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Three nights in Chiang Mai

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A friend of mine, an old Thai hand who's never visited Chiang Mai, is leading a group of six family and friends (couples) on their first Thai vacation. They're arriving by train early Monday, departing by bus evening of Thursday to Kanchanaburi. This in late November. Hotel already sorted.

 

What's a reasonable must see and must do itinerary for this group of English folk? All in their 40' and 50's -ish.

 

I've already suggested he try grok and I ran a few "tours" myself online but he's a Luddite. So as a favour, I'm asking here among the Chiang Mai experts.

 

Thanks for any help and words of advice.

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Three days isn’t very much time to get out and see the region. So then, Doi Suthep Pui and go check out Mae On and Mon Jam. The rest of the time there’s plenty to see and do around the old city. That should fill the a 3 day trip.

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Yes, quite limited time so in-and-around town and what's easily accessible out-and-about is what's desired. Some friends have arranged for one of the spouses who's interested in MMA to visit a muay thai gym and have a "friendly" bout.

 

All travelers have proper insurance and will NOT be renting scooters 

Contact Boon at taxichiangmaiprogramtour(at)gmail.com.   Excellent day tours in Chiangmai, Chiangrai, Pai.  He also has a Facebook page that I follow.   We booked him in November based on the wonderful reviews.  

Two overlooked attractions, Wat Umong and Sankampaeng Hot Springs.

Knowing what I know and seen and if only had 3 days to visit Chiang Mai then I would rent a car and drive to Doi Tung and Wat Huay Pla Kang and the White Temple in Chiang Rai for a day. On another day drive up Doi Suthep to Ban Khun Chang Khian, Doi Pui and Suthep temple. Then on another day go to Wat Sri Don Moon in Sarapee then take a drive to Mae Kampong. 

climbing up the sticky waterfall

My suggestion: Doi Suthep, old City and finally Sankampaeng hot Springs for relaxation are feasible in this short time.....

2 minutes ago, ujayujay said:

My suggestion: Doi Suthep, old City and hot Springs are feasible in this short time.....

Sticky waterfalls, and the tarted up tourist section of the smelly klong. Maybe the underground wat Umong and snapping turtle island for novelty appeal.

3 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Sticky waterfalls, and the tarted up tourist section of the smelly klong

Judging by your negative comment, you don't seem to feel at home in Thailand.......

They definitely need to take the drive to Mon Jam.

 

If your friends are not brokies like you, NanLaew, then they can not just enjoy the scenic drive up the mountains to Mon Jam, stop at any number of attractions from cafes, restaurants, ATV tours, Shooting ranges, Snake shows, Elephant camps, but they can even rent a room at a Japanese Onsen for one night.

 

The Coconut market, Jing Jai and Nimman One weekend market are a must. The latter combined with the University night market.

 

Then depends what they like, the most spectaular old Wat, a Zoo, which is great btw, an 11 course dinner at Chefs Table (10000 baht for two) or Red Box (11000 for two). or if they are brokies then ancient beef noodles or some such, obviously culinary delights in Chiang Mai are plentiful like few other places in the world.

The Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden in Chiang Mai with a side trip up to the top of Doi Kham which is a couple of kilometers away.  Wrap the day up at Chiang Mai Night Bazaar  It's a day trip. 
Take a day to just walk:  Old city and a ton of temples to visit, Worarot Market, Walking street.  There's another full day.
Hop a red songtaew on the North side of Chiang Mai University and head to Doi Suthep.  There's a half day.  Decompress that evening.

In a three day visit, I would not recommend a driving trip.  Really, who wants to sit in a van or car all day that is driven by a Thai driver?  You come back with white knuckles if you come back at all.  Also, six families and friends?  You'd need a bus and a couple of vans.  Hiring a couple of vans probably isn't a bad idea in order to simply get around locally in Chiang Mai.  You have a logistic issue moving that many people.

 

Screenshotfrom2025-10-2213-06-56.png.e17fac0d59c7abe1912d6d0fc3a6027e.png

 

 

Screenshotfrom2025-10-2213-07-54.png.5772c546a55cbf35447a41946599d1d8.png

35 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Sticky waterfalls, and the tarted up tourist section of the smelly klong. Maybe the underground wat Umong and snapping turtle island for novelty appeal.

 

31 minutes ago, ujayujay said:

Judging by your negative comment, you don't seem to feel at home in Thailand.......

 

30 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

How was my post negative?


As long-stay expats who live in the area, we deal with reality.  "the tarted up tourist section of the smelly klong" isn't negative, it's simply reality.  This ain't the West. 

On 10/18/2025 at 2:55 PM, NanLaew said:

A friend of mine, an old Thai hand who's never visited Chiang Mai, is leading a group of six family and friends (couples) on their first Thai vacation. They're arriving by train early Monday, departing by bus evening of Thursday to Kanchanaburi. This in late November. Hotel already sorted.

 

What's a reasonable must see and must do itinerary for this group of English folk? All in their 40' and 50's -ish.

 

I've already suggested he try grok and I ran a few "tours" myself online but he's a Luddite. So as a favour, I'm asking here among the Chiang Mai experts.

 

Thanks for any help and words of advice.

If you only have three days then stay in a nice hotel and enjoy the pool, spa, and restaurants - perhaps take a morning or afternoon tour around the old city.

Night Safari? Haven't been myself but have heard some good reports if you are ok with the ethical side of things.

 

I visited CM Zoo last year with a couple of Thai relatives/children. Pretty much everyone was underwhelmed although the aquatic centre was quite enjoyable. The Penguin enclosure was a complete waste of time. Certainly wouldn't recommend this to your visiting friends. 

On 10/18/2025 at 2:55 PM, NanLaew said:

A friend of mine, an old Thai hand who's never visited Chiang Mai, is leading a group of six family and friends (couples) on their first Thai vacation. They're arriving by train early Monday, departing by bus evening of Thursday to Kanchanaburi. This in late November. Hotel already sorted.

 

What's a reasonable must see and must do itinerary for this group of English folk? All in their 40' and 50's -ish.

 

I've already suggested he try grok and I ran a few "tours" myself online but he's a Luddite. So as a favour, I'm asking here among the Chiang Mai experts.

 

Thanks for any help and words of advice.

 

As a former Thai Tourist Police Volunteer living in the adjacent province of Phayao, and very familiar with Chiang Mai Province, may I suggest the following:-

 

Royal Park Rajapruek (south of airport off Highway 108). Buggies operate around the vast garden complex if you find it exhausting. There are food and drink outlets.

 

image.png.012682c3cd5984dce9f4901510e29cf1.png

 

Wat Doi Suthep (on top of mountain overlooking Chiang Mai). An array of restaurants and shops is situated in a small valley opposite the temple.

 

image.png.03c284de7b6ec17bb5b1a5dd062559d9.png

 

 

A stroll around the moat and old City walls, especially near Tha Phae Gate. 

 

 

image.png.8efd0a1e31b660545e9411b271d83fcb.png

 

All are accessible by red Songthaews or GRAB.  

1 hour ago, CM Dad said:

If you only have three days then stay in a nice hotel and enjoy the pool, spa, and restaurants



Really?  You can enjoy the pool, spa, and restaurants in any city in the world.  Why leave home?  Traveling all the way to Chiang Mai, Thailand to sit around the pool, get an overpriced spa treatment, and eat at a hotel seems to be a waste of time.  These folk are coming up on a sleeper train.  My guess is that they wish to see the sights. 

11 hours ago, connda said:

My guess is that they wish to see the sights. 

 

In my opinion, rushing around to all corners of a city to see as many sights as possible is a stressful and unpleasant way to travel. 

 

But most people are rushed for time and are still traveling like this, trying to get their money's worth by cramming in as many sites as possible. 

 

Maybe just pick one or two sights and then stop to smell the roses. 

 

You can go for a hike in the mountains there. 

 

Is there a special performance taking place somewhere? 

 

Some boutique hotels or spas have a unique local architecture and vibe and it might be worth it to soak it in. 

 

 

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Their itinerary has been finalised.

 

This thread is now redundant.

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