The northern metropolis of Chiang Mai is among the greatest locations to go to in Thailand when you’re all in favour of exploring Thai tradition, historical past and meals. From temple hopping within the Previous Metropolis, to consuming your approach by way of the evening 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 ideal base for exploring the encircling nature and the remainder of northern Thailand.
There’s some superb locations to go to close to Chiang Mai, from elephant sanctuaries, waterfalls, caves and nationwide parks, to distinctive temples and historic cities. So ensure you depart a while in your itinerary to take some day journeys from Chiang Mai too!
I spent a few months dwelling in Chiang Mai and exploring northern Thailand so, on this weblog submit, I’ll let you realize about the most effective locations to go to on a day journey from Chiang Mai and offer you tips about find out how to get there and make it occur.
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Easy methods to Discover Northern Thailand
Northern Thailand is fairly straightforward to discover. Whether or not you are taking a guided tour, use public transport, or hire 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 companies in Chiang Mai providing excursions and day journeys however costs and high quality can range. I favor to ebook on-line with Viator and Get Your Information as a result of I can ebook prematurely and browse evaluations to make sure I’ve an excellent expertise.
These web sites have a big number of each group journeys and personal excursions with pleasant, educated, English talking guides and plenty of provide 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 need to use public transport – buses and songthaews can assist you attain some locations, however a taxi may be wanted to get extra off the crushed monitor. You possibly can ebook buses on-line on 12Go Asia. You may additionally need to take a look at Klook – a well-liked platform for Southeast Asia excursions that typically has cheaper costs.
Certainly one of my favourite methods to discover is by motorcycle because it affords probably the most freedom, however solely take into account this in case you are assured driving a motorcycle in Asia and have a world driving licence and journey insurance coverage that covers you for this. There are a number of motorcycle rental retailers within the metropolis providing day by day leases from 150 Baht per day, we used Mango Bikes in Nimman, and had an ideal 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 price visiting. Maintain studying for extra info…
- 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 Enjoyable Day Journey – San Kamphaeng Sizzling 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
Certainly one of Chiang Mai’s most iconic landmarks is Doi Suthep, a mountain positioned simply exterior of town residence to Wat Phra That, one of the vital 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 vital widespread half day excursions.
As you drive up by way of the jungle alongside the windy mountain roads you’ll really feel the air turn 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 may be additionally an elevator accessible for a small price.)
As soon as a the highest you’ll be rewarded with probably the most stunning and well-known sight in Chiang Mai. Anticipate gorgeous structure, vibrant glittering mosaics, an impossibly golden stupa, and superb 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 excellent for a straightforward half-day journey from Chiang Mai. One of the best time to go to is within the early morning or at sundown time.
To get there, you possibly can both rent a taxi, hop in one of many songtaews (shared pink vans) take a gaggle or non-public tour, or hire 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 discovered a lot about Thai tradition and Buddhism so it was far 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, mild pants or a protracted skirt and a t shirt or sarong that covers your shoulders is suitable.
Doi Inthanon Nationwide Park
One of the crucial widespread 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 affords refreshingly cooler temperatures, lush jungles, superb views, spectacular waterfalls, mountaineering 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 provide superb views of the encircling 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 mountaineering by way of the character. There are a number of mountaineering trails, the most well-liked path is the Kew Mae Pan Nature Path, a 2 hour hike lead a by a neighborhood Hmong hilltribe information that takes you thru the plush jungle to a number of viewpoints. The Pha Dok Siew Nature Path is known for it’s waterfalls and likewise takes 2 hours. Or, when you 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 possibly can take a dip and funky off, whereas Wachirathan waterfall is probably 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 way in which however nicely price a go to.
Getting there:
Doi Inthanon Nationwide Park is positioned about 1.5 hours exterior of town and makes an ideal day journey from Chiang Mai. You possibly can hire a automotive or motorcycle and drive there your self, however remember that the roads are steep and windy.
A greater possibility is to hitch 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 price of 300 Baht for international adults and 150 baht for youngsters.
Elephant Nature Park
One of the crucial widespread 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 ensure you 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 light giants.
The park has a strict no driving coverage as it may be dangerous to the elephants’ well-being. As a substitute you possibly can 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 possibly can ebook a half day or full day journey by way of their web site or at varied journey companies within the metropolis.
The park affords varied packages that embody transportation, lunch, and actions with the elephants. When you go to in peak season (Nov – Feb) I like to recommend that you simply ebook prematurely to keep away from disappointment as spots replenish shortly because of the reputation 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 ensure that it’s an moral one which doesn’t enable driving.
Some really helpful excursions embody:
Chiang Rai and the White Temple
If you wish to see one of the vital distinctive and exquisite temples in Thailand head to Chiang Rai. Situated within the northernmost province of Thailand, Chiang Rai is a captivating metropolis with a laid-back environment and gorgeous pure environment. However the primary 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 not like another you’ll see in Thailand. Its intricate and detailed white design is supposed to symbolize 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. It’s also possible to 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 possibly can take a bus or minivan to Chiang Rai which takes about 3-4 hours. The best place to ebook your bus ticket is on 12 Go Asia. Be aware 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 recent 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 gorgeous 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 journey on the Mekong River to see the place the three international locations meet. You additionally get nice views from Wat Phra That Doi Pu Khao, a ravishing temple perched on prime 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 possibly can 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 in case you are doing a day journey from Chiang Mai then the simplest method 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 journey on the Mekong River. You cowl lots of floor and it’s a protracted day nevertheless it’s price it to see all of the highlights of far northern Thailand in simply sooner or later.
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 possibly can 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 possibly can have two unforgettable experiences in a single nice day journey package deal.
Chiang Dao
The plush jungles, mountains, caves and temples of Chiang Dao provide a few of the greatest offbeat nature adventures in northern Thailand.
Don’t miss Chiang Dao Cave, a powerful limestone cave system that stretches over 12 kilometers. You possibly can 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.
It’s also possible to go to Wat Tham Pha Plong, a temple constructed into the aspect of a mountain. The climb up is difficult however you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous views over the jungle and mountains and the prospect to look contained in the attention-grabbing cave like temple. Head to the recent springs to chill out afterwards.
Getting there:
Chiang Dao is positioned 1.5 hours north of Chiang Mai. You possibly can 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 among Thailand’s prime chicken 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. It’s also possible to take a guided tour, some excursions additionally embody trekking, rafting, kayaking, or visiting the sticky waterfalls.
Some really helpful 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 outside points of interest and actions together with ziplining that make the proper quick sooner or later street journey journey from Chiang Mai.
When 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 way in which.
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 way in which again to town you might 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 when you don’t cease. Make it a full day journey from Chiang Mai by taking your time, stopping typically and having fun with all of the sights. You’ll must both hire a motorcycle, constitution a taxi, or rent a personal driver for the day to do it.
San Kamphaeng Sizzling 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.
The most effective is San Kamphaeng sizzling springs which affords a number of points of interest unfold throughout spacious gardens. Admire the spouting pure geysers, soak your ft within the lazy river or get the complete 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 possibly can spend all day right here stress-free 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 hire a motorcycle to get there.
The Grand Canyon
Chiang Mai’s Grand Canyon is a waterpark in-built an previous limestone quarry simply exterior Chiang Mai which affords a enjoyable and adrenalin stuffed 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 attempt, from swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding, to wake boarding, ziplining, climbing, cliff leaping, and a restaurant, so you might spend all day right here and never get bored.
Getting there:
The Grand Canyon is a few 30-minute drive from the Previous Metropolis and is simple to succeed in through taxi, songthaew, or motorcycle.
Lamphun
When 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 provide an genuine glimpse into Thai historical past and conventional lifestyle and might be mixed collectively to go to each in sooner or later.
Lamphun is the oldest metropolis in Thailand and was once 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.
Essentially the most well-known temple is the traditional ninth century Wat Phra That Hariphunchai Woramahawihan. Additionally price 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 wood 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 once residence to the Emerald Buddha, and remains to be price 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 wood temple in Thailand. Different highlights embody the twenty golden chedis at Wat Chedi Sao, and Baan Sao Nak, an previous Lanna fashion home became 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 prime of the jagged limestone mountain peaks surrounded by floating clouds create a surreal and magical sight which have lead the temple to be referred to as the sky temple and the floating pagodas.
Getting there:
Lamphun metropolis is barely a half-hour drive from Chiang Mai whereas Lampang metropolis is about 1.5 hours. Each might be reached through bus, practice, taxi or guided tour (word that trains are sometimes slower than buses.)
This Lamphun and Lampang Temple Tour is the simplest method to see the 4 most spectacular temples in each cities in sooner or later with a small group. Sadly the group tour doesn’t go to Wat Chalermprakiat (the sky temple) so that you’d must take a taxi or this non-public tour to this off the crushed monitor temple.
Pai
When you love nature and laid-back hippie vibes you then’ll love Pai. Nestled in a picturesque valley within the mountains, this small city is surrounded by gorgeous surroundings and has a relaxed tempo of life.
In my view, it’s higher to spend just a few days exploring Pai and absorbing the relaxed environment, however when you’re quick on time you possibly can go to the primary 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 unimaginable views and the proper sundown spot. It’s also possible to go ziplining by way of the forest or tubing down the river for a enjoyable approach to take in 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 known for it’s 762 turns!
The journey has many twists and turns so when you get dangerous movement illness take into account hiring a personal taxi or selecting a distinct vacation spot! As soon as in Pai, one of the simplest ways to discover the encircling space is to hire a motorcycle or scooter, public transport could be very restricted however decide up truck taxis can be found.
Another 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 one of the simplest ways to see as a lot as you possibly can 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 received no excuses to not discover past Chiang Mai metropolis!
Whether or not you’re all in favour of temples and historical past, or favor nature and journey, there’s loads of unimaginable locations to go to close to Chiang Mai.
So if you plan your Chiang Mai itinerary ensure you enable time to take some day journeys too. E book a tour or hire a motorcycle and discover the magic of northern Thailand as a result of getting off the crushed monitor typically finally ends up being probably the most memorable expertise of the entire journey!
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I’ve tried to make this probably the most complete information to Chiang Mai day journeys – if I’ve missed something or in case you have any questions depart a remark and I’ll try to assist you to out. When you’ve discovered this weblog useful you then would possibly discover my different Chiang Mai and Thailand blogs and guides helpful.