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Summary

This 3-day itinerary in Chiang Mai offers a blend of cultural exploration, hands-on activities, and culinary adventures. From temple hopping and ethical elephant encounters to cooking classes and vibrant night markets, each day is packed with unique experiences that showcase the best of Northern Thailand.

🌇 Day 1: Temple Exploration & Crafts

Begin your Chiang Mai adventure with temple hopping in the Old City, creating unique souvenirs, and ending the day at vibrant night markets.

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🕌 Wat Chiang Man

Chiang Mai's oldest temple, known for its elephant Chedi and gold accents. It exudes a serene ambiance and showcases remarkable architectural details.

Tips

Immerse yourself in the tranquility of this ancient temple from 6am to 5pm. Entrance is free, making it a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts.

Travel Information
🕒   Hours: See hours
📍   Address: 171 Ratchapakhinai Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

🎨 Art Of Soap Carving

Delve into the art of soap carving with a local master, creating intricate designs that serve as a cherished memento of your Chiang Mai visit. The experience offers a unique insight into the local artisanal culture.

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<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Carving handmade soap - carving soap - Thai art", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqSLA35P8nQ", "channel": { "name": "J. Pereira - Art Carving"}, "published_date": "Jan 16, 2014", "length": "11:50" }</div>

Tips

Engage in this 2-hour course for $29.00, where you'll craft two exquisite flowers under the guidance of a skilled artisan. Book your spot with Backstreet Academy for an enriching and creative endeavor.

🌃 Chiang Mai Night Market

A bustling market offering local foods and souvenirs, perfect for an evening stroll. The vibrant atmosphere and diverse array of goods make it a quintessential Chiang Mai experience.

Tips

For an unforgettable evening, head to the Sunday Night Market, open from 4pm to midnight. Immerse yourself in the lively ambiance, savor delectable street food, and peruse the myriad of unique souvenirs.

🐘 Day 2: Elephants & Evening Show

Spend your day with elephants at an ethical sanctuary, relax with a massage, and enjoy a cabaret show in the evening.

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🐘 Elephant Nature Park

Elephant Nature Park is an ethical elephant sanctuary focusing on rehabilitation and conservation. The park offers two options for visitors: a visit to the famous elephant park or participation in community projects that demonstrate ethical elephant experiences providing income for the local community.

Tips

It is advisable to book in advance, as the park gets booked out months in advance. The park visit is a highlight for many travelers, offering the opportunity to witness elephants feeling comfortable and happy. For the community projects, booking about a week in advance is recommended, as spots are usually available due to the variety of choices.

💆 The Ex-Prison Women’s Massage Center

The Ex-Prison Women’s Massage Center is a unique establishment that assists female ex-prisoners in reintegrating into society by providing professional training for them to support themselves and earn an income. The center offers 1-hour massages at an extremely affordable price of $8.35 / 250 THB, making it a popular choice for travelers seeking relaxation with a cause.

Tips

The center's affordable 1-hour massage is a great way to unwind after a day of adventure. By choosing this option, travelers not only enjoy a rejuvenating experience but also contribute to the successful reintegration of female ex-prisoners into professional society.

Travel Information
🌐   Website: http://www.dignitynetwork.org/womens-massage-center/
🕒   Hours: See hours
📍   Address: 18/2 Wiang Kaew Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
🔗   Profiles:

💃 Chiang Mai Cabaret Show

The Chiang Mai Cabaret Show is a lively evening show featuring some of Chiang Mai's most beautiful and entertaining ladyboys. The show, starting at 9.30pm, showcases singing, dancing, and interactive performances, promising an entertaining and memorable experience for visitors. The ticket cost of $11.68 / 350 THB includes a drink, making it a great value for an evening of entertainment.

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Tips

For the best seats, it is recommended to purchase tickets between 8pm and 9pm. After the show, visitors can extend the evening by heading back into the Old City to continue the night at one of the top clubs for travelers, Zoe In Yellow.

🍳 Day 3: Cooking Class & Doi Suthep

Learn to cook Thai cuisine, visit the majestic Doi Suthep, and choose between a Night Food Tour or a burger feast.

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🍲 Thai Cooking Class

Immerse yourself in the art of Thai cooking with a hands-on experience where you'll learn to prepare and cook multiple authentic Thai dishes.

Tips

The 3-hour class costs $24.00 and offers vegetarian options. It's a delightful way to delve into the local culinary culture.

🏞️ Doi Suthep

Explore the stunning Doi Suthep temple, perched atop a mountain, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Chiang Mai. The temple's intricate architecture and serene surroundings make it a must-visit.

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Tips

Opt for a Songthaew ride at just $1.67 / 50 THB for an authentic local experience. Alternatively, consider a guided tour for a more in-depth exploration of this iconic site.

🍽️ Night Food Tour

Embark on a guided night food tour to savor Chiang Mai's delectable local dishes, including roasted pork, gaeng hang lae curry, and minced larb salad, at around 5 different spots across the city.

Tips

The tour, priced at $59.00 per person, promises an unforgettable culinary journey, providing insights into the city's vibrant food scene.