First Time in Chiang Mai: Old City Temples and Elephants in

Stay in the Old City, walk to Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh, spend a day at an elephant sanctuary, then head up to Doi Suthep.

This is the essentials version of a first trip to Chiang Mai. On day one, see the temples in the Old City and the Sunday Walking Street night market. On day two, spend the full day at Elephant Nature Park, observing and feeding the elephants. On day three, visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and the Waterfall Temple in the morning, then have coffee on Nimman Road in the afternoon before heading to the airport. The airport is close to the Old City, so you can still enjoy the city until the afternoon on departure day. Doi Inthanon and Chiang Rai were skipped to keep the trip focused, which suits first-time visitors with limited time.

November to February (cool season) is the most comfortable. March and April (burning season) have poor air quality.

Day by day

Day 1 · Old City Temples and Sunday Night Market

Chiang Mai（Wat Phra Singh、Wat Chedi Luang、Wat Phan Tao、Tha Phae Gate、Sunday Walking Street Market）

Taxi from the airport to the Old City, about 15 minutes. Then walk between the temples inside the Old City and to Tha Phae Gate.

The Sunday night market runs only on Sunday evenings. On other days, visit the Chang Khlan Road night market instead.

Stay: Old City

Day 2 · Elephant Nature Park for the Day

Chiang Mai（Elephant Nature Park）

The park's shuttle picks you up at your hotel around 8 a.m. The drive takes about 1.5 hours, and the shuttle returns you after 5 p.m.

Book in advance on the official website, and choose an observation program that doesn't include riding.

Stay: Old City

Day 3 · Doi Suthep Temple and Nimman Road

Chiang Mai（Wat Phra That Doi Suthep、Wat Pha Lat、Nimmanhaemin Road）

Take a taxi or songthaew up the mountain, about 40 minutes. Come down to Nimman Road, then take a taxi to the airport in the evening, about 15 minutes.

Visitors must cover their shoulders and knees at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Go early in the morning, when it's less crowded and the city views are better.

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