chiang mai in 4 days, 3 nights

Temples inside the old city's moat, Doi Suthep and the Sunday Walking Street, a day trip up Doi Inthanon, and a market run before the flight home. Best from November to February, when the air is cool and clear.

1. Day 1

   Old city temples

   Morning

   Fly from KL, about 2.5 hours. The airport is close to town, around 15 minutes by Grab to the old city.

   Lunch

   Your first bowl of khao soi, curry noodle soup with crispy noodles on top.

   Afternoon

   Walk the temples inside the moat. Start at Wat Chedi Luang and its huge ruined chedi, then walk about 10 minutes to Wat Phra Singh.

   Evening

   Take a red songthaew to the night bazaar, a short ride east of the old city, and graze your way through dinner.

2. Day 2

   Doi Suthep and Walking Street

   Morning

   Songthaew or Grab up the mountain to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, about 30–40 minutes. Climb the long naga staircase to the gold temple and look back over the city.

   Lunch

   Back down in Nimman, at the foot of the mountain road. Try sai oua, the herby northern sausage, with sticky rice.

   Afternoon

   Cafés and small shops in Nimman, then back to the hotel to rest.

   Evening

   The Sunday Walking Street, when the old city's main street from Tha Phae Gate turns into a market. Eat your way along it for dinner.

3. Day 3

   Doi Inthanon

   Morning

   Day trip to Doi Inthanon, Thailand's highest mountain, about 2 hours' drive away. Most people join a tour or hire a car and driver.

   Lunch

   Lunch on the road. Most tours include a stop for it.

   Afternoon

   Walk round the twin pagodas near the summit, then stop at a waterfall or two on the way down.

   Evening

   Back in town by evening. An easy dinner near the hotel, or another round at the night bazaar.

4. Day 4

   Market run and home

   Morning

   Warorot Market, near the river, for sai oua, northern chilli dips and snacks to take home.

   Lunch

   One last khao soi.

   Afternoon

   Grab to the airport, about 15 minutes, and fly home.