The 8 Best Day Trips From Chiang Mai

Approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Chiang Mai, the town of Chiang Dao may not be much on its own, but the surrounding area and Pha Daeng National Park (formerly Chiang Dao) is popular for hiking, trekking and its local attractions. Explore the Chiang Dao Caves, soak in the local hot springs or walk to the stunningly beautiful jungle temple, Wat Tham Pha Plong. To get here, either rent a motorbike or hop on a local bus from Chiang Phueak Bus Station.

Only a 20-minute drive by songteaw (motorbike) from downtown Chiang Mai is Huay Tung Tao Lake – the perfect day out. Hang out like a local and relax in one of the bamboo huts overlooking the lake the majestic
Pui mountains in the backdrop. This tranquil setting away from the hustle and bustle from Chiang Mai is a favourite for locals, expats and travellers alike. Read a book, dangle feet in the water, swim in the lake, try some delicious local food or order some refreshing beverages – all at a private bamboo hut. Entrance to Huay Tung Tao costs THB฿50 ($1.50), and bamboo huts are free as long as refreshments are ordered.

Serene and beautiful Mae Ngat Dam in Si Lanna National Park is roughly 60 kilometres (37.2 miles) north of Chiang Mai. The surrounding jungles are home to exotic wildlife including wild boars, gibbons, fishing cats and Asian black bears. Hike the area, or hop on a speedboat to visit one of the floating house boats in the area. At both longtime favourite Eakachai and newer, more upmarket Mountain Float, guests can enjoy delicious food, swim in the lake, kayak or simply lounge on the veranda. For the optimal Mae Ngat Dam experience, stay overnight in the floating camping (or ‘glamping‘?) abode.

The Samoeng Loop is a roughly 100-kilometre (62-mile) circuit that starts and ends in Chiang Mai. Rent a decent motorbike and head into the hills for a memorable adventure-filled day out. Why not start your journey at Rider’s Corner at the northeast inside corner of the moat? This guest house, bar, restaurant and motorcycling community is run by Phillip, who is both knowledgeable and extremely helpful; the Golden Triangle Rider‘s Mae Sa Valley-Samoeng Loop map is also available for THB฿180 ($5) here.

Riding the Samoeng Loop will take visitors up breathtaking mountains, along quaint valleys and through authentic local villages. Stop along the way at a local restaurant or explore some of the numerous attractions en route like the Mae Rim Orchid Farm, Ban Toeng hilltribe village, Mae Sa Waterfalls or the Pong Kwao Hot Springs.

Rising 8,415 feet (2,565 meters) above sea level, Mt. Doi Inthanon, situated in the center of Doi Inthanon National Park, is Thailand’s tallest mountain. The journey to the top is a beautiful route with, what seems like, endless twist and turns. While many visitors strive to see the views from the summit, the surrounding forests, waterfalls, stupas—dome-shaped Buddhist shrines—and trails along the way are just as impressive.

Mon Cham, roughly 40 minutes out of Chiang Mai, is a farming community on a hill ridge in the area of Mong Nong Hoi village, Mae Rim. Previously an opium farm, this area now hosts the flourishing Nong Hoi Royal Project, where visitors can see vegetable beds established for researching artichokes, lemon, thyme, mint, chamomile, rosemary and more. Mon Cham has magnificent views, plenty of options for exploring, local coffee shops and restaurants – everything for a fun-filled day trip out of the city.

Chiang Rai, the small northernmost city in Thailand, offers a wealth of attractions that you can explore on Chiang Rai tours. Great place to start is the famous stunning and unique Buddhist temple Wat Rong Khun, better known as the White Temple. Head out by bike or tuk-tuk, exploring the town, temples, the Night Bazaar, and more. The Chiang Rai Night Bazar serves the most authentic Thai Hot Pot. It attracts many locals and tourists every night, and is worthy of a visit in itself. Or, opt for a day trip option that includes visits to some of Thailand’s Hill Tribes, each with their own cultural traditions, or the Golden Triangle.

Located just outside the main gates of Chiang Mai is the temple of Doi Suthep, or Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Doi Suthep is actually the name of the mountain where the temple is found. The temple provides visitors with some of the most impressive views of the city. When not taking in the spectacular view, visitors can meander through shrines, pagodas, and more. Be sure to strap on some athletic shoes as the staircase to the temple is equipped with over 300 steps.