Chiang Mai Model Course: A One-Day Plan for the Old Town + East Area
チェンマイ坂田"I've decided to go to Chiang Mai, but I don't even really know what's there…"
"I don't have a concrete plan — what should I do…"
For you, I — a Chiang Mai local — present a beginner-friendly model course I've refined while showing friends and their families around.
【Who this article is for】
Those unsure what to do in Chiang Mai
Those who want to see Chiang Mai's highlights efficiently
Those who also want to know hidden gems that aren't too mainstream
目次
The plan's premise
This plan is aimed at first-time visitors to Chiang Mai.
"I want to feel a Chiang Mai atmosphere different from Bangkok" — while granting that wish, we've handpicked spots the whole family can enjoy: food, temple visits, and craft shops.
We've woven in rest spots throughout, so it's reassuring even with children.
* Of course, it's a model course we'd recommend even if it isn't your first time in Chiang Mai.
The plan's area
This plan covers the "Old Town," packed with Chiang Mai's charms, and the "east zone," where you can feel Chiang Mai's character in a slightly laid-back atmosphere.
The model course schedule
- 9:00 Meet at the hotel
- 9:30 A morning cup at a café
- 10:00 Visit the celadon shop "Baan Celadon"
- 10:45 Stroll Jamjaree Market
- 12:00 Lunch at the cute rice restaurant "Meena"
- 14:00 Wat Phra Singh
- 15:00 Wat Chedi Luang
- 15:40 A chocolate break at Khom Chocolate
- 16:20 Visit Kalm Village
- 17:30 Dinner at a northern-Thai restaurant
- 20:00 Arrive at the hotel
Model course details
Morning: the east zone
9:00 Depart the hotel
Depart the hotel.
9:30 A morning cup at a café
On arrival, enjoy coffee at "Gongcafe.cnx (Baan Gong Café)" while everyone reviews the day's plan together. This retro-feel café is a relaxing, child-friendly spot.
10:00 Visit the celadon shop "Baan Celadon"
Next, take a look at Chiang Mai's specialty celadon ware.
Touching the delicate handmade pottery, you can feel the charm of traditional crafts.
Chiang Mai has many celadon shops. See other shops in this article 👇
ManiTabi 
10:45 Stroll Jamjaree Market
A market full of handmade goods brimming with Chiang Mai's traditional techniques.
It's perfect for souvenir hunting, too.
There are also cute wooden-goods shops.
Also, about 3 minutes by car from Jamjaree Market is "Ran Pakayor (Pakayor)," a shop full of the handicraft skills of mountain ethnic minorities.
12:00 Lunch at Meena
Lunchtime at "Meena," where you can enjoy adorable Thai food.
This garden-style restaurant is a relaxing space, easy to visit even with children.
See the restaurant's atmosphere and menu here 👇
Afternoon: the Old Town
14:00 Wat Phra Singh
One of Chiang Mai's most famous temples, and a place you could call a symbol of Chiang Mai culture.
Paying your respects amid tradition in a quiet space is lovely, and a 1-minute walk from the temple, buying souvenirs at Akha Ama Coffee is great too.
15:00 Wat Chedi Luang
A temple defined by the large stupa at the heart of the Old Town. The grandeur of the historic structure is overwhelming.
There are many photogenic spots, so it's perfect for family photos too!
See this article for more on the temples 👇
15:40 A chocolate break at Khom Chocolate
Take a break at a locally popular chocolate café.
Enjoy a sweet snack time that kids will love, too.
チェンマイのチョコレートカフェ：Khom Chocolatier House
チェンマイで絶対に訪れたいチョコレートカフェを紹介！おしゃれな店内と本格カカオスイーツが楽しめる、チェンマイNo.1のチョコカフェ
16:30 Visit Kalm Village
"Kalm Village," where traditional crafts and artworks are exhibited.
This spot, where you can feel Thailand's art scene, is enjoyable for adults and children alike.
Another draw is that you can also learn about Thai culture.
17:30 Dinner at a northern-Thai restaurant
In the evening, savor local cuisine at a northern-Thai restaurant unique to Chiang Mai.
Choose a restaurant from the links below to match your taste and access!
20:00 Arrive at the hotel
After a fulfilling day, rest up at your hotel.
In this model course, we balanced major sights with a few off-the-beaten-path gems so that even Chiang Mai first-timers can enjoy it.
So that families with children and older travelers can enjoy it comfortably, we've included plenty of breaks — savor Chiang Mai's charms at an easy pace.
Here we introduced the Old Town + "east" model course. We've also created a "west" model course that visits the meditation temple "Wat Umong," set amid dense forest.
See the west course here 👇
チェンマイ観光モデルコース：旧市街＋西エリアの1日プラン
チェンマイ観光の初心者向けモデルコースを紹介。旧市街や西エリアを巡り、有名寺院からチェンマイならではの地元のグルメを満喫する1日
This site, "Mani Tabi," is a travel service offering "real local-life experiences."
Based in Chiang Mai, Thailand's ancient capital, we create unique tours that value interaction with locals and contact with nature. If you're interested, also check out our tour introduction article.
■ Beginner-friendly day-trip to 1-night tours
【少数民族ツアー】自然と共生するカレン族の暮らし体験
チェンマイの自然豊かなカレン族の村で、少数民族の伝統的な暮らしや自然を感じるツアー。料理からハーバルサウナ、染色体験も楽しめます！
■ Tours for those wanting a deeper 1- to 2-night experience
Feel free to contact us via the inquiry form below or our official WhatsApp.
