Are luxury urban tours not your 'gout'? Here's a 5-day, 4-night self-guided travel itinerary for Chiang Mai, allowing you to indulge in the poetic beauty of the 'Northern Rose of Phuong Bac.'
Thailand is a country with a rich culture and history, known as one of the 'tourism paradises' in Asia with beautiful landmarks and especially enticing street food. Among these destinations, Chiang Mai city is considered a fascinating and worth-exploring major city in Northern Thailand.
Located about 700 km north of Bangkok, Chiang Mai covers an expansive area of 20,000 km² and concentrates some of the most beautiful attractions across the kingdom. With hills and mountains stretching from the north to the south, Chiang Mai offers tourists stunning and rare natural scenery.
Does this sound intriguing to you? Let's check out the 5-day, 4-night self-guided Chiang Mai travel itinerary recommended by Klook below!
Frugal 5-Day 4-Night Self-Guided Chiang Mai Travel Itinerary
Chiang Mai stands as one of Thailand's popular tourist destinations, adorned with beautiful landscapes and unique culture. It's an ideal spot to explore and experience Thai culture. For an amazing 5-day, 4-night trip to Chiang Mai, consider the itinerary and tips below:
Day 1: Explore Chiang Mai City Center
The city center is a must-visit in Chiang Mai. This is the old quarter with famous attractions like Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang, Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, and Sunday Walking Street Market.
Wat Phra Singh Temple
Begin with Wat Phra Singh, one of Chiang Mai's most famous temples. Built in the 14th century, it houses remarkable artworks and architecture representing Lanna culture. Next, stroll to Wat Chedi Luang nearby, the largest temple in Chiang Mai with unique architecture. Consider a Half-Day Tuk Tuk Tour Around Chiang Mai to visit key spots like Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang, Tha Phae Gate, Wat Srisuphan, and more.
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

The Chiang Mai Night Bazaar stands as a renowned shopping hub in Chiang Mai, Thailand, attracting millions of visitors to explore and shop. The bazaar opens at night, offering everything from clothing, shoes, bags, jewelry, household items, handmade crafts, snacks, to daily essentials. Additionally, numerous stalls feature local products and souvenirs.
Day 2: Conquer Doi Suthep Peak
The most famous and captivating destination in Chiang Mai is Doi Suthep Peak. To reach this summit, you can use one of the following means: Rent a taxi or motorbike and head to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the starting point for conquering the peak.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Temple

At the Doi Suthep Peak, explore Wat Phra That Doi Suthep with its beautiful architecture and numerous Buddha statues. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Chiang Mai city and the surrounding countryside from the mountaintop.
If you love nature exploration, take the time to trek through the surrounding forests of Doi Suthep. Here, you can immerse yourself in the stunning natural landscape and discover the local way of life. Try Klook's Half-Day Sunrise Exploration of Doi Suthep and Wat Pha Lat, promising exciting experiences for you!
Doi Pui Hmong Hill Tribe Village

Visit Doi Pui Hmong Hill Tribe Village, approximately 30km northwest of Chiang Mai. The area is famous for its beautiful mountainous forests, including the Mae Sa primary forest, the fossilized rock forest, along with wetlands and streams.
Take the Half-Day Doi Suthep and Hmong Village Tour to explore native villages and learn about the life and culture of the local Hmong people. Additionally, this region is known for its distinctive dishes such as fried sticky rice, coal sticky rice, traditional Hmong dishes, and delicious local fruits.
Day 3: Explore Doi Inthanon National Park
Doi Inthanon National Park is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Chiang Mai, Thailand. To discover this national park, you can visit the following points:
Doi Inthanon National Park

Doi Inthanon National Park is a natural conservation area located in the southern part of Chiang Mai province, Thailand. This national park includes a rich mountainous forest area and is home to the highest peak in Thailand, reaching an elevation of 2,565 meters above sea level.
Known for its waterfalls, trekking trails, diverse wildlife, and abundant ecosystems, Doi Inthanon National Park is a popular tourist destination in Chiang Mai, attracting numerous visitors each year.
Ban Lue Karen Village

Ban Lue Karen Village is a native village nestled in a lush hilly area with rivers and dense forests. Explore and experience the life of the indigenous people who primarily engage in agriculture and livestock farming.
In the Wanderer Doi Inthanon Scenic and Trekking Tour, you can participate in activities such as hiking, mountain climbing, visiting temples and shrines, as well as savoring the distinctive cuisine of the Karen people.
Day 4: Explore Lanna Museum and Boat Trip on the Ping River
Activities to experience on the fourth day of your 5-day, 4-night trip to Chiang Mai include:
Lanna Chiang Mai Museum
Lanna Chiang Mai Museum is an unmissable destination for those wanting to learn about the culture and history of the Lanna region in northern Thailand. Established in 1997, the museum is built in traditional Lanna architectural style, featuring beautiful wooden buildings and expansive gardens.
At Lanna Chiang Mai Museum, you'll explore the history and culture of the Lanna region through diverse artifact collections, including paintings, bronze statues, utensils, traditional clothing, and more. Gain insights into the art of silk weaving and craftsmanship of the Lanna people.
Boat Trip on the Mae Ping River

After touring the Lanna Museum, embark on a Mae Ping River Boat Tour to enjoy the refreshing atmosphere and beautiful scenery. Along the way, marvel at ancient temples, unique architectural buildings of Chiang Mai, and the picturesque natural landscape of the Ping River. If time permits, visit some indigenous villages along the riverbank to learn about the local lifestyle and culture.
Day 5: Explore Pha Chor National Park and Royal Project Fruit Garden
On the final day of your 5-day, 4-night journey in Chiang Mai, take time to experience the everyday life of the locals. Visit the traditional Warorot market and participate in a Thai cooking class to create lasting memories on your trip.
Visit Warorot Traditional Market

Warorot Traditional Market is a fascinating destination to experience the daily life of Chiang Mai residents. Here, you'll find a variety of local products such as fruits, vegetables, fresh foods, jewelry, clothing, bags, and many handmade items.
The market is also a place to indulge in Thai cuisine, from street food to traditional dishes. Discover ethnic products like embroidered clothing, bags, hats, and household items made by local people.
Consider joining a Half-Day Bike Tour in Chiang Mai to explore the Blacksmith Community, Muangmai Market, and Warorot Market, allowing you to gently discover the streets and truly feel the vibrant life of the area.
Join a Thai Cooking Class

For an authentic experience of Thai cuisine, an enjoyable and informative activity for your trip is to participate in a cooking class in Chiang Mai. In this Thai cooking class, you will be guided on ingredient selection, preparation, and cooking traditional Thai dishes. You'll also be introduced to various spices and how to use them in Thai cuisine.
Review of 5-Day 4-Night Trip to Chiang Mai - Worth It or Not?

Never a dull moment in Chiang Mai - an alluring travel destination. Exploring the entire city naturally requires quite some time. However, 5 days and 4 nights are sufficient for a comprehensive and experiential tour.
Chiang Mai is a renowned tourist city in Thailand with plenty of activities and experiences to try during this period. The city is truly enchanting with historic and artistic temples, lush green countryside with dense forests, and warm, friendly locals.
Don't miss the opportunity to savor the distinctive dishes of Northern Thailand such as khao soi, pad Thai, and khao tom mat. All are delicious, rich in local flavors. In summary, the 5-day, 4-night trip to Chiang Mai is truly fantastic and memorable. The city offers numerous interesting activities and experiences to explore, ensuring you'll want to return many times over!
Reference for 5-Day 4-Night Chiang Mai Travel Expenses
Mục lục | Chi phí/người |
Vé máy bay Việt Nam - Chiang Mai (Khứ hồi) | 4.000.000đ |
Khách sạn Chiang Mai 5 ngày 4 đêm | 3.500.000đ |
Xe đưa đón sân bay Chiang Mai | 552.000đ |
Sim 4G | 137.010đ |
Tour Tuk Tuk Nửa Ngày Quanh Chiang Mai | 1.655.824đ |
Tour Nửa Ngày Tham Quan Doi Suthep và Làng Hmong | 481.945đ |
Tour Ngắm Cảnh Và Đi Bộ Đường Dài Tham Quan Thác Wanderer Doi Inthanon | 1.263.384đ |
Tour Đi Thuyền Trên Sông Mae Ping | 447.520đ |
Tour Xe Đạp Nửa Ngày Ở Chiang Mai | 747.014đ |
Lớp Học Nấu Ăn Ở Chiang Mai | 609.316đ |
(*) The cost of a 5-day, 4-night trip to Chiang Mai provided here is for reference only. Service prices may vary depending on the season or the supplier's policies. Please visit the product page on Klook Vietnam for the latest information.
Suggested Exciting Tours in Chiang Mai for Independent Travelers
To save costs, travel time, and entrance fees to attractions, consider choosing day or half-day tours. Currently, Klook offers many attractive Chiang Mai tours, such as:
1. Thai Elephant Kerchor Safari Park Tour in Chiang Mai

The Thai Elephant Kerchor Safari Park Tour in Chiang Mai is an exciting experience for those who love Chiang Mai's nature and want to explore wild animals in their natural environment.
In this tour, you will explore the park and learn about the lives of wild elephants. Observe and interact with the elephants while they graze, bathe, and play. Additionally, enjoy activities such as hiking through the forest, bathing in waterfalls, and savoring local dishes.
2. Day Tour Exploring Doi Inthanon National Park

The Day Tour Exploring Doi Inthanon National Park takes you to visit famous spots in Doi Inthanon National Park such as Doi Inthanon Temple, Mae Klang, and Wachirathan Waterfalls, beautiful gardens, as well as exploring some local villages to learn about their culture and traditions. Additionally, you get to indulge in traditional local cuisine and enjoy the fresh air of the Chiang Mai valley.
3. Tour Visiting Temples Around Chiang Rai: White Temple, Blue Temple, and Black House

The Tour Visiting Temples Around Chiang Rai includes visits to three of the most famous temples in the region: the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten), and the Black House (Baan Dam Museum).
The White Temple is an architecturally stunning creation by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat and has become one of Chiang Rai's most popular attractions. The Blue Temple is a modern, unique structure with impressive oil-painted walls. The Black House is a modern art museum featuring artworks by artist Thawan Duchanee.
4. Half-Day Tour Long Neck Village, Hill Tribe, and Wat Pha Lat

Embark on a journey to explore the unique culture of Chiang Mai with the Half-Day Tour Long Neck Village, Hill Tribe, and Wat Pha Lat! Learn about the renowned women of the Karen Hill Tribe in Long Neck Village, known for wearing elongated neck rings.
The tour also includes a visit to Wat Pha Lat, a hidden religious temple on Doi Suthep. Enjoy the beauty of this exquisite Buddhist temple, surrounded by various religious symbols and the natural scenery of Thailand.
Chiang Mai 5 Days 4 Nights Independent Travel Experience
For a smooth 5-day, 4-night Chiang Mai trip, consider these tips:
Firstly, find a suitable hotel in Chiang Mai at least one month before departure. With various options across different price ranges, you can easily book a Chiang Mai hotel on Klook, saving significantly with exclusive member discount codes.
Chiang Mai stands as one of the liveliest tourist hubs in Thailand, so secure your flight tickets early. Book a private car or airport transfer from Chiang Mai International Airport for convenient transportation to your desired destinations.
Get a Happy Tourist 4G/5G SIM card or rent a Wifi device for your group to ensure stable internet connection while traveling in Thailand. Don't forget to reserve a private driver tour in Chiang Mai for easier mobility.
Visit the Travel Blog of Klook Vietnam for the latest articles on traveling in Thailand and Chiang Mai, Thailand 4 Days 3 Nights Travel Experience, Bangkok 4 Days 3 Nights Itinerary, Hottest Chiang Mai Night Markets, Songkran 2023, Ideal Chiang Mai Resorts, Phuket Travel Experience, Preferred Chiang Mai Hotels, Beautiful Phuket Homestays...
Lastly, organize the details of your 5-day, 4-night Chiang Mai travel plan and indulge in these exciting exploration days.