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From wildlife experiences to white water rafting, these are the best day trips from Chiang Mai to help plan your adventures in Thailand!
Located in the hills of northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is a beautiful city known for its natural wonders, amazing street food, and historic culture. Honestly, I love visiting this part of Thailand. So many people skip over it in favour of the islands in the south, but I love how different it is. If you want a more balanced overview of Thailand that isn’t just party party, then Chiang Mai is a must.
As much as I love Chiang Mai, there are so many places to visit nearby too. For me, these day trips from Chiang Mai provide some of the best experiences in the whole of Thailand! Yes, I really mean that. I don’t know how many times I’ve hired a scooter from Chiang Mai and explored the surrounding area.
A couple of places I really recommend are Doi Inthanon National Park with its stunning viewpoints, or seeing the gentle giants of the Elephant Nature Park.
So, whether you set out on your own adventure, join a local tour or go with a guide, there are plenty of amazing things to see and do within a short distance of Chiang Mai.
With historic temples, incredible waterfalls, and even high-octane outdoorsy adventures on the horizon, these Chiang Mai day trips are well worth adding to your Thailand itinerary. With that in mind, let’s explore this beautiful part of Thailand!
Planning a trip to Chiang Mai? Then make sure you bookmark my guide to the best hotels in Chiang Mai. Also, check out these incredible adventures in Thailand too!
How many days do you need in Chiang Mai?
Honestly, I’d give Chiang Mai at least four days. That gives you a couple of days to explore the Old City, with its temples, night markets and endless bowls of khao soi, plus a couple more for heading out into the hills. If you’re short on time, stick to the closest trips. Doi Suthep is only 30 minutes away and easily done in a morning, while Huay Tung Tao Reservoir and Bo Sang make for a chilled afternoon.
With five to seven days, you can really start to explore northern Thailand properly. Spend a day with the rescued elephants at the Elephant Nature Park, stand on the roof of Thailand at Doi Inthanon, and get your heart pumping white water rafting on the Mae Taeng River.
Trips like Chiang Rai and Huai Nam Dang make for very long days, so I’d only add them if you have a week or more. Even better, stay the night.
Personally, I’d base myself in or around the Old City, as most tours pick up from there and the local songthaews leave from just around the corner. Then you can mix and match day trips depending on the weather and your energy levels!
Quick overview
| Destination | Journey time | Best mode of transport | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wat Phra That Doi Suthep | 30-40 minutes | Red songthaew or Grab | Golden temples and city views |
| Elephant Nature Park | 1 hour 15 minutes-1 hour 30 minutes | Park transfer (included) | Ethical elephant encounters |
| Doi Inthanon National Park | 1 hour 30 minutes-2 hours | Guided tour or car | Thailand’s highest peak and waterfalls |
| Chiang Rai | 3-3.5 hours | Green Bus or guided tour | The White and Blue Temples |
| Bua Thong Sticky Waterfalls | 1 hour | Car or tour | Climbing up a waterfall |
| Mae Sa Valley | 40-45 minutes | Car or scooter | Waterfall hikes and ziplines |
| Huay Tung Tao Reservoir | 25-30 minutes | Grab or scooter | Lazy lakeside lunches |
| Chiang Dao Cave | 1 hour 20 minutes | Bus or car | Caves and cave temples |
| Bo Sang and San Kamphaeng | 25-30 minutes | White songthaew | Handicrafts and souvenirs |
| Mae Taeng River | 1 hour 30 minutes | Rafting tour transfer | White water rafting |
| Hang Dong District | 25-30 minutes | Yellow songthaew | Families and bargain hunters |
| Doi Luang Chiang Dao | 1 hour 30 minutes | Car | Serious mountain hiking |
| Huai Nam Dang National Park | 2 hours | Car or tour | Sunrise views and hot springs |
Best Day Trips from Chiang Mai
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Temple
Perched on the mountain overlooking the city, just 30-40 minutes from the Old City, you’ll find the spectacular Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Known for its golden chedi, glittering statues, and panoramic views back out across Chiang Mai, this is an experience that needs to be near the top of your itinerary!
You can climb the naga staircase (there are over 300 steps!) up to the temple, or hop on the little cable car if your legs need a rest.
Personally, I’d recommend jumping on a night tour to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. This way you can get amazing sunset views and see the temple and the city below all lit up. Make sure you book in advance, as this is one of the best times to visit.
By public transport: Around 30-40 minutes by shared red songthaew from Chang Phueak Gate or the stop by Chiang Mai Zoo.
By car: About 30 minutes from Chiang Mai.
Elephant Nature Park
Who doesn’t love elephants, right? They are definitely up there as one of my favourite animals. Well, the Elephant Nature Park is a wonderful sanctuary and rescue centre that lets you get up close to these gentle giants. There’s no riding and no shows here, just rescued elephants being elephants.
The park is around 60 kilometres north of the city in the lush Mae Taeng Valley, so it’s the perfect excursion to get you out of Chiang Mai. You’ll help feed the elephants and wander around the sanctuary, learning all about their rescue and conservation work.
Just make sure you book ahead, as you can’t just turn up on the day. The good news is that every visit includes return transfers from your hotel in Chiang Mai.
By public transport: There’s no public bus to the park, but return transfers from Chiang Mai are included with every visit (around 1 hour 30 minutes each way).
By car: About 1 hour 15 minutes from Chiang Mai.
Doi Inthanon National Park
Located around 90 minutes by car from the centre of Chiang Mai, Doi Inthanon National Park is home to the highest mountain in Thailand. Otherwise known as the “Roof of Thailand”, it tops out at 2,565 metres and is a must for any lovers of nature, expansive vistas, and remote waterfalls.
With plenty of hiking trails and photogenic viewpoints, you can easily spend multiple days exploring the park. Don’t miss the Royal Twin Pagodas, the thundering Wachirathan Waterfall, or the Kew Mae Pan nature trail if you’re visiting between November and May. Take a jacket too, as it gets surprisingly chilly at the summit!
As it can be a massive head scratcher planning a solo trip to the national park, I’d really recommend this tour. It takes in the summit, the twin pagodas, Wachirathan Waterfall and a Hmong hill tribe village, so you get all the top spots with a guide and don’t have to worry about the transport side of things.
By public transport: Around 2.5-3 hours by yellow songthaew from Chiang Mai Gate to Chom Thong, then a second songthaew up into the park.
By car: About 1 hour 30 minutes to the park entrance and 2 hours to the summit from Chiang Mai.
Chiang Rai
This day trip from Chiang Mai requires an early start, but trust me, it’s so worth it! After driving three hours north, you’ll be in Chiang Rai, Thailand’s northernmost province. This place is famed for its incredible temples, like Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple) and Wat Rong Suea Ten (the Blue Temple).
History lovers should head to Wat Phra Kaew in the city too. This is where the Emerald Buddha, now in Bangkok’s Grand Palace, was discovered back in 1434!
Chiang Rai province borders both Myanmar and Laos, so it’s a popular stop for people backpacking across Southeast Asia. The spot where all three countries meet on the Mekong River is known as the Golden Triangle, but it’s another hour north of Chiang Rai city, so you’ll need to stay the night to fit it in.
For a day trip, I’d recommend this tour, which takes in the White Temple, the Blue Temple and Wat Huay Pla Kang with its giant white Guanyin statue. It’s a long day, around 12 hours, but one you’ll remember.
By public transport: Around 3 hours 20 minutes to 3 hours 45 minutes by Green Bus from Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal 3 to Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1.
By car: About 3 hours from Chiang Mai.
Bua Thong Waterfalls (aka Sticky Waterfalls)
Otherwise known as the Bua Thong Waterfalls, the amusingly named Sticky Waterfalls are a popular day trip from Chiang Mai. Located around an hour north of the city, the Sticky Waterfalls are easily accessible, with a ton of tours pairing a visit here with Doi Suthep on the same day.
One of the cool things about these waterfalls is that you can actually climb up them. The limestone is coated in mineral deposits that are surprisingly grippy, so you can walk straight up the cascades. There are ropes on the steeper bits, and it’s way easier than it looks!
Afterwards, follow the short trail to Nam Phu Chet Si, the spring that feeds the falls. Best of all, it’s free to visit. Don’t forget your swimming costume for this one!
By public transport: Around 1 hour 30 minutes on a Phrao-bound bus or minivan from Chang Phueak Bus Terminal, asking to be dropped at the Bua Thong turn-off (return services are limited, so check the last one back).
By car: About 1 hour from Chiang Mai.
Mae Sa Valley
Want a blend of stunning waterfall hikes and adrenaline-fuelled ziplines? Well, you can have your cake and eat it too in the Mae Sa Valley. This lush, green valley is full of relaxing resorts and garden hotels, which are ideal for getting back in touch with nature. It’s also only 45 minutes from Chiang Mai, so it’s an ideal day trip.
The highlight for me is Mae Sa Waterfall, which tumbles down through ten tiers in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park. If plants are more your thing, the road through the valley is dotted with orchid and butterfly farms, and the Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden is just up the road too.
By public transport: Around 1 hour by yellow songthaew from Chang Phueak Bus Terminal to Mae Rim, then a Samoeng-bound songthaew up to the waterfall.
By car: About 40 minutes from Chiang Mai.
Huay Tung Tao Reservoir
If you’re after a relaxing day trip that’s full of great food and tranquil vibes, then look no further than Huay Tung Tao Reservoir. It’s only around 25-30 minutes in the car from the centre of Chiang Mai, but it still feels like you’re in the middle of the countryside.
The reservoir is surrounded by traditional bamboo huts that sit right over the water, with plenty of restaurants bringing food out to you. Honestly, you need to bring your appetite because there is so much to try here, and in such beautiful surroundings too! And let’s be honest, Thai food is one of the best things about Thailand! That’s not just me, is it?
There’s a small entry fee of 50 baht for foreigners, and the place gets busy with locals at weekends, so go on a weekday if you can.
By public transport: There’s no direct bus, so hop in a Grab or a red songthaew from the Old City, which takes around 30 minutes.
By car: About 25 minutes from Chiang Mai.
Chiang Dao Cave
Want to jump on a Chiang Mai tour that takes you to some of the most amazing caves in Thailand? Around an hour and 20 minutes from Chiang Mai city centre, you’ll find Chiang Dao Cave, a huge limestone cave system that burrows deep into the side of Doi Luang Chiang Dao mountain.
The cave is part of the Wat Tham Chiang Dao temple complex, and the first section is lit up so you can wander through on your own, spotting Buddha statues, stalactites and stalagmites along the way. For the deeper caverns, you’ll need to hire a local guide with a lantern at the entrance, which is definitely the most fun part!
Entry is just 40 baht, and a lantern guide costs around 200 baht for your group. If you’re interested in natural geography or geology, this is a day trip that you definitely need to check out.
By public transport: Around 1.5-2 hours by Fang-bound bus from Chang Phueak Bus Terminal to Chiang Dao, then a short songthaew ride to the cave.
By car: About 1 hour 20 minutes from Chiang Mai.
Bo Sang and San Kamphaeng
If you’re looking for some souvenirs or love local arts and crafts, then this is the one for you. Drive around 25-30 minutes east of Chiang Mai and you’ll arrive at Bo Sang, with San Kamphaeng just a little further down the road. Both are incredible artisan villages.
With Bo Sang specialising in paper making and beautiful traditional umbrellas and parasols, and San Kamphaeng famous for its silk and cotton weaving, you can easily shop until you drop and learn all about these traditional crafts! The road between them is lined with workshops selling everything from celadon pottery to lacquerware and silver too.
If you’re visiting in January, time it with the Bo Sang Umbrella Festival, when the whole village is decked out in colourful parasols.
By public transport: Around 30 minutes by white songthaew from Warorot Market to Bo Sang.
By car: About 25 minutes from Chiang Mai.
Mae Taeng River
If you’re after a Chiang Mai tour that packs a punch, either drive around 90 minutes north or jump on a tour to the Mae Taeng River. This definitely isn’t the calm and relaxing river cruise or paddle that you might get elsewhere in the country.
That’s because the Mae Taeng River is best known for its outstanding white water rafting experiences. The 10 kilometre run is packed with grade 3 and 4 rapids, so if you want a day trip that gets your heart pumping, this is going to be the Chiang Mai tour for you.
The rafting season runs roughly from June to February, and the rapids are at their wildest in the rainy season. I’ve written more about rafting here in my guide to the best adventures in Thailand too.
By public transport: There’s no practical public transport to the river, but rafting tours include return hotel transfers from Chiang Mai (around 1 hour 30 minutes each way).
By car: About 1 hour 30 minutes from Chiang Mai.
Hang Dong District
Want a cool day trip without having to really leave the city? Head 30 minutes south and you’ll arrive in the Hang Dong District, on the southern edge of Chiang Mai. This area is known for a few things. It’s bustling with antique and furniture shops if you’re looking to grab a bargain, and Ban Tawai, one of the biggest handicraft villages in Thailand, is here too.
It’s also full of family-friendly activities if you’re looking to keep the little ones entertained. From the Chiang Mai Night Safari on the edge of the district to the Grand Canyon Water Park, it’s the perfect way to spend a day exploring the outskirts of Chiang Mai.
By public transport: Around 30-40 minutes by yellow songthaew from Chiang Mai Gate to Hang Dong.
By car: About 25 minutes from Chiang Mai.
Doi Luang Chiang Dao
Do you love climbing mountains or hiking insanely high but cool peaks? Then you need to visit Doi Luang Chiang Dao, sometimes just referred to as Doi Chiang Dao. At 2,175 metres, it’s the third highest mountain in Thailand and a popular outdoor lovers’ destination, just an hour and a half north of Chiang Mai.
One of the cool things about this particular Thai mountain is that it’s actually made of limestone, making it the tallest limestone peak in the entire country. If you want to get your steps in and explore phenomenal views at the same time, this is the day trip for you!
Just a heads up, the summit trek is only open from around November to February, you have to book a licensed local guide, and most people camp overnight on the mountain. If you’re only there for the day, pair the lower trails with a trip to Chiang Dao Cave at the foot of the mountain.
By public transport: Around 1.5-2 hours by Fang-bound bus from Chang Phueak Bus Terminal to Chiang Dao.
By car: About 1 hour 30 minutes from Chiang Mai.
Huai Nam Dang National Park
If you’re looking for a day trip that’s equal parts beautiful and relaxing, then drive the two hours to Huai Nam Dang National Park. Not only is this park full of greenery, rolling hills, and amazing views, but it’s also home to the Pong Dueat hot springs.
Get up early to watch the sea of mist roll across the valleys from the Doi Kiew Lom viewpoint (it’s at its best between November and February), hike to the Huai Nam Dang waterfall, then soak your tired muscles in the hot springs. This day trip from Chiang Mai has it all: adventure, natural beauty, and plenty of chill time. What’s not to love about that?
By public transport: Around 2 hours by Pai-bound minivan from Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal, asking to be dropped at the park entrance at km 65 (you’ll need to arrange a lift to the viewpoint from there).
By car: About 2 hours from Chiang Mai.
So, there you have it, the best day trips from Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. Which one are you most excited about? Or have I missed one of your favourites? Let me know in the comments below, I’d love to hear about your adventures!
Heading further around Thailand? Then check out my guides to the coolest hotels in Bangkok, the best food tours in Bangkok, and the coolest hotels in Phuket too.
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