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Chiang Mai is the king of day trips. This northern city that is found along the banks of the Ping River and surrounded by lush forestry is chock full of incredible places that are but a short drive away. With that being said, here are the best day trips you should take from Chiang Mai.

 

Doi Inthanon National Park

Doi Inthanon is the tallest mountain in Thailand. It sits at the southern tip of a continuous chain of mountain ranges that actually originates in the Himalaya, and the national park it is found in covers some 482 square kilometers of land. Trees found in Nepal can also be found here, and it is one of the most stunning of natural finds in the Kingdom. The area is mostly chilly and foggy all year long, giving visitors a much-needed break from Thailand’s oftentimes unbearable heat.

 

Coolest things to do in Chiang Mai
Doi Inthanon National Park © Courtesy of Kelly Iverson/Mad Monkey Hostels

 

The Roof of Thailand 

One of the main reasons why visitors frequent Doi Inthanon National Park is to see the two large chedis (stupas) found on the mountain. These two structures were created to commemorate the king and queen of Thailand’s 60th birthday anniversaries. One chedi is dedicated to the king and the other to the queen. They were gifted these incredible structures by the Royal Thai Air Force. The late king’s stupa was built in 1987 and stands at some 60 meters tall. The queen’s stupa was later constructed in 1992 and stands at about 55 meters tall. The king’s was constructed look more masculine and the queen’s to be more feminine. Both are amazing displays of architecture.

 

The Roof of Thailand 
Doi Inthanon National Park © Courtesy of Kelly Iverson/Mad Monkey Hostels

 

Doi Inthanon National Park is also home to seven waterfalls, trails, and many more natural finds. These are all best explored with the help of a guide. The national park is found in the Ban Khun Klang village of Hmong. You will find that there are a few markets worth exploring nearby. These vendors sell fresh honey, a plethora of different dried fruit, nuts, and much more. Grab an entire bag of these for cheap and snack while you explore this beautiful park.

 

Doi Inthanon National Park
Doi Inthanon National Park © Courtesy of Kelly Iverson/Mad Monkey Hostels

 

Angkha Nature Trail

There are a plethora of interesting finds throughout the park, like the Angkha Nature Trail. It is otherwise known as the cloud forest because it is some 2,500 meters above sea level. This area of the park is also home to some of the largest species of moss in the world. Enjoy walking the wooden trail underneath the shade of the large trees here while taking in the incredible views. The trail is about 340 meters in length and takes about 25 minutes to walk in its entirety.

 

Angkha Nature Trail
Doi Inthanon National Park © Courtesy of Kelly Iverson/Mad Monkey Hostels

 

Angkha Nature Trail
Doi Inthanon National Park © Courtesy of Kelly Iverson/Mad Monkey Hostels

 

Huay Tung Tao Lake

If you are looking to truly get off the beaten path, Huay Tung Tao Lake is the excursion to frequent. This huge, sprawling body of water is the perfect spot to sit, relax, and cool off for the entirety of a day. The large lake is surrounded by homely bamboo huts equipped with colorful mats that double as seating arrangements. It is here you can grab a beer and take in the mountains of Doi Pui. For those visitors who want to do more than just relax, the lake is also surrounded by a four-kilometer trail that is perfect for cycling or running. You will find both locals and tourists alike taking to the trail on their bicycles or on foot to get in some exercise before cooling off in Huay Tung Tao Lake.

 

Huay Tung Tao Lake
Huay Tung Tao Lake © Courtesy of Kelly Iverson/Mad Monkey Hostels

 

Huay Tung Tao is one of the easiest places to get to out of all the excursions on our list. It is about a 20-minute drive from the city center. You can grab an Uber or hire a driver for the day to get here. There is a ฿20 (about $0.60) fee to see the lake. All of the bungalows are free to relax in as long as you order from the restaurant’s menu. There are several surrounding the lake, and you will find traditional Thai meals for cheap as well as beers, wine coolers, and spirits for purchase.

 

Huay Tung Tao Lake
Huay Tung Tao Lake © Courtesy of Kelly Iverson/Mad Monkey Hostels

 

Doi Suthep

Found some 1,676 meters at its summit, the mountain of Doi Suthep is certainly a stunning natural spectacle in Chiang Mai. It’s most noteworthy aspect, however, is the temple found here: Wat Doi Suthep. This golden, Buddhist temple contains a sacred Buddha relic and is one of the most visited wats (temples) in the country.

 

Doi Suthep
Wat Phra Doi Suthep © Courtesy of Kelly Iverson/Mad Monkey Hostels

 

Visitors must first climb some 300 steps to reach it but are greeted with stunning architecture and even better views of the sprawling city below once they do. In addition to the temple, the site is home to a rose and orchid garden, as well. One could spend an entire morning exploring this temple in its entirety.

 

Doi Suthep
Wat Phra Doi Suthep viewpoint © Courtesy of Kelly Iverson/Mad Monkey Hostels

 

If you want to make an entire day out of visiting this incredible temple, be sure to check out the small but noteworthy stops along the 16-kilometer route to the temple, like the Monthathon Falls, for example. The Phuphing Royal Palace is about five kilometers down the road from the temple as well as souvenir and food carts at the beginning of Doi Suthep that are worth checking out.

 

Bua Tong 

Prepare to be floored (and confused) by the Bua Tong Waterfall. Otherwise known as the Sticky Waterfalls, these cascading tiers are just that: sticky. The area in which the falls cover is quite small but memorable all the same. It is made up of multiple tiers that are made of limestone rock. The limestone creates friction on the falls, allowing visitors to climb up the falls with ease and without slipping. It is a strange yet incredible experience climbing up the falls, and there are a few ropes attached to trees for those visitors who are still skeptical.

 

Bua Tong 
Bua Thong Sticky Waterfalls © Courtesy of Kelly Iverson/Mad Monkey Hostels

 

Sticky Waterfalls

There are a total of five different levels to explore and a pool at the bottom of the last tier that you can swim in. We suggest combining these falls and visiting the Chiang Dao Cave on the same day, as the waterfalls themselves are quite small and a morning here gives you certainly enough time to explore it in its entirety.

 

Sticky Waterfalls
Bua Thong Sticky Waterfalls © Courtesy of Kelly Iverson/Mad Monkey Hostels

 

Chiang Dao Cave

The Chiang Dao Cave remains off the tourist track, which is good for those of you who actually make the trek to Chiang Dao. Otherwise known as Tham Chiang Dao, this dark and shadowy wonder covers some 12 kilometers of underground cave inside Doi Chiang Dao Mountain. It is Thailand’s third largest mountain, and visitors are not allowed to explore on their own because of this, as the chances of getting lost in such a large natural wonder are high. There are a number of local guides at the ready to lead you into the dark and further into this natural wonder, however. The cost of hiring a guide to explore the cave further is ฿150 (about $4.70).

 

Chiang Dao Cave
Chiang Dao Cave © Courtesy of Kelly Iverson/Mad Monkey Hostels

 

Meander further into the cave and find a number of interesting finds, including thousands of bats in slumber. There are also a number of cave formations that look like elephants and other animals. At the end of your tour, be sure to visit the medicine market in the parking lot towards to the entrance of the cave. There is also an affordable restaurant, some souvenir shops as well as a cafe equipped with coffee, Thai tea, and more. There is a ฿40 (about $1.25) entrance fee into the cave. You must also wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees as the cave is considered to be a temple, though there is clothing you can pay to rent out at the entrance, as well.

 

Chiang Dao Cave
Chiang Dao Cave © Courtesy of Kelly Iverson/Mad Monkey Hostels

 

Chiang Dao Cave
Chiang Dao Cave © Courtesy of Kelly Iverson/Mad Monkey Hostels

 

Elephant Nature Park

Elephant Nature Park is one of Chiang Mai’s most coveted attractions. It was established in the 1990s and has been providing rescued elephants with the care and home they need ever since. The park is about 60 kilometers from the city center. We recommend Elephant Nature Park because after elephants were banned from carrying teak in Thailand, many of them were put to work in shows or to carry tourists. Riding elephants is not ethical, and we highly recommend you do not go to any elephant “sanctuaries” that allow you to do so.

 

Elephant Nature Park
Elephant Nature Park © Courtesy of Kirsten Muolic/Mad Monkey Hostels

 

Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle

Chiang Rai is one of the oldest cities in Thailand. It was established by King Mengrai in 1262. Though the king later moved the capital further south to Chiang Mai, this city remains a coveted one and should be visited by those who have time to do so. One thing every visitor to the city must lay their eyes upon is the Golden Triangle, and there are plenty of companies scattered throughout Chiang Mai that offers day trips that do just that.

 

Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle
Golden Triangle © Courtesy of Kelly Iverson/Mad Monkey Hostels

 

Found on Thailand’s border, the Golden Triangle is where visitors can stand and see both Laos and Myanmar from either side of the Mekong River. This area has long been the inspiration for books and movies, as it was once a lucrative area for opium and heroin warlords. Though the problem has since been (for the most part) ironed out, it remains an interesting spot to see.

 

Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle
Golden Triangle © Courtesy of Kelly Iverson/Mad Monkey Hostels

 

The Golden Triangle actually covers a huge chunk of land and is found in Sop Ruak, a small village where many locals reside. In addition to seeing where the three countries meet, you can also visit the nearby temple of Wat Phra That Doi Tung as well as shop at the nearby Thai vendors. These shops sell everything fake jade to sweet, Thai desserts, so be sure to check these out, as well.

 

Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle
Golden Triangle © Courtesy of Kelly Iverson/Mad Monkey Hostels

 

Mae Sa Valley 

Those visitors looking to explore Chiang Mai’s more natural side should head to the Mae Sa Valley. It is home to a number of noteworthy excursions. The best way to visit each and every one of these is to hire a driver for the day and stop and go as you please! The Botanic Gardens are about a 30-minute drive from the city center.

 

Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden

One of our favorite attractions of them all is the Queen Sirikit Botanical Gardens. This educational excursion is both filled with information and beauty, as it highlights some of northern Thailand’s most beautiful foliage. The gardens themselves were charmingly designed, with originative enclosures and attractions sprinkled throughout the expansive gardens. As you make your way through the gardens, you will come across a banana plantation, an informative museum on the foliage found throughout Thailand, and much more.

 

Mae Sa Valley 
Queen Sirikit Botanic Gardens © Courtesy of Kelly Iverson/Mad Monkey Hostels

 

Mae Sa Waterfall

Just down the road from the Botanical Gardens is the Mae Sa Waterfall. After driving around the gardens, this is the perfect spot to stop off and have lunch by the river. You can find plenty of food vendors selling everything from fried chicken to som tum, a popular, spicy Thai salad. Get your food, throw it into one of the baskets vendors have on hand along with a few mats, and you are ready for your riverside feast!

 

Mae Sa Valley 
Mae Sa Waterfall © Courtesy of Kelly Iverson/Mad Monkey Hostels

 

The Mae Sa Waterfall is made up of eight tiers. Get away from the crowds by climbing up to the very top tier, which is arguably the most beautiful of them all, as well. Some of the pools at the end of each fall are not safe enough to swim in, but the last tier is equipped with a large pool and plenty of rocks that are perfect for sitting, sunbathing, and relaxing on.

 

Mae Sa Valley 
Mae Sa Waterfall © Courtesy of Kelly Iverson/Mad Monkey Hostels

 

Visit the (other) Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon, otherwise known as Hang Dong Canyon, is about 48,000 square meters in size. It is a great spot worth visiting on Thailand’s hottest of afternoons. Visitors simply flock to this destination when they need to cool off, as the Grand Canyon is essentially a large lake with plenty of attractions scattered throughout, including a spot for cliff jumping, zip lining, sunbathing, and more. If you get hungry while you are there, grab lunch at the Grand Canyon Gamnanboon restaurant. The Grand Canyon is in the Hang Dong District of Chiang Mai. It takes about 40 minutes to get there from the city center.

 

Visit the (other) Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon in Chiang Mai © Courtesy of Kelly Iverson/Mad Monkey Hostels

 

Location: Grand Canyon in Chiang Mai  VIEW MAP
Contact: +66 052 001 076
Hours: Daily from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.

 

 

More information about day trips from Chiang Mai

Did you love this article about which day trips to take from Chiang Mai? Do you want to explore the surrounding area even more? Then be sure to check out these amazing articles about things to see and do in and around Chiang Mai. We only recommend blogs and articles we love ourselves, as well.

 

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About the Author

Mad Monkey is Southeast Asia’s leading hostel operator — born in Cambodia with more properties in Thailand, Indonesia, Australia, Laos, and the Philippines. We pride ourselves in creating meaningful and sustainable travel experiences for our guests, whilst promoting socially responsible tourism.