Chiang Mai Tours & Trips
4.5 stars on(7,612 reviews)- Choose from 100+ Chiang Mai tours
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Table of contents
- The best Chiang Mai tour packages
- What people love about Chiang Mai Tours
- Travel Chiang Mai your way
- Top operators in Chiang Mai
- Discover Chiang Mai tours for every budget
- Chiang Mai tours for every group
- Top Chiang Mai travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Chiang Mai
- Contact our Chiang Mai travel experts
The best Chiang Mai tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaChiang Mai travel expert at TourRadar
Northern Thailand Hilltribes Trek
24 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Fantastic experience with a fantastic guide!”
Bereket, traveled in October 2024
The northern mountains of Chiang Mai lead to remote villages, where travelers trek diverse terrain and float through Tham Lod cave by raft. Traditional homestays with Lahu and Karen communities offer authentic cultural immersion.
Duration 5 days Destinations Chiang Mai Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator G Adventures From $449
25% Off- US$337You save $112
Northern Thailand: Hilltribes & Villages
22 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The itinerary was perfect; there was a lot to do and see, but it wasn't overwhelming and there was a lot of free time provided.”
Kathryn, traveled in February 2024
The bustling street food scene of Chiang Mai unfolds alongside traditional markets and hilltribe communities. Local cooking classes and temple visits at Doi Suthep complement celebration dinners, while village stays and bamboo rafting add adventure.
Duration 8 days Destinations Bangkok, Chiang Mai Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Operator G Adventures From $779
30% Off- US$545You save $233
One Week in Thailand: Kayaking and Hilltribes
12 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I feel like I really saw northernThailand. Normally I book travel based on how great of a deal I can get.”
Shannon, traveled in February 2017
Northern Thailand beckons with Mok Fah Waterfall and Mae Malai Market before leading to Mae Ma Nai Hilltribe Village. Chiang Mai's temples, including Wat Prasingh and Doi Sethep, shine alongside Mae Taeng River kayaking adventures. Hilltribe homestays offer home-cooked dinners and genuine Thai rural life.
Duration 8 days Destinations Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai Age Range 18 to 35 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From $595
5% Off- US$565You save $30
Explore Northern Thailand
20 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A very good international ambience in the group and knowledgeable guide plus an interesting itinerary.”
Pauliina, traveled in December 2018
Chiang Mai's cultural treasures unfold at Doi Suthep temple, traditional markets, and the ethical ChangChill elephant sanctuary. Comfortable hotels near night markets serve as perfect bases for local cuisine and authentic experiences.
Duration 8 days Destinations Bangkok, Sukhothai, Chiang Mai Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From $1,230
20% Off- US$984You save $246
5 DAYS EXPLORING THAILAND'S FLOATING MARKETS AND TEMPLES
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Food amazing and lots of activities. Hotel on return was better.”
Alexandra, traveled in April 2018
The city's architectural heritage shines through Wat Phra Singh's northern style, Wat Chedi Luang's massive stupa, and Wat Chiang Man, Chiang Mai's oldest temple. Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep offers stunning city panoramas.
Duration 5 days Destinations Bangkok, Damnoen Saduak, Chiang Mai Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Hoi An Express From
20% Off- US$1,471
What people love about Chiang Mai Tours
- Northern Thailand Hilltribes Trek
Great trip! Cultural experience could not have been better. Authentic experience of the local live.
- Northern Thailand: Hilltribes & Villages
A fantastic trip exploring the northern villages of Chiang Mai. The hike / trek is HARD, even with some degree of fitness but so worth it! The home stay accommodations are very basic and there is no wifi but a digital detox is needed and you really get to bond with your group. I would definitely recommend this tour.
- One Week in Thailand: Kayaking and Hilltribes
One of the best experiences of my life! I couldn't have asked for anyone better than our tour guide, Ed. He was so helpful with everything and was very patient with each of us. I would recommend this tour to everyone, it was incredibly well executed and so much fun!
Travel Chiang Mai your way
Getting around Chiang Mai by Tuk Tuk opens up real adventures into rural Thailand. The mountain routes are particular favorites with our guests, especially the trip up to Doi Inthanon National Park where you wind through hill tribe villages, coffee farms and also mountain passes. You can choose tours from 5 to 11 days - longer trips reach quiet spots like Mae Hong Son and Pai, with their hidden hot springs and quiet temples. We include elephant sanctuary visits, bamboo rafting and village stays. What makes these trips special is the choice - you can learn to drive your own Tuk Tuk (with proper training) or sit back with a pro driver and take in the mountain views through the open sides.
See all Active toursIf you're looking to really get into Chiang Mai's culture, our most popular tours combine temples, ethical elephant experiences and mountain trips. Many travelers start with our 9-day Thailand circuit from Bangkok to Chiang Mai - you'll get right into local life at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and spend quality time with elephants at well-vetted sanctuaries. The 12-day routes let you dig deeper into northern Thailand's traditions; our guests tell us they love how the itinerary mixes city temples with genuine village encounters. What works well is how we balance guided activities with free time - you'll see major temples like Wat Phra Singh but also have space to wander and find your own special spots in the old city.
See all Explorer toursExplore a wide diversity of partially guided tours through Chiang Mai. We have 80 adventures that vary from 3 days to 18 days. With the greatest number of departures in March, this is also the most popular time of the year.
See all Partially Guided toursOur heritage tours put you right in the middle of Karen village life where you'll learn hill tribe traditions firsthand. The homestays are a real highlight - you'll help cook traditional meals and see how local farming works. When we visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, we go early before the crowds show up, which our travelers really appreciate. The best moments often come from simple things like cooking with families, joining craft workshops and connecting with locals - these personal experiences tend to become the stories our guests share most often.
See all In-depth Cultural tours
More travel styles:
Top operators in Chiang Mai
From what our travelers tell us, both companies deliver solid Southeast Asian experiences but with some distinct differences worth noting. Realistic Asia gets consistent praise for organizing tours that run like clockwork - their guides know their stuff and handle all the little details that could otherwise cause stress. The company really shines when it comes to keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes. Prestigo Asia stands out for their thoughtfully planned itineraries and how well they keep in touch throughout the process. Their guides Dat and Lucie get mentioned often in the feedback, with travelers particularly impressed by their deep local knowledge and attention to detail. That said, it's worth mentioning a couple of small wrinkles. Some of our travelers have found the guide quality at Realistic Asia can vary depending on which tour you take. With Prestigo Asia, a few people mentioned the transportation could sometimes be on the slower side between locations. Both are solid choices overall - the small issues that came up didn't seem to seriously impact most people's trips. For travelers who really value consistent organization, Realistic Asia makes sense. If you're after a well-paced journey with guides who know their stuff really well, Prestigo Asia might be the better fit.
- 5.0 (22,802 reviews)
"Fantastic experience with a fantastic guide!
- Tours
- 3 tours
- Age range
- 12 to 90 years old
- Adventure type
- Hiking & Trekking
- Response time
- 2h
- Response rate
- 100%
- Average price
- $165
- 4.5 (11,928 reviews)
"The only thing that saved me from this trip is the guide, great attitude of the guide and always wanting to help. The itinerary is not good, the hike seems like it is for 8 year old children, 3 hours one day and 4 hours the next. I think in Ching Mai there are more things to do than what they simply propose. And please, charge 10 dollars more and include all transportation.
- Tours
- 6 tours
- Age range
- 5 to 99 years old
- Adventure type
- In-depth Cultural
- Response time
- 7h
- Response rate
- 92%
- Average price
- $167
- 4.5 (355 reviews)
"Boat trip on ha long bay was fantastic - food amazing and lots of activities. Our hotel on first night was changed and was disappointing but hotel on return was better
- Tours
- 1 tours
- Age range
- 1 to 99 years old
- Adventure type
- Explorer
- Response time
- 6h
- Response rate
- 100%
- Average price
- $441
Discover Chiang Mai tours for every budget
Our budget-conscious travelers gravitate toward the classic Thailand packages that include Chiang Mai as a key destination. These multi-city routes combine comfortable accommodations with well-planned activities. Popular itineraries run 10-12 days, starting in Bangkok before heading north, where you'll explore Wat Phra Singh, visit hill tribe villages and spend time at ethical elephant sanctuaries. Our customers particularly enjoy the mix of organized tours and free time to explore on their own. Many tours include traditional experiences like khantoke dinners with hill tribe dancing and visits to local markets. The railway market and floating market excursions en route to Chiang Mai add nice cultural touches that our travelers consistently mention in their feedback.
The premium tours in Thailand really deliver something special, running 13-14 days to let you sink into the northern culture properly. You'll stay in excellent hotels and have expert local guides who know exactly when to visit places like Doi Suthep to avoid the crowds. Our travelers love the private cooking classes in beautiful old colonial houses - you'll head to markets with the chef to pick out fresh ingredients first. The experience includes some lovely extras like traditional Thai massages at temple massage centers and quiet morning boat rides through Bangkok's canals before you head up to Chiang Mai. What makes these tours special is the chance to have real conversations with monks at Wat Suan Dok, giving you proper insights into Buddhist life.
Chiang Mai budget tours
Chiang Mai tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
99 tours in Chiang MaiExplore a wide diversity of group tours through Chiang Mai. We have 99 adventures that vary from 3 days to 29 days. With the greatest number of departures in June, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Small Group
80 tours in Chiang MaiVisit Chiang Mai with fewer travelers, ensuring more immersive activities.
Private / Personalized
38 tours in Chiang MaiOur private tours shine when it comes to flexibility and personal attention in Chiang Mai. These typically run 10-12 days with customizable itineraries that adapt to your interests. Many of our travelers opt for early morning temple visits to avoid crowds, especially at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep where the morning light creates perfect photo conditions. Private guides take you to less-visited spots like Wat Palad and arrange authentic experiences with local families, including traditional amulet-making workshops. Our customers particularly value the ability to spend extended time at elephant sanctuaries, where they can fully engage with the animals without rushing. These tours often include special touches like private blessing ceremonies with monks and visits to artisan villages along San Kamphaeng Road.
Top Chiang Mai travel itineraries to fit your plans
A week in northern Thailand lets you properly dig into the region's character. The journey starts in Bangkok at the Grand Palace before heading north to Chiang Mai. Our customers often mention loving the shift from city buzz to peaceful northern temples. You'll enjoy special touches like traditional Khantoke dinners with hill tribe dancing and visits to the unique Elephant Poopoopaper Park. Up in the Golden Triangle, where Thailand meets Laos and Myanmar, you'll see both the White Temple and Black House - each showing completely different sides of Thai architecture. Some tours add a Mekong River boat ride, giving you a nice look at life along the borders.
TourRadar recommends visiting:
Bangkok, Chiang Mai
Our 10-day tours mix city life, cultural experiences and beach time really nicely. You'll start in Bangkok exploring floating markets, then head north to Chiang Mai for 3-4 days of temples, elephant encounters and local craft discoveries along San Kamphaeng Road. What works well here is the pacing - you get both guided experiences and time to explore on your own. Most of our travelers love finishing up in Phuket, where you can either relax on the beach or take day trips out to places like the Phi Phi Islands for snorkeling in clear waters.
TourRadar recommends visiting:
Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Mae Wang National Park, Chiang Rai
Two weeks in Thailand gives you our most complete experience, with some interesting options to choose from. Some tours focus on temples, linking Thailand's ancient capitals with Cambodia's Angkor Wat. Others emphasize island life, taking you through Koh Tao, Koh Phangan and also Koh Samui. Our travelers appreciate the variety - one morning you might do T'ai Chi in Bangkok's Lumpini Park, learn cooking from local chefs later and finish at a traditional market. These longer stays include nice cultural touches like monk blessing ceremonies at Wat Damnak and Thai massage lessons at Wat Pho.
TourRadar recommends visiting:
Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket
Demographics
Young adult travelers gravitate toward our active northern Thailand tours that combine physical adventure with cultural immersion. The kayaking and trekking tours running 7-8 days are particularly popular - you'll paddle the Mae Taeng River, hike to remote hill tribe villages and camp under the stars. Our travelers love the mix of adrenaline activities and authentic experiences, like learning traditional cooking methods from Karen villagers and joining local guides to make friction fires. The overnight trains between Bangkok and Chiang Mai add an element of adventure while saving on accommodation costs. Many tours include free time in Chiang Mai's Nimman area, which our younger guests appreciate for its cool cafes, bars and night markets. The hill tribe treks can be challenging but rewarding - you'll carry your own pack through beautiful mountain terrain while staying in traditional villages along the way.
Our senior travelers prefer the premium private tours that offer deeper cultural experiences at a comfortable pace. These carefully crafted 10-13 day itineraries include early morning temple visits when it's cooler and quieter, especially at Doi Suthep where you can truly appreciate the spiritual atmosphere. Our older guests particularly value having knowledgeable guides who can explain Thai history and Buddhism in detail. The tours include comfortable hotels in central locations and private transportation throughout. Many feature special cultural experiences like traditional blessing ceremonies, visits to artisan villages and demonstrations of classical Thai crafts. Our senior travelers often mention how much they appreciate having flexibility in the schedule and guides who understand when to take breaks during temple tours or market visits.
For families exploring Chiang Mai, our most recommended tours run 11-12 days with carefully planned activities that work for different ages. Parents tell us they appreciate how the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market visit keeps kids engaged - they love watching vendors paddle past selling fresh fruits and local treats. The elephant sanctuary experiences are real highlights for families; children get hands-on time feeding and helping bathe the elephants while learning about conservation. Several tours include stays in Koh Samui after Chiang Mai, which our family groups say provides a nice balance of culture and beach time. The guides make special efforts with kids, like organizing fun activities during hill tribe visits and keeping temple tours interesting with stories and legends. Our returning families particularly value having some flexibility in the schedule, letting them adjust plans based on their children's energy levels and interests.
- Solo Travelers111 tours
- Couples31 tours
- Young Adults (18 - 39)9 tours
- Seniors (50+)53 tours
Best time to visit Chiang Mai
- Spring 2025
Warm days bring vibrant Songkran Festival. Explore city's temples and gardens in full bloom or join water fights.
- 107 tours
- 109 tours
- popular 110 tours
- Summer 2025
Hot season with more rains. Perfect for visiting Elephant Nature Park, umbrella-making workshops, and late-night shopping.
- popular 110 tours
- 106 tours
- 105 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2025
Fall in Northern Thailand sets up perfectly for getting deep into the local culture. We've built our 9-12 day tours to give you both city life and rural experiences, starting in Bangkok before heading up to Chiang Mai. You'll explore well-known temples but also find some spiritual spots that most tourists miss. The timing works out nicely - you'll be there for rice harvest season when the Karen village fields turn golden. The tours take you through Doi Inthanon National Park for waterfall hikes and visits with hill tribe communities. We mix up the active bits like white water rafting with local experiences such as cooking classes, evening markets and also long-tail boat rides. Our guests particularly enjoy walking through the quieter temple grounds during these comfortable autumn months.
- popular 110 tours
- 103 tours
- 96 tours
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Our winter tours across Northern Thailand really shine from November through February when the weather turns cool and clear. We run several 7-11 day trips that blend kayaking on the Mae Taeng River with authentic hill tribe village stays. Many of our guests tell us the overnight Karen village visits are their favorite part - there's nothing quite like sharing stories around a campfire over home-cooked local dishes. You'll walk through teak forests with guides who point out medicinal plants and traditional farming spots along the way. The winter schedule includes quality time at the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, which works perfectly in the cooler temps. Our travelers love doing the temple visits and mountain trails early morning this time of year - you can really take your time without the usual heat.
- 68 tours
- popular 102 tours
- 98 tours
Contact our Chiang Mai travel experts
Esteban
Expert in Chiang Mai at TourRadar
Esteban is one of our seasoned Chiang Mai Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Chiang Mai tours answered!
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