A One-Day Plan to Chill at Chiang Mai's Famous Temples and Nearby Nature
チェンマイ坂田This Thailand trip isn't Bangkok or Phuket — it's Chiang Mai! But where should you go on a first visit to Chiang Mai??
For you, we've planned an itinerary packed with Chiang Mai's must-see spots so you can feel the city's charm.
Fully enjoy Chiang Mai's unique appeal and have a wonderful time!
目次
This plan's highlights
Visiting Chiang Mai's famous temples
At Doi Suthep temple, a symbol of Chiang Mai, enjoy soul-cleansing views and a sacred space. The stunning view from the summit is worth seeing.
Enjoy lunch or tea at a café surrounded by greenery
Drive about 40 minutes from Chiang Mai and greenery unlike the city spreads out. Enjoy delicious food and coffee at a stylish café rich in nature.
A hands-on experience at an elephant camp
At Maesa Elephant Camp, enjoy warm encounters with elephants. Take your time to feel the elephants' charm in nature.
Here's the schedule.
Schedule
- 9:15 Visit Doi Suthep
- 10:30 Visit Wat Pha Lat
- 12:00 Lunch at a stylish, nature-rich café
- 13:45 Maesa Elephant Camp
- 15:00 Relax at "Jungle De Cafe"
Here are the schedule details!
8:30 Meet up
Travel: about 45 min
9:15 Visit Doi Suthep
Wat Doi Suthep is one of Chiang Mai's most important temples, sitting atop Doi Suthep mountain at 1,080 m.
It's such a landmark that people say, "You haven't really visited Chiang Mai unless you've paid respects at Doi Suthep."
Climb the striking stairway and a golden stupa greets you.
It's a sacred place where locals also come to pray, so you can spend a moment wrapped in quiet air.
On clear days, you can see all of Chiang Mai from the terrace.
Feel the history and culture, and calm your mind at your own pace.
For more on Doi Suthep, see this article.
ManiTabi 
Travel: about 15 min
10:30 Visit Wat Pha Lat
A temple that sits like a hideaway, surrounded by forest.
Away from the tourist bustle, it's a place to refresh in nature, where moss-covered steps and beautiful stone statues create an almost mystical space.
The pleasant sound of a flowing stream and birdsong lets you savor a stillness, as if you've wandered into another world.
Travel: about 40 min
We head to an area called Mae Rim, about a 40-minute drive from central Chiang Mai.
12:00 Lunch at a stylish, nature-rich café
We'll have lunch at a café with a lush, green atmosphere you won't find in the city.
"Sala Cafe" is an appealing spot with a relaxing space surrounded by greenery. Its blend of traditional Thai wooden architecture and modern art creates an atmosphere you can't experience in Japan.
On weekends it bustles with local families and couples. With café menus, desserts, and light meals, you can visit for all kinds of occasions.
There's a parking lot, but take care parking when it's busy.
If "Sala Cafe" is crowded, we also recommend a place called "The Ironwood."
It's been selected as a Michelin Bib Gourmand and is highly rated by locals and tourists alike.
Once you've had your fill, we head to the elephant camp.
Travel: 15 min
13:45 Maesa Elephant Camp
A spot where you can feel the size of elephants up close! Feeding the elephants and taking photos together make for unforgettable memories!
Touching the elephants' warmth and intelligent expressions, you feel the importance of living in harmony with nature and animals.
Time spent with them is an enriching experience.
* This elephant camp does not offer elephant riding, out of consideration for elephant welfare.
Travel: 15 min
15:00 Relax at "Jungle De Cafe"
Jungle De Cafe is popular as a unique café right in front of a waterfall.
At the "lounging seats" set up beside the waterfall, you can lie back on the netting, feel the power of the falling water, and spend a relaxing time.
You can soak up plenty of negative ions and refresh in body and mind, making it a perfect rest stop between sights.
Travel: about 40 min
Before 17:00 Arrive at Chiang Mai Old Town
We head back to Chiang Mai's Old Town. Well done!
That's our special course — touring Chiang Mai's classic sights while also savoring the extraordinary at cafés unique to Chiang Mai.
I hope it makes everyone's Chiang Mai trip even more enjoyable!
