City Essentials: First Day

5 (30)

Your Perfect First Day in Chiang Mai: Shrines, Streets & Local Clues

2 hours English

5 (30) 100% Personalized

Start your trip with a relaxed walk shaped by your host’s insight, from temple rhythms to street know-how and places to revisit.

Maew

Naphat

Match with one of our local hosts

Be matched with a host based on your interests and preferences, to tailor your perfect day.

100% Flexible: Adapt in real time

Your host will fine-tune the experience in real time to match your mood.

Experience Overview

Time:

2 hours

What to expect:

Fully tailored to your preferences

Language:

Hosted in English (Other languages may be requested)

Transport Mode:

Walking experience (may use public transport for long distances)

Meeting point:

Tha Phae Gate, Tha Phae Road, Tambon Chang Khlan, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

Cancellation:

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What’s Included:

Tailored itinerary based on your preferences

A knowledgeable host who knows the hidden gems

Flexible start times to fit your day

What’s Excluded:

Food, drinks and shopping expenses

Transport fares or attraction entry fees

What makes it special

This two-hour walk helps you get your bearings through Chiang Mai’s shrines, backstreets, and rhythms. Your host shares practical tips so you feel confident exploring on your own.

Key Highlights:

Understand how to navigate Chiang Mai’s streets, temples, and local landmarks
Learn how to move through temples respectfully and what rituals to notice
Spot signs of good cafés, local eateries, and where to find midday shade
Follow incense trails or turn into backstreets—your host reads the moment
Find places you’ll want to return to, and gain confidence getting there
End with personalized tips for what to see, eat, or do next

What travelers think of our Thailand experiences

Penny 19 November 2025

Kit was a fantastic host who took us around Chiang Mai old city for a morning. He has detailed knowledge of the city and its history, as well as the tenets of Buddism and Thai society & history generally. He speaks excellent English, and can communicate complex ideas very clearly and thoughtfully. Make sure to ask him to keep telling you his stories, too, if he asks whether to stop. They're wonderful, interesting, and he tells them well. A genuinely warm, friendly and intelligent guide, we had an excellent time with Kit and have no reservations recommending him as a guide.

Patty 2 November 2025

Kat is an amazing tour guide. She shared her love and knowledge of Bangkok and all of Thailand. Her passion for its history, people and cuisine were paramount. See you when I return again!

Jay 18 October 2025

Kat was amazing! We appreciated her warmth and attention. She is very knowledgeable, patient and kind. We would recommend her to anyone!

Matt 29 September 2025

M was easily the best guide we have ever had. She has an unrivaled understanding of the city and went the extra mile to understand what would make the tour special for us.

Rachel 8 September 2025

I really enjoyed this tour of such a beautiful city! My local guide was excellent; her passion & knowledge of history and culture were much appreciated. I definitely have a much better understanding of Chiang Mai after this tour. Loved that she shared many of her favourite local food & coffee spots around town with me, now I'm set! Highly recommended!

Rachel 7 September 2025

M is an excellent guide! Very knowledgable, friendly and tailored the tour really well according to my interests. Highly recommend! Thank you!

Here’s what your experience could look like

These are just suggestions from our hosts to inspire your day. Your host will tailor the experience to suit your interests and tastes

Meeting point

Tha Phae Gate, Tha Phae Road, Tambon Chang Khlan, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

Walls, Shrines & Everyday Chiang Mai

Morning full of quiet scenes and layered meaning.

Your Perfect First Day in Chiang Mai: Shrines, Streets & Local Clues

Walk through Tha Phae Gate and into lanes where the city wakes slowly, monks, motorbikes, and spirit houses. You might follow the scent of incense or pause by a mural. Your host helps you choose: explore toward temple bells or ease into shaded backstreets.

Wat Chiang Man – Ancient Stone, Living Tradition

Local rhythm lives in the backstreets

Venture into backstreets where silver is etched by hand and art lives behind quiet courtyards. Along the way, your host points out local cues, how to spot a good café, where to find midday shade, or tips that help you navigate the Old City with ease.

Optional Close: Nong Buak Hard Public Park

A peaceful green space for reflection

If timing feels right, you might finish near a calm city park. It's a gentle place to pause while your host offers suggestions, maybe where to find lunch, a good massage studio, or where locals head next. Leave with useful tips and a clearer sense of what’s ahead.

Real Stories, Real Connections

Unwinding by the water on a peaceful Thai boat ride

Temple views and sunshine moments in Thailand

Hugging it out on a colourful Thai street adventure

Sharing laughs in the heart of a vibrant Thai market street

Cultural icons and warm welcomes at a historic Thai site

Tropical blooms and market treasures on a Thai stroll

Street eats and good company at a local Thai food stop

Tuk-Tuk Adventures and Smiles in Thailand

Evening lights and easy smiles on a Thai night out

River breeze and good vibes on a Thai ferry ride

Bright skies and happy snapshots during a Thai escape

FAQs

Your questions, answered

Is this a traditional tour or something different?

This isn’t a traditional tour with a fixed script. It’s a fully personalized day shaped around your interests, whether it’s culture, history, neighborhoods, or hidden local spots. Your host is a knowledgeable local, more like a friend showing you their city. It’s flexible, one-on-one, and tailored entirely to you.

What if I don’t know what I want to explore?

That’s completely fine! Select an experience theme or a flexible discovery experience, and after booking, answer a few questions so your host can design the perfect experience for you.

How does personalization work?

After booking, you’ll receive a short questionnaire where you can share your interests, travel style, and any must-see spots. Based on that, we’ll match you with a local host who’ll reach out to plan your personalized itinerary..

Will I know my itinerary in advance?

Yes, you will have the opportunity to chat with your host directly and agree on a plan for the day. However, there’s always room for spontaneity and local surprises!

Will I see famous landmarks or just hidden gems?

Both! Your host will take you to iconic sights if you want to see them, but they’ll also introduce you to places and stories most travelers miss.

Can I change the meeting place?

Yes, you will be in touch with your host before your experience, and you can agree on a different meeting point with them. Your host can meet you anywhere central that’s convenient.

Can I request specific places or types of stops?

Yes! After booking, you will receive a questionnaire where you can highlight must-visit spots and anything else you’d like to include, and your host will craft your experience around them.

Can my host meet me at my accommodation?

Hotel meet-ups are available upon request in central areas. If you're staying outside the city, your host will recommend the best meeting spot and guide you with directions.

See what a personalized experience feels like!

Start Booking with us