As you read this we will have already started our overloaded 3 day Hong Kong itinerary. But, travel continues after Hong Kong. There will be a short two hour flight to Chiang Mai, Thailand. And I didn’t fail to make an extensive plan for that trip either. The compulsive over planner in me led to creating a 6 day Chiang Mai itinerary. Though travels to Chiang Mai will last 13 days, I only planned six. See, I can be spontaneous.
Day 1
Day one of the Chiang Mai itinerary quickly starts with the Segway Gibbon tour. Though I have already been segwaying through the streets of Barcelona, it is a great way to get your bearings on a city, without forming blisters on your tootsies, especially on the first day.
After rolling around town, lunch will be at the hip Ginger & Kafe at The House. It is a hot spot with is eclectic decor, a home goods store and trendy menu.
After stopping to smell the flowers we will walk across Nawart Bridge and take the Mae Ping River cruise. This boat trip will take us on a scenic adventure along the river to a farmers house to learn about the cultivation of Jasmine rice.
Then it is off to the Night Bazaar to explore another Chiang Mai market and watch the free Thai boxing show which happens every Friday night.
Day 2
After a wild bug night at the Night Bazaar, which is probably tame compared to what any twenty-one year olds evening would be, coffee first thing in the morning will be a necessity. And Ristr8to will fit the bill, mostly because of their amazing coffee art. The things these people can do with a little bit of foam and a shot of espresso is impressive.
We are awake by now and ready to stroll down the classy Nimmanhaemin Road. The Rodeo Drive of Chiang Mai. This street boasts trendy cafes, fashionable boutiques and & the hottest night spots.
We will catch a taxi from here to head to Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, said to be one of the holiest temples in Chiang Mai. But, to get to this holiness you must climb 300 stairs, 163 less than climb to the top of the Duomo in Florence and just 32 more than the steps to Big Buddha in Hong Kong where we just came from.
After all the walking…and climbing…a relaxing, traditional Khantoke Dinner will be welcome.
From here it’s all about getting foot massages at Chiang Mai’s Womens Correctional Institute where inmates give massages as part of a vocational training program. There is almost always a wait, so we will enjoy lunch at their cafe while passing the time.
My hubby Peter will be departing Chiang Mai at this point and I will be a solo traveler in Thailand for the next week. With no plans. Not even one. What should I do?
Traveling Soon? Use my Favorite Resources for Booking Your Trip!
Book Your Flight
Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine, because it checks dozens of airlines so you can easily find the best fare deals. You can also select ‘cheapest month’ to find the lowest fares for your destination (I use this all the time!).
Book Your Accommodations
I use both Booking.com and Expedia for hotels, because each offers a couple different hotel choices and I like to compare the reviews on each one. If you have a group or are looking for more of a home atmosphere, head over to VRBO or AirBNB that has houses, apartments and even just a room for rent in every price range.
Book Your Rental Car
If love the freedom to explore like I do, driving from place to place is the best option! I always book with Discover Cars for the best prices and top brand options.
Book Some Fun Tours!
Viator and Get Your Guide are my go-to search engines for cool bucket list experiences! Each one can have different tours, so check both—why limit yourself, right?
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel can be unpredictable. Whether it’s a last-minute cancellation, an injury, or (ugh) theft, things happen. That’s why I recommend never leaving the country without travel insurance. Here are my faves: Safety Wing and World Nomads.
Get Packing & Travel Essentials Ready
Check out the Bucket List Journey Amazon Store to find all my favorite travel essentials. Everything from Packing cubes, to travel adapters and toiletry containers to walking shoes.
*Lastly, check travel.state.gov for visa requirements and safety information.
More About Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai Bucket List: 30 Things to Do in Thailand’s Best Northern City
Thailand’s Wat Rong Khun: The White Temple in Chiang Rai
Thailand Elephant Sanctuary: 5 of the Best Rescues in or Near Chiang Mai
Wat Chedi Luang: A Thai Temple in Chiang Mai’s City Center
Traveling by Tuk Tuk in Chiang Mai & Other Transporation
Learn to Make Handicraft Umbrellas in Chiang Mai
Get a Thai Massage in Thailand
Volunteer with Elephants at a Rescue in Thailand
Hi! Did you book a the trip to Chiang Rai with a company? I would like to do a day trip as well, but I want to make sure I’m not scammed. Any tips?
I booked it a tour through my hotel, who had pamphlets of many different tour companies, when I arrived to Chiang Mai. It was super easy.
What did you end up doing as a solo traveller in Chiang Mai? Thanks for this lovely post on my new city. Great pics, and you sound like you had a good time, although I think you should come back for longer because there’s so much more to explore =)
Besides just spending more time in CM, I ended up taking a solo trip to Phuket which was wonderful!
Your photos of the elephants are stunning, they're such beautiful animals. Did you eat the bug picnic, we had the opportunity to do that in Cambodia, but I'm embarrassed to say that I could't face it.
We did end up eating bugs at the Sunday Night Market in Chiang Mai. Not that yummy ;)