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3 Days in Chiang Mai: Northern Quick Escape
3 DaysnorthernFrom $100-150

3 Days in Chiang Mai: Northern Quick Escape

Discover the cultural heart of Northern Thailand in 3 days. Explore ancient temples, visit an ethical elephant sanctuary, browse vibrant night markets, and enjoy the cooler mountain climate of Chiang Mai.

Overview

Discover the cultural heart of Northern Thailand in 3 days. Explore ancient temples, visit an ethical elephant sanctuary, browse vibrant night markets, and enjoy the cooler mountain climate of Chiang Mai.

3
Days
1
Cities
$100-150
Min Budget
5
Highlights

Trip Highlights

Doi Suthep Temple
Elephant Sanctuary
Sunday Night Market
Old City Temples
Thai Cooking Class

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1

Old City Temples & Night Market

chiang-mai

Activities

Wat Phra Singh
40 ($1.20)1 hour

One of Chiang Mai's most important temples. The Lai Kham chapel has stunning murals depicting daily life in the north.

Wat Chedi Luang
40 ($1.20)1 hour

The massive ruined chedi dates back to the 14th century. Free monk chats available daily from 9AM-12PM.

Explore the Old City by Bicycle
50-100 ($1.50-3) bike rental per day2-3 hours

The Old City is flat and compact - perfect for cycling. Rent a bike from your guesthouse or rental shops along Moon Muang Road.

Sunday Night Market (Walking Street)
Free entry (shopping/food extra)2-3 hours

Stretches along Ratchadamnoen Road from Tha Pae Gate. Best night market in Thailand! If not Sunday, try the Saturday Night Market on Wualai Road.

Meals

Breakfast
Khao Soi (northern curry noodles) at Khao Soi Khun Yai (50-80 baht)
Lunch
Sai Ua (northern sausage) and sticky rice at a local market (60-100 baht)
Dinner
Street food at the night market - try Khao Kha Moo (stewed pork leg) and mango sticky rice

Where to Stay

Boutique hotel in Old City or Nimman area (1,200-2,500/night)
Red songthaew (shared truck taxi) around the Old City: 30-50 baht. From airport: 150-200 baht by taxi.
2

Doi Suthep & Cooking Class

chiang-mai

Activities

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
30 ($0.90) temple + 100-150 transport2-3 hours (including transport)

306 steps up (or take the funicular for 50 baht). Go early morning for clear views over the city. The golden chedi is spectacular.

Thai Cooking Class
900-1,500 ($27-45)4-5 hours

Chiang Mai is the best place in Thailand for cooking classes. Try Thai Farm Cooking School or Mama Noi. Most include a market visit.

Nimman Road (Nimmanhaemin)
Free (shopping/cafes extra)2 hours

Chiang Mai's trendy neighborhood with hip cafes, art galleries, and boutique shops. Great coffee culture here.

Meals

Breakfast
Fresh fruit smoothie bowl at a Nimman cafe (120-200 baht)
Lunch
Cooking class lunch - you eat what you cook! (included in class fee)
Dinner
Huen Phen restaurant for authentic Lanna cuisine (150-300 baht per person)

Where to Stay

Boutique hotel in Nimman area (1,200-2,500/night)
Songthaew to Doi Suthep from Old City: 50-80 baht per person (shared). Grab taxi available too.
3

Elephant Sanctuary & Farewell

chiang-mai

Activities

Elephant Nature Park (Half-Day Visit)
2,500-3,500 ($75-105)4-5 hours

Book well in advance! This is an ethical no-riding sanctuary. You'll feed, bathe, and observe rescued elephants. Full-day options also available.

Tha Pae Gate Area
Free1 hour

The iconic eastern gate of the Old City. Great photo spot and starting point for exploring the moat area.

Traditional Thai Massage
200-400 ($6-12)1-2 hours

Chiang Mai offers some of the best and cheapest massages in Thailand. Try Lila Thai Massage (run by former female prisoners learning a trade).

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Free entry (shopping extra)2 hours

Open every evening along Chang Klan Road. More tourist-oriented than the Sunday Market but still fun for souvenirs.

Meals

Breakfast
Fresh pastries and coffee at Graph Cafe in the Old City (100-200 baht)
Lunch
Lunch at the Elephant Nature Park (included in visit fee)
Dinner
Khantoke dinner with traditional Lanna dance performance (600-900 baht)

Where to Stay

Boutique hotel in Old City (1,200-2,500/night)
Elephant sanctuary includes hotel pickup. Songthaew or Grab for evening activities.

Packing Tips

Comfortable walking shoes
Light layers (cooler in the mountains, especially Nov-Feb)
Insect repellent
Modest clothing for temples
Clothes you don't mind getting muddy (elephant sanctuary)
Sunscreen

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does 3 days in Thailand cost?

A 3-day trip to Thailand costs approximately $100-150 on a budget, $250-400 for mid-range travel, and $600-1,000 for a luxury experience. This includes accommodation, food, transport, and activities.

What is the best time to visit northern Thailand?

The best time to visit northern Thailand is November to February. This period offers the most favorable weather and fewer crowds.

Is 3 days enough for Thailand?

Yes, 3 days is enough for a focused trip to one area. This itinerary covers chiang-mai with a well-planned day-by-day schedule.

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