11 Best Day Trips from Chiang Mai

Updated: 30 October, 2024

The best 1-day excursions from Chiang Mai, to visit its mountains, waterfalls, learn about the culture of the north and see fabulous temples.

The city of Chiang Mai is truly fascinating for its temples, mountainous area, incredibly friendly people and the most delicious Thai cuisine in the country.

At the same time, Chiang Mai is the main city in the north and the best place to base yourself for day trips around the region.

In this article I tell you about the best excursions from Chiang Mai including some almost unknown to tourists, an area that I know well, because of the 3 years I lived in Thailand, 6 months were in Chiang Mai.

Although I am not going to deny that the islands are a true paradise, the north of Thailand is in my heart (and I'm more of a beach person) and I'm sure the same will happen to you. 🥰

11 Best Day Trips from Chiang Mai

1. Doi Inthanon

Doi Inthanon National Park covers an area of 482 km² and is known as the “roof of Thailand” because it is home to the highest mountain in the country, with 2,565 m, of the same name.

The entire park is made up of mountains that belong to the Himalayan mountain range with variable heights from 800 m.

Due to the altitude and humidity, it is the area of the country with the coolest climate.

During the coldest winter months in northern Thailand (December and January), nighttime temperatures in Doi Inthanon can drop to 0°C.

What to do in Doi Inthanon?

Doi Inthanon is one of the most popular parks in Thailand for hiking and trekking for its humid forests that remain evergreen, viewpoints, pagodas and waterfalls.

Although, this is one of the best excursions from Chiang Mai even if you don't want to walk. Because you can get to the top by car, just like the Wachirathan waterfall which is the most beautiful to see because of its great jump, although it is not a good place to bathe.

As for the fauna, there are no large mammals left; however, it is a excellent place for bird watching, where about 500 different species have been recorded.

But it also stands out for other small animals such as lizards, turtles and some gibbons.

Another attraction of the park is the season of cherry blossom from the end of January to the beginning of February and during the rainy season the rice fields They are in their maximum splendor.

The park stands out for the sea of clouds which I tell you below in point 10.

How to get to Doi Inthanon from Chiang Mai?

To go to this national park you can do it in 2 ways:

• Car: Driving is the best way if you want to take your time or stay in the park overnight. It's easy to get there and the road is good. If you need rent a car in Thailand I recommend this search engine that has the best prices.
• Songthaews: the only public transport there is the songhtaews, but there is no direct. First, you have to go in one of the yellow vans to Chom Thong and then from there another to the park or a taxi. However, it is the option that I least recommend because once in the park the distances are very great.
• Excursion: The most practical way to visit the park is with an excursion because they take you to the most interesting points, such as this is the most popular and includes a visit to the waterfalls.
• Tour with guide in Spanish: in case you prefer to go with a guide in Spanish, you can do this other tour.

• Distance from Chiang Mai: 70 km
• Opening Hours: 5:30 to 18:30
• Entrance price: national park 350 bahts (9.67 euros); royal pagodas 40 baht (1.11 euros); entrance with car 30 bahts (0.83 euros)

2. Namtok Bua Tong (Sticky Waterfall)

The sticky waterfalls or Namtok Bua Tong in Thai, is one of the Most popular visits near Chiang Mai even among Thai families.

Although at first glance they seem to be made of papier-mâché as if it were an amusement park, they are one of the funniest waterfalls that you can visit because you can walk over it like it was nothing.

It turns out that The water that bathes the waterfall is rich in calcium and prevents algae from growing on the rocks, which is why they are not slippery.

What to do at BuaTong waterfalls?

It is an ideal place to go spend the day and cool off in this waterfall that It extends 100 m and has 3 levels.

The waterfall has ropes to help you climb and although no pool large enough to bathe forms, you will end up completely wet.

You can change clothes because there are bathrooms and also a restaurant.

The park area is ideal for doing short hiking routes and bird watching.

How to go to Sticky waterfalls from Chiang Mai?

There is no public transport to go to the sticky waterfalls, but you can easily get there by car or motorbike because it is only 60 km from the city of Chiang Mai.

Another option is to hire a taxi to take you or an excursion like this one on the link that also takes you to visit the Chiang Dao caves which I mention below in point 6.

• Distance from Chiang Mai: 60 km
• Opening Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Entrance price: free

3. Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai is one of the most important cities in northern Thailand.

This city was conquered by the Burmese and remained in their hands for hundreds of years, an influence that was evident.

A visit to Chiang Rai can be done with a 1-day excursion, but the ideal is to spend at least 3 days there, which will give you time to see the most interesting places and try the delicious food of northern Thailand.

What to see in Chiang Rai?

Chiang Rai has quite a few interesting places to visit, these are the most important ones that will not leave you indifferent:

1. White Temple: Wat Rong Khun is one of the most visited places in Thailand and a mandatory stop on all tours to Chiang Rai, due to the originality of this temple that began to be built in the late 90s. It is located about 15 km from Chiang Rai.
2. Blue Temple: Wat Rong Suea Te, although it is not as frequented by tourists as the White Temple, for many it is the most beautiful temple not only in Chiang Rai but of all the Buddhist temples. What makes it so special is the blue predominant color of the exterior and interior that helps highlight the white Buddha inside. This 2016 temple is located just 3 km from Chiang Rai.
3. Black House: The Baan Dam Museum, also known as the Black Temple, is one of the most curious places in Chiang Rai, there are 32 buildings built by the eccentric architect Thawan Duchanee. In addition to the predominant black color, in some houses there are exposed horns, skins and dried animals that give it an even more gloomy air. It is 12 km from Chiang Rai.
4. Golden Triangle: It is the border area between Thailand, Laos and Burma, where the Mekong River meets the Ruak. In the past, it was famous for the cultivation of poppies to obtain opium and the commercial exchange for gold. Currently, coffee and tea are mainly traded. The museum Hall of Opium It is a perfect visit to learn a little more about the history of the Golden Triangle. The ancient city of Chiang Saen is also worth a visit. It is located 70 km from Chiang Rai.

How to get to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai?

You can get to Chiang Rai by plane from other areas of Thailand.

If you can't drive, the road is pretty good to get to Chiang Rai.

To rent a car in Thailand, I recommend this search engine. In case you already know it, it will surprise you, but it is where you will find the cheapest prices.

Another alternative is that you go with him bus from Chiang Mai, The bus takes a little less than 4 hours and costs 7 euros. The buses leave from the Arcade station, you can see schedules and book your ticket on this website.

How to visit Chiang Rai?

Once in Chiang Rai, you will have to rent a motorcycle or car to visit all the places or get around by taxi.

If you can't join one full day excursion like this one about the link to the temples, the black house and the Golden Triangle.

Excursion from Chiang Mai

Another alternative, if you have little time, is to take a 1-day trip from Chiang Mai, so you don't have to worry about transportation or hotel nights in Chiang Rai.

In this case I recommend this link that takes you to the 3 most important temples or this other one that goes to white temple and gold triangle.

If you prefer to go with a with guide in Spanish to Chiang RaiI recommend this other one.

• Distance from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai: 186 km
• Shcedules and prices:
  • White Temple: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., 100 baht
  • Blue Temple: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., free
  • Black House: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 80 baht
  • Hall of Opium: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed on Sundays, 200 baht.

4. Pai

Pai is a laid-back town nestled in the mountains of northern Thailand, drawing in nature lovers, peace seekers, backpackers, and hippies.

What to do in Pai?

Pai is the perfect spot to unwind, but there’s plenty to keep you busy nearby, which is why I suggest staying for at least two days.

Here are some of my favorite spots, though there’s much more to explore in Pai:

• Big Buddha: This massive white Buddha is one of Pai’s most iconic landmarks. To reach it, you’ll climb 352 steps, but the views at the top are well worth the effort. It sits at the Chedi Phra That Mae Yen temple, surrounded by mountains.
• Bamboo Bridge over the rice fields: Strolling through Pai’s rice fields is a must, and you can do it on a beautiful walkway made of woven bamboo.
• Santichon Village: A unique village with traditional Chinese architecture. You can even rent a traditional costume for some fun photos.
• HikingThere are some incredible hiking routes here. Three of the best are to the stunning Pam Bok waterfall tucked in a small canyon, the Land Split where the earth has opened into a large chasm, and the Pai Canyon. All of these spots are also accessible without hiking if that’s not your thing.
• Tham Lot Cave: Thailand’s largest cave is truly impressive. Bats, swifts, and fish live in the river that flows through it, and the massive chambers are filled with stalactites and stalagmites. For me, one of the highlights of the visit to Tham Lot Cave was the bamboo raft ride through the cave, which costs 600 baht and is absolutely worth it.
• Yoga: Thanks to its peaceful atmosphere, Pai is ideal for making a yoga retreat like this one that starts in Chiang Mai and finishes in Pai.

🧘‍♀️ You can learn more about that yoga retreat and others in this article on the 4 Best Retreats in Thailand: Yoga and Meditation.

How to get to Pai from Chiang Mai?

You can drive to Pai, but I only recommend it if you’re an experienced driver, as the road is one of the most dangerous in Thailand.

The easiest option is to take a minibus from Chiang Mai, which takes about 4 hours and costs 6 euros. Buses leave from Arcade 2, and you can check schedules and book tickets online.

Another option is a full-day tour to Pai, like this one, which visits the area’s most iconic spots.

• Distance from Chiang Mai: 129 km

5. Flight of the Gibbon – zip lines

In the area near Chiang Mai there are several places with zip lines, but the best place is Flight of the Gibbon, the longest zip line in all of Asia and is a perfect place if you like extreme experiences.

Flight of the Gibbon is in an area where gibbons live and there is a chance to see them.

The zip line has a total of 33 platforms, 3 hanging bridges and 2 rappelling areas, you have to walk a little but not too much.

In the end, the experience on the zip lines lasts about 2 or 3 hours which ensures a good adrenaline rush and lots of fun.

How to go to Flight of the Gibbon?

Wherever you buy your Flight of the Gibbon tickets, transportation from central Chiang Mai is included. This way you won't have to worry about anything.

• Distance from Chiang Mai: 50 km

6. Chiang Dao Caves

The Chiang Dao caves are in the park of the same name and are the largest in the province of Chiang Mai with an extension of 10 km.

These are ancient caves full of stalactites and stalagmites, and they also hide inside a temple that is more than 1,700 years old.

In theory, there are more than 100 interconnected caves, but only 5 are visitable.

You can visit them on your own or hire a guide for 150 bahts (4.13 euros) right there, something I recommend doing so as not to get lost in the caves and see all the most interesting things.

What to do there besides see the caves?

Other interesting plans in the area are:

• The hiking trails through the Chiang Dao National Park area where you can reach its highest peak at 2,225 meters high.
• Visit the Wat Tham Pha Plong with a staircase of 500 steps decorated by an imposing naga. The temple is a well-known meditation center.

How to go to Chiang Dao?

To go Chiang Dao there are no direct buses, so the alternatives are:

• Car or motorcycle: It is the most practical way and the road is fine.
• Excursion: Chiang Dao excursions usually include other activities, like this one that has a kayak tour or this other one that also They take you to Sticky Waterfall and so you do 2 excursions together.

• Distance from Chiang Mai: 75 km
• Opening Hours: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Entrance price: 40 bahts, guide 150 bahts.

7. Elephant Sanctuary

The topic of elephant sanctuaries in Thailand is a bit complicated, because there are many articles that talk about ethical sanctuaries that are not.

For example, in Chiang Mai Elephant Natural Park It is not an ethical sanctuary; However, many websites promote it as if it were.

Both the FAADA as the World Animal Protection it have removed from their list of ethical sanctuaries.

But I have good news for you, there are 2 ethical 100% sanctuaries in Chiang Mai according to the FAADA and World Animal Protection.

Both sanctuaries offer programs to stay there at fairly reasonable prices and have a complete experience with the elephants.

1. Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary

This sanctuary in Chiang Mai has elephants of different ages, including some very young.

The visit of 2 days and 1 night costs 300 USD and 165 USD if a second person goes.

Prices They include transportation to the place, accommodation and meals.

2. Burm and Emily's Elephant Sanctuary (BEES)

In this sanctuary they only have rented elephants, which means that they pay the owner so that he continues to have an income to feed his family and they give the elephants a better life.

Here the most common are multi-day visits, but sometimes they have space to join the elephant observation walk as a one-day 1-day visit, but you have to contact them in advance.

The visit of 2 nights and 1 day costs 6,000 baht (167 euros) and includes transportation, meals and accommodation.

In addition, they have 1-week programs for 15,000 bahts (417 euros).

To go to either of the two sanctuaries you will need to make the reservation from their website I have left you the links.

🐘 In this other article you can read more about Elephant Sanctuary in Thailand: ethical or just a business? so you can understand more about the situation of elephants in Thailand.

8. Mae Taeng River Rafting

If you are looking for a little adrenaline, there is an area whitewater in Mae Taeng River very popular for rafting.

It is a 10 km stretch with class III and IV zones, that is, it is a extreme extreme adventure although not as much as a class V which is only for experts.

But don't worry because they explain the security measures and there is always a certified raft guide.

How to go to Mae Taeng?

The way to go rafting is to hire the entire whitewater rafting experience.

I recomend you this is the link which includes pickup in Chiang Mai, all equipment (vest and helmet), guide, insurance, lunch and they even have towels for you.

• Distance from Chiang Mai: 80 km

9. Flower Farm between rice fields

In the Mae Rim area are the flower farms closest to Chiang Mai, it is an area that stands out for its overwhelming nature where to do trekking and mountain bike routes.

In addition, it is an area where rice and different types of flowers are grown. In the northern area of Mae Rim there are orchid farms.

Flower farms are those places that you will not find in guides of what to see in Chiang Mai and they are mainly visited by Thais.

The day I was there, as I was leaving, there were about 200 people on the farm and I was the only “round eyed” one. 😆😅

In the area there are many flower farms that can be visited, but I recommend I Love Flower Farm (I leave you a link to their Facebook) which stands out for the color and variety of flowers.

In addition, compared to its neighbors it is at least 20 times larger and only costs 90 baht, the entrance includes a flower-based drink and a small snack.

How to get to the flower farm in Chiang Mai?

To go there you will need to go by private transportation (car or motorcycle) or pay for a taxi because there is no direct public transportation or excursions that will take you there.

A taxi will not cost you very expensive because it is only 17 km from Chiang Mai, I paid about 200 bahts (5.50 euros) each way.

Recommendations for visiting a Flower Farm

• Just this one open from November to March (approx.).
• In December they usually have a day when they take hot air balloons to the farm.
• You have made a reservation With time, tickets sell out well in advance.
• I recommend you go first thing in the morningThen there are a lot of people and it's hot.
• take socks, there they have rubber boots that you can wear if you arrive early, then there are not enough for everyone and believe me they work very well.
• If you want a professional photographer to take your photos, there you will find photographers who charge 1,500 baht for half an hour of photos (42 euros). If you go with more people you can share the expense.
• In case you don't want to pay a photographer and you are traveling alone, ask other people to take photos of you. Thai people love taking photos, they are good at taking them and they won't mind. 😉

• Distance from Chiang Mai: 17 km
• Opening Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Entrance price: 90 bahts (2.47 euros)

10. Sea of Clouds at Kew Mae Pan

The northern area of Thailand is the best to see the wonderful sea of clouds, i.e. the clouds seen from above moving that remind us of the sea.

A spectacle of nature that you can see during the cold season in the north, The best months are from November to March.

Near Chiang Mai there are several places to see the sea of clouds or sea of clouds in English, but nothing better than going to the "roof of Thailand" is to tell Doi Inthanon what I told you about in point 1 of this list.

In Doi Inthanon, the Kew Mae Pan Viewpoint At 2,200 m high, it is the most famous place in the country of smiles to see this phenomenon.

How to go to Doi Inthanon to see the sea of clouds?

In this case you will not be able to go with an excursion, the best option is to go from Chiang Mai by car and if you can, stay overnight in the area so you can arrive early in the morning.

How to get to the viewpoint?

To get to the viewpoint there is a hiking trail that takes you there, here is the link to the Google map of the starting point.

It is a circular route, the one way is 1.1 km with an ascending gradient of 132 m, It is a very easy level for most people even without hiking experience. In addition, there are some sections with stairs.

Then you can return along the other part of the circular route which is a little longer or go back the way.

Along the way, stop to contemplate the views of the Great Pagoda, they are very beautiful.

If you prefer trekking, you can start from another point to do a longer and more intense route.

What time to go?

The most beautiful time to see the sea of clouds It's at dawn, although it lasts a few hours and you will always have a better chance of seeing it in the morning.

Note that the sea of clouds depends on the weather conditions and it is not guaranteed that you will see it.

Early in the morning the ground will be wet due to the fog, for that reason I recommend that you wear some sports shoes with grip to avoid slipping.

• Distance from Chiang Mai: 70 km
• Opening Hours: 5:30 to 18:30
• Entrance price: national park 350 bahts (9.67 euros); free viewpoint

11. San Kamphaeng Hot Spring Baths

In the north of Thailand there are several thermal baths or hot springs. The most popular are those of San Kamphaeng because they are beautiful and very close to Chiang Mai.

If you want to relax, these thermal baths are the solution, they are in a natural environment of forests and green hills.

In the thermal center there are 2 fountains that shoot jets of hot water more than 20 m high, with an initial temperature of 100 °C.

Since the temperature is so high, it is enough to boil an egg and you can check it. There they sell eggs in a basket (haha, no joke!) and they have a sign that indicates the time you should leave the eggs cooking according to your taste.

If you want to complete the total relaxation experience, you also have the thai massage option and feet for 220 bahts (6.04 euros).

How to get to San Kamphaeng?

• Car or motorcycle: This is the most convenient way to get there because it is a short distance from Chiang Mai and the road is good.
• Taxi: You can easily go there by taxi, but once there it will be very difficult for you to find another taxi to take you unless it coincides with the arrival of a tourist to the thermal baths. Unless you negotiate with the taxi driver waiting for you, which is unlikely unless he charges you a lot. You can also go by taxi and return with the mini bus.
• mini bus: it is the cheapest way to get there, there are several round-trip buses, you can See schedules and book online here.

• Distance from Chiang Mai: 36 km
• Opening Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Entrance price: 100 baht; enter by car 40 bahts

Places to avoid

In Thailand there are many places that should be avoided because they are unethical, mainly they are places where animals are mistreated and exploited, but there are also places where other people are exploited.

I recommend you avoid them because visiting them is a way of contributing to them and not helping them end.

Here is a summary of the most popular among tourists in the Chiang Mai area that should be avoided if possible:

• Unethical elephant sanctuaries, especially those that offer shows, riding them or any place where the elephant does not come first. Even those that let you hug them, bathe them or other activities that the elephant would not do in its natural habitat.
• Any animal show where they are mistreated or take pictures with wild animals that they drug them.
• Karen Hill village to see the women giraffe neck Padaung is a zoo, but of people, exploited by smart people who take most of the money.

Additional recommendations

1. Bring mosquito repellent to all excursions from Chiang Mai and especially when traveling during the rainy season, I usually use the extra strong relay and there is no mosquito that comes close.
2. In the north of Thailand it is cold at night in December and January, in Chiang Mai they can drop below 10 °C and in the mountains even lower. Therefore, if you are going to spend the night out or start your excursions early, wear a coat.
3. February to April are the worst months to visit northern Thailand because it is the time when farmers burn the fields and pollution skyrockets, it is known as burning season. It is a very bad time to go on excursions and particularly if you want to do hiking or some other physical activity. I recommend you look into this topic, especially if you have any respiratory problems such as bronchitis or asthma.

Final Thoughts

These are the best excursions from Chiang Mai, You can do most of them in just one day and see beautiful corners of northern Thailand, a less touristy area of the country and at the same time much more authentic.

In case I have left any topic untouched, leave me a comment below and I will help you in any way I can. If you found the article useful, share it with other travelers. Have a good trip! 😘

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• 5 Best Temples in Chiang Mai – for beauty and importance