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Northern Thailand, Thailand · Trip plan

4 days in Chiang Mai

Temples, night markets, elephant sanctuaries and the Yi Peng lantern festival.

Best time
Nov – Feb
Ideal length
4 days
A day, mid-range
$100 per person
Trip for two
about $800

Planning a 4-day trip to Chiang Mai? Here's a day-by-day Chiang Mai itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.

Why go now

November's Yi Peng and Loy Krathong festivals fill the sky with lanterns, and the cool season runs to February.

Chiang Mai is northern Thailand's cultural capital, with over 300 temples, mountains, markets and a relaxed pace.

  1. Jan: a good time to go
  2. Feb: a good time to go
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov: a good time to go
  12. Dec: a good time to go

November to February: 15–29°C, dry and pleasant.

Create my Chiang Mai trip

Don't miss

Best things to do in Chiang Mai

  • 01

    Yi Peng

    Thousands of lanterns released into the night sky in November.

  • 02

    Doi Suthep

    A golden temple above the city.

  • 03

    Old City temples

    Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh.

  • 04

    Ethical elephant sanctuary

    Observe rescued elephants.

Day by day

Chiang Mai itinerary for 4 days

  1. D1

    Day 1: Old City temples

    Morning
    Visit Wat Chedi Luang's ruined chedi and Wat Phra Singh's golden halls.
    Afternoon
    Lunch of khao soi, then a Thai massage.
    Evening
    Shop at the Sunday Walking Street or the Night Bazaar.

    Cover shoulders and knees in temples.

  2. D2

    Day 2: Doi Suthep

    Morning
    Drive up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a golden temple above the city.
    Afternoon
    Explore Nimmanhaemin's cafés and galleries.
    Evening
    Take a Thai cooking class.

    Climb the 306 naga-lined steps for the views.

  3. D3

    Day 3: Elephants

    Morning
    Spend the day at an ethical elephant sanctuary watching rescued elephants bathe and feed.
    Afternoon
    Lunch at the sanctuary.
    Evening
    Yi Peng lantern release in November, or a riverside dinner.

    Choose a sanctuary with no riding or shows.

  4. D4

    Day 4: Home

    Morning
    Visit Wat Umong, a forest temple with tunnels.
    Afternoon
    Lunch.
    Evening
    Fly home.

    The airport is 15 minutes from the Old City.

Want it hour by hour?GoRoam plans every stop with times, maps, costs and bookings for your dates.

Shorter or longer

Chiang Mai in 3, 4 or 6 days

3 days in Chiang Mai

Follow days 1 to 3 above and leave out “Home”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.

6 days in Chiang Mai

Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering.

What it costs

Chiang Mai trip budget

StylePer person, a day4 days for two
Budget$40$320
Mid-range$100$800
Luxury$300+$2,400

Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to Chiang Mai is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.

Where to stay

Best hotels in Chiang Mai for every budget

  • Budget

    Guesthouses in the Old City

    Old City

    Walk to temples.

    from $25 /night

    Prices
  • Mid-range

    Boutique hotels in Nimman

    Nimmanhaemin

    Cafés and shops.

    from $90 /night

    Prices
  • Luxury

    Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

    Mae Rim

    Pavilions among rice fields.

    from $600 /night

    Prices

What to eat

Food to try in Chiang Mai

  • Khao soi

    Curry noodle soup with crispy noodles.

  • Sai ua

    Spicy northern sausage.

  • Mango sticky rice

    Everywhere.

Getting there

How to reach Chiang Mai

Travel
Chiang Mai airport is 15 minutes from the Old City; flights from Bangkok take an hour.
Getting around
Red songthaews, Grab and scooters.
  • Choose sanctuaries with no riding.
  • Yi Peng events need tickets; book months ahead.

Before you go

What to pack for Chiang Mai

  • Power bank and charging cables
  • Passport and visa printouts
  • Clothes that cover shoulders and knees for temples
  • A small first-aid kit
  • A reusable water bottle
  • A forex card or some local cash
  • Travel insurance

Good questions

Chiang Mai trip FAQs

How many days are enough for Chiang Mai?

4 days are enough to see the highlights: Yi Peng, Doi Suthep, Old City temples. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.

How much does a 4-day Chiang Mai trip cost?

Roughly $40 a day per person on a budget, $100 mid-range and $300+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about $800 for 4 days.

What is the best time to visit Chiang Mai?

Nov – Feb. November's Yi Peng and Loy Krathong festivals fill the sky with lanterns, and the cool season runs to February.

Where should I stay in Chiang Mai?

Budget: Guesthouses in the Old City (Old City), from about $25 a night. Mid-range: Boutique hotels in Nimman (Nimmanhaemin), from about $90 a night. Luxury: Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai (Mae Rim), from about $600 a night.

How do I reach Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai airport is 15 minutes from the Old City; flights from Bangkok take an hour.

Is 3 days enough for Chiang Mai?

Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 3 of the itinerary above and skip "Home". 4 days is the comfortable length.

What is the weather like in Chiang Mai?

November to February: 15–29°C, dry and pleasant.

What food should I try in Chiang Mai?

Khao soi: Curry noodle soup with crispy noodles. Sai ua: Spicy northern sausage. Mango sticky rice: Everywhere.

How do I get around Chiang Mai?

Red songthaews, Grab and scooters.

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