Chiang Mai is a city that rewards extended visits but it is possible to discover the very best of the city in just a few days. Allow us to guide you through an exciting and unforgettable 48-hour tour through Chiang Mai, the “Rose of the North”.

Ask any local about the most iconic landmark in Chiang Mai and they will surely point you towards Doi Suthep. The mountain at the heart of the national park towers over the city and you can just about spot the famous temple of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep perched near the top, offering stunning views across the city and beyond. This should be your first stop! The temple is just a 30 minute drive from the centre of the city and you’ll then have to climb around 300 steps to reach the temple itself. But you are sure to be rewarded by the beauty of the gleaming golden towers and the spectacular panoramic view.

On your way back down the winding roads, ask your driver to stop at Wat Pha Lat. This is a much smaller temple than the more famous one further up the hill and receives just a fraction of the visitors, but you will feel as though you are stepping back in time. There is a waterfall running through the temple grounds and you are sure to feel like an explorer wandering the overgrown paths around the temple.

Of course, Chiang Mai also boasts great shopping opportunities and there are plenty of markets across the city offering some much-needed retail therapy. The Night Bazaar is the most famous and is open every night. This sprawling complex covers several streets as well as the indoor area so you could easily spend your entire evening browsing the hundreds of stalls. However, visitors who are lucky enough to find themselves in the city during the weekends have other options too. The Saturday and Sunday Walking Streets are pedestrianized streets in the heart of the city where every weekend, hundreds of vendors arrive with a huge selection of clothes, crafts, souvenirs and food. These are more authentic markets and you are more likely to find yourself shopping alongside locals than at the Night Bazaar.  

One of the joys of Chiang Mai is undoubtedly its café culture and nowhere is this more evident than the area around Nimmanhaemin Road. Here there are hundreds of cafes, bars and restaurants where you can relax and watch the world go by. After 5pm, countless bars open their doors for locals, expats and tourists alike whilst the cafes are buzzing all day every day. This is a perfect option if you are in need of cooling down and a refreshing iced Thai milk tea is sure to leave you feeling rejuvenated.

No doubt you will need a break after a busy first 24 hours in Chiang Mai and what better way to relax than with an indulgent massage? Thai massages are world-famous and you’ll find massages shops all across the city. However, for a massage with a difference you must visit the “Women’s Massage Center” in the heart of the old town, it is staffed by female ex-prisoners who have studied massage techniques. You’ll leave feeling refreshed but also know that you have made a difference to the community as these women can often struggle to find work once they have been released from prison.

Your second day exploring Chiang Mai should be devoted to meeting the city’s most famous residents. Elephants are the national animal of Thailand and Chiang Mai is the best place to interact with these magnificent creatures. There are countless reserves where you can see elephants in their natural habitat but Elephant Nature Park is one of the best and most eco-friendly options. This is a sanctuary and rescue centre for elephants, both young and old, who have been mistreated, orphaned or abandoned. Day visits include the opportunity to learn more about elephants and the challenges they face as well as help to feed and bathe the animals. Or, if you prefer, you can just observe these gentle giants at a distance. However you choose to spend your day here it is guaranteed to be an unforgettable, once in a lifetime experience. The park is located around 60km north of Chiang Mai and although transport can be provided, experienced motorcycle riders may want to make their own way there and see some of the stunning countryside along the way. 

After your encounter with Thailand’s national animal you should head back into Chiang Mai and spend the remainder of your time exploring the city’s old town. The heart of the city is home to plenty of temples, cafes, restaurants and bars just waiting to be discovered; all enclosed by a moat and the atmospheric city walls. Whether you wish to explore on foot or on an exhilarating tuk tuk tour, there is much to keep you busy during your final few hours. If you need to cool off then make sure to head to Buak Hat Park in the south western corner of the old town. This is the city’s only public park and comes alive in the evenings with locals, expats and tourists arriving to socialize, exercise and relax. After a hectic but memorable 48 hours in Chiang Mai this is an ideal spot to recline and enjoy the atmosphere.

Whilst this whistle-stop itinerary you will see some of the best that Chiang Mai has to offer, you will no doubt be eagerly planning your return to discover more about this historic and beautiful city.