Chiang Mai — Five-Day Local Itinerary

Eastern gate of the old city; locals pass through daily; meeting point and landmark.

💡 Best in morning light; start of old city loop.

Historic temple with ruined Lanna-era chedi; locals make merit here daily.

💡 Remove shoes; dress modestly; iconic ruined chedi.

One of the old city's most revered temples; locals visit for Buddha image and merit.

💡 Lanna architecture; quiet in early morning.

Small park south of old city; locals exercise, sit under trees, and escape the heat.

💡 Shade and calm; good for a break.

Northern Thai curry noodle soup; locals eat khao soi daily from simple shops.

💡 Many shops along Ratchadamnoen and sois; pick one with locals inside.

Quiet streets inside the walls; locals live and work here; guesthouses, small shops.

💡 Wander without a fixed route; discover small wats and cafés.

Riverfront walk; locals jog and sit on benches at dusk.

💡 East bank; good for sunset.

Simple local restaurants where Thais eat; rice, curries, and northern dishes.

💡 Look for places full of locals; order several dishes to share.

Central market; locals shop early for produce, meat, flowers, and ingredients.

💡 Upstairs = food court; ground floor = produce and goods. Go early.

Local breakfast and noodles; locals eat here after shopping.

💡 Noodle soups, rice dishes, and northern Thai breakfast.

Gold shops, shophouses, and local commerce; historic area east of old city.

💡 Walk the streets; no fixed route.

Benches and river views; locals sit here for a break.

💡 Bring water; shade available.

Temple grounds or lodging; locals rest during hot hours.

💡 Any quiet wat or your guesthouse; recharge.

Evening market; locals know best deals after 9 PM; crafts, clothes, and food.

💡 Starts 6 PM; bargain with a smile.

Stalls and small eateries; locals eat here while shopping.

💡 Grilled meats, noodles, and fruit; eat standing or at plastic tables.

Iconic mountain temple; locals make merit and enjoy the view; go early to avoid crowds.

💡 Songthaew from old city ฿50–80 shared; dress modestly.

Temple with white chedis and peaceful grounds; Monk Chat available for cultural exchange.

💡 Monk Chat: respectful conversation with monks; check times.

Local rice and noodle shops near CMU; student prices and authentic food.

💡 Look for busy local shops along Suthep Rd.

Monk Chat at Wat Suan Dok or a café with strong coffee and condensed milk; locals do both.

💡 Monk Chat: sit lower than monks; be respectful.

Residential and local; cheap eats and evening street life; not touristy.

💡 Walk and observe; local shops and food stalls.

Local Thai restaurant; northern or standard Thai dishes.

💡 Follow locals into busy spots.

Café and creative district; locals and digital nomads; sois with shops and cafés.

💡 Walk the main road and sois; explore.

Local Arabica coffee; many cafés with mountain beans and condensed milk option.

💡 Pick one with locals and good reviews.

Small boutiques, galleries, and local brands; creative neighborhood vibe.

💡 Browse; no need to buy.

Local rice shops or Thai restaurants in Nimman; students and locals eat here.

💡 Northern Thai or standard Thai; share dishes.

Forest temple with tunnels and pond; calm and less touristy; locals visit for peace.

💡 Songthaew ฿40–60; dress modestly; tunnels and trees.

Second coffee or tea; locals work and relax in Nimman cafés.

💡 Read, people-watch, or plan tomorrow.

Your choice: Nimman for variety (฿100–200) or old city for traditional and cheaper.

💡 Nimman = more options; old city = more local and cheap.

Use morning for what you missed or loved: market, temple, or park.

💡 Repeat Warorot, Buak Hat, or a quiet wat.

Calm park or final market visit; locals do both on a relaxed morning.

💡 Buak Hat = calm; Warorot = breakfast and last shopping.

Last khao soi or favorite local meal; locals eat big before travel.

💡 One more khao soi? Yes.

Weekly market inside old city; crafts, food, and families; Sunday 4 PM–midnight.

💡 Only Sunday; if not Sunday, skip or do Saturday night market instead (different location).

Last river walk; locals end the day here.

💡 Same benches, same river; say goodbye.

Final browse or iced coffee; locals do last errands and goodbyes.

💡 Optional; pack and rest if you prefer.

Final Thai meal; street food or restaurant—your choice.

💡 Khop khun ka/krap. La gorn. See you again.