Experience a traditional Thai breakfast of par boiled poached eggs or duck egg custard in to which you can dip pla tong ko (Chinese style deep fried dough sticks). Head to Cafe Kai Luak on Kong Sai Road. Put aside $10 for your meal, but it should be well under.
Next, jump in a Rot Daang— a red truck that functions as shared taxis— and head to some of the city's ancient highlights. View the exquisite 19th Century wall paintings at Wat Phra Singh, the wooden temple of Wat Phan Tao and the ruins of Wat Chedi Luang. $5 should cover transport, entrance fees and donations.
Just around the corner, you'll find Chiang Mai's best coffee at Akha Ama, which brews local, direct trade beans. $5
Spend the afternoon taking a relaxing cruise down the Ping River with Mae Ping River Cruise— it departs every hour from the jetty at Wat Chai Mongkol. You'll take a two-hour journey north out of the city and see the rural sights, before reaching your destination at the Thai Farmer's House, where you can learn more about local agriculture. You'll also getto try Chiang Mai's signature dish for lunch—a delicious bowl of Khao Soi, wheat noodles in a rich curry soup. Prices start at around $25.
After your cruise, experience an authentic Thai hot compress massage at one ofthe most renowned spas in Thailand, the Oasis Spa. A one-hour massage will cost around $55.
