Gracie’s Guide to One Perfect Day in Chiang Mai
I was recently thinking about what I’d do on one perfect day in Chiang Mai. I’ve lived here for over two years and have found sooooo many hidden gems within the province. However, a few certain things stick out from the rest.
If I had an open day in Chiang Mai, this is what I would do to relax and experience all the best the city has to offer. Coffee, food, temples, massages, relaxation. Let me guide you into a perfect day in Chiang Mai, from start to finish (with time stamps!)
P.S. I really wanted to gatekeep some of these picks, but I had to share them because they are THAT incredible!
My perfect day in Chiang Mai
8am
Wake up early and explore the old city. The mornings are the best time to wander around temples, like Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan. People-watch the locals as they start their days, opening shops and watch how the city wakes up.
The old city has thousands of nooks and crannies for you to find. Literally just walk around and take it all in — without the heat or tons of tourists! You’ll be sure to stumble upon one of the 300 temples in the old city alone.
9am
Get a coffee at Akha Ama Phrasingh in the old city. This coffee shop is the epitome of Chiang Mai cafe culture, with delicious beans & a mission to help indigenous tribes in northern Thailand. The iced coffee with oat milk and overall vibes are on point. This is my recommendation for high quality coffee and a good cafe setting!
10am
Get breakfast at Sun Rays Cafe in the old city — it’s a 3 minute walk from Akha Ama Phrasingh. This brunch spot is aesthetic AF with delicious presentation and breakfast food. There are only a few tables in the cafe and it’s a super cozy, cute vibe. Beware: It’s usually super busy so you may have to wait for a table.
11:30am
Drive to the Royal Park Rajapruek ~20 minutes from the old city. You can either drive a motorbike or take a Grab. I first went to this park after 1 year of living in Chiang Mai and I was SHOCKED that it existed. I feel like no one talks about it, and the park itself is incredibly maintained and beautiful. The government put a ton of money into this park, and it shows.
You can rent bikes and ride around the park, gazing at the flower gardens, temples, and ’round-the-world exhibits. I come here often and walk around the park — it’s super relaxing and refreshes my spirit. I think most of the people who come here are Thais, so it’s usually pretty quiet. I believe it’s 150 baht to enter, so bring cash.
1pm
The mountain roads around Royal Park Rajapruek are the most fun to drive on. They are wide open, windy, and surrounded by rolling hills and mountains. A good starting point is driving up to Valley Coffee by Lanna Resort, and either turning back or keep going to Samoeng Viewpoint.
Make your own adventures on these drives and stop at anything cool along the way. I’ve seen elephants on these roads, beautiful hidden temples, and unique cafes. You never know what you’ll find on any given day!
2:30pm
Drive to The Cocoon Sauna & Ice bath, ~10 minutes from the park. This is my best-kept secret in Chiang Mai. It’s a sauna, ice-bath, and pool compound that looks like it was designed by a fairy. The mosaic tiles, mushroom-shaped roof, and lounge spots are ideal for relaxation. It’s only 250 baht / entry, and you can stay as long as you’d like.
I do a few cycles of sauna, ice bath, pool, repeat. Bring a book or journal and spend hours here unwinding. Sabai sabai, as the Thais would call it. They also sell food here that is fresh, healthy, and delicious.
5pm
Drive back to the old city after a few hours at The Cocoon and get an oil massage at Green Bamboo. This is my favorite massage place because it’s only 350 baht for an hour oil massage, and it’s the best service ever.
I love the Lanna brown wood aesthetic inside, and they serve you tea and water as they wash your feet and take you back to your massage. The staff are so nice and professional, and the vibes are top tier. Get an appointment here because it usually gets super busy.
7:30pm
Go to May Kaidee for dinner. This is my FAVORITE Thai restaurant in Chiang Mai, period. And it’s all vegetarian! Serve me the steamed noodles with curry peanut sauce on my death bed, lol.
It’s a family-owned veggie spot that cooks every dish to order with the freshest ingredients. I often see them leave for the market for more ingredients if they run out. The veggies are fresh and delicious. This is the place that made me like tofu! Most dishes are between 70-100 baht.
My favorite dishes:
-Steamed noodles with curry peanut sauce
-Red curry w/rice
-Khao Haw Sarai (Sushi rice rolls)
-Banana flower salad
-Pumpkin hummus
-Pancake with fruit
-Coconut iced coffee
10pm
Go out and partayyyy. Though Chiang Mai isn’t as crazy as party-hubs like Bangkok, I’d recommend these few places:
Pura Vida at One Nimman: My favorite cocktail bar, super fun vibes. This is where a lot of expats hang out.
Paapu House: The live music on Thursdays is a vibbeeeee!
MaHoRee city of music: This whole street is lined with fun bars and live music.
Sylvis Add Oil Bar: This is the place to go for cheap drinks and a young crowd! It’s attached to a hostel, and the vibes are really fun! They have games and it’s fun to go before a big night out.
12am
Head home! Take a Grab back home and rest after your full, perfect day in Chiang Mai!
Hope you enjoyed this blog post and it inspires you to sabai sabai in Chiang Mai. It’s the best city in Thailand, I think you’ll agree after this perfect day! xx Gracie
If you enjoyed this post you might like my others:
Best Hidden Spots in Chiang Mai Province