15 Best Day Trips From Chiang Mai To Boost Up Your Energy

If you are planning day trips from Chiang Mai and need some information before leaving for your destination, then you are in the right place. There are many places around Chiang Mai, which you can roam through. This city of Thailand is famous all over the world due to its beautiful historical places. 

Chiang Mai day trips are full of excitement and intrigue.  It has everything from delicious food and cheap drinks to wildlife and historical places and indeed makes it a better option to travel.

You do not need much budget for day trips from Chiang Mai, everything here comes at a very reasonable price, which is a plus point of the trip. Overall, Chiang Mai is a paradise for budget backpackers and digital nomads.

During these trips, you can explore a lot like; Chiang Mai temple hopping, food tripping and shopping in night markets, the culture capital of northern Thailand. Here we will talk about 15 such places, which are one day away from Chiang Mai. 

And if you are in Chiang Mai between April 13 and 14, you will get to experience the Songkran Water Festival, one of the best festivals around the world in this city of Thailand.

15 Weekend Day Trips From Chiang Mai

1. Mae Sa Waterfalls

Mae Sa waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Chiang Mai. And famous throughout Thailand for its serene atmosphere. This waterfall is a part of Doi Suthep-Pui National Park and is located about 26 kilometers from Chiang Mai. 

It has 10 levels of waterfalls with a mixture of natural beauties that attract the eyes of tourists. Here you can make your trip even more beautiful by camping in a green forest. Talking about this zone, this area is very large and is surrounded by lush greenery. And a very popular holiday destination for Chiang Mai. 

Address- Highway 1096, Mae Raem, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand
Opening time- 9 AM to 5 PM
Entry fee- $10/person

2. Bo Sang Umbrella Village

20 km from Chiang Mai and you reach to Bo Sang Umbrella Village. Enjoy and relax while watching colorful umbrellas. The handcraft is the attraction of this place which made it famous all over Thailand.

If you are interested in learning about Thailand’s culture and traditional industries, this place is going to help you a lot. There are souvenir shops as well as a string of workshops and you can shop as much as you like.

Address- 1014, Ton Pao, San Kamphaeng District, Chiang Mai 50130, Thailand

3. The Golden Triangle

If you want to visit a beautiful lake and have a tranquil experience then make sure to visit the Golden Triangle which is about three hours away from the north of Chiang Mai. This place is very special for those who have a desire to know about geography. Here the three countries of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar are separated by the Mekong River. 

Another attraction is the poppy production in this area which can give you the opportunity of having a cute business. The Golden Triangle surrounded by hill tribe villages, ancient temples, and markets. And you can enjoy a long boat trip to the Mekong River and explore the places around the area.

Address – 85 Soi Ban Chang Kham Luang 1 Mu 5, Hang Dong, Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai 50230, Thailand
Opening time – 8 AM to 5 PM 
Entry fee – $10/person

4. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Chiang Mai is home to many temples. The most famous is Doi Suthep temple and about 45 minutes’ drive from the city center of Chiang Mai. Here you can reach very comfortably by driving a bike.

Doi Suthep is a major pilgrimage center and also one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Thailand. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep has been given a special view of the Indian people. And a very best day trips from Chiang Mai. This astonished beautiful temple of Chiang Mai is situated on a hill, from where you can stand and see the whole city.

It is also considered to be the most religious place of Chiang Mai with the wide 24-meter monument, made of the gold layer from top to bottom. The specialty of the temple is that it shines very much due to the light of the sun and attracts people to itself. 

Address- 9 Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Entry fee- 1$/foreigner 
Opening time- 5 AM to 9 PM

5. Doi Inthanon National Park

Only two hours away from Chiang Mai, Doi Intan National Park is an excellent spot for your trips. It is located at a distance of 110 km from Chiang Mai.

Here you get to see tropical forests, rugged mountains, magnificent waterfalls, and beautiful pagodas, which make your trip even more beautiful. Doi Inthanon National Park considered the highest place in Thailand. And, the other name gives to this place is “Terrace of Thailand”. With a height of 2,565 meters above sea level, which is much higher than any place in Thailand.

One of the advantages of going on a trip here is that the weather here is cool throughout the year and regularly goes below freezing temperatures in the months of October to the end of February. You should plan a trip from Chiang Mai to Doi Inton National Park in these months.

Address- Ban Luang, Chom Thong District, Chiang Mai 50270, Thailand
Opening time- 6 AM to 5 PM 
Entry fee- $10/person

6. Elephant Nature Park

If you love nature and want to know it closely, then you can go to Elephant Nature Park, 2 hours from Chiang Mai. Which is a rescue and rehabilitation center located 60 kilometers away from Chiang Mai.

One of the main objectives of this park is to provide homes for dozens of threatened elephants throughout Thailand. This place is always considered as the best day trips from Chiang Mai for animal lovers. 

It was founded by a Thai woman named Lek of Thailand, who rescued elephants and kept them in her sanctuary. Where they can roam freely. Although, you can find more animals along with elephants. Tourists can also go on a jungle walk with animals, where you can feed and bathe them in the river.

Address- Kuet Chang, Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai 50150, Thailand
Opening time- 7 AM to 5 PM
Entry fee- $105/person 

7. Wat Rong Khun or “White temple”

The “white temple” in Wat Rong Khun or Chiang Rai City is one of the most recognizable places in Thailand. Wat Rong Khun has been designed by Thai visual artist Chalamchai Kosipetip. This temple is known all over the world for its architecture and its unconventional approach. Situated 141 km from Chiang Mai, this temple is very beautiful to see. You can complete this distance from Chiang Mai in about 3 hours by bike or car. 

As the name suggests, this unique temple is famous all over the world due to its all-white exterior colors. The plaster used for its structure has the presence of a glass shark, which gives it a glow in the sun and makes it look more beautiful and attracts people further. The white color symbolizes the sanctity of the Buddha, while the glass symbolizes Buddhist teachings. Make sure to not forget this place on your day trips from Chaing Mai. 

Address- 1 Phahonyothin Rd, Pa O Don Chai, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
Opening time- 8 AM to 6 PM
Entry fee- $2/person

8. Huay Tung Tao Lake

Just a 15-minute bike ride from the city center of Chiang Mai is Huay Tung Tao lake. This place is equipped with bamboo huts and very beautiful. You can relax with a great view of Doi Pui mountains and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the lake together. 

There are ample of fun here such as enjoying your meal in the bamboo bungalows set up by the restaurant, swim in the lake, or just enjoy the view of the countryside. And if you are sportive one then you enjoy the two-lane circular road, which is about four kilometers long, suitable for cyclists and joggers.

Address- Don Kaeo, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand
Opening time- 7 AM to 6 PM
Entry fee- $2/person

9. Tiger Kingdom

The place is a perfect blend of wildlife conservation with tourism. Here visitors are allowed to get close to Indochinese tigers of different sizes and ages, and people get to see a different experience. 

If you are looking for some unique experiences in Thailand, then this is the perfect place to hang out with your loved ones. This place is next to the Go-kart track at Kaithu at the foot of Patong hill. It takes only 30 minutes to reach Chiang Mai here. The distance here is about 15 km from Chiang Mai. 

Address- 51/1 Rim Tai, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand
Opening time- 9 AM to 6 PM 
Entry fee- $24/person

10. Wiang Kum Kam

Near the Ping River, south of Chiang Mai, there is a charming countryside of Wiang Kum Kam. The historical place here is one of the most spectacular things to see which combines the 18th-century Haripunchi kingdom. 

You get amazed by seeing things such as stone tablets, pottery, Buddhist scriptures and mon scriptures on architecture. There is no doubt, that it is one of Chiang Mai’s interests popular for history buffs. You can complete the distance from Chiang May by bike or car in just 45 minutes.

Address- Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand
Opening time- 8 AM to 5 PM 
Entry fee- $1/person

11. White Sands of Turtle Island

The White Sands of Turtle Island is 1 hour from Chiang Mai. You should visit this white sand island, which is due to the name of the turtle nose shells towards the neighbouring island of Koh Phagan. The island is laid back and easily accessible. 

It provides an absolutely soothing experience for visitors. Due to the beautiful greenery introduced by the aromatic white sand and coconut trees, the amount of accidental water makes it one of the top day trips from Chiang Mai.

Address- Take a ferry from either Koh Phangan or Koh Samui
Opening time- 6 AM To 5 PM 
Entry fee- $5/person

12. Lanna Folklife Museum

The Lanna Folklife Museum of Chiang Mai helps you to explore so many things related to the history of Thailand. Situated just 20 minutes away from Chiang Mai.

It is an interesting museum, which displays the culture, history, and life of the Lanna people living in northern Thailand. This place was earlier located inside the old municipal court of the old city i.e. Chiang Mai. 

Address- Prapokklao Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Opening time- 9 AM to 5 AM
Entry fee- $3/person 

13. Huay Kaew Waterfall

The list of the best natural tourist destinations of Chiang Rai is incomplete without mentioning this piece of art of nature – Hua Cave waterfall. Located near the Chiang Mai Zoo, this waterfall provides the perfect environment for rejuvenation and recreation. 

The breathtaking view of the place and the enchanting atmosphere attract tourists, which is surrounded by the litigants of ancient times. Here at the picnic, you can not only admire the waterfall’s visual and auditory appeal but also get involved in activities such as hiking and photography. There are some pools here with clear water where you can swim and bathe.

Address- 99 Tambon SuThep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand
Opening time- 8 AM to 5 PM
Entry fee- free

14. San Kamphaeng Hot Springs

San Kamphaeng Hot Springs is an amazing idea for relaxation. Water springs have a temperature of 105 ° C. The San Kamphaeng has long pools, that make the tourist dip their feet in. in addition to the pools for elders, there are separate pools for children.

Once you have done with relaxation moments make sure to try the food options available to serve local cuisine. To have a better lazy and relax day, you can visit one of the many massage parlours near the pool.

Address- 7 Ban Sa Ha Khon, Mae On District, Chiang Mai 50130, Thailand
Opening time- 7 AM to 6 PM 
Entry fee- $7/person 

15. Grand Canyon Chiang Mai

Developed in an abandoned limestone quarry, the Grand Canyon is a waterpark in Chiang Mai, suitable for children and adults. This waterpark, much loved by the locals, is counted among the most visited destinations in Chiang Mai. Just wear a lifejacket and plunge into the water to swim to your heart’s content. 

Apart from an inflatable obstacle course which is the major attraction here, the park has several slides, a small zip line, and wakeboarding experiences. And as you immerse yourself in the fun of splatter, you can spend some peaceful moments in the cafes and restaurants located within the park. 

Address- 202 Nam Phrae, Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai 50230, Thailand
Opening time- 9 AM to 6 PM
Entry fee- $12/person 

Conclusion

We hope the information that we collected is quite useful for your day trips from Chiang Mai. This is a place full of history, spectacular nature, spiritual activities, fun, water sport, recreation, and many more. All you need is to take your time and plan well for this trip. Let’s hope you make it a wonderful memory out of your Chiang Mai day trips. The best place to experience things like that of Chiang Mai is Bangkok. So here are some ideas for the best day trips from Bangkok.

I hope this article has helped you with all the necessary information you might need for a good travel experience with Chiang Mai. If it did, then don’t forget to look into our other stuff. We bring in handpicked tips and tricks for travelers more often. So, if you are a real traveler, don’t forget to look out for us before planning your travel.

Thanks for reading 🙂