thai massage.

Afternoon: Visit an unforgettable restaurant

Do you want to go for a walk in a rainforest cafe in Chiang Mai and swim with the fish?

Well, you may not swim with the fish but it will almost feel like you are!

One of the most memorable places we visited during our trip is Carp Cafe which is a must-add to your 4 days in Chiang Mai Itinerary.

What’s unique about this restaurant is that as you enter, you walk along a narrow walkway that leads you around and through a seemingly small rainforest.

Since Daniel and I went to Costa Rica and hiked in the rainforest I can attest to the fact that it did feel like we were walking in a rainforest (albeit a fake one) at Carp Cafe.

The restaurant is situated on top of a gigantic aquarium-like pond full of koi fish. It’s hard to describe but we both loved it and would highly recommend it.

Don’t forget to visit the bathroom!

The walls of the toilet are fish tanks! Real fish swim past you as you use the washroom. It’s pretty surreal and was a crazy highlight of our visit here.

The koi fish are beautiful to look at while you’re enjoying your drink or meal. We felt weird eating fish while being surrounded by fish so we just had drinks

Evening: Take a Thai Cooking Class

Do you like Thai food? If the answer is yes, I highly recommend enrolling in a Thai cooking class in your 4 days in Chiang Mai itinerary.

Many cooking schools in Chiang Mai offer both morning and evening classes where you can learn to make traditional Thai dishes.

This is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the local culinary culture and take home some new cooking skills.

Another one of our memorable experiences was taking a cooking class at the Baan Thai Cookery School. We picked this cooking class over others because we were going to learn how to make papaya salad which is one of our favorite Thai dishes.

Daniel and I loved our experience at Baan Thai Cookery School because our teacher Boom was an enthusiastic and fun instructor.

In addition, we met a new friend Julio, and had a wonderful evening cooking together.

This course included roundtrip transportation from our hotel and a visit to a local farmers market where we learned about the ingredients and got to do some shopping.

The actual cooking class took a few hours since we would prepare a dish and then eat it while it was warm. Then we would move on to the next dish.

All together we learned to make Pad Thai, our curry paste and curry, soup, papaya salad, and dessert.

Day 3: Outdoor adventures

If you enjoy spending time outdoors then you are in luck because Chiang Mai has a lot to offer. The lush landscapes surrounding the city offer a playground for nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike.

We don’t recommend trekking through the jungle on your own or trying to navigate the rainforests by yourself.

Hire a guide

The best recommendation we have is to hire a guide through Get Your Guide. This trustworthy source has numerous local guides who are experienced and insured and will safely get you to your destination.

You will see and hear a lot of local vendors offering you trips and visits to places.

It is important to be polite and respectful if someone talks to you since they are dependent on tourism to support their family.

At the same time, your safety is important so talk to your hotel before you sign up for an excursion.

Our friend Julio from our cooking class took a trip to Bua Tong Sticky Waterfalls. My husband and I also wanted to go to this waterfall but were both tired from a lot of activity.

Julio said that it was well worth the trip and he found a package through Get Your Guide and was very happy with the experience.

Consider visiting an elephant sanctuary

Another thing you will see a lot of while walking around the Old City is advertisements for elephant sanctuaries. Neither Daniel nor I felt comfortable going to one because we were unsure which sanctuaries were practicing ethically. We did not want to feed or bathe elephants since

From my research, Elephant Nature Park (ENP) is considered the best ethical elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai. It offers a truly hands-off experience that prioritizes the well-being of elephants.

ENP offers half-day, full-day, and overnight visits where you are just an observer and watching the animals in their habitats.

Evening: Visit Chiang Mai Gate Night Market

In the evening, visit the Chiang Mai Gate Night Market. This market is a food lover’s paradise, with a plethora of stalls offering a wide variety of Thai street food.

From savory dishes like pad thai and satay to sweet treats like mango sticky rice, you’ll find something to satisfy every craving.

If you want to buy some souvenirs, night markets are a great place to go shopping. It’s appropriate to negotiate if you want to pay less for something but once you settle on a price you must purchase the item.

Overall, night markets are vibrant because you will navigate through a maze of stalls and vendors. There is a lot of energy and can be overstimulating at times.

Going to a night market will provide you with an unforgettable experience that will leave you with cherished memories.

Remember to take cash since it’s uncommon for the vendors to accept credit cards.

Day 4: Cultural Immersion and Culinary Delights

Thailand is a country known for it’s cultural and historical sites. Most importantly, the food in Thailand is outstanding and worth immersing in while you’re there.

Morning and Afternoon: Visit Nimmanhaemin Road

On your last day, I suggest heading to Nimmanhaemin Road, a trendy area known for its boutique shops, art galleries, and chic cafes.

This is a great place to relax, enjoy a coffee, and do some last-minute shopping.

The area is also home to several contemporary art spaces and design studios that showcase the creativity of Chiang Mai.

Evening: Treat yourself to a Michelin Star Farewell Dinner

For your last evening, treat yourself to a farewell dinner at one of Chiang Mai’s top restaurants. The House by Ginger is a Michelin-star recommended restaurant that offers delicious Thai cuisine in a charming traditional house.

Make sure you make a reservation since it is challenging to get a good seat as a walk-in.

After dinner, stroll through the Old City and enjoy live performances, and street artists, and soak in the lively atmosphere as you bid farewell to Chiang Mai.

Additional Tips for Your 4-Days in Chiang Mai Itinerary

• Transportation: Chiang Mai is a walkable city, but for longer distances, consider using Grab (similar to Uber) or using local tuk-tuks for convenience. Download the Grab app and make sure you also have WhatsApp.
• Accommodations: Chiang Mai has a variety of options depending on your budget. It is inexpensive to stay in a nice hotel. From our experience, staying in a 5-star hotel is affordable, so if you want to splurge and have a fantastic experience, we recommend staying at Ratilanna Riverside Spa Resort.
• Weather: Chiang Mai has a tropical climate, so pack light, breathable clothing, and don’t forget sunscreen and a hat. The cool season (November to February) is the best time to visit.
• Respect Local Customs: When visiting temples, dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) and remove your shoes before entering. Always show respect for monks and local customs.
• Currency: The local currency is Thai Baht. ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants, but it’s highly recommended to carry cash for markets and street vendors.

Wrap-up

Nestled in the mountainous region of northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is a city that perfectly blends ancient traditions with modern conveniences.

Known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning temples, vibrant night markets, and delectable cuisine, Chiang Mai is a must-visit destination for any traveler.

We loved the food we had in Chaing Mai and still talk about it weekly.

What we wish we had done differently was to go at a time of year when the climate was milder since the heat and humidity were very uncomfortable.

If you have 4 days to explore this enchanting city, I hope you use this itinerary to guide you through the best temples, activities, Thai massages, night markets, and culinary delights that Chiang Mai has to offer.

Have you been to Thailand? If yes, what were some of your most memorable experiences? What recommendations do you have for first-time visitors? Please share your comments and stories below.