Chiang Mai Travel Guide | Top Things to Do in 2026

CHIANG MAI Top Things To Do in 2026 | Perfect 5 Day Itinerary This video is an honest Chiang Mai travel guide made by "locals" who have been living here for over 5 years ☺️⛰️ We share all the best things to do in Chiang Mai, but also the good, bad, and ugly sides of traveling here. No fake hype, no Instagram-only spots — just real advice from people who actually live in Northern Thailand and explore it every week. This 5-day Chiang Mai itinerary covers both must-see highlights and hidden gems that most tourists never hear about. In this Chiang Mai travel guide, we talk about: • The top things to do in Chiang Mai • Where to stay in Chiang Mai (best areas & what to avoid) • Temples and markets that are actually worth visiting • Best hiking trails, viewpoints & mountains around Chiang Mai • Waterfalls, including the famous Sticky Waterfall • Day trips to Doi Inthanon National Park & Chiang Dao • Ethical elephant sanctuaries like Elephant Nature Park • Hill tribe villages, rice terraces & coffee plantations • Best cafes with views, local coffee & slow travel spots • Thai food, local dishes & cooking classes • Bamboo rafting, nature experiences & off-the-beaten-path places • Burning season and Rainy season tips We also share places we personally love, spots we think are overrated, and tips that will help you avoid crowds and experience the best of Chiang Mai. 📍SOME OF THE LOCATION WE VISITED: Cooking class we took https://gyg.me/BTe33p3C Yoga in the park https://maps.app.goo.gl/DdpHrjzJEKMEh... Our fav temple in the city https://maps.app.goo.gl/k5eLTBsH7QMU7... Mae Mae village accomodation https://maps.app.goo.gl/qkCni5JFMCTHU... Ban Na Lao Mai, Chiang Dao https://maps.app.goo.gl/GkPgGz7LeeYrs... Huay Thueng Thao https://maps.app.goo.gl/FN9vEUN7NLnva... Amazing local food in Old Town https://maps.app.goo.gl/8NPdQ453LBFBu... Fav Northern Thai restaurant https://maps.app.goo.gl/SpUownjAPMe5u... Good hidden coffee in the Old Town https://maps.app.goo.gl/V5qTgEA3j9WX5... Best vegan food https://maps.app.goo.gl/Wxnf3kkRaDQ9K... Best cafe by the lake https://maps.app.goo.gl/yURjTQDXrNDkm... Best cafe by the river https://maps.app.goo.gl/xuJbtrYVFzqZb... ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro – Living in Chiang Mai as locals 00:52 Day 1: Food, Temples, Walking Street 03:30 Day 2: Parks, Unique Markets, Nimman 09:13 Why Should You Visit Chiang Mai? 11:37 Day 3: Doi Suthep, Night Bazaar, Jazz 14:53 Day 4: Doi Inthanon, Pa Pong Piang, Mae Wang 17:19 Day 5: Sticky Waterfalls 18:01 Chiang Dao 19:33 Ethical elephant sanctuaries (Elephant Nature Park) 20:33 Other Things to Do in Chiang Mai 23:06 Burning Season in Chiang Mai 23:23 Rainy Season in Chiang Mai 23:36 Cooking Class Chiang Mai __________________________________________________________________________ 🌴🐒 Stay Wild and Explore The Unseen Southeast Asia With Us! 🌿✨ Craving more hidden jungle adventures or remote island tropical escapes? Follow us on social media for exclusive travel tips, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and all the magic of enchanting Southeast Asia! 📸 Instagram: Panna_Travel 🌿 👍 Facebook: Panna Travel 🌳🐘 Best Trekking Tours and Blog: www.pannathailand.com Hit like, leave a comment, and subscribe to join and support our journey into the wild for free🌏