It’s no surprise that Chiang Mai is one of the most popular destinations in Northern Thailand. The city itself, with its temples, night markets and laid-back atmosphere, is well worth a visit, but the real adventure often begins as soon as you leave the city limits. Surrounding Chiang Mai are mountains, jungles, waterfalls and villages inhabited by ethnic minorities, which together make up one of the most varied ranges of day-trip options in the whole of Thailand.
Whether you’re into culture, nature, action or simply good food: there’s something for everyone. In this article, we’ve listed the 10 most popular and best-rated excursions from Chiang Mai, so you know exactly what to expect and which tour best suits your travel style.
Published on 10 June 2026.
Last updated on 23 July 2026.
1. Ethical elephant sanctuary
For many travellers, visiting an elephant is one of the highlights of their trip to Thailand, and there are now dozens of sanctuaries operating around Chiang Mai that focus on ethical and responsible elephant tourism. Instead of elephant rides, which are stressful for the animals, these parks emphasise observing, feeding and sometimes bathing with the elephants, without chains or sticks.
A typical excursion begins with a brief introduction to the elephants’ lives and background, followed by a walk through their habitat, a feeding session and, often, a mud bath or river bath alongside the animals. Many sanctuaries combine this with lunch and, sometimes, a short walk through the surrounding jungle.
Practical advice: Make a conscious choice to visit a sanctuary that is transparent about the animals’ welfare and does not offer riding activities. Reviews and certifications can help you with this.
Who is it for? Animal lovers and families with children.
Read our in-depth article on ethical elephant centres, including tips and recommendations
2. Doi Inthanon National Park
No list of excursions from Chiang Mai would be complete without Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest mountain at 2,565 metres above sea level. This day trip combines nature, culture and spectacular views: think of the royal Twin Pagodas, impressive waterfalls such as Wachirathan and Mae Klang, short walking trails through cloud forest and a visit to a Karen or Hmong village.
The park is about one and a half to two hours’ drive from the city and is best visited on an organised day trip, including hotel pick-up, lunch and a local guide. Would you like to know everything about this excursion, from prices to the best time of year to visit? Then read our in-depth article on an excursion to Doi Inthanon.
Who is it for? Nature lovers, photographers and anyone who wants to see the ‘Roof of Thailand’ without too much effort.
Read our in-depth article about a dayexcursion to Doi Inthanon
3. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Temple
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is perhaps Chiang Mai’s most famous temple, situated on a mountain overlooking the whole city. The temple dates back to the fourteenth century and, according to legend, houses a relic of the Buddha himself. The golden chedi, surrounded by colourful flags and bells, is one of the most photographed spots in Northern Thailand.
Although you can easily visit the temple on your own by taxi or songthaew, many travellers opt for an early-morning tour that begins with an alms-giving ceremony (offering food to monks) and ends with the sunrise over the temple, well before the day-trippers arrive. Alternatively, you could go on an evening tour featuring the monks’ chants.
Practical information: Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, as is the case at any temple in Thailand. Be mindful of appropriate behaviour around monks and sacred sites.
Who is it for? Culture lovers and early birds who want to avoid the crowds.
Read all about Doi Suthep here: a comprehensive guide to your excursion
4. Thai cookery class with a visit to the market
Not every excursion needs to take you far out of the city: a Thai cookery class has been one of the most popular activities booked from Chiang Mai for years. Most courses begin with a visit to a local market, where, under the guidance of your chef-instructor, you’ll learn to recognise fresh ingredients such as herbs, vegetables and spices.
Back at the cookery school, often based on a rural farm just outside the city, you’ll prepare classics such as pad thai, green curry, tom yum soup and mango with sticky rice. Most courses last between half a day and a full day and are suitable for both beginners and experienced home cooks.
Practical information: Many schools cater for vegetarian or allergy-friendly meals, provided you let them know in advance.
Who is it for? Foodies and anyone who’d like to take a little bit of Thailand home with them in the form of new recipes.
Thai cookery classes in Chiang Mai: the best cookery schools (and how to choose)
5. Bua Tong “Sticky” Waterfall
One of the most remarkable natural phenomena in the Chiang Mai area is the Bua Tong Waterfall, also known as the ‘Sticky Waterfall’. Thanks to the unique limestone formation of the rocks, you can climb up the waterfall barefoot without slipping. It is a unique and surprisingly accessible experience that is hugely popular with both children and adults.
The waterfall is situated in Sri Lanna National Park, about an hour’s drive from Chiang Mai, and is often visited in combination with other natural or cultural attractions.
Practical information: Bring shoes that can get wet or go barefoot, and be aware that some sections may be slippery when it rains.
Who is it for? Active travellers and families looking for a unique, accessible experience of nature.
Read all about the unique Bua Tong “Sticky” Waterfall here
6. Chiang Dao Cave & jungle trek
To the north of Chiang Mai lie the impressive Chiang Dao Mountains, home to Thailand’s third-highest mountain and an extensive cave system that has served as a spiritual retreat for local monks for centuries. A typical excursion combines a boat trip or kayaking trip on the Mae Ping River with a jungle walk and a guided tour of the Chiang Dao Cave, where you’ll come across Buddhist shrines and impressive rock formations.
This is one of the more adventurous excursions on this list, suitable for anyone looking for something a bit more active than a standard temple tour.
Practical information: Bring sturdy shoes for the cave, which is partly unlit and uneven. A guide with a lantern is compulsory and is usually included in the tour price.
Who is it for? Adventurous travellers who enjoy a mix of nature, action and spirituality.
View the Chiang Dao excursions
7. Mae Kampong Village
For those who prefer to venture a little further off the beaten track, Mae Kampong is a surprisingly peaceful getaway. This idyllic mountain village, made up of wooden houses built on stilts amidst lush greenery, is about an hour’s drive from Chiang Mai and is known for its self-sufficient community, hydroelectric power station and locally grown tea and coffee.
A typical excursion combines a walk through the village with a visit to a nearby waterfall, the Kew Fin viewpoint overlooking the valley, and a local lunch prepared by the villagers themselves. Some tour operators also offer overnight accommodation in homestays.
Practical information: Bring some cash with you to buy local produce such as coffee or tea, which are often sold directly by local farmers.
Who is it for? Travellers looking for peace and quiet and authentic village experiences, away from the mass tourism routes.
View the Mae Kampong excursions
8. Ziplining, white-water rafting and jungle adventure
For the more active travellers, the area around Chiang Mai offers plenty of opportunities for adrenaline-fuelled adventures. White-water rafting trips are regularly organised on the Mae Taeng River, north of the city, often combined with other activities such as ziplining through the rainforest or a visit to an ethical elephant sanctuary.
Two popular providers for ziplining in Chiang Mai are Sky Hawk Zipline (rating of 4.6/5 by 198 travelers, prices from 42 euros) and King Kong Smile Zipline (rating of 4.8/5 by 2,047 travelers, prices from 50 euros).
These combination excursions are very popular with groups and younger travellers who want to pack in as much action as possible in a single day, and are usually offered inclusive of lunch, safety equipment and transport from your hotel.
Practical information: The water level, and therefore the intensity of the rafting, is at its highest during and shortly after the rainy season (June–October). Outside this season, the trip may be a bit calmer.
Who is it for? Adventurous travellers and groups looking for action and adrenaline.
View the ziplining, white-water rafting and jungle adventure excursions
9. Visit to hill tribe villages (Karen, Hmong, Long Neck)
Around Chiang Mai and further into the mountains live various ethnic minorities, including the Karen, Hmong, Lisu and the well-known ‘Long Neck’ Karen (Kayan), who traditionally wear copper rings around their necks. Excursions to these villages offer a glimpse into traditions, crafts and farming methods that date back centuries.
It is, however, important to approach these excursions with the necessary sensitivity. Some villages have become highly commercialised and can sometimes feel like a ‘living attraction’ to visitors rather than an authentic encounter. It is best to opt for small-scale, responsible tours that genuinely benefit the local community and where a guide provides context on the history and current living conditions of the residents.
Practical information: When booking, ask specifically how the tour benefits the local community, and be careful not to take photos without permission.
Who is it for? Travellers with an interest in culture who are open to a nuanced introduction to ethnic minorities.
View the hill tribe villages excursions
10. Chiang Rai temple tour: White, Blue & Red Temple
Chiang Rai is about a three-hour drive from Chiang Mai, but the province’s impressive, modern temple architecture attracts thousands of visitors from Chiang Mai every year. The absolute highlight is Wat Rong Khun, better known as the White Temple: a dazzling white temple full of mirror mosaics and surrealist sculptures, designed by the Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat.
You’ll also usually visit Wat Rong Suea Ten (the Blue Temple), with its vibrant shades of blue and gold, and Wat Huay Pla Kang, known for its enormous white Buddha statue and red pagoda. Many tours combine this with a short stop at a hot spring or a visit to a Long-Neck Karen village.
Practical information: Allow a full day, including around six hours’ travel time there and back. Due to the distance, this is one of the longer day trips from Chiang Mai, but most visitors find it more than worth the effort.
Who is it for? Lovers of architecture, art and photography.
View the Chiang Rai temple tours
Multi-day excursions from Chiang Mai
If you have a bit more time, you should definitely consider a multi-day excursion from Chiang Mai. A classic option is the two- to three-day jungle trek to remote mountain villages of the Karen, Hmong or Lisu, where you’ll spend the night in bamboo huts and get an authentic glimpse into the lives of these mountain tribes.
Even more impressive is the Mae Hong Son Loop: a three- to four-day trip along one of Thailand’s most winding roads, featuring hot springs, misty mountain passes and breathtaking views along the way.
A trip to Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet, is also often organised as a two-day tour, including visits to the famous White and Blue Temples. For the real adventurers, there are combined trips featuring white-water rafting, bamboo rafting and a stay of several days at an ethical elephant sanctuary. Whilst a day trip gives you just a glimpse of Northern Thailand, a multi-day excursion allows you to truly immerse yourself in the region.
How do you choose the right excursion?
With so many options, it can be difficult to choose. A few rules of thumb might help:
Travel time. Excursions to places such as Doi Inthanon, Bua Tong or Mae Kampong are relatively close by (a one- to two-hour drive), whilst a trip to Chiang Rai can easily take a full day’s travel time. Bear this in mind when planning your itinerary.
Activity level. If you want to be active, go for rafting, jungle treks or the Sticky Waterfall. For a more leisurely pace, temple tours, village visits or a cookery class are a better choice.
Season. Some excursions are seasonal: waterfalls are at their most spectacular during the rainy season (June–October), whilst hiking trails such as Kew Mae Pan in Doi Inthanon are closed during that same period. The dry season (November–February) is generally the most comfortable time for most outdoor activities.
Group size. Large group tours are often better value for money, but offer less flexibility. For those who prefer to travel at their own pace, private tours or small-group excursions with a maximum of eight to ten people are a good alternative.
What are the top excursions I shouldn’t miss on my first visit to Chiang Mai?
Is this your first time in Chiang Mai and would you like to know which excursions you really shouldn’t miss? Here are our top 5 recommendations for first-time visitors:
- Ethical elephant sanctuary
- Doi Inthanon National Park
- Doi Suthep Temple
- Thai cookery course
- Sticky Waterfalls
These five experiences offer a wonderful mix of culture, nature, wildlife and local cuisine. Do you have a bit more time in Chiang Mai? If so, the other excursions are definitely worth a go too.
Practical tips for your day trips from Chiang Mai
Book popular tours, such as Doi Inthanon, the ethical elephant sanctuary and the Chiang Rai temple tour, preferably in advance, especially during the high season (November–February), when places fill up quickly. Book online for the best choice of times and the best prices.
Always take a warm jumper with you on mountain excursions, even if it feels tropical in the city: at higher altitudes, such as at Doi Inthanon, it can be considerably colder.
Please wear appropriate clothing when visiting temples: shoulders and knees should be covered, and this applies to men as well.
Make sure you bring plenty of cash in small denominations, as not all local markets, villages or additional entrance fees can be paid by card.
Make a conscious choice to select providers who prioritise sustainable and ethical tourism, particularly when it comes to elephant sanctuaries and visits to mountain tribal villages.
Frequently asked questions about Chiang Mai excursions
What are the top excursions I shouldn’t miss on my first visit to Chiang Mai?
Is this your first time in Chiang Mai and would you like to know which excursions you absolutely mustn’t miss? Here are our top 5 recommendations for first-time visitors: the Ethical Elephant Sanctuary, Doi Inthanon National Park, Doi Suthep Temple, a Thai cookery class and the Sticky Waterfalls. These five experiences offer a wonderful mix of culture, nature, wildlife and local cuisine. Do you have a bit more time in Chiang Mai? Then the other excursions are definitely worth a visit too.
What are the best day trips from Chiang Mai for nature lovers?
There are plenty of excellent excursions for nature lovers around Chiang Mai. The most popular options include visits to ethical elephant sanctuaries, jungle treks to villages inhabited by ethnic minorities, and trips to impressive waterfalls in the surrounding mountains. The countryside around Chiang Mai offers a varied landscape ranging from dense jungles to mountain peaks, making it an ideal destination for adventurous travellers.
When should I book a Chiang Mai excursion?
It’s best to book your excursion well in advance and online. Popular tours, such as a visit to an elephant sanctuary or a day trip to Chiang Rai, tend to fill up quickly, particularly during the high season (November to February) and around public holidays such as Songkran. Booking online also has the advantage that you often get better prices and a wider choice of times than if you wait until you’re there to visit a travel agency. For most day trips, booking a few days to a week in advance is plenty of time, but for multi-day excursions or the absolute crowd-pullers, feel free to book several weeks in advance to be sure of a place.
How do I choose an ethical elephant sanctuary near Chiang Mai?
When choosing an ethical elephant sanctuary near Chiang Mai, it is important to consider a number of factors. A reputable sanctuary does not allow visitors to ride elephants, does not use hook sticks and provides the animals with sufficient space to move around freely. Read reviews on platforms such as TripAdvisor or GetYourGuide, and choose sanctuaries that are transparent about their practices and mission. In a good, ethical elephant sanctuary near Chiang Mai, the animals’ welfare is always the top priority.
Which day trips from Chiang Mai are suitable for families with children?
Chiang Mai offers a range of family-friendly excursions that are both educational and fun for children. Visits to ethical elephant sanctuaries are very popular with families, as are trips to waterfalls and cultural temple tours. The city’s relaxed atmosphere and the wide variety of excursions available around Chiang Mai make it an excellent destination for a family holiday in Thailand.
What is the difference between a day trip and a multi-day trek from Chiang Mai?
A day trip from Chiang Mai usually lasts six to eight hours and offers a brief introduction to a specific attraction, such as an elephant sanctuary, a waterfall or a temple. A multi-day trek around Chiang Mai, on the other hand, gives you the chance to venture deeper into the jungle, spend the night in ethnic minority villages and enjoy a much more immersive experience of nature. Multi-day treks are ideal for travellers seeking a more adventurous and authentic experience in Northern Thailand.
When is the best time to go on excursions from Chiang Mai?
The best time for excursions from Chiang Mai is during the cool season, from November to February. During this period, temperatures are pleasant, humidity is low and the chance of rain is minimal. The rainy season, from June to October, can make some activities more difficult, but has the advantage that the countryside around Chiang Mai is at its most lush and the waterfalls are flowing at full strength. The high season, from December to January, is busier and more expensive, so be sure to book your excursions well in advance.
Conclusion
From the snow-capped… no, from the cloud-shrouded summit of Doi Inthanon to the mirror-like facades of the White Temple, and from adrenaline-fuelled river adventures to a peaceful cookery class in the countryside: Chiang Mai and its surroundings offer a stunning variety of excursions to suit every type of traveller. Whether you’re staying in the city for a day, a week or longer, these ten excursions provide an excellent starting point for discovering the best of Northern Thailand.
Haven’t booked a hotel in Chiang Mai yet? Check out our guide to the best hotels in Chiang Mai.
Article written by Su & Johan, 14 years combined experience in Thailand
The ThaiTravelExpert team (Su and Johan) brings you fascinating articles packed with information and practical tips on hotels in Thailand, excursions in Thailand and useful travel tips for Thailand. More about us