Top Chiang Mai Day Cruises

This small-group tour is a convenient way to tick off three examples of magnificent architecture in a day without having to look up public transport schedules. Zip around the city in an air-conditioned van or car and see Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, and Wat Pha Lat temples—with admission included to save you time waiting in ticket lines. Upgrade to a private tour that also includes a visit to the Chiang Mai Night Market.

Don’t just eat the incredible food in Thailand; with this hands-on half-day experience—you can visit an organic farm and learn how to make local dishes from scratch. Discover expert tips on how to grow herbs and vegetables, and then take part in a cooking class where you can make a variety of dishes—such as curry paste, curry, stir-fry, soup, and spring rolls.

Try all sorts of delicious Thai foods on this dinner cruise that takes you along the Ping River in Chiang Mai. You can relax as you float by temples and houses on the riverbanks, while your dinner is served. Feel free to purchase alcoholic drinks onboard, as you sit back and relax in the romantic atmosphere.

Beat the crowds and see a spectacular sunrise from one of Chiang Mai’s highest points during an early-morning tour to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. This unique tour offers you the chance to experience an alms-giving ceremony in the early morning and explore the famous temple without daytime crowds. Plus, a former-monk guide provides insight into Thai culture and the Buddhist religion.

Have a three-adventure day when you join this group tour from Chiang Mai. You’ll get to spend time at the elephant sanctuary, go for a jungle trek, and raft on the rapids and smooth waters through the rainforest. You’ll keep costs down by booking this group tour, but still have plenty of attention from your guides, and plenty of opportunities for fun.

Don’t worry if you’ve only got limited time to visit Chiang Rai; this time-saving tour from Chiang Mai helps you tick off multiple temples and local highlights in a day. Discover Rong Khun Temple (also known as the White Temple); see the Golden Triangle—where the borders of Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand meet; enjoy a boat trip, and visit the Karen Long Neck Hill Tribe too, with lunch included to save you the hassle of bringing food with you.

Get up close and personal with the world’s largest land mammal on a visit to the family-owned Elephant Pride Sanctuary. The elephants here once worked on logging crews to cut down the protected forest, but today they live at leisure. This small-group adventure includes a Thai lunch, water, skip-the-line access, and hotel transfers from Chiang Mai.

Head up to Doi Inthanon National Park, home to Thailand’s highest peak, with this guided small-group trekking and cultural tour. You'll visit area highlights such as Wachirathan Falls, the King and Queen Chedis (pagodas), and a local coffee roasting facility, with a stop for an included lunch along the way.

Don’t follow an itinerary that doesn’t take your interests into account—see Chiang Mai your way with a private, English-speaking driver who’ll take you to the attractions that most appeal to you. Rather than navigating public transport or missing out on scenery as you look at maps, you’ll be able to soak up the stunning countryside of northern Thailand in the air-conditioned comfort of your private vehicle.

Get a panoramic view of Chiang Mai City from atop an ancient temple built in 1383 on this full-day, guided tour to one of the island’s most famous temples with tour of Bua Thong Waterfall included. Climb 306 steps to visit a shrine to Buddha before looking out at the city from the temple 3,500-ft (1067-meters) above sea-level. At “Sticky Waterfall” climb the falls tiered limestone layers and swim in its pools. Lunch and round-trip transport included.

Explore Doi Inthanon National Park on a full-day, private trip from Chiang Mai, then spend the day visiting spectacular waterfalls, browsing local handicrafts, summiting Thailand's tallest peak, and hiking through a landscape of paddy fields and coffee farms. Enjoy the flexibility of a personal driver/guide throughout the day, which includes pickup and drop-off at your Chiang Mai hotel, all transport by climate-controlled vehicle, and lunch, the perfect way to discover Chiang Mai's remarkable mountain scenery.

If you’re short on time in Chiang Mai but want to experience all the area has to offer, this convenient tour lets you enjoy three distinct experiences. Observe elephants up close in their natural habitat at the Living Green Elephant Sanctuary, visit Doi Inthanon National Park, home to the highest mountain in Thailand, and hike along the Pha Dok Saew trail to see a gorgeous waterfall.

If you’re looking for a great introduction to Chiang Mai but don’t want to take a crowded tour, this Chiang Mai Private City Highlights Tour is the perfect solution. Visit both temples, Wat Chedi Luang Varavihara and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, before heading to eat a traditional Thai lunch at a local farmer’s home. Then, take a river cruise to the Warorot Market (Kad Luang). Hotel pickup and drop-off inside the city area is included.

Escape the crowds and heat of the day, and see Chiang Mai at its most atmospheric, on this guided group tour at night. See the city magically illuminated on an evening tour that reveals two of Chiang Mai’s most-popular temples—Wat Umong and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep—at night, with a guide to provide enriching commentary.

Head out to Doi Inthanon National Park for a 2-hour trekking tour with a professional guide by your side. You'll hike the fantastic nature trail around 2 hours. You'll also stop by the Phra Maha Dhatu Naphamethinidon and Naphaphonphumisiri Pagodas, at the top of Thailand's highest peak. You'll visit a Karen village and a Hmong market. Lunch and round-trip hotel transfers are included.

Reaching Thailand’s highest peak independently can be challenging, especially with the distances and winding mountain roads. This small-group tour makes it easy to explore Doi Inthanon National Park in one day. Visit scenic waterfalls, take in sweeping mountain views, and learn about the traditions of local Karen communities while discovering the landscapes around Doi Inthanon.

Leave Chiang Mai’s busy streets behind with a convenient hotel pickup that takes you straight to the Mae Ping River Cruise. Depart from Wat Chai Mongkol and drift along the historic leafy riverbanks, traditional wooden houses, graceful bridges, and authentic riverside life reveal a different side of Northern Thailand. Visit the Thai Farmer’s House to stroll through rice fields, herb gardens, and tropical fruit orchards while enjoying seasonal fruit, ice cream and a refreshing herbal drink. For Khao Soi option, test Khao Soi flavor to savor Chiang Mai’s iconic curry noodle soup in a peaceful countryside setting. If you are looking for more than sightseeing, this is your chance to slow down, connect with the real Chiang Mai, and create memories that stay with you long after the cruise ends.