First time traveler to thailand - Do i need more than 2 full days in Chiang Mai?

What are the top 3 things to see/do in Chiang Mai, Thailand?
I saw a friend's photos awesome. In them they took a trip on an elephant in the water and a bamboo rafting trip-unfortuntately, the don't have their guide's contact info. We are staying at the Mandarin Oriental - but i figured they will charge too much for the guided trips.

2 days is plenty for Chiang Mai.

Top 3 attractions are:

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep- This is a temple on a mountain in the area, and it is simply a great way to spend an afternoon. It was commissioned by King Kuena who ruled the region from 1367 -1388.

The Night Bazaar- Very famous street market that starts getting set up in the late afternoon and is open til late. You can buy anything from trinkets to fabric to clothes to Thai copied anything you wish (designer watches, DVDs, brand name clothes et cetra).

Chiang Dao Cave- You may have to hire a song tao (red transport vehicle) to take you there, and then pay for a guide, but out of pocket the excursion should not be expensive.

For your elephant trip, I would recommend the Mae Phing Elephant Village. They have a neat show that has the elephants doing all sorts of silly things followed by a ride on the elephant's back.

For your rafting there are numerous places that do it cheaply. If you decide everything you want to do, go to a travel agent package it all up, they will take care of your transportation, and you will save a few satang as well.

I will list a few other things that are neat around the area. Enjoy your trip. Feel free to email me with any questions or if you would like to see the photos I have of the area. As always, I never recommend a place I have never been to and photographed unless I have otherwise stated.

Other attractions:
Wat Suan Dok
Wat Phra Singh
Sri Lanna Nat'l Park (go if you'd like to see the dam, otherwise skip it)
Wat Chedi Luang (great if you are a shutterbug)
Chiang Mai Zoo
Sam Kaphaeng Hotsprings (not really impressive, but just my opinion)
Roon Aroong Hot Springs (a bit out of the way, but better than Sam Kaphaeng in my opinion)

There are a ton more temples, and all have their merit, but too many to list. Also there are hilltribe villages you can visit, but these amount to nothing more than human petting zoos. It might be your thing, but it's not mine.

Finally, if you have the time, a trip to Pai or Chiang Rai is doable from there. I'd say 3 days 2 nights and you will have been there and done that. Enjoy!

There is an awesome night - street market in Chiang Mai every Sunday night ... if you happen to be there on a Sunday, this is definitely not to be missed.
Great atmosphere and you can buy great handicraft ... but you must bargain!

For other attractions there are a lot of local tour operators. The best is to go downtown once you arrive and just drop by one or two to compare prices.

Depending on what you want to do 2 days should be enough in Chiang Mai. But if you want to do hiking, rafting and visiting some of the remote hill tribes you need more time.

Enjoy ... and the Mandarin Oriental is stunning!

Both in Bangkok and Chiang Mai it is easy to sign up for tours. Travel agents act as the tour brokers for the tour companies. Find the nearest travel agency (there are lots and lots of them) and check out their menu book of available tours.

Choose the tours you like, the price is reasonable! The tour company will pick you up at your hotel and return you there at the end of the tour.

Some hotels have a tour desk that can do the same thing. The hotels are good for information but you may be able to get the same tour from a travel agency cheaper. Up to you!

I think 2 days is a little short! You can visit some hill tribes, Long Neck Villages, Golden Triangle at Chiang Rai - lots of stuff to see and do! You can sign up for a short cooking course if you want. Check out the night market too!

If I had to cut something short to make more time in Chiang Mai I would cut back on any beach time. Thailand is warm all year long, you can get a tan even in Bangkok or Chiang Mai!

Stay in your Mandarin Hotel for your 2 days and move to a hotel at half the price for another 2 days and the difference in price will more than pay for any tours you go on! Hotels in Chiang Mai with air, hot water, private bathroom/shower, maid service and cable TV start around 1000 baht, even cheaper during low season!


Good luck.