Top 10 Day Trips from Chiang Mai (2025 Guide by Local Experts)

Chiang Mai is one of the best hubs in Thailand for day trips — with mountains, waterfalls, temples, elephant sanctuaries, cultural villages, and adventure activities all within 30 minutes to 3 hours from the city.

To help you plan the perfect Chiang Mai trip in 2025, we’ve curated the Top 10 Best Day Trips that you shouldn’t miss. Each destination is traveler-approved, easy to reach, and suitable for different travel styles.

This guide is perfect for first-time visitors, families, couples, solo travelers, and anyone with limited time in Chiang Mai.

1. Doi Inthanon National Park — Thailand’s Highest Peak

Keywords: Doi Inthanon day trip, Chiang Mai nature tour, highest mountain Thailand

Doi Inthanon offers crisp mountain air, lush forest trails, waterfalls, hill tribe villages, and the iconic King & Queen Pagodas. Standing at 2,565 meters, it’s the highest point in Thailand and one of the most popular day trips.

Highlights:• Scenic viewpoints• Ang Ka Nature Trail (beautiful mossy forest)• Wachirathan and Sirithan waterfalls• Karen hill tribe village & local market• Cool climate all year round

Perfect for: nature lovers, photographers, families, seniors.

2. Chiang Rai White Temple, Blue Temple & Black House

Keywords: Chiang Rai day trip, White Temple tour, Blue Temple Chiang Mai

Chiang Rai is the art capital of northern Thailand. The full-day tour from Chiang Mai covers its most iconic landmarks:

Highlights:• White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)• Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten)• Black House Museum (Baan Dam)• Mae Kachan Hot Spring

Perfect for: culture lovers, architecture fans, and Instagram travelers.

3. Ethical Elephant Sanctuary (No Riding, No Chains)

Keywords: elephant sanctuary Chiang Mai, ethical elephant tour

Chiang Mai is home to the world’s best ethical sanctuaries. Spend your day interacting with rescued elephants in a compassionate and responsible way.

What you’ll experience:• Feed elephants• Walk through the jungle• Mud spa• Bathing in the stream• Learn about elephant behavior and rescue stories

Perfect for: families, animal lovers, meaningful travel seekers.

4. Sticky Waterfall (Bua Tong) — The Climbable Waterfall

Keywords: Sticky Waterfall tour, Bua Tong waterfall Chiang Mai

This unique limestone waterfall allows you to climb the rocks without slipping — thanks to its natural “sticky” surface.

Highlights:• Fun and safe climbing experience• Great for kids and adults• Crystal-clear water• Surrounded by peaceful forest

Often paired with: Long Neck Karen Village or Hot Springs.

5. Chiang Mai City & Temple Tour (Half Day or Full Day)

Keywords: Chiang Mai temple tour, Doi Suthep tour, Old City Chiang Mai

Explore Chiang Mai’s cultural heart through its historic temples and old city walls.

Key stops:• Doi Suthep Temple (most famous in Chiang Mai)• Wat Chedi Luang• Wat Phra Singh• Old City temples• Monk chat (optional)

Perfect for: culture lovers, history enthusiasts, morning tours.

6. Mae Kampong Village & Forest Walk

Keywords: Mae Kampong tour, Chiang Mai village tours

Mae Kampong is a charming mountain village known for cool weather, forest streams, and scenic coffee shops.

Highlights:• Forest walks• Waterfall viewpoints• Local hill tribe lifestyle• Coffee shops overlooking valleys• Hot spring options nearby

Perfect for: slow travel, couples, eco-tourism.

7. Mon Jam (Mon Cham) — Hillside Views & Flower Gardens

Keywords: Mon Jam day trip, Chiang Mai viewpoint

Mon Jam offers panoramic mountain views, flower gardens, strawberry fields (seasonal), and trendy cafés on cliffs.

Things to do:• Photo spots with mountain views• Flower gardens• Local food stalls• ATV (optional)• Sunset viewpoints

Perfect for: photography lovers, couples.

8. Chiang Dao Cave & Hot Springs

Keywords: Chiang Dao day trip, Chiang Dao cave tour

Chiang Dao is a stunning limestone region north of Chiang Mai.

The tour includes:• Chiang Dao Cave exploration• Pha Daeng National Park• Natural hot springs• Quiet countryside villages

Perfect for: nature lovers and travelers seeking less-touristy places.

9. Zipline & ATV Adventure Combo

Keywords: Chiang Mai zipline, Chiang Mai ATV tour, adventure day trip

Adrenaline seekers will love this action-packed day.

Activities:• Jungle zipline — up to 24–35 platforms• Mountain ATV ride• Jungle scenery• Local lunch

Perfect for: groups of friends, active couples, and thrill-seekers.

10. Thai Cooking Class (Market + Farm Experience)

Keywords: Chiang Mai cooking class, Thai cooking school Chiang Mai

Learn to cook northern Thai dishes and classic Thai favorites.

Includes:• Market visit• Choose your own menu• Hands-on cooking• Enjoy your meal in a garden or farm• Recipes to take home

Perfect for: food lovers, families, and cultural travelers.

Which Chiang Mai Day Trip Should You Choose?

Here’s a quick guide for easy decision-making:

• For Nature → Doi Inthanon, Mae Kampong, Chiang Dao• For Culture → Chiang Rai, City Temples• For Unique Experience → Sticky Waterfall• For Families → Elephant Sanctuary• For Adventure → Zipline & ATV• For Foodies → Cooking Class