If you really want to explore the beauties of northern Thailand, you certainly will want to take some of these exciting day trips from Chiang Mai for remote workers. With a palpable sense of culture and spirituality, the rural areas of northern Thailand hold an unavoidable charm for anyone who visits. Getting around the area might not be the easiest task, with winding roads and long trips common between the towns that make up this region. Nonetheless, adventurers and those looking to get away from the city for a while will certainly want to try out some of these unmissable day trips from Chiang Mai for remote workers.
This beautiful town located only about 4 hours northwest of the city, is an extremely popular day trip for remote workers from Chiang Mai looking for active nightlife or a relaxing getaway. You can get here easily by taking a shuttle van from the Arcade bus terminal in Chiang Mai straight to Pai for around 200 baht, with the entire journey lasting around 4.5 hours. In Pai you will find a surprising mix of hipsters, preppy visitors and fitness aficionados in town to enjoy the city’s many attractions. While you’re here, you certainly want to visit the Mae Paeng waterfalls, as well as the emblematic Wat Luang in the center of town. Take some time also to enjoy the city’s wonderful cafes offering fresh smoothies and local kombucha, and the numerous street food options around the village also. At night, get ready to party with an international crowd filled with backpackers and expats in Pai’s vibrant bars and clubs.
Just 45 minutes west of the center of the city, Doi Suthep National Park is an excellent day trip for remote workers in Chiang Mai looking for a quick trip not so far from home. You can catch a red songthaew straight to the park from Chiang Mai’s main terminal for no more than 200 baht. At the park you will find a range of attractions including Chiang Mai’s zoo and several buildings of spiritual and cultural significance. Wat Doi Suthep, located atop the Doi Suthep mountain, is an unmissable temple boasting a huge golden pagoda and a replica of the emblematic Emerald Bhudda. Located here is also the Royal Winter Palace, which is often home to Thai royalty. Being so close to Chiang Mai and filled with great places to eat and take in the beautiful natural surroundings here, this is certainly a great option for day trip.
If you are a fan of the incredible buddhist architecture around Thailand then a visit to Chiang Rai’s White Temple will be an exciting day trip choice for you. It is easy to get to this beautiful temple - just catch a bus to Chiang Rai straight from Chiang Mai’s main bus station and pay the 245 baht fare for the 4-hour ride. Just before reaching Chiang Rai, the bus will make a stop at the White Temple. This breathtaking structure is much newer in comparison to the rest of the temples around Thailand and Chiang Mai, but the colors and symbolism of Wat Rong Khun are something to behold. Around the main temple you will find lots of other beautiful buildings of spiritual importance, as well as coffee and souvenir shops. There is also an art gallery here devoted to artifacts related to Wat Rong Khun and Chiang Rai. While you’re here, you might as well visit the small nearby town of Chiang Rai and enjoy a good late lunch there!
For more information about living in Chiang Mai as a remote worker, check out our complete Chiang Mai guide.