Sept. 1 - 3, 2014 (3D2N):  Leg 2 of our 17-day journey in Thailand & Vietnam.  Chiang Mai is located north of Bangkok, thus the temperature is cooler.  It was a nice break from Bangkok's hustle and bustle.  Immerse yourself with various temples (free admission) by walking through the walled city and treat yourself afterwards to a foot massage!  See prior posts on Bangkok - Chiang Mai - Koh Samui - Vietnam.

*Highly Recommended

Day 1

• Noon flight to Chiang Mai from DMK (Bangkok)
• Taxi (160bt flat rate;15 mins) to DusitD2 Hotel Chiang Mai
• Visit walled city:
  • Wat Chedi Luang
  • Wat Pan Tao (built out of Teak Wood panels)
  • Wat Phra Singh/The Monastery of the Lion Buddha
  • Wat Chiang Man
• Dinner @ Dash! Restaurant and Bar*
• Ride the Red songthaew to Anusarn market (10bt p/p)
  • Walk around the market
  • 9:30-10:30pm: Chiang Mai Cabaret Show* (Anthony Bourdain went there too!)

Day 2

• 10:30am-4:30pm: Hire Red songthaew (900bt for 1 day)
  • Maesa Elephant Camp (we did not feel this place was humane to the animal, see my suggestion below)
  • Temple near Maesa (see cover photo)
  • Viewpoint (between Wat Pha Lat and Doi Suthep)
  • Doi Suthep
    • Lunch @ pad thai stand
  • Wat Umong
• Tcnlarayal market (everyday market) and walk around the area
• Walk around Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
• Foot Massage @ Fah Lanna Spa*
• Dinner @ Lemongrass Thai Restaurant*

Day 3

• Thai massage @ Sala Chiangmai*
• Hire Red songthaew to airport (100bt)
• Noon flight to Koh Samui

Other points of interest & food

• Wat Pha Lat
• Eat @ Khao Soi Khun Yai (eat khao soi/noodle; opens 10am-2pm)
• Take a Thai cooking class
• Catmosphere Cat Cafe
• Amazing Race visited Patara Elephant Farm recently, this might be the most humane farm I have come across during my research.

Tip

• Pack a sarong with you so you can cover your bare legs and wear a sleeve top on the day when you need to visit temples.