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Itinerary

Chiang Mai, Thailand Highlights

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Explore the rich spiritual heritage and slow-paced food culture of Chiang Mai’s Old City and nearby neighborhoods

Highlights: Breakfast: Blue Diamond Breakfast Club • Activity: Wat Phra Singh • Activity: Wat Chedi Luang • Lunch: Khao Soi Khun Yai • Walk: Old City Walls and Moats Stroll

PUBLISHED4-day conceptChiang Mai, Thailand
FoodieBreakfast: Blue Diamond Breakfast ClubActivity: Wat Phra SinghActivity: Wat Chedi LuangLunch: Khao Soi Khun YaiWalk: Old City Walls and Moats Stroll

Updated: Feb 1, 2026

Created: Feb 1, 2026

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Itinerary details

Day-by-day plan

Day 1

2026-02-01 – Temples and Local Cuisine in Chiang Mai Old City

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Morning

  • Today focuses on Chiang Mai’s historic Old City, immersing in key temples and traditional dining to savor authentic northern Thai flavors.
  • Breakfast: Blue Diamond Breakfast Club Enjoy local and western breakfast with a calm ambiance and fresh ingredients. The cozy garden setting complements a relaxed start. 20 min drive from city center. 📍
  • Activity: Wat Phra Singh Explore one of Chiang Mai’s most revered temples, admiring Lanna-style architecture and ornate Buddha images. Expect serene courtyards and detailed murals. 10 min walk from breakfast. 📍
  • Activity: Wat Chedi Luang Visit this partially restored temple with its massive chedi and rich historic significance. Soak in the spiritual atmosphere and old city charm. 8 min walk from Wat Phra Singh. 📍

Afternoon

  • Lunch: Khao Soi Khun Yai Sample Chiang Mai’s signature dish, khao soi, in a humble and beloved local spot famous for rich curry flavors and crisp noodles. 6 min walk from Wat Chedi Luang. 📍
  • Walk: Old City Walls and Moats Stroll Leisurely walk the historic moat and remaining city walls, taking in quaint streets and peaceful vibes. A perfect digestif walk after lunch. 5 min walk from restaurant. 📍
  • Activity: Wat Chiang Man Discover Chiang Mai’s oldest temple with ancient Buddha statues and beautiful stupa architecture. Calm garden spaces invite contemplation. 15 min walk or 5 min drive from Old City walls. 📍

Evening

  • Dinner: Huen Phen Experience traditional northern Thai cuisine with a homey atmosphere famed for authentic recipes and fragrant herbs. 8 min drive from Wat Chiang Man. 📍
  • Leisure: Night Bazaar Visit Browse crafts, textiles, and street snacks at the vibrant Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, immersing in local nightlife energy. 10 min drive from dinner. 📍

Night

  • Leisure: Riverside Walk Wind down with a gentle stroll along the Ping River under soft lighting, enjoying the breeze and night sounds of the city. 10 min drive from Night Bazaar. 📍

Day 2

2026-02-02 – Spirituality and Artisan Eats in San Kamphaeng

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Morning

  • A day in the San Kamphaeng district, blending temple visits with artisan food experiences and traditional handicrafts.
  • Breakfast: The Service 1921 Restaurant & Bar Start with a unique blend of colonial ambiance and innovative breakfast dishes in a chic setting nearby the river. Approximately 15 min drive from city center. 📍
  • Activity: Wat Umong Visit this forest temple known for tunnels and a peaceful natural environment that invites meditation and reflection. About 20 min drive from breakfast. 📍

Afternoon

  • Lunch: SP Chicken Enjoy simple yet delicious grilled chicken and sticky rice, a local favorite reflecting slow food culture, located near artisan villages. 15 min drive from Wat Umong. 📍
  • Activity: Bo Sang Handicraft Village Explore this vibrant handicraft community famous for umbrellas, silk, and pottery, soaking up local artistry. 5 min drive from lunch. 📍
  • Walk: San Kamphaeng Hot Springs Park Take a soothing post-lunch walk through natural hot springs surrounded by lush greenery. 20 min drive from Bo Sang village. 📍

Evening

  • Dinner: Khao Soi Mae Sai Delight in northern Thai curry noodle soup with a rich broth in a relaxed, family-run eatery. 25 min drive back toward city center. 📍

Night

  • Leisure: Chill at a Riverside Café End your day at a cozy riverside café with local desserts and herbal teas, calming after a day of exploration. 10 min drive from dinner. 📍

Day 3

2026-02-03 – Temple Art and Culinary Traditions in Old Town

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Morning

  • Return to Chiang Mai Old Town for deep temple arts appreciation and slow dining that showcases northern finesse.
  • Breakfast: Rustic and Blue Enjoy organic coffee and healthy breakfast in an artsy, laid-back café full of natural light and local vibes. 10 min drive in Old Town area. 📍
  • Activity: Wat Suan Dok Visit this temple with a large central stupa and impressive monk university, surrounded by tranquil gardens. 8 min drive from breakfast spot. 📍
  • Activity: Lanna Folklife Museum Explore handcrafted temple-related artifacts and local history in a beautiful colonial building. 10 min drive from Wat Suan Dok. 📍

Afternoon

  • Lunch: Tong Tem Toh Taste authentic northern Thai dishes with rich, aromatic flavors in a lively setting cherished by locals. 12 min drive from museum. 📍
  • Walk: Nimmanhaemin Road Stroll Spend a relaxed afternoon walking this trendy street lined with artisan coffeeshops, galleries, and boutiques. 10 min drive from lunch venue. 📍

Evening

  • Dinner: Dash! Restaurant and Bar Dine amid renovated teak houses serving traditional Lanna cuisine, perfect for a cozy evening. 12 min drive from Nimmanhaemin Road. 📍

Night

  • Leisure: Jazz Happens Bar Enjoy live jazz music and soft drinks in a quaint, artsy venue with a slow-paced vibe. 6 min walk from Dash Restaurant. 📍

Day 4

2026-02-04 – Serene Temple Reflections and Farewell Meal Near the River

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Morning

  • Conclude the trip with peaceful temple visits and a memorable farewell meal by the river.
  • Breakfast: Woo Cafe & Art Gallery Relish creative breakfast dishes surrounded by contemporary art and peaceful garden views. 10 min drive from Old City center. 📍
  • Activity: Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Visit the iconic mountain temple overlooking Chiang Mai for a spiritual and panoramic experience. About 30 min drive from city center. 📍

Afternoon

  • Lunch: Riverside Bar & Restaurant Enjoy a relaxed lunch with Thai fusion dishes by the scenic Ping River, soothing to the eyes and palate. 25 min drive down from Doi Suthep. 📍
  • Leisure: Wat Ket Karam Museum and Temple Visit this peaceful temple and adjoining museum with traditional art, perfect for a reflective stroll before departure. 5 min drive from Riverside restaurant. 📍

Evening

  • Dinner: The Good View Village End with a riverside dinner offering lively ambiance and diverse northern Thai and international dishes, a perfect closing to the trip. 8 min drive from Wat Ket Karam. 📍

Night

  • Leisure: Nightcap Walk Along Ping River Take a gentle night stroll near the river to savor final moments of Chiang Mai calm before rest. 5 min walk from dinner. 📍
  • Weather & What to Pack
  • Expect warm, dry weather with highs around 30°C and cooler evenings. Pack lightweight breathable clothes, a light jacket for evenings, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a reusable water bottle.
  • Safety & Travel Advisories
  • Chiang Mai is generally safe for tourists. Stay aware of traffic when crossing roads, respect temple dress codes (modest clothing, shoulders and knees covered), and drink bottled water. Use registered taxis or rideshare apps for convenient transport.
  • Feedback (rating + suggestions)

  • Please rate the itinerary out of 5 focusing on balance, authenticity, and pacing. Suggestions for more food stops, different temple types, or added leisure time are welcome to fine-tune your perfect Chiang Mai slow travel and spiritual journey!

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