Best Tours and Day Trips of Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a northern Thai city well known for its ancient area and the beautiful natural environment in which it is embedded. Its 300 Buddhist temples, such as the famous Wat Doi Suthep or Wat Phra Singh, offer a glimpse into the rich spiritual history of the place, while the local markets provide an authentic cultural experience.

To get a taste of all there is to see and do in Chiang Mai, there are many tour and excursion options that will offer you a comprehensive look. From trekking excursions that delve deep into the jungle and major temples, to food tours of local markets and night cruises on the Ping River.

Some of Chiang Mai's best temples are part of the Monks' Route on Doi Suthep Hill, so called because it is the one used by monks to get from one temple to another. It is an ideal experience to do with a local guide, as they will be able to provide you with valuable information throughout the tour.

With these half-day tours, you can visit Wat Doi Suthep, one of the most revered temples in Chiang Mai, which is located at the top of the hill; Wat Pha Lat, known for its exceptional natural environment, and Wat Umong, noted for its subway tunnels.

Regarding transportation, they usually offer the option of hotel pick-up or meeting point. Please note that part of the tour is on foot and you have to climb about 300 steps to reach Wat Doi Suthep, so do not forget to wear comfortable shoes. On the other hand, these tours are usually done in small groups, so they are ideal if you are looking for a more exclusive experience.

Details of interest

• Price: from 143 € per person.
• Duration: 5 hours approximately.
• Means of transport: by air-conditioned vehicle and on foot.
• Advantages of this option: allows you to see the temples of Doi Suthep mountain, with commentary by an expert guide. Usually includes pick-up from selected hotels.
• Disadvantages of this option: you need to be in average physical condition to enjoy the experience.

If you are looking for a different experience to explore Chiang Mai, you can take a quad bike tour on jungle roads. These excursions are suitable for both beginners and experienced drivers, and usually include less conventional roads.

This way you can get to know Chiang Mai's landscapes, from dusty trails to winding roads surrounded by jungle. All ATV tours usually offer an introductory lesson and provide you with all necessary safety equipment.

These are usually small group activities, and many tours include a transfer from your hotel to the area where the quads can be used. They also usually include a Thai-style lunch at the end of the tour.

Details of interest

• Price: from 93 € per person.
• Duration: 7 hours approximately.
• Means of transport: minivan and quad.
• Advantages of this option: allows you to see lesser known areas of Chiang Mai in a fun and safe way. Includes introductory class.
• Disadvantages of this option: requires a certain level of physical condition and skill to drive the vehicle.

One of the best things to do in Chiang Mai at night is to kayak down the Ping River. This is a guided trip of about 2 hours, where you will get to see the city from a different perspective. Before the trip, you will surely receive basic kayaking lessons, so you don't need any experience to kayak.

The Ping River offers you an ideal environment to explore by kayak. While paddling, you can appreciate the serenity of the river and observe the city with its colorful bridges and typical trees. Chiang Mai's special lighting enhances the beauty of the night scenery.

These kayak tours on the Ping River usually include transfer to and from your hotel. They are usually conducted in small groups, so you can enjoy the river in a quieter atmosphere and receive personalized attention from the guides.

Details of interest

• Price: from 28 € per person.
• Duration: 2 hours approximately.
• Means of transportation: single and double kayaks.
• Advantages of this option: allows you to see the city from a different perspective in nature and under the night sky. Includes basic kayaking lessons.
• Disadvantages of this option: the lack of natural light could make the activity more challenging.

One of the most interesting ways to get to know the Thai culinary tradition is to embark on a food tour. In addition to sampling the country's exquisite dishes, they usually include a tour of Chiang Mai' s night markets, where you can absorb the richness of the local culture, accompanied by an expert guide.

Among the traditional dishes you can try are Thai noddle soup, a noodle soup dish typical of northern Thailand, and papaya salad. You can also try typical drinks such as Thai teas and Cha Yen, which contains black tea, condensed milk and ice.

These food tours are usually conducted in small groups and include tastings and lunch or dinner. They are usually conducted on foot, but may also include pick-up from major hotels in the city. Please note that drinks are not always included.

Details of interest

• Price: from 32 € per person.
• Duration: 2 hours and a half approximately.
• Means of transport: the tour is done on foot and by songthaew.
• Advantages of this option: you will be able to taste typical Thai food and visit the characteristic markets of Chiang Mai, accompanied by an expert guide.
• Disadvantages of this option: people with particular diets may find this type of tour more challenging.

Chiang Rai is a city, located about 200 kilometers north of Chiang Mai, is very interesting for its temples and rich cultural heritage. Joining a guided tour from Chiang Mai is one of the best ways to get to know it, since you will have your transfers arranged and you will have the informative comments of the local guide.

In this city you will find one of the most beautiful temples in the country: the White Temple or Wat Rong Khun. This temple is known for its architecture that mixes contemporary and traditional elements, its detailed ornamentation and the white color that covers it completely.

Another temple that never ceases to amaze is Wat Rong Seur Ten or Blue Temple, which stands out for its modern design and distinctive color palette. Also in this city you can visit the Baan Dam Museum or Black House, which offers a collection of artwork and dark architecture created by Thai artist Thawan Duchanee.

These tours are usually a full day and start early in the morning. It is a highly recommended experience for your 3+ day stay in Chiang Mai.

Details of interest

• Price: from 50 € per person for the group tour and from 231 € per person for the private tour.
• Duration: approximately 12 hours.
• Means of transport: air-conditioned vehicle.
• Advantages of this option: it is very convenient for short stays in the city, as it allows you to explore the highlights of Chiang Rai in one day.
• Disadvantages of this option: does not usually include meals and/or drinks.

If you want a refreshing outing after exploring the temples of Chiang Mai, a great option is to join a tour to Grand Canyon Water Park. Located just 20 minutes from the center, it offers you varied water activities and the opportunity to relax on its white sandy beaches.

At the Grand Canyon Water Park, you will find activities to suit all tastes, such as inflatable obstacle course or climbing on the canyon walls. There is also a zip line, from where you will see unique panoramic views, and you can navigate in kayaks and canoes.

It is undoubtedly one of the best activities in Chiang Mai to do with children, as it has a pool with a slide and inflatable boats for the little ones. Note that many of these tours do not include meals and/or drinks, but you can bring something for lunch or go to the cafe located in the park.

Details of interest

• Price: from 28 € per person.
• Duration: approximately 6 and a half hours.
• Means of transport: air-conditioned vehicle.
• Advantages of this option: you will be able to visit the Grand Canyon of Chiang Mai and enjoy beach and water activities, with all the necessary elements.
• Disadvantages of this option: it does not usually include food and/or drinks.

If you're looking for a full-day experience in Thailand's lush nature, a great option is for you to visit Doi Inthanon National Park. This tour is usually included in three-day itineraries in Chiang Mai and is one of the most recommended for outdoor enthusiasts.

Many of these tours take you to visit some of the waterfalls in the area, such as Wachirathan, 70 meters high, and Sirithan, 40 meters high. Itineraries usually include hiking the Ang Ka trail on Doi Inthanon Mountain, Thailand's highest mountain. They also usually take you to Sobhad village, home to the Karen community, where you can learn about their way of life.

Most of these tours include transfers to and from your hotel, and the company of a local guide who can teach you a lot about Doi Inthanon National Park. On the other hand, many do not include meals and/or drinks, so it is recommended that you bring your own snacks.

Details of interest

• Price: from 61 € per person.
• Duration: approximately 10 hours.
• Means of transportation: air-conditioned vehicle.
• Advantages of this option: you will be able to see the highlights of Doi Inthanon National Park accompanied by an expert guide.
• Disadvantages of this option: not all tours include meals and/or drinks.

Chiang Dao is a mountainous district located about 70 kilometers north of Chiang Mai. The region is surrounded by jungle and rock formations, making it an ideal getaway for those who prefer natural surroundings. It usually includes kayaking on the Mae Ping River.

Without a doubt, the most interesting part of this tour is exploring the Chiang Dao caves, a system of about 10 km in length where there is an ancient Buddhist sanctuary of 1700 years. If you decide to book a tour, you will be accompanied by a local guide who will help you discover every corner of these caves and learn about the legends that are told about them.

These tours are usually designed for small groups and usually include a kayaking lesson, so you can paddle even if you are a beginner. Another advantage is that they usually include a delicious typical Thai lunch at a local restaurant.

Details of interest

• Price: from 55 € per person.
• Duration: approximately 8 hours.
• Means of transport: air-conditioned vehicle.
• Advantages of this option: the company of a local guide who shares valuable knowledge throughout the day.
• Disadvantages of this option: an average physical condition is required to enjoy the experience.

If you are adept at sports and want to experience a day in nature, you can take a trip to Doi Suthep Pui National Park, and do activities such as hiking and cycling. This park, located at an altitude of about 1400 meters, is known for its natural beauty and for being home to one of the most revered temples in Chiang Mai: the Doi Suthep.

In addition, the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep offers one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the city. Usually, the climb to the top is done on foot and the descent is by bicycle. You can also visit Huay Tung Tha, a lake with crystal clear waters. These are full-day tours, which provide you with all the necessary equipment, such as bicycle and helmet.

If you book a tour, in addition to discovering Thai landscapes and temples, you will be accompanied by a guide who will provide you with information about the history of the city and nature. It also usually includes transfers from your hotel and a delicious Thai lunch.

Details of interest

• Price: from 45 € per person.
• Duration: approximately 7 hours.
• Means of transport: on foot and by bicycle.
• Advantages of this option: you will get to know the Doi Suthep Pui National Park and the famous temple at the top, in an experience that combines hiking and cycling.
• Disadvantages of this option: it is important to be in good physical condition.

Visiting Ran Tong Elephant Sanctuary from Chiang Mai immerses you in a different kind of day with these majestic animals. Just an hour away, this refuge is a safe space for rescued elephants, where you can participate in various activities to learn more about them.

At Ran Tong Elephant Sanctuary you can observe elephants in their natural environment and learn about the rescue, protection and welfare efforts of these mammals. It is a park where you cannot ride on the back of an elephant, as the sanctuary aims to provide them with a respectful environment.

These tours are usually conducted in small groups and include transfer from selected hotels or meeting points. They also usually include a typical Thai lunch.

Details of interest

• Price: from 70 € per person.
• Duration: approximately 8 hours.
• Means of transport: vehicle
• Advantages of this option: you will learn about the rescue efforts, protection and welfare of elephants in Thailand.
• Disadvantages of this option: demand to participate in this type of excursion can be high.