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 set. 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.

For all there is to see and do in Chiang Mai, there are many tour and excursion options that offer a comprehensive look. From trekking excursions that take in 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's 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 along the way.

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, renowned for its exceptional natural environment; and Wat Umong, which is noted for its underground tunnels.

For 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 will have to climb about 300 steps to reach Wat Doi Suthep, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. These tours are usually conducted in small groups, so they are ideal if you are looking for a more exclusive experience.

Useful details

• Price: from €143 per person.
• Duration: approximately 5 hours.
• 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 from 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're looking for a different experience to explore Chiang Mai, you can take a quad bike tour on jungle trails. These tours are suitable for beginners and experienced riders alike, and often take in less conventional trails.

This will give you a taste of Chiang Mai's scenery, from dusty trails to winding roads surrounded by jungle. All quad biking tours usually offer an introductory lesson and provide you with all the 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: Approximately 7 hours.
• Means of transport: minivan and quad.
• Advantages of this option: allows you to get to know lesser known areas of Chiang Mai in a fun and safe way. Includes introductory lesson.
• Disadvantages of this option: Requires a certain level of fitness 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 lasting about 2 hours, where you can see the city from a different perspective. Before the trip, you will most likely receive basic kayaking lessons, so you don't need any experience to kayak.

The Ping River offers an ideal environment to explore by kayak. As you paddle you can appreciate the serenity of the river and observe the city with its colourful 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 run in small groups, so you can enjoy the river in a quieter atmosphere and receive personal attention from the guides.

Details of interest

• Price: from 28 € per person.
• Duration: approximately 2 hours.
• Means of transport: single and double kayaks.
• Advantages of this option: allows you to get to know 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 experience Thailand's culinary tradition is to embark on a food tour. As well as sampling the country's exquisite dishes, these 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.

Traditional dishes to try include Thai noddle soup, a noodle soup dish typical of northern Thailand, and papaya salad. You can also try traditional 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: approximately 2.5 hours.
• 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 get to know the characteristic markets of Chiang Mai, accompanied by an expert guide.
• Disadvantages of this option: People with special diets may find this type of tour more challenging.

Chiang Rai is a city, located about 200 kilometres 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, as you will have your transfers sorted out and you will have the informative commentary of the local guide.

Chiang Mai is home to 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 colour 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 colour palette. Also in this city you can visit the Baan Dam Museum or Black House, which features 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 a group tour and from €231 per person for a 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 a single day.
• Disadvantages of this option: It 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 the Grand Canyon Water Park. Located just 20 minutes from the centre, it offers a variety of water activities and the chance to relax on its white sandy beaches.

At the Grand Canyon Water Park, you'll find activities to suit all tastes, such as an inflatable obstacle course or canyon wall climbing. There's also a zip line for unique panoramic views, kayaking and canoeing.

This is definitely one of the best activities in Chiang Mai to do with children, as it has a swimming pool with a slide and inflatable boats for the little ones. Please note that many of these tours do not include food and/or drinks, but you can bring some lunch or go to the cafe located in the park.

Interesting details

• Price: from €28 per person.
• Duration: approximately 6.5 hours.
• Means of transport: air-conditioned vehicle.
• Advantages of this option: you will be able to see the Grand Canyon of Chiang Mai and enjoy beach and water activities, with all the necessary elements.
• Disadvantages of this option: food and/or drinks are not usually included.

If you're looking for a full-day experience in Thailand's lush wilderness, a great option is to visit Doi Inthanon National Park. This tour is often 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 the 70-metre-high Wachirathan and the 40-metre-high Sirithan. Itineraries usually include hiking the Ang Ka trail on Doi Inthanon Mountain, Thailand's highest mountain. They also often 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 a packed lunch.

Details of interest

• Price: from €61 per person.
• Duration: approximately 10 hours.
• Means of transport: 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 about 70 kilometres 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.

The most interesting part of this tour is exploring the Chiang Dao Caves, a 10km-long system of caves that is home to a 1700-year-old Buddhist shrine. If you decide to book a tour, you'll be accompanied by a local guide who will help you discover every nook and cranny 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're a beginner. Another advantage is that they usually include a delicious 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: average physical condition is required to enjoy the experience.

If you are a sports enthusiast and want to experience a day in nature, you can take a trip to Doi Suthep Pui National Park, and enjoy activities such as hiking and cycling. This park, located at an altitude of around 1,400 metres, is known for its natural beauty and for being home to one of **Chiang Mai'**s most revered temples, the Doi Suthep.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep also offers one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the city. The climb to the top is usually done on foot and the descent by bicycle. Huay Tung Tha, a crystal-clear lake, is also popular. These are full-day tours, which provide you with all the necessary equipment, such as a 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. Transfers from your hotel and a delicious Thai lunch are also usually included.

Interesting details

• Price: from €45 per person.
• Duration: approximately 7 hours.
• Means of transport: on foot and by bicycle.
• Advantages of this option: You will see the Doi Suthep Pui National Park and the famous temple at the top in a combined hiking and cycling experience.
• 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 haven for rescued elephants, where you can participate in a variety of 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 a respectful environment for elephants.

These tours are usually run in small groups and include transfers 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: the demand to participate in this type of tour can be high.