CHIANG MAI & LAMPHUN: Travel Guide, Things to Do, Tourist Spots, Itinerary and More!

What to do in Chiang Mai? Here's a simple travel guide for first timers in Chiang Mai and Lamphun, Thailand.

Discover the best things to do in Chiang Mai and Lamphun with this travel guide featuring top tourist spots, must-visit temples, and a practical itinerary for every traveler. Explore iconic attractions like Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, wander through vibrant night markets, and experience authentic Northern Thai culture, while Lamphun offers a quieter escape with historic sites such as Wat Phra That Hariphunchai. Whether you’re planning a Chiang Mai itinerary, searching for hidden gems in Lamphun, or looking for the best tourist attractions in Northern Thailand, this guide covers everything from cultural experiences to scenic adventures for a memorable and well-rounded trip.

On our 3rd day in Bangkok, we flew to Chiang Mai via Air Asia Thailand. Upon arrival at Chiang Mai International Airport, we were fetched by our local host and guide named Chanchai and brought us to our accommodation at The Astra Condominium located at the heart of the city. For the rest of the day, we just spent our time getting acquainted with the city, roaming around the many night bazaars, and of course, tasting the locals dishes. The following day, we woke up early for our Chiang Mai and Lamphun: Travel the Cities of Culture and Taste Authentic Northern Lunch Tour that we booked via TakeMeTour.

CHIANG MAI: Elephant Pride Sanctuary Experience in Thailand

Going to Chiang Mai and you want to experience interaction with the elephants?

Elephant interaction experience is one of the must-do activities when in Chiang Mai. The best way to experience interaction with the elephants in Chiang Mai is to visit an elephant sanctuary. But one of my concerns is where to experience it in the most ethical way? We've heard about cruelty to animals so many times. And me as an animal lover, it hurts me so much to see animals not very well taken cared of. We're so lucky because during our trip, we met a new friend in Chiang Mai. His name is Chanchai who has an elephant sanctuary with 7 healthy elephants.

LAMPHUN, THAILAND: Sightseeing and Northern Thai Home-Cooking Experience at a Farmhouse

Lamphun is a province in Northern Thailand and is located just 19 kilometers south of Chiang Mai. It is host to one of northern Thailand's most important temples, Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, which was built in the 11th or 12th century and is also considered as "the oldest temple in the province." Lamphun lies along the Ping River Valley and it is surrounded by lush farmlands, rice fields, and orchard of popular fruit, Longan. In fact their celebrate a Longan Festival in August every year.

THAILAND: Ratchaburi Day Tour from Bangkok

There's really so much more to visit and to explore in Thailand that one visit will never be enough. That is why we're so happy that we're back again in Thailand few weeks ago for an Amazing Thailand experience in Ratchaburi and Chiang Mai. This is through the invitation of TakeMeTour, LocalTable, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand to let us experience more activities and the culture outside the capital city of Bangkok.