6 Days in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai moves slower and deeper than Bangkok. Six days lets you explore the Old City's 300+ temples, trek into the Mae Sa valley and Doi Suthep, take an elephant sanctuary trip (ethical operations only), and eat at shoebox khao soi stalls where locals queue. November–February weather is near-perfect.
What to expect
- Doi Suthep temple: golden chedi crowning a jungle peak 3,500 feet above the city
- Old City moated quarter: 15th-century teak temples, night markets, meditation centres
- Monk chat at Wat Chedi Luang: chat with English-speaking monks over tea
- Ethical elephant sanctuaries: walk, bathe, feed rescued herd members
- Mae Sa Valley waterfall hikes and rafting through jungle canopy
- Night bazaars: live music, street food, silk and handicrafts until 11 p.m.
Day by day
Land and settle into a small guesthouse in the Old City moat.
Walk Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh; grab khao soi at a local family stall.
Attend monk chat at Wat Chedi Luang; explore Sunday or night bazaar if open.
Songthaew (shared truck) up winding mountain road to Doi Suthep temple at sunrise.
Trek down through Doi Suthep-Pui National Park forest; cool off at jungle café.
Return to Old City; dinner of sai oua (northern sausage) at a night market.
Drive 45 min north to an ethical elephant sanctuary; spend morning bathing and feeding rescued elephants.
Walk the herd through jungle; lunch at sanctuary restaurant overlooking a watering hole.
Return to Chiang Mai; rest at a night spa, then casual dinner.
Scooter or guide-led trek into Mae Sa Valley; hike to multi-tiered Bua Thong waterfall.
Swim in pools; visit tribal village artisans or butterfly farm if interested.
Night bazaar browsing; buy silk scarves or wooden handicrafts; street food dinner.
Visit Wat Chiang Man (oldest temple, 1296) and see its ancient Buddha images.
Join a half-day Thai cooking class or traditional massage workshop in the Old City.
Relax with a hot-stone massage; casual dinner at a rooftop Old City café.
Early visit to Wat Phra That Doi Kham for golden stupa and city panorama.
Final shopping or quiet time at a temple garden or riverside café.
Depart Chiang Mai.
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