A Quick Visit to Chiang Mai: The Best Way to Spend 3 Days in Northern Thailand

Do your very own “Temple Tour”!

A lot of these dazzling temples are within easy walking distance from one another within the gates and they are worth visiting! I used Google Maps to help me pick out the closest ones to me and spent the day exploring the city while seeing temple after temple. Some of my favorite ones include: Wat Lok Moli (Molee), Wat Dubphai, Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan (Waramahavihan) and Wat Phan Tao. However, there are many other temples that are outside of the gates and also within a quick drive! This is definitely a must-do activity when visiting and can fill up a full day.

The Night Markets in Old Town

For authentic Thai food and a nighttime experience, check out any of the night markets. I visited Chang Phuak Gate Night Market - Food Stalls and ate delicious pad Thai in the form of an omelet along with mango sticky rice for dessert. This market was conveniently located by a 7-Eleven for us to grab drinks, and there was plenty of seating all around the vendors. Everything I got was made fresh right in front of me, so it was a fun experience walking around the different vendors to see what else they could prepare on the spot. This is a great way to end any of your activity-packed days in Chiang Mai!

Day trip to the "Sticky Waterfalls"

The Bua Tong Sticky Waterfalls, located in Namtok Bua Tong-Nam Phu Chet Si National Park, are about an hour's drive from Chiang Mai Old Town. These waterfalls are a beautiful site and perfect for anyone who enjoys hiking or climbing. They get their name “Sticky” because the limestone rocks and mineral deposits make it possible to climb up the rocks without slipping. This makes for an amazing and adventurous day trip. Be sure to bring your swimsuit!

Elephant Sanctuary Excursion

This was hands-down my favorite part of my visit to Chiang Mai! An elephant sanctuary is a great way to see elephants (in an ethical manner) while in Southeast Asia. There are many companies that offer different excursion packages, but I did the half day excursion with Elephant Jungle Sanctuary and felt that it was perfect. The trip includes on-time and round-trip transportation directly from your place of accommodation, learning about and feeding the elephants, swimming with and bathing the elephants, a traditional Thai lunch, professional photos and more. I cannot recommend this company and activity enough!

Thai Food Resto

For a very authentic and low-cost Thai meal, I recommend this restaurant along with the one beside it. I stumbled upon it on my first night, and returned on my last day because it was so good, and the people were so kind! It is not your typical restaurant, so it is located in a neighborhood with outside seating only and they cook your food where you can see it. I tried my first pad Thai here for only $3 (still the best pad Thai I have had to this day), and tried the khao soi the other time that I went. They don’t have a website, but the address is 47, 2 Singharat 4 Alley, Si Phum Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.

Teng Nueng

For a similar restaurant vibe as the one I mentioned above, I recommend Teng Nueng (9 Singharat Rd, Si Phum Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand). I came across this place for lunch while doing my own “Temple Tour” in Old Town, and it was the first and best khao soi that I tried! Khao soi is a dish specific to northern Thailand, so it is a must-try meal while in Chiang Mai.

Goodsouls Kitchen

For a little nicer atmosphere and indoor dining, Goodsouls Kitchen is a great vegan place within Old Town to eat. They have a much more extensive menu with a large variety of meal options.

Kum Jan Cafe and Thai Dessert

For a sweet treat or some Thai tea, this is the place to go! They also provide indoor seating and a menu with lots of variety and cold drinks.

Reform Kafé - Vegan Garden Restaurant

Another vegan restaurant with a very nice atmosphere located within a hotel! Amazing menu options and kind staff.

Coco Mango

My favorite Thai sweet treat!! They have coconut and mango ice cream on their menu along with sticky rice and coconut flakes. Perfect for a hot day of walking, and they even top of the treat with a flower for visual appeal.

Zoe in Yellow

Fun bar and club for a night out! I recommend the Chang beer — not just at Zoe in Yellow, but in general while in Thailand.