Chiang Mai Model Course: A One-Day Plan for the Old Town + West 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 "west zone," where Chiang Mai's creators and artists gather and you can feel the city's character.
The model course schedule
- 9:00 Depart the hotel
- 9:30 Shopping at Jing Jai Market
- 11:15 Wat Phra Singh & Akha Ama Coffee
- 12:30 Lunch (khao soi, etc.)
- 13:30 Wat Chedi Luang
- 14:30 Wat Umong (meditation temple)
- 15:30 Relax at a café
- 16:00 Stroll Baan Kang Wat
- 17:30 Dinner at a northern-Thai restaurant
- 20:00 Arrive at the hotel
Model course details
Morning: the Old Town area
9:00 Depart the hotel
9:30 Shopping at Jing Jai Market
At the local "Jing Jai Market," fresh vegetables and fruit, handmade crafts, and more are on display.
A weekend-only market — find your own favorite piece!
11:00 Wat Phra Singh & Akha Ama Coffee
Spend a quiet moment at "Wat Phra Singh," a temple famous even in Chiang Mai.
It's also nice to buy local souvenirs at a nearby café, "Akha Ama Coffee".
12:00 Lunch: savor northern-Thai dishes like khao soi
When it comes to Chiang Mai, it's "khao soi."
Lunchtime at a shop where you can savor local flavors, or at a restaurant with a great atmosphere.
Many shops also have kids' menus, so it's reassuring for families.
13:30 Wat Chedi Luang
"Wat Chedi Luang" in Chiang Mai's Old Town.
You can take in the magnificent stupa and its historical background — a perfect spot to visit as a family.
Afternoon: the west zone
14:30 Wat Umong (meditation temple)
"Wat Umong," known as a meditation temple, is a temple with impressive cave-like tunnels.
In a quiet natural setting, you can calm your mind and touch Chiang Mai's culture.
15:30 Relax at a café
After touring the temples, take a break at a café. Our recommendation in this area is "The Baristro Asian Style."
It's a café where a Japanese-inspired "wa" atmosphere blends with Thai creativity.
There's also a space themed around a rock garden.
16:00 Stroll Baan Kang Wat
"Baan Kang Wat," where artists gather.
Handmade goods and artworks are on display — an irresistible spot for art-loving families.
In this place full of creative energy, you can also enjoy some fun shopping.
17:30 Dinner at a northern-Thai restaurant
Dinner at "Gin Lam Gin Dee," a northern-Thai restaurant well regarded by locals too.
Share traditional northern-Thai dishes as a family and spend a lovely evening.
For recommended northern-Thai restaurants in Chiang Mai, see this article too.
ManiTabi 
20:00 Arrive at the hotel
After a day of sightseeing, relax at your hotel and look back on a fulfilling day immersed in Chiang Mai's charms.
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 + "west" model course. We've also created an "east" model course with a leisurely lunch at a stylish restaurant.
See the east course here 👇
