Ready-made trips · Thailand
Chiang Mai in 4 days
The temples of the old city, a cooking class and the markets, and a first evening at Tha Phae Gate.
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- Length
- 4 days
- Best time
- November to February
- Pace
- Moderate
- Day trips
- None, all in the city
Four days in Chiang Mai: Doi Suthep and Nimmanhaemin; A Cooking Class and the Markets. Each full day is one our team has planned, to be walked in order around usual opening hours, with lunch and dinner suggestions close to the stops.
Day by day
1First Evening at Tha Phae GateArrival
- When you arriveTha Phae GateHistoric city gate.Tip: Chiang Mai's most iconic old city gate — the surrounding square is a natural gathering point and starting point for exploring the old city on foot.
Lunch nearby: Anusarn Night Market Food Court or Huen Phen
Dinner: Warorot Market Food Hall or SP Chicken
2Doi Suthep and Nimmanhaemin
- MorningDoi Suthep TempleHilltop golden temple.Tip: Go early for the monks’ chanting and the view before the haze; 306 steps, or the tram.
- AfternoonNimmanhaeminTrendy cafes & shops.Tip: A trendy Chiang Mai district known for boutique cafes and a genuine creative, youthful atmosphere — a good, modern contrast to the old city's temples.
- EveningWat Suan DokA white-chedi temple with royal tombs, and monk chats in the afternoons.Tip: Monk Chat runs on weekday afternoons: talk to novices about Buddhism.
Lunch nearby: Cherng Doi Roast Chicken or Tong Tem Toh
Dinner: Khao Soi Mae Sai or SP Chicken
3A Cooking Class and the Markets
- MorningAsia Scenic Thai Cooking SchoolA morning Thai cooking class with a market tour, in the Old City.Tip: You cook five dishes, including a curry paste pounded from scratch.
- AfternoonWarorot MarketLocal market.Tip: A large local market good for northern Thai food and goods — genuinely less touristy than the night bazaar, offering a more authentic local experience.
- EveningChiang Mai Night BazaarNight market shopping.Tip: A large, sprawling market good for souvenirs and street food — genuinely touristy, so bargaining and comparing prices across stalls pays off.
Lunch nearby: Warorot Market Food Hall or Anusarn Night Market Food Court
Dinner: The Service 1921 or Huen Phen
4Wat Phra SinghLast morning
- Before you leaveWat Phra SinghMajor Lanna temple.Tip: One of Chiang Mai's most revered temples, genuinely home to a significant Buddha image within its old city walls.
Lunch nearby: SP Chicken or Huen Phen
Dinner: Khao Soi Khun Yai or Khao Soi Mae Sai
Where to stay
Old City
Inside the moat, among the temples, cafés and guesthouses.
Red songthaews and Grab; walkable within the moat.
Nimman
The modern café and boutique quarter near the university.
Grab and songthaews; 15 minutes to the Old City.
Riverside & Night Bazaar
The Ping River bank and the Night Bazaar, with the larger hotels.
Grab; a walk to Tha Phae Gate.
Everything in the plan is ready to book
The full plan has a map of each day, directions between stops, opening hours, restaurant choices, hotels in these areas and tickets, tours and trains linked to book with the provider you choose.
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