1 Week in Chiang Mai Thailand: A Relaxed, Food-Forward 7-Day Itinerary
If you have one week (or more, preferably) to soak up the best of Chiang Mai Thailand, this is the exact, easygoing plan I use when I want great food, low-key markets, and a few unforgettable experiences. I’ve been to Chiang Mai Thailand multiple times and I always leave feeling like I discovered something new. This itinerary balances iconic eats, local markets, a massage (or two), a hands-on cooking class, and a stunning waterfall cafe.
How to use this itinerary
Move things around based on weather and energy levels. Weekends are for the biggest markets. Rainy season (late May–June) means afternoon storms, so schedule outdoor spots for mornings and cafes or workshops for rainy afternoons.
Day 1: Khao Soi, a massage, and a farm-to-table dinner
Start in Nimman with a bowl of khao soi at my favorite local spot, Khao Soi Mae Sai. Expect to pay roughly 55–60 THB for a bowl and 20 THB for Thai lemon tea. Tip: As someone who has had awful food poisoning before, I clean utensils quickly before eating at ANY and EVERY restaurant I eat at anywhere in the world.
After lunch stroll Old Town’s relaxed streets and treat yourself to a Thai massage. You’ll find everything from luxury spas (around 990 THB for 60 minutes at high-end places) to humble neighbourhood spots offering 60 minutes for about 300–350 THB or a 90-minute full body for about 500 THB. I opted for the 90-minute option at Lila Thai Massage and it was money well spent.
Finish with dinner at Garden to Table. Try the dry khao soi with grilled chicken for a mild, delicious twist on northern Thai flavors.
Day 2: Jing Jai Market: chilled weekend shopping
Jing Jai Market is one of my favourite markets in Chiang Mai Thailand for a reason: it’s lowkey, artisanal, and not chaotic. Expect vendors selling organic produce, handmade clothing, and farm-to-table snacks. Prices are fair: coconut water for 35 THB, fresh juices around 75 THB, and beautiful handmade dresses that can be bargained down (I paid 1,200 THB for a cotton dress).
Why go: calmer vibe than the big Sunday night markets, plenty of natural-fabric clothing, and live shopping stalls. Bring reusable bags and small cash for food stalls and workshops.
Day 3: Coconut Market and Cham Chaa Market
The Coconut Market is small but scenic, with coconut-themed food, handcrafted goods, and lovely stalls set among actual coconut trees. Try coconut pancakes or a coconut ice cream served in a shell. Be careful of slippery green channels that look like grass but are water. Don’t ruin your day!
Cham Chaa Market has a hippie, artisanal vibe with things like denim, tie-dye, handmade jewelry, and cafes. Prices can be a bit cheaper than the tourist spots, and vendors often sell pieces you can try on in small shops rather than tents.
Day 4: Brunch in Nimman and Baan Kang Wat craft village
Spend the morning in the Nimman area for trendy brunches and coffee. My dependable pick is Healthy Junk, My go-to is chorizo avocado toast with a fried egg and parmesan. Afterward, head to Baan Kang Wat for artisan workshops. This creative village has candle making, watercolour, textiles, and small galleries. Workshops vary from budget-friendly to pricier depending on complexity (roughly 200–2,000 THB).
Day 5: Full-day cooking class (Zabb E Lee or similar)
A 6-hour cooking course gets you into the local market to buy ingredients and then into the kitchen to make 3–4 dishes. I did mine with Zabb E Lee cooking school. My menu choices: pad thai, tom yum, khao soi, pineapple fried rice, and mango sticky rice. Highlights: hands-on market experience and learning real techniques for classic dishes.
Notes: Larger schools can feel busy and less intimate. If you want a quieter, more authentic class, look for smaller family-run schools or private lessons. Expect a full day and bring an appetite (though you can take some home if you’d like).
Day 6: Chom Cafe: waterfall cafe and relaxed afternoon
Take a short grab out of Nimman to a cafe with man-made waterfalls and misty koi ponds. Food is reliably good (albeit pricey). The Pad Thai and light roti options are delicious, and the outdoor setups are dreamy for photos. This is definitely a hotspot for influencers!
Day 7: Flexible day: revisit a market, shop, or relax
Use your last day to return to a favourite market, pick up a gift (Thai silk scarves make great presents and can be found for around 150–300 THB), or simply relax with a long coffee and a book. If you still have energy, check out Maya Mall to see everything the shops have to offer. The food court in the basement is not to be missed!
Packing and money tips
Cash is king at markets and street food stalls. Smaller shops may accept cards but always carry small notes and coins.
Expect rain in May–June. Lightweight, quick-dry layers and waterproof sandals help.
Be cautious of low-hanging electrical wires on some streets.
Negotiate politely at markets where haggling is expected sometimes (not all the time though, so use your discernment). At artisanal markets like Jing Jai or Coconut Market, prices are sometimes fixed to support small makers.
Estimated costs (per person, moderate budget)
Street meals: 50–150 THB each
Massage: 300–990 THB depending on place and duration
Markets and shopping: variable; plan for 500–2,000 THB for souvenirs and clothing
Cooking class (full day): variable; often priced mid-range to premium
Final thoughts
Chiang Mai Thailand is effortless to fall in love with. Friendly people, outstanding food, and markets that fit every mood from chilled artisan villages to lively weekend stalls. Whether you come for the khao soi, the hammock-in-a-cafe moments, or the hands-on cooking class, give yourself time to wander slowly. You’ll leave with new flavours, handmade finds, and a long list of places to return to.
If you only have seven days in Chiang Mai Thailand, follow this rhythm: mornings for markets and temples, afternoons for cafes or workshops (rain permitting), and evenings for dinner and wandering the old streets. That balance keeps the trip relaxed, delicious, and truly memorable.
It’s truly my fave city in the world, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
