48 Hours in Chiang Mai: Temples · Cafés · Walking Streets — Ending at Haze Buds

48 Hours in Chiang Mai: Temples · Cafes · Walking Streets — Ending at Haze Buds

48 Hours in Chiang Mai: Temples · Cafés · Walking Streets — Ending at Haze Buds

TL;DR — The 48-Hour Plan

  • Day 1 (Old City & Riverside): Sunrise temple walk → slow breakfast café → Old City highlights → lunch khao soi → artisan lanes → sunset river drinks → night market munchies.

  • Day 2 (Doi Suthep & Nimman → Walking Street): Doi Suthep sunrise → Nimman café crawl → creative shops → late-afternoon spa reset → Walking Street food-gift blitz → wind down at Haze Buds.

  • Good to know: Dress modestly for temples; cash for markets; use Grab/Bolt or rent a scooter; mind cannabis etiquette (details below).

How to Use This Guide

Think of this as a modular itinerary. Each block runs ~2–4 hours. Swap cafés, temples, or markets as you like—just keep the anchors: a temple start, a markets-and-food middle, and a calm finish.

Day 1 — Old City, Temples, and the Riverside Golden Hour

06:30 — Sunrise Temple Walk (Old City)

Nothing beats the Old City at dawn. Streets are quiet, bells ring, and the air still feels cool.

  • Wat Phra Singh (วัดพระสิงห์): Elegant Lanna roofs, morning chants, and the revered Phra Buddha Sihing image. Bring a light scarf; shoulders and knees covered.

  • Wat Chedi Luang (วัดเจดีย์หลวง): A massive 14th‑century chedi—at sunrise it glows amber. The monks often set out chairs for “Monk Chat” later in the morning.

  • Wat Chiang Man (วัดเชียงมั่น): Oldest in Chiang Mai. Look for the Crystal Buddha and elephant‑lined chedi.

Temple Etiquette Quicklist

  • Cover shoulders & knees; remove hats; shoes off at shrine doors.

  • Keep voices low; avoid pointing feet at Buddha images.

  • Donations are optional but appreciated; photography ok unless signed otherwise.

Wat Pra Sing Chiang Mai
Wat Chiang Man

08:30 — Slow Breakfast Café

Pick one depending on vibe:

  • IN TOWN Cafe : Hand‑poured Arabica from nearby mountains. Pair with banana bread or mango yogurt bowl.

  • Khum Cafe : Shady courtyard, Thai iced tea, Homemade scones with Strawberry Jam.

Pro Tip: Ask for beans from Doi Inthanon or Mae Hong Son—bright acidity, floral notes, and sustainable farms.

10:00 — Old City Highlights Walk (2–3 hours)

  • City Moats & Gates: Tha Phae Gate is the iconic selfie spot. Early = fewer pigeons, fewer people.

  • Three Kings Monument: Good for history snaps.

  • Local Crafts Lanes: Peek into silverwork alleys and sa‑paper (mulberry) studios—ideal for gifts.

Three Kings Monument

12:30 — Lunch: Khao Soi & Friends

You can’t leave without khao soi (rich curry noodle soup). Order chicken for classic comfort or beef for depth; sides of pickled mustard greens and lime make it sing. Add a plate of sai ua (herb sausage) to share.

Khao Soi
herb sausage

14:00 — Museum/Siesta Option (Choose Your Pace)

  • Culture & Art: Lanna Folklife Museum (cool A/C, clear curation) or a rotating contemporary gallery inside the moat.

  • Siesta: Retreat to your hotel pool or a leafy café. Chiang Mai rewards slow travel.

16:30 — Riverside Golden Hour

Head to the Ping River. Find a terrace bar or tea room for sunset light and long‑exposure photos over the iron bridge.

Iron Bridge

18:30 — Night Bites & Market Nibbles

  • Night Bazaar area: Grilled skewers, pad thai, roti with banana and condensed milk.

  • Dessert: Coconut ice cream or mango sticky rice.

Budget Meter (Day 1): ฿800–฿1,400 depending on transport, café preferences, and how many souvenirs you impulse‑bought.

Day 2 — Doi Suthep Sunrise, Nimman Cafés, Walking Street → Haze Buds

05:00 — Doi Suthep Sunrise (Optional but Magical)

If you’re up for it, ride or taxi up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep before dawn. Climb the Naga staircase for daybreak views over Chiang Mai. Monks chant; the city slowly glitters awake.

Dress & Decorum: Same as Day 1. Carry a light layer—mountain air can be cool.

Doi SuThep

08:30 — Nimman Breakfast & Café Crawl

Nimman is Chiang Mai’s creative quarter. Start with:

  • Brunch café: Sourdough toasts, farm eggs, local avocado.

  • Specialty Coffee Lab: Single‑origin pour‑overs, espresso flights; grab a bag of beans as a souvenir.

  • Artisan Bakery: Try croissants or pandan custard donuts—go early.

Shop the Side Streets

  • Boutique design stores: Handmade ceramics, eco cotton, rattan bags.

  • Indie bookstores & zine shops: Great for gifts that fit in carry‑ons.

13:00 — Lunch: Northern Comfort 2.0

  • Gaeng hang lay (sweet‑savory pork curry) with sticky rice.

  • Nam prik ong/num (tomato‑pork or green chili dips) with fresh veg crudités.

14:30 — Spa Reset (Pre‑Market Legs)

Give your feet a break before market marathons. Choose a reputable Thai massage studio for a 60–90 minute reset—traditional Thai stretch or aromatic oil blen

c&r massage chiang mai

16:00 — Late‑Afternoon Drift → Old City

Grab a fruit shake or cold brew and head back into the Old City as vendors set up. If it’s Saturday, aim for Wua Lai (Saturday Walking Street); if Sunday, it’s Ratchadamnoen (Sunday Walking Street).

Wua Lai (Saturday Walking Street)
Sunday Walking Street Thapae

17:00–20:00 — Walking Street Masterclass

This is the heartbeat of weekend Chiang Mai. Expect music, incense, and endless craft stalls.

How to Work the Market Like a Local

  1. First Lap = Recon. Don’t buy yet; take notes on the stalls you love.

  2. Food Focus. Start at a temple courtyard food zone for safe, well‑loved stands.

  3. Craft Standard. Look for hand‑stitched hems, natural dyes, and the artist in the booth.

  4. Breaks. 10‑minute hydration breaks every 45–60 minutes.

  5. Final Lap = Buy. Circle back with cash and smiles. Polite bargaining is fine.

What to Try (Food):

  • Grilled pork skewers (moo ping) + sticky rice

  • Kanom krok (coconut custard cups)

  • Fresh passionfruit juice

  • Northern sausage (sai ua)

  • Tofu/veggie skewers if plant‑based

What to Buy (Gifts):

  • Indigo‑dyed textiles, handwoven scarves

  • Ceramic cups/bowls; wooden spoons (check for smooth grain)

  • Natural soaps, herbal balms, lemongrass oils

20:00 — Wind Down at Haze Buds

After the market, end your 48 hours in a relaxed, friendly lounge vibe at Haze Buds—Chiang Mai’s community‑minded cannabis and lifestyle shop.

Why Haze Buds

  • Vibe: Welcoming staff, multilingual help for tourists, and guidance for first‑timers.

  • Selection: Curated flower, pre‑rolls, accessories, plus CBD options.

  • Location: Convenient to Old City and walking street areas, making it an easy last stop before heading back to your hotel.

Tip: Ask the team for a “chill & sleep well” or “social & creative” recommendation depending on how you want to end your night.

Responsible Use & Thai Etiquette (Read This!)

  • No public smoking (streets, parks, temples) — choose private, permitted spaces.

  • Hotels/Airbnbs: Always ask your host; many have no‑smoking rules.

  • Driving: Do not drive or ride under the influence.

  • Respect temples & schools: Zero cannabis use near religious or educational sites.

  • Discretion wins: Be low‑key and considerate; avoid strong odors in shared spaces.

If you’re unsure, ask the Haze Buds staff for up‑to‑date do’s and don’ts.

Practical Guide: Money, Movement, and Maps

Getting Around

  • Ride‑hailing: Grab/Bolt are the easiest for quick hops.

  • Songthaews (red trucks): Fixed‑route shared taxis—cheap and fun.

  • Scooter: Only if you’re experienced; wear a helmet. Traffic is calmer than Bangkok but still busy.

  • Bicycles: Lovely inside the moat; avoid peak heat.

Payment & Connectivity

  • Cash rules at markets; ATMs plentiful.

  • Cards accepted at most cafés.

  • eSIM/local SIM with data makes maps and ride‑hailing effortless.

When to Visit

  • Cool/Dry (Nov–Feb): Best weather, busiest crowds.

  • Hot (Mar–May): Start temple visits early; plan siestas.

  • Rainy (Jun–Oct): Lush scenery; bring a compact poncho.

What to Pack for 48 Hours

  • Light scarf/sarong (temple coverage)

  • Breathable clothes; comfy walking shoes/sandals

  • Portable fan, sunscreen, electrolytes

  • Reusable bottle (refill at cafés)

Optional Swaps & Add‑Ons

  • Cooking Class: Learn khao soi and mango sticky rice; take a recipe book home.

  • Elephant Sanctuaries (Ethical): Choose no‑riding, rescue‑focused programs only.

  • Doi Inthanon Day Trip: Waterfalls, hill tribe markets, highest peak in Thailand.

  • Art & Handicraft Villages: Baan Kang Wat (creative studios), Baan Tawai (woodcarving).


Food & Café Shortlist (Mix & Match)

Cafés:

  • Single‑origin roasters (Old City & Nimman)

  • Garden courtyards with Thai teas

  • Minimalist espresso bars with pour‑over flights

Northern Classics:

  • Khao soi (chicken/beef)

  • Sai ua + nam prik dips

  • Gaeng hang lay with sticky rice

Sweet Finishes:

  • Coconut ice cream

  • Mango sticky rice

  • Roti with banana

Sample Timeboxed Itinerary (Copy/Paste Friendly)

Day 1

  • 06:30 Wat Phra Singh → 07:30 Wat Chedi Luang → 08:30 Café breakfast

  • 10:00 Old City walk (gates, crafts) → 12:30 Khao soi lunch

  • 14:00 Museum/siesta → 16:30 Riverside sunset

  • 18:30 Night Bazaar bites → 21:00 Back to hotel

Day 2

  • 05:00 Doi Suthep sunrise → 08:30 Nimman café crawl

  • 12:30 Lunch (Northern plates) → 14:30 Thai massage reset

  • 16:00 Drift to Old City → 17:00–20:00 Walking Street

  • 20:00 Haze Buds (wind‑down responsibly)

Budget & Costs (Per Person, 48 Hours)

  • Food & Drink: ฿1,400–฿2,200

  • Transport: ฿300–฿900 (ride‑hailing + airport transfers)

  • Activities: ฿200–฿800 (temple donations, museum, massage extra)

  • Shopping: Your call (฿500–฿3,000+)

Total Estimate: ฿2,000–฿4,500 (budget‑mid). Upscale meals or classes will add more.

Cannabis Etiquette & Safety in Thailand (Tourist Primer)

  • Know local rules: Regulations evolve; staff at Haze Buds can brief you.

  • No public smoking; stick to private, permitted settings.

  • No driving/riding after consumption. Use ride‑hailing.

  • Keep products sealed while moving between places.

  • Be considerate of families, elders, and shared spaces.

FAQs

Is 48 hours enough for Chiang Mai? It’s a teaser. You’ll hit Old City temples, cafés, a mountain sunrise, and a walking street. Many visitors come back for a week.

Saturday or Sunday Walking Street—what’s better? Both are great. Saturday (Wua Lai) feels more local‑neighborhood; Sunday runs through the heart of the Old City and is bigger.

Can I bring kids to the walking streets? Yes—go early (5–7pm), take breaks, and expect crowds.

Where should I stay?

  • Old City: Historic charm, temple walks, easy for first‑timers.

  • Nimman: Modern cafés, creative shops, nightlife.

  • Riverside: Quieter stays with sunset views.

What if I don’t drink coffee? Order Thai tea, herbal infusions, fresh coconut, or fruit smoothies—cafés here excel at non‑coffee options too.

End on a High Note — Visit Haze Buds

Wrap your Chiang Mai weekend at Haze Buds—a friendly spot for curated cannabis, CBD, and travel chat. Whether you’re winding down post‑market or planning your next Northern Thailand loop, the team can help you choose products suited to relaxation, sleep, creativity, or social vibes.

Plan your stop: After Saturday or Sunday Walking Street, search “Haze Buds Chiang Mai” in your map app and head over. Say you came from the 48‑Hour Guide for a smile and local tips.

Safe travels, happy markets, and see you at Haze Buds.

Want to stay safe while enjoying cannabis in Thailand?
Visit Haze Buds in Chiang Mai. Our budtenders will guide you on what’s legal and where to smoke safely.
➡️ Find a Haze Buds near you 

🔗 Visit us at : www.hazebudscnx.com

🔗 Location at : Haze Buds Old City

                            : Haze Buds Saturday Gate At Chiang Mai Gate

                            : Haze Buds Sridonchai — with 3 locations conveniently in the city.

🕘 Open daily, walk-ins welcome

Follow Us :