Explore Beyond Chiang Mai: 7 Best Day Trips

From verdant elephant jungles and majestic waterfalls to ancient temples and traditional hill tribe villages, Chiang Mai hosts a variety of captivating day trip destinations waiting to be discovered.

Join us as we unveil some of the most enchanting and rewarding excursions just a stone's throw away from this cultural jewel.

1. Elephant Sanctuary: Spend a Day with Elephants

As one of the best places to experience elephant activities in Thailand, Chiang Mai provides excellent opportunities to connect with nature and get up close to these magnificent creatures.

A day or overnight trip to an elephant sanctuary is a must and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You would have the chance to prepare food, feed the elephants, witness them playing in the mud and bathing, and walk through the forest alongside them. In line with ethical practices, all the camps we've selected do not allow visitors to ride on the elephants.

With over 30 elephant sanctuaries in Chiang Mai, how do you choose between them? After extensive inspections, we recommend that you visit The Bush Camp Chiang Mai for an enjoyable overnight experience, choose Elephant Nature Park for the best ethical sanctuary, and opt for Elephant Jungle Sanctuary for an affordable option.

Check out our full list of elephant sanctuaries in Chiang Mai to find the one that suits you best. Read more about the top elephant sanctuaries in Chiang Mai.

2. Doi Inthanon National Park: Hike Through Nature and Visit Hill Tribes

Doi Inthanon National Park is a stunning destination for a short excursion from Chiang Mai, perfect for hiking and exploring local culture. Embark on an exciting hike along one of two trails: the easy Ang Ka Nature Trail, ideal for families, or the challenging Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail (closed during the rainy season from June to October).

At the summit, enjoy breathtaking views from the Twin Pagodas and the surrounding flower garden. After your hike, visit Wachirathan Waterfall to take in its beauty.

To enrich your day, explore the Mae Klang Luang Karen village. Marvel at the terraced rice fields, traditional homes, and local women weaving fabric while gaining insight into daily village life.

Remember to take warm clothing as temperatures in the mountains could drop to around 13–15°C (55–59°F) even in the hot season.

Distance from Chiang Mai: 2 hours' drive from downtown Chiang Mai.

3. Chiang Rai: Explore the Beautiful White, Blue, and Black Temples

Known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning temples, and scenic landscapes, Chiang Rai is a popular day trip destination from Chiang Mai. The city is home to iconic attractions like the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten), and the Black House (Baan Dam Museum).

As popular photography hot spots, the White and Blue temples combine contemporary art elements with traditional Buddhist motifs, offering visitors a surreal and visually stunning experience, which is different from other temples in Chiang Mai.

While a day trip is possible — it is a distance of about 190 km (118 miles) and a 3½-hour drive — spending a night in Chiang Rai is recommended. This allows more time to explore attractions, such as the Karen Long Neck hilltribe village, where you could witness the fascinating tradition of neck elongation passed down through generations.

Distance from Chiang Mai: 3½ hours' drive from downtown Chiang Mai.

4. Doi Suthep: Discover the Culture at Wat Phra That

Doi Suthep is a majestic mountain that blends spiritual richness, cultural sites, and stunning views, making it an ideal day trip for immersing yourself in Thai culture and Buddhist traditions.

A must-see experience is the dawn almsgiving ceremony, where you could witness monks descending the mountain to receive offerings from locals. This captivating ritual offers deep insights into the region's Buddhist traditions.

Ascend to the beautiful Wat Phra That Doi Suthep by climbing 309 steps or taking a tram for a small fee. Explore the temple grounds, admire the intricate pagodas and statues, and enjoy panoramic views of Chiang Mai below.

Typically, half a day is sufficient for your visit. Afterward, consider exploring nearby temples, such as Wat Chedi Luang, which once housed the Emerald Buddha, or engage in a monk chat experience at Wat Suan Dok for a unique cultural encounter.

Distance from Chiang Mai: 40 minutes' drive from downtown Chiang Mai.

5. Adventurous Day Trip: Chiang Dao Cave and the Sticky Waterfall

Just 1½ hours from Chiang Mai, a day trip to Chiang Dao is ideal for those who love adventure and nature. The highlight is Chiang Dao Cave, a must-visit for cave explorers. You could choose between the well-lit main cave or the unlit dark cave, although the latter is not recommended during the rainy season.

Explore expansive chambers filled with stunning stalactites, Buddha statues, and bat colonies, enriched by insights from a guided tour.

After your cave adventure, head to the Sticky Waterfall, located about 50 km (31 miles) away. Enjoy climbing the unique, non-slip rocks for a fun and refreshing experience before returning to Chiang Mai.

Distance from Chiang Mai: 1½ hours' drive from downtown Chiang Mai.

6. Sri Lanna National Park: Go Kayaking and Biking

With lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, and rich biodiversity, Sri Lanna National Park is an ideal day trip for nature lovers. Explore this stunning park by combining cycling and kayaking.

Start with a leisurely bike ride in Mae Taeng Valley, guided along rural roads that meander through scenic rice fields, fruit orchards, and bamboo forests. Immerse yourself in the countryside's beauty.

One highlight is the park's breathtaking waterfalls, including the majestic Mae Kampong and picturesque Mae Sa. Enjoy a kayaking adventure to these waterfalls, where you could take a refreshing swim or simply relax in the serene surroundings.

Distance from Chiang Mai: 1½ hours' drive from downtown Chiang Mai.

7. Lamphun: Enjoy the Old Town and Scenic Biking

For a serene day trip, Lamphun offers ancient temples, colonial architecture, and a slower pace of life compared to vibrant Chiang Mai.

Cycling is one of the best ways to explore this charming town, with most attractions just minutes away. Wander through streets lined with colonial-era buildings and visit Hariphunchai National Museum to delve into the town's history.

Don't miss Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, known for its intricate Lanna architecture and stunning golden chedi, a symbol of Lamphun's spiritual heritage.

Take a break at a lively local market to savor northern Thai delicacies, including a bowl of khao soi (coconut curry noodle soup). Then, cycle to Wat Phra Bat Huai Tom for a peaceful retreat surrounded by rice fields and serene caves. Enjoy scenic rides through the countryside, offering picturesque views of rice paddies and orchards.

Distance from Chiang Mai: 40 minutes' drive from downtown Chiang Mai.