8 Best Day Trips from Chiang Mai
Explore beyond the city walls with these 8 unforgettable day trips from Chiang Mai
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Chiang Mai, the cultural capital of Northern Thailand, is known for its spiritual history and bustling markets. But beyond the city borders lies a landscape of mountains, temples, waterfalls and jungle just waiting to be explored. For those who want to escape the crowds, here’s our guide to the best day trips from Chiang Mai.
1. Doi Suthep-Pui National Park
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Just a short drive from Chiang Mai, Doi Suthep-Pui National Park is an escape into both nature and culture. Covering over 260km² , the park is known for its lush forests, stunning waterfalls and the iconic Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Located just 30 minutes from the city, the park is home to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a stunning temple perched atop the mountain. The temple is famed for its glimmering golden chedi, which is said to house a relic of the Buddha, believed to be a piece of his shoulder bone. This relic was brought to Thailand, where, according to legend, a white elephant carried it to the top of Doi Suthep before resting and dying at the location where the temple was built.
To reach the temple, ascend the 306 steps lined with naga serpent statues. The climb symbolises the path to enlightenment, but even if you don’t have a spiritual epiphany by the time you reach the top, you will certainly be rewarded with breathtaking, panoramic views of Chiang Mai. The temple itself is a huge complex, with golden stupas and a maze of courtyards and buildings to explore. Watch as monks go about their daily life and admire the intricate murals and incense-covered shrines. Read more in our full Guide to Visiting Wat Phra That Doi Suthep here.
Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail
This 3.2km loop trail has stunning views of Thailand’s highest peak, misty rainforests and rolling hills. Known for its biodiversity, along the trail you’ll find wildflowers, including rare rhododendrons, and plenty of wildlife. Make it to the stunning viewpoint where you can witness a sea of mist cloud inversion, especially in the early morning. Guided tours are required here to preserve the ecosystem and teach visitors about the significance of the trail to the local Karen people.
Huay Kaew Waterfall
Situated near the park’s entrance, this beautiful waterfall is perfect for a quick visit. A short and easy hike leads you to the falls, where you can relax by the pools and enjoy a refreshing dip after a day of hiking and temple exploring.
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2. Mae Sa Valley
Mae Sa Waterfall
Mae Sa Valley, located about 30km from Chiang Mai, is a beautiful retreat known for its natural beauty and traditional culture. Nestled in the mountains, the valley is filled with cool, fresh air – a blissful change from the humidity of the city. Explore lush landscapes, including terraced farms, tropical gardens and cascading waterfalls like Mae Sa Waterfall, one of the area’s most famous. The valley is also home to botanical gardens and orchid farms. For those who crave some adrenaline, you can enjoy zip-lining, ATV rides and trekking on the scenic trails.
Mae Sa Waterfall
A series of cascading falls set amidst rainforest. The easy trail leading to the waterfall is ideal for a relaxing walk and the deep pools are perfect for a refreshing swim. Bring a picnic and wile away an afternoon on the rocks.
Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden
This stunning botanical garden is known for its vast collection of tropical plants, beautifully landscaped gardens and breathtaking glasshouses. Established in 1992, the garden houses rare orchids, ferns and medicinal plants, amongst other tropical species. Explore scenic walking trails, suspension bridges and themed gardens while learning about Thailand’s biodiversity.
3. Bua Tong Waterfall (Sticky Waterfall)
Bua Tong Waterfall
Bua Tong Waterfall, also known as the “Sticky Waterfall,” is located about 60km from Chiang Mai and is a popular and fun day trip. The 100m tall waterfall tumbles out of the jungle, cascading over rocks. But these aren’t ordinary rocks. Made of limestone, they are covered in mineral deposits that create a grippy surface when you walk on them with your bare feet. They are so ‘sticky’ in fact, that you can walk directly up the face of the waterfall itself without slipping once – hence the name! Climb and clamber over these water-covered rocks like a mountain goat before finding the nearby sacred spring, known locally as Nam Phu Chet Si (meaning “Seven Colors Spring”). It’s a tranquil and revered spot with crystal clear water that seems to shimmer in shades of blue and green, thanks to the mineral content of the water.
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4. Chiang Dao
Chiang Dao Mountain
Chiang Dao, situated about 70km north of Chiang Mai, is known for its impressive mountain landscapes, caves and breathtaking natural beauty, all of which can be explored on a day trip from Chiang Mai.
Chiang Dao Cave
This cave complex stretches deep into Chiang Dao Mountain, the third highest peak in Thailand, and is filled with impressive limestone formations, stalactites and stalagmites. You can explore two of the caverns, Tham Phra Nawn and Tham Seua Dao, on your own and without a guide. These caves are lit with electric lighting, allowing you to see and experience the grandeur of the interior, sculpted over millennia. Two other caves, Tham Maa and Tham Kaew, are only accessible with a local guide, who will accompany you into the cave with a lantern for deeper exploration. Beyond its beauty, Chiang Dao Cave is also a sacred site for Buddhists. Inside, you’ll find numerous statues, shrines and altars, with monks and locals often visiting for meditation and worship.
Chiang Dao Mountain
For a more challenging adventure, hike Chiang Dao mountain itself. The trek, typically completed over two days, is around 8-10km each way and involves steep climbs through dense forests and bamboo groves to reach the summit. While the hike is not technically difficult, it requires good physical fitness due to its steep sections and uneven terrain. It’s highly recommended to go with a local guide due to the remoteness and lack of clear trail markers. Permits are required to access the area, and most hikers set up camp at the base or join a guided group. If you can, make it to the summit for sunrise, and witness the cloud inversion cloaking the valley beneath you.
Hot Springs
If hiking up mountains and trekking through caves has tired you out, nature has provided just the antidote you need in the hot springs that bubble up at the base of Chiang Dao. Hot water from the springs is piped into circular bamboo baths that sit alongside the river. The warm, mineral-rich waters are perfect for soothing sore muscles after a day of exploration. While many hot springs in the area have been developed into resorts, this one still retains a more wild, out-in-nature experience.
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5. Lamphun
Lamphun
For a glimpse into real local life in Thailand, head to Lamphun, one of the oldest towns in Thailand and located just 30km south of Chiang Mai. It’s known for its laid back vibe and temples, the most famous of which is Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, an ancient temple dating back to the 9th century. Lanphun is steeped in the history of the Hariphunchai Kingdom, the last Mon kingdom in northern Thailand. The quiet streets, traditional markets and friendly locals give you a glimpse into real life in Northern Thailand, away from the heaving tourist crowds.
6. San Kamphaeng
San Kamphaeng Hot Springs
San Kamphaeng, located about 13km east of Chiang Mai, is a popular day trip destination. Best known for the San Kamphaeng Handicraft Village, here, you can explore workshops that produce silk, pottery, silverware and lacquerware. The village is particularly renowned for its hand woven Thai silk, with many shops offering demonstrations on traditional looms. It’s the perfect spot to experience authentic Northern Thai craftsmanship and if you’re looking for genuine souvenirs that aren’t mass produced plastic, this is the place. San Kamphaeng Road in particular is lined with craft shops and art galleries.
The therapeutic hot springs of San Kamphaeng are another draw, offering a retreat surrounded by lush gardens and scenic mountain views. The hot springs feature large man-made mineral-rich pools, with smaller pools available for foot soaking, and even an area where you can boil eggs in the naturally hot water!
7. Doi Inthanon National Park
Doi Inthanon
Known as the “Roof of Thailand,” Doi Inthanon National Park is one of the country’s most spectacular and popular parks, home to the country’s highest peak, Doi Inthanon, standing at 2,565m. Thanks to its higher altitude, the climate is refreshingly cool, even in Thailand’s warmer months. It’s a wonderland of rainforest, waterfalls and hill tribes, and is located only 90km from Chiang Mai.
Doi Inthanon Summit
For those of you adverse to mountain hikes, you’ll be pleased to know that the peak itself is accessible by road. However, for those who enjoy getting out into the jungle, there are several trails for a more adventurous route. One of the most popular hikes is the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail, a moderate 3.2km loop with stunning panoramic views of valleys, forests and mist-covered mountains. Hiking up Doi Inthanon is not overly strenuous, but due to its high altitude, the cooler temperatures and changing weather can surprise visitors. The trails are well-marked, but hiring a guide is often required, especially for the Kew Mae Pan trail, as it passes through ecologically sensitive areas.
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Hill Tribe Village Doi Inthanon
Hill Tribe Villages
Nestled within the lush landscapes of Doi Inthanon National Park lie the hill tribe villages, a collection of villages that are home to northern Thailand’s indigenous people, including the Karen and Hmong tribes. Visiting the hill tribes is a fascinating glimpse into a traditional way of life that is fast disappearing, and gives you the opportunity to learn about their unique customs, crafts and core agricultural practices, such as rice and coffee farming. Tours to the hill tribes are always guided. This ensures respectful interaction and a deeper understanding of the culture. Guides often come from the local communities themselves, with the tours supporting the delicate economy of the villages. Expect a warm welcome, with opportunities to see traditional dress, handicrafts and simple village life. Read our full Guide on How to Visit the Hill Tribes of Chiang Mai here.
8. Mae Kampong Village
Mae Kampong Village
We might have saved our favourite for last. Mae Kampong Village, located about an hour’s drive from Chiang Mai, is a picturesque, peaceful village hidden deep in the lush mountains of northern Thailand. The village is famous for its beautiful wooden houses built along a hillside stream, as well as for its tea and coffee plantations. The way of life is slow and traditional, giving you a glimpse into rural life in Northern Thailand. Visiting Mae Kampong can easily be done alone, with the road well-marked and accessible by car or motorbike. Explore the village at your own pace, enjoying local food and visiting small cafes as you wander the streets. Highlights include a short hike to a nearby waterfall, and even some zip-lining through the forest to get the blood pumping. Consider a homestay while you’re here, and experience traditional Thai hospitality first hand, up here in the mountains. Whatever you do – this is the kind of place to stay a while.
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