Chiang Mai is a treasure trove for travelers who want more than just a quick visit. Its landscape offers everything from lush mountains and waterfalls to ancient temples and ethical elephant encounters. The city’s full-day tours give you the perfect chance to see its highlights without feeling rushed. We’re especially fond of experiences like the Full Day Thai Cooking at Farm — a peaceful, hands-on way to learn authentic recipes and stay connected to local life. Or, if you’re passionate about elephants, the Care Pride Elephants: Full-Day Tour Experience offers an ethical, close-up encounter with these gentle giants. Whatever your interest, these tours make the most of your time in Chiang Mai and often include delicious local food, stunning scenery, and meaningful activities.
Whether you want to explore Thailand’s highest mountain, visit remote caves, or simply customize your trip with a private driver, Chiang Mai’s full-day options are diverse and well worth considering. They blend adventure, culture, and nature, giving you memorable stories for years to come.
Quick Overview
In this list, you’ll find full-day tours tailored to different interests and activity levels. Highlights include ethical elephant sanctuaries, mountain and waterfall excursions, culinary classes, adventurous cave explorations, and customized private drivers. Each experience is designed to maximize your time, often including lunch, transfers, and insider tips. The variety ensures there’s something for every traveler — whether you’re after adrenaline, culture, or simply some relaxing nature time. Now, let’s explore each tour in detail.
1. Full Day Thai Cooking at Farm
Starting with a taste of local life, this 8-hour small-group tour immerses you in the art of Thai cuisine. You’ll be picked up from your hotel, visit a bustling local market, and then learn to cook authentic dishes like curries and stir-fries at a quiet farm outside Chiang Mai. All ingredients, a recipe book, and a photo album are included, so you can recreate the flavors back home. Guests praise the “simple” and “fun” experience, with many mentioning how Natalie’s coaching makes a difference. The food you prepare is enjoyed with your group, making it a social and tasty highlight of your trip.
This tour is perfect for food lovers who want a relaxed, hands-on experience that’s budget-friendly at just $37.77 per person. The small group size ensures personalized attention, and the included market visit offers a glimpse into everyday Thai life. Expect friendly guides, delicious food, and a new skill to impress friends back home.
Bottom Line: A top pick for aspiring Thai chefs and travelers seeking a calm, authentic culinary experience without a hefty price tag.
2. Care Pride Elephants: Full-Day Tour Experience
At number 2, this 8-hour experience takes you to a family-owned Elephant Pride Sanctuary. Unlike many rides and shows, this sanctuary emphasizes ethical treatment. You’ll learn how to care for elephants, feed them, and watch them bathe — all in a environment where these gentle giants are truly at ease. The small-group format (max 10 people) ensures you get plenty of personal interaction and detailed insights from guides who share their 25 years of experience.
The tour includes a Thai lunch, bottled water, and round-trip transfers from your hotel, making logistics hassle-free. Reviews rave about the ethical approach and the knowledgeable staff. One guest mentions, “The elephants seem very well cared for, and the experience is unforgettable.”
Bottom Line: Ideal for animal lovers who value responsible tourism and want a meaningful, up-close encounter with elephants.
3. Full-Day Car Hire with Private English Speaking Driver
If you prefer total freedom to explore Chiang Mai at your own pace, this private vehicle service is a win. For around $155, you get a 9-hour personalized tour with your own English-speaking driver. You decide where to go — whether it’s Doi Suthep, Doi Inthanon, or hidden local spots. Your driver offers tips and can adapt on the fly, making this a very flexible option.
Guests highlight the comfort and convenience, especially compared to public transport or organized group tours. One reviewer says, “Having the car made touring around a lot more relaxed,” and another mentions how it allows meeting up with family members on motorbikes. This tour suits travelers who want a tailored experience without the hassle of planning.
Bottom Line: Best suited for independent travelers or groups wanting to customize their day with no fixed itinerary.
4. Full-Day Guided Tuk Tuk Chiang Mai Adventure and Rafting
Number 4 is a 10-hour adventure that combines the fun of driving a Tuk Tuk with river rafting and temple visits. You’ll learn to drive your own Tuk Tuk, explore mountain temples, and visit a small elephant sanctuary. The tour also includes bamboo raft paddling down a serene river, giving you a real taste of rural Chiang Mai. The itinerary leads you through remote areas with fewer travelers, providing authentic scenery.
Reviews describe it as “fantastic” and praise guide Nam’s knowledge and personality. Many mention how fun it is to drive the Tuk Tuk and how the river rafting adds a relaxing, unique element. The included Thai lunch is a bonus, fueling your day of exploration.
Bottom Line: A lively, interactive choice perfect for those who want hands-on fun and authentic countryside views.
5. Chiang Mai – Doi Inthanon Full day Tour
Number 5 offers a 10-hour trip to Thailand’s highest peak, Doi Inthanon. The tour takes care of transportation, so you get to focus on the scenery. Highlights include waterfalls, hill tribe villages, and the twin pagodas dedicated to the King and Queen. Visiting the Wachirathan Falls and Sirithan Waterfalls offers stunning photos and a chance to stretch your legs amid nature.
Guests mention the guide “Jane,” who is “friendly and very knowledgeable,” and appreciate the well-organized logistics. The tour is ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive day out with minimal planning, especially those interested in nature and culture.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded option for nature lovers and those eager to see Thailand’s highest point with ease.
6. From Chiang Mai: Chiang Dao Cave Trekking Full-Day Tour
Number 6 takes you underground for cave exploration and waterfall visits in Chiang Dao. It’s a full day of adventure, including climbing the Bua Thong Sticky Waterfall and exploring five limestone caverns with gas lanterns. The caves are famous for their stalactites and stalagmites, and the water-filled pools are perfect for cooling off.
Guests praise the informative guides and the responsible, small-group atmosphere. Many mention how the cave tour is “amazing,” especially with the optional extra inside the caves. The tour includes a Thai lunch and visits to local markets, making it a balanced mix of adventure and local flavor.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a mix of underground exploration and scenic waterfalls, with an emphasis on eco-friendly travel.
7. Chiang Mai: Full-Day Kerchor Elephant Eco Park Tour & Trek
Number 7 offers a full day at the Kerchor Elephant Eco Park, where you can feed elephants, watch them play, and trek to a beautiful waterfall. The focus is on ethical treatment, with no riding or chains. The bamboo rafting ride adds an exciting element, and the guide explains how the park actively protects and helps elephants.
Guests love the interactive experiences and the “kind and knowledgeable” guide. The park’s approach provides peace of mind for animal advocates while offering a fun, active day for all.
Bottom Line: A great choice for those wanting an ethical, hands-on elephant experience combined with outdoor activities.
8. Doi Inthanon National Park Eco-Friendly Full Day Tour
Number 8 is a 10-hour eco-friendly tour of Doi Inthanon, emphasizing natural beauty and sustainable travel. The tour includes waterfalls, the highest mountain in Thailand, and a local Karen homestay. You’ll enjoy a short nature trail, visit twin pagodas, and learn about the Karen people’s traditional coffee brewing.
Guests report “outstanding views” and appreciate the small group size, which ensures personal attention. The guide is described as “friendly and informative,” making this an excellent choice for environmentally conscious travelers.
Bottom Line: Designed for those who want to enjoy Thailand’s natural environment responsibly and intimately.
9. No.1 Full-Day Chiang Mai Caving & Jungle Kayaking
Number 9 combines caving and kayaking in Chiang Dao for a 7 to 8-hour adventure. The day starts with scenic kayaking along the Mae Ping River, followed by exploring Buddhist shrines and bat-filled caves. Guides like Tony and A keep the experience engaging, and the tour includes a Thai lunch.
Guests highlight the natural wonder of the caves and how the kayaking provides a relaxing way to see the landscape. It’s suitable for those comfortable with some walking and water activity.
Bottom Line: An active, nature-filled day ideal for those who want a mix of underground marvels and river serenity.
10. Indulge in Authentic Thai Flavors and Serene Organic Farm
Number 10 is a 6.5-hour cooking class that immerses you in Thai cuisine at Grandma’s Home Cooking School. You’ll visit a local market, pick herbs from the garden, and learn to cook five traditional dishes. The class emphasizes hands-on experience and is perfect for foodies wanting to recreate authentic flavors at home.
Guests describe the experience as “beautiful,” with a focus on attention and kindness from the instructors. Small groups of fewer than 8 people ensure personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
Bottom Line: Excellent for culinary enthusiasts eager to learn Thai cooking in an authentic setting.
11. Full-Day Trekking and Sightseeing Tour in Mae Kampong
Number 11 leads you to Mae Kampong, a mountain village where you can hike, spot gibbons, and experience local life. The 7-hour day includes a trek through bamboo forests, a visit to a waterfall, and a chat with villagers. The guide’s enthusiasm and knowledge shine through, making it a favorite for nature lovers.
Guests rave about seeing gibbons in the wild and the “up-close experiences” with local flora and fauna. The tour balances adventure and cultural insights.
Bottom Line: Ideal for active travelers who want a mix of nature, wildlife, and local culture.
12. Buffalo Soldier Mountain Biking Tour
Number 12 offers a 7-hour mountain biking adventure on the Buffalo Soldier trail. It’s perfect for moderately experienced cyclists who want scenic routes through the Thai highlands. Guided by professionals, you’ll tackle inclines, coasts, and enjoy the views of Chiang Mai’s countryside. Refreshments, lunch, and snacks are provided for energy.
Guests mention how “the guides are friendly” and appreciate the challenging but rewarding trail. It’s best suited for active travelers comfortable with moderate physical activity.
Bottom Line: A fitting choice for those who enjoy cycling and want a physically engaging day in nature.
13. The Best Full Day Tour: Doi Suthep, Wat Pha Lat, Sticky Waterfall
Number 13 packs Chiang Mai’s top sights into one 8-9 hour day. You’ll visit the iconic Wat Doi Suthep, the tranquil Wat Pha Lat, and the famous Bua Tong Sticky Waterfall. The tour starts early, with a scenic drive up the mountain, offering beautiful views and cultural highlights.
Guests praise Mongkol’s knowledge and the smooth logistics. The combination of temples and waterfalls makes this a “great” day for those wanting a bit of everything.
Bottom Line: A comprehensive tour for those who want to see Chiang Mai’s spiritual and natural highlights in one day.
14. Doi Inthanon National Park Private Tour – Full Day
Number 14 is a customizable private tour allowing you to set your own pace. Highlights include Wachirathan and Sirithan Waterfalls, and the highest point in Thailand, Doi Inthanon. Your guide takes care of all logistics and tailors the day to your preferences, including visiting remote waterfalls and hill tribe villages.
Guests appreciate the personalized attention and flexibility, with many describing guides as “friendly and knowledgeable.” It’s ideal for travelers who want a private, in-depth experience.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those who value a tailored, private day out with cultural and natural sights.
15. Chiang Mai Full Day Tour: Elephant Sanctuary, Waterfall & Sights
Closing our list, this 10-hour tour combines ethical elephant interactions, visits to waterfalls, and sightseeing. You’ll watch elephants in their natural environment, learn about local wildlife, and enjoy scenic spots with plenty of photo opportunities. The tour includes hotel transfers and a relaxed pace.
Guests note the ethical treatment of elephants and the diverse highlights make this a well-rounded option. It’s particularly suitable for families or travelers who want a meaningful day connecting with nature.
Bottom Line: A balanced, enriching experience for nature and animal lovers alike.
How to Choose the Right Full-Day Tour in Chiang Mai
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, fitness level, and interests. For a culinary adventure that’s budget-friendly, the Full Day Thai Cooking at Farm is perfect. If ethical animal encounters are a priority, the Elephant Sanctuary offers a responsible and memorable experience. For those seeking customization and flexibility, hiring a private driver (Full-Day Car Hire) allows for tailored sightseeing.
For active types, the caving and kayaking tour (Full-Day Chiang Dao) combines adventure with nature. Families or cultural enthusiasts may prefer the full-day temple and waterfall tour (The Best Full Day), which offers a rich mix of spiritual sites and natural beauty.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred date and small-group spots.
Final Thoughts
From culinary classes to adventure-filled cave explorations and ethical elephant interactions, Chiang Mai offers full-day tours for every taste. For a relaxed, authentic experience, the Full Day Thai Cooking at Farm is hard to beat. If you want to meet elephants responsibly, the Elephant Sanctuary is a clear winner. And for those with a sense of adventure, the Tuk Tuk and rafting promises a day full of fun.
No matter your style, you’ll find something memorable in Chiang Mai’s rich lineup of full-day tours. Just remember to book in advance, and prepare for a day packed with discovery.