9 Days in Chiang Mai: A Journey of Temples, Markets, and Natural Beauty

Christy Zach

10 Nov 2023

Embark on a captivating 9-day adventure in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Explore ancient temples, immerse in vibrant markets, and discover the breathtaking beauty of reservoirs and waterfalls.

Trip to Chiang Mai

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1

$15

Buddhist temple dating to at least the 1300s & featuring a prominent chedi (stratified tower).

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

11 - 16 min

Directions

13th-century temple with a gold chedi offering ancient Buddha & elephant statues on scenic grounds.

9:30 AM - 10:15 AM

•

8 - 11 min

Directions

Sculpture of Kings Mengrai, Ramkamhaeng and Ngam Muang, purported founding fathers of Chiang Mai.

10:45 AM - 11:15 AM

•

Free

8 - 12 min

Directions

14th-century Buddhist temple boasting gold & copper Buddhas, murals & ancient manuscripts.

11:45 AM - 12:45 PM

•

10 - 15 min

Directions

Sizable park with a contemporary playground, picnic areas, shade trees & water features.

1:15 PM - 2:15 PM

•

Free

10 - 15 min

Directions

Outdoor bazaar with vendors selling traditional street snacks, handmade crafts & souvenirs.

2:45 PM - 4:15 PM

•

Free

3 - 4 min

Directions

Bustling open-air market with a wide range of food stalls serving street eats, sweets & produce.

4:45 PM - 6:15 PM

•

Free

Day 2

$15

$ 6

Lively weekend market supplying organic fruits & vegetables, plus food, beverages & handicrafts.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

Free

11 - 14 min

Directions

Temple complex with a partially crumbled 15th-century chedi & a pillar believed to protect the city.

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

7 - 10 min

Directions

Each Sunday afternoon until midnight this street becomes a gallery for local arts & crafts.

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

3 - 4 min

Directions

Known as a site for many community events, this preserved city gate dates back to ancient times.

2:00 PM - 2:30 PM

•

Free

12 - 17 min

Directions

Vibrant, 3-floor market featuring fresh produce, street food, casual clothing & household goods.

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

•

Free

7 - 9 min

Directions

Quiet riverside temple with a gilded stupa, intricate bas-relief carvings & an ornate prayer hall.

5:30 PM - 6:15 PM

•

Day 3

$15

$ 6

Bustling covered marketplace offering fruits, veggies, fish, meats, coffee & prepared foods.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

11 - 14 min

Directions

Bustling night market featuring street food vendors & local crafts, plus souvenirs.

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

5 - 8 min

Directions

Bustling traditional market with many souvenir & food stalls, plus nightly cabaret shows.

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

•

Free

6 - 8 min

Directions

This ornate, Lanna-style Buddhist temple was originally built during the Mangrai dynasty.

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

•

$15

Day 4

$60

$ 8

Historic Buddhist temple complex with woods, a small lake, ancient tunnels & practicing monks.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

9 - 11 min

Directions

Buddhist temple in tranquil surrounds with a golden dome, ornate interior & historic mausoleum.

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

8 - 10 min

Directions

Those born in the year of the snake journey to this unique, historical Buddhist temple with artwork.

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

10 - 12 min

Directions

Modest reservoir offering a simple walking/jogging path, benches & grassy areas for picnics.

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

•

Free

14 - 21 min

Directions

Sizable zoo & aquarium with a snow dome, panda exhibit & kids’ water park, plus animal feedings.

3:30 PM - 6:30 PM

•

$38

Day 5

$120

$ 6

Man-made lake lined with bamboo huts & eateries serving local dishes, popular for walking & cycling.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

286 - 344 min

Directions

Ornate Buddhist temple complex featuring stone lions & a gilded chedi amid tropical greenery.

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

15 - 18 min

Directions

Attraction offering elephant shows, elephant painting & experiences such as bathing & riding.

12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

•

$113

Budget breakdown: $249 In total

Activities & Food:$225

Transport:$24