Yes, Chiang Mai is one of the places with the best travel destinations in Northern Thailand for its numerous attractions. But today, we would like to introduce to you more fascinating places in the North. Specifically, we will present to you provinces surrounding Chiang Mai which don’t take too long to get there. Let’s check out where you could go for the best day trips from Chiang Mai!
1. Chiang Rai
A haven for those who love visiting historical temple sites.
White Temple, Black House, Blue Temple & Golden Triangle (left to right)
Location: 197.2 km northeast of Chiang Mai (4-hour drive)
Highlights
- Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) – Wat Rong Khun is a unique white temple. The use of the color white carries meaning and encourages visitors to reflect on Buddhist teachings that show the way to escape from the worldly temptations, desires, and greed and focus on the mind instead.
- Baan Dam (Black House) – Baan Dan or Black House is a collection of more than 40 houses in black color and various shapes. This place is a museum, art studio and traditional house at the same time.
- Wat Rong Sear Tean (Blue Temple) – The Blue Temple (Wat Rong Sear Tean) is a blue-colored temple, both the interior and exterior, with a painting style reminiscent of the artwork seen in The White Temple.
- Chiang Rai Hot Spring Village – A place where you can relax and reinvigorate by dipping your feet into a hot spring and eating some boiled eggs!
- Golden Triangle Area/ Mekong River – The Golden Triangle is where Thai, Myanmar and Loa borders converge. You can see the river which flows through and trisects the area into 3 counties.
- House of Opium Museum – The House of Opium is everything you ever wanted to know about opium but never dared ask. The exhibit displays tools used to plant, harvest and trade opium, including pipes, scales, weights, knives, scrapers. It also includes some lovely poppy flowers, the source of opium production.
- Long Neck Hill Tribe Village – Visit the famous Long Neck hill tribe village and learn about their culture.
Ideal for: History, culture explorers, and nature lovers.
Situated at the northernmost point of Thailand, Chiang Rai’s borders meet with those of Laos and Myanmar, allowing you to witness the border of three different countries at the same time, which is a rare sight. Chiang Rai is a province rich with history, providing a pleasant exploration of the various ancient cultures of the cities, and nature. For anyone wanting to delve deep into its culture, history, and nature without a hassle, booking a tour is most recommended for a day trip here!
Click here to book :
- 1 Day Private Tour from Chiang Mai
- White Temple – Black House – Blue Temple 1 Day Tour
- White Temple – Opium House – Mekong River Boat Tour
- Chiang Rai – Golden Triangle 1 Day Tour
2. Pai
Visit some of the best natural spots and take snapshots of Pai’s beautiful nature.
Pai Canyon, Yun Lai Viewpoint, Tha Pai Hot Spring, & Pai Walking Street
Location: 145.2 km northwest of Chiang Mai (3-hour drive)
Highlights
- Pai Canyon
- Yun Lai Viewpoint
- Tha Pai Hot Spring/ Sai Ngam Hot Spring
- Pai Walking Street
- Boon Kho Soo So Bridge
- Pai Historical Bridge
Best for: Nature & culture lovers
Pai is a district in Mae Hong Son province, located Northwest of Chiang Mai. Mae Hong Son is also close to Laos and Myanmar as Chiang Rai is. Chiang Rai and Pai are very different in terms of what to look for when traveling there. As mentioned above, Chiang Rai is rich with history and culture, while Pai offers the best spots for nature exploration. One such spot is the natural hot spring. If you are looking for a way to travel to this peaceful city without a hassle, here is the perfect solution!
|Book a Chiang Mai – Pai Private Transfer Service|
3. Doi Inthanon National Park
Atop the “Roof of Thailand”.
Location: 103 km west of Chiang Mai (2-hour drive)
Highlights
- The Highest Point in Thailand– is the highest mountain peak in Thailand in Doi Inthanon Park.
- Ang ka Nature Trail – a trail approximately 360 m in length which will talk about 30 minutes to complete the trail. Ang Ka, meaning “Crows Pond” in Thai is considered the highest natural water body in Thailand
- Royal Pagodas and the Gardens – The Thai Army built these pagodas, as presents to the King and Queen in commemoration of their birthdays; The King’s 60th in 1987 and the Queen’s 60th in 1992. Inside the pagodas, there are shrines with Buddha images for visitors to pay respects to. The gardens are also a pretty sight to see and blend well with the landscape of the mountain.
- The Waterfalls – there are waterfalls on the way to the summit of Doi Inthanon such as Wachirathan waterfall, which is a cumulated height of 80 m. The waterfalls are a refreshing sight to see.
- Karen Hill Tribe Villages – Visit the famous Karen hill tribe village and learn about their culture.
- Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail – This short trail, winding through pristine forest allows the hiker to experience the natural beauty of the forest at first hand. Pass by giant Rhododendrons, which is a rare sight elsewhere in the country, various species of birds, nature in its purest form.
Best for: Nature & culture explorers
One of the must-see places for nature lovers and adventure seekers in Chiang Mai. Also known as the “Roof of Thailand”, Doi Inthanon National Park sits on the highest peak at Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain in Thailand. It consists of nature trails, beautiful royal pagodas surrounded by the garden’s greens, natural waterfalls, and hill tribe villages. Take a hike or go on a car to reach the top. Once you are at the peak, you won’t believe what you see in front of you!
|Book Discount Tickets to Doi Inthanon National Park 1 Day Tour|
4. Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary
Making friends with gentle giants has never been this fun.
Make friends with these adorable elephants in the Elephant Sanctuary
Location: 400 m west from Old City’s Tha Pae Gate in Chiang Mai
Highlights
Best for: Nature and animal lovers
Elephants are the national symbol of Thailand because they played a significant part in Thai history. This is why Thai people have a strong emotional bond with these heartwarming animals. In this sanctuary, they allow you to touch, feed, photograph, and bathe with the elephants, enabling you to form a bond with them. It’s all done in a safe and sustainable environment. Don’t worry, you will not be disturbing them from anything because the sanctuary provides shelter and the care they deserve.
|Book Discounted Tickets to Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary|
5. Bo Sang Chiang Mai Handicraft Village
Witness the talented craftspeople of Chiang Mai
Check out the handicrafts from umbrellas, gems, silk and much more!
Location: 20 km west from Chiang Mai Old City ( 20~25 minute drive)
Highlights
- Umbrella Making Center
- Silverware Factory
- Thai Silk Factory
- Celadon Factory
- Lacquerware Factory
- Gems Factory
Best for: Culture exploration
Chiang Mai is also a province that has long been famous for producing quality handicraft products in Thailand. Visiting this village, you will see many different types of traditional umbrellas that are made using bamboo, mulberry paper, and silk as well as other traditional craft.
|Book Bo Sang Village Tour (Half Day)|
6. Araksa Tea Garden
Learn how tea is produced in Thailand.
The first step? Tea picking!
Location: 65 km north from Chiang Mai Old City (1 hour 30-minute drive)
Highlights
- Tea Garden
- Tea Tasting
- Cultivation of Young Tea Plants
- Tea Leave Picking
Best for: Nature explore, tea lover and culture explorers
Chiang Mai is one of the most famous tea plantation provinces in Thailand, possibly even in the world. The northern part of Thailand has optimal conditions for growing tea trees, therefore it is a perfect location to grow fresh tea. For any of you tea lovers, here is your chance! You will be impressed by not only the tasty and aromatic tea but also the stunning view of the plantation itself. The lush tea trees are evenly lined up on the hillside providing a wonderful scene for every visitor. Also, learn the whole process of tea production from growing, cultivating, and roasting! You also get to pick tea leaves at the hill while you’re here.
We hope you found our suggestions for a day trip from Chiang Mai helpful in building your very own Chiang Mai travel itinerary. If you want to know more about places in Chiang Mai, visit Trazy.com!
Photo Credits
HASHCORNER
