Chiang Mai is one of the historical cities and provinces located in the northern part of Thailand. It is the largest city in northern Thailand. There are countless restaurants, bars, attractions, temples, and markets to visit, and the most outstanding landmark is the Tha Phae Gate and its consecutive gates in the old city. Besides the Thai locals, the city is filled with ex-pats and digital nomads. For accommodation, Chiang Mai offers Airbnb vacation rentals that are both comfy and affordable. There are long-term rentals as well should you want to extend your stay here. It can, however, be challenging if you have explored every corner of the city. But, do not fret because there are many places to visit nearby. Given its convenient location, you can plan numerous day tours from Chiang Mai. Want to discover more? Continue reading for the best day trips from Chiang Mai, Thailand.
1. Baan Tong Luang Village
If you are on a vacation in Chiang Mai, Thailand, do consider keeping Baan Tong Luang Village in your itinerary of day tours. Bua Tong Waterfalls is located about an hour and a half north of Chiang Mai Old City. It is also famously known as Sticky Waterfalls because it consists of sticky limestone walls. The vertical waterfalls slope down to a slanting one, which provides the people to climb up the waterfalls by its sticky walls. Who needs a trip to a water slide at a park where you can immerse in nature and have a great time? Bua Tong Waterfalls is one of the best short trips you can undertake from Chiang Mai.
Book Tours : Climb Sticky Waterfall Like a Spiderman
2. Doi Inthanon
Doi Inthanon is about 86.4 km (53.7 miles) from Chiang Mai. It is known for Doi Inthanon National Park, and it is the highest peak in Thailand with a height of more than 2565 metres (8415 feet) above sea level. Surely, it gives the visitors a fresh turn of the atmosphere with a picturesque view of clouds over the mountain ranges. The national park is well-maintained, with evergreen nature and clean air. It is a great place for trekking, going on a trail walk and discovering unique flowers and plants. It gets quite chilly during the winter, while the summer is warm and inviting.
3. Mae Kachan Hot Spring and Geyser
Mae Kachan Hot Spring and Geyser is about 72.7 km (45.17 miles) from Chiang Mai. It is located under the province of Chiang Rai, at Mae Chedi Mai district. At Mae Kachan Hot Spring and Geysers, the water rises up to 90°C (194°F), and it is completely natural. The hot spring is maintained very well, and has beautiful landscapes surrounding it, giving the visitors a place to relax while soaking themselves in the hot water.
4. Chiang Dao
Chiang Dao is 69.8 km (43.4 miles) north of Chiang Mai and can be reached within an hour and a half. Its famous attractions are Chiang Dao Cave, Pha Daeng National Park and Doi Chiang Dao, yet kayaking is one of the best adventures so far. You can go on a kayaking expedition on Mae Ping River and admire the nature. Chiang Dao Cave is yet another must-visit attraction. It consists of over 12 km (7.45 miles) of stalactite-laden caves with magnificent sinter. It is a completely different adventure of admiring nature than kayaking.
5. Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat
Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat is located in Lampang, which is about two hours and 30 minutes drive away from Chiang Mai. It is located at a distance of 162.1 km (101 miles). It is famous for its white pagodas situated on high rocky mountains. Over the mountains, there is a beautiful picturesque view of the horizon and perfect point to view the sunset. It is a beautiful monastery built on a mountain and in the forest commemorating Lord Buddha. This short trip will certainly be worth the experience and have you in a peaceful state of mind.
Book Tours : 1 day Private Tour to Unseen Temple in Lampang
6. Pai
Pai is a small peaceful town located north of Chiang Mai, at a distance of 128.3 km (80 miles). It can be reached within three hours by road. It is the best place for hiking or trekking the mountains. It is also a place to relax and appreciate nature. Wat Phra That Mae Yen is one of the most visited spots in Pai, offering an awesome panoramic view of Pai. Other attractions worth a visit include Pai Canyon, World War II Memorial Bridge, hot springs and Santichon Yunnanese Village.
Book Tours : Pai Highlights Private One Day Trip From Chiang Mai
7. Mae Ngat Dam
Mae Ngat Dam is about an hour drive from Chiang Mai, at a distance of 51.7 km (32.12 miles). At Mae Ngat Dam, you can fall in love with northern Thailand all over again. It will give you a pleasant feeling of tranquility and peacefulness, making it worth a short trip. It is a place where you can relax on a floating hut, swim in the lake, or even go kayaking along the lake and down the river.
Book Tours : Cycling tour and Buatong waterfall
8. Mae Sa Valley
Just 14.1 km (9 miles) or about 25-minutes drive from Chiang Mai, Mae Sa is a small valley located in the forest full of tall green trees. It sounds like a quiet boring village, yet it offers a lot of adventure activities, waterfalls, parks and gardens. It is a hub for all the adrenaline junkies. Adventure enthusiasts can indulge in pursuits such as bungee jumping, zip-lining, paintball game, go-karting, dirt biking and even driving an ATV (all-terrain vehicle). Also, it has botanical gardens, waterfalls, snake farms, orchid and butterfly farm, Tiger Kingdom and Mae Rim Monkey School.
9. Lamphun
Located about an hour drive south from Chiang Mai, Lamphun is a historical province in Thailand, which is surrounded with lustrous nature and popular for its longan fruit. While you’re here, visit the rice fields, check out the famous temple of Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, marvel at the outstanding architecture of Chedi Suwanna, and hike the Koh Luang waterfall. Koh Luang waterfall is a must-visit waterfall, for it features spectacular serene turquoise colored water.
Book Tours : Chiang Mai Countryside Guided Bike Tour
10. Huai Nam Dang National Park
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Posted by อุทยานแห่งชาติห้วยน้ำดัง - Huai Nam Dang National Park on Monday, February 13, 2023
With its unspoiled beauty, diverse flora and fauna, and cultural encounters, Huai Nam Dang National Park is a must in your itinerary of Thailand. It is the ideal place for nature enthusiasts and adventurers seeking an immersive experience in Northern Thailand. Embark on scenic hikes through the park’s well-marked trails, immersing yourself in the beauty of nature. Discover picturesque waterfalls like Mae Sa-ka, where you can take a refreshing dip in crystal-clear pools.
Visit the park’s viewpoints, such as Pha Ngam, which offers panoramic vistas of misty mountains and verdant valleys. Capture unforgettable moments and breathtaking landscapes. Huai Nam Dang National Park is also a cultural treasure inhabited by hill tribes. Interact with local communities, learn about their traditional way of life, and savor authentic Thai cuisine.
11. Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden
Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden is a haven of tranquility, providing a perfect escape to immerse yourself in nature’s beauty and gain a greater appreciation for the world of plants. Spanning over 1,000 acres (404.69 hectares), this botanical paradise showcases a diverse collection of plants, flowers, and ecosystems.
Take leisurely walks along the well-manicured paths, surrounded by colorful blooms and exotic foliage. Explore themed gardens, including the Rainforest Collection, Orchid Pavilion, and Thai Medicinal Plants Garden, each offering a unique botanical experience. Marvel at the grandeur of the Glasshouse Complex, housing rare and endangered plant species from around the world. Learn about conservation efforts and the importance of preserving biodiversity.
The garden also offers educational programs, workshops, and guided tours to understand the botanical world better. Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys from various viewpoints within the garden, creating a serene and picturesque setting.
12. Elephant Nature Park
At a distance of 54.9 km (34.1 miles) from Chiang Mai, Elephant Nature Park is one of the best places to see the elephants of Northern Thailand. It is a must-do short trip from Chiang Mai to experience a whole different level of adoration for animals, particularly the elephants. It is a rescue and rehabilitation center for elephants, which features a huge park for the elephants to play, relax, bathe and spend their quiet time in the natural surroundings. While visiting the park, there is so much to learn about the rescued elephants. You can even feed them.
Book Tours : Full Day Elephant Nature Park Tour from Chiang Mai
13. Pha Chor
Pha Chor is a historical site of a naturally formed cliff consisting of monolithic walls and is quite similar to the Grand Canyon of the United States of America. It is located toward the south of Chiang Mai, at a distance of 50.2 km (31.2 miles). It consists of well-maintained uphill trails and narrow paths surrounded by huge rocks and tall trees, which makes hiking it a bit challenging. However, the hike is worth it for the breathtaking views of the area you’ll witness once you reach the top. It is an ideal short trip that you should undertake early in the morning when the sun is not scorching hot.
14. Chiang Rai
Located 189.6 km (118 miles) from Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai is a hidden gem of northern Thailand. There are many things to do and see in this small province, such as the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten), Black House (Baan Dam Museum), Big Buddha (Wat Huay Pla Kung) and Singha Park. There are many night bazaars in the city that are worth a visit, too. They are filled with stalls selling clothes, accessories and food, plus live band performances are also held regularly. Chiang Rai is definitely a place to relax and rejuvenate yourself
Plan your best short trips from Chiang Mai
There are plenty of great places to visit in Thailand and although Chiang Mai is a beautiful place to explore, there are lots of less-frequented places nearby that are worth checking out as well. Read our above list of the best day trips that you can undertake from Chiang Mai, Thailand. Your trip can be relaxing as well as adventurous.
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