CHIANG MAI DESTINATION
Chiang Mai is a city in mountainous northern Thailand. Founded in 1296, it was capital of the independent Lanna Kingdom until 1558. Its Old City area still retains vestiges of walls and moats from its history as a cultural and religious center. It’s also home to hundreds of elaborate Buddhist temples, including 14th-century Wat Phra Singh and 15th-century Wat Chedi Luang, adorned with carved serpents.
Enjoy Little African Savanna atmosphere at Chiang Mai Night Safari.
Duration: 5 Hours
Chiang Mai Zoo is the first and only zoo in Northern Thailand where visitors can experience the excitement and intimacy of various species of animals in their natural habitat.In addition you will see the Giant Pandas and the baby Panda called Lin Ping, the goodwill ambassador for Thailand and People Republic of China.
Duration: 4-5 Hours
Tiger Kingdom is a sanctuary for Tigers from South East Asia and beyond. Most are Indo-China tigers but there are also tigers bred from Bengal and Sumatran parentage.
Duration: 5 Hours
Lamphun or Hariphunchai is an ancient Mon empire founded in 660 A.D. and is the oldest existing city in the kingdom. As you enter the city, the remnants of the old fortified city walls and the surrounding moat, constructed in the 16th century, are still evident. Make a first stop at the principal temple of the province, Wat Prathat Hariphunchai, a Royal Temple built in 897 by a King of Lamphun. The temple is notably with a massive 51m Golden Pagoda enshrines the authentic relic of the Lord Buddha from India. In the same compound there’re Buddha Footprint, Teak Wood Library which houses many ancient Pali Scripts as well as an old Lanna Style Chedi and a huge call-to-prayer Gong. Visit Wat Jammathevee, named after Queen Jammathevee the first ruler of Haripunchai or very well known among local people as “Wat Ku Kut” meaning the Chedi that has no top due to the lightning strike. Proceed to Pa Sang village, a community of Cotton Weaving Industry. View around the village seeing how cotton is woven by means of a traditional type of wooden loom also enjoy purchasing fine quality cotton which’s a good souvenir from Lamphun.
Duration: 4-5 Hours
Sankampang District of Chiangmai is the heart of the handicraft industry. Many of Thailand's major producers are located here and you'll find all of the traditional crafts of the old days and the new in the shops along the Chiang Mai - Sankampang Road. This half day tour will give you the opportunity to see quality local authentic artisan made products. Elaborate teak-wood carvings, intricate silverware, lustrous black lacquer ware, high-fired ceramics, famous Thai silk and cotton being woven the ancient traditional way on rustic wooden looms, paper-making and silk parasols in a rainbow hue of dazzling colors. Watch skilled artists deftly and swiftly paint art-work on parasols. It’s absolutely amazing.
Duration: 4-5 Hours
Met and transferred by an English Speaking Guide to Thaton area via Chiang Dao route. Stop to explore Tam Chiang Dao, the biggest cave in Chiang Mai and the 10 top rated caves in Thailand. Continue the journey along the main road to Thaton passing the country side area of Chiang Mai as well as hill tribe villages, paddy fields and Tangerine Orchards particularly in Fang area. Drive up to Wat Thaton, the main temple of the area which is located on a hill and totally has 9 sections with Pagodas and Buddha Images both in Thai and Chinese style that could be seen from miles away. Enjoy a bird’ eyes view of the village and the Mae Kok River that originates from Myanmar from the scenic spots of the temple. Also the frontier of Thai – Myanmar could obviously be seen from here. Lunch at the local restaurant near Mae Kok River. Continue to the village of the “Padong Long - Necked & Big – Ears Tribes”. .
Duration: 10-11 Hours
Lying south of Chiang Mai, the granite mass of Doi Inthanon, 8,500 feet above sea level, is the highest summit in the country. Doi Inthanon is the tail of Himalaya mountain range, designated as a national park, the moist natural environment is a paradise for birds as it has almost 400 species, animals, flowers and faunas. After a final steep climb, the summit is surprisingly flat though misty, cool and breezy. Walk shortly to see a small Stupa contains the remains of Chao Inthawichayanon the last independent ruler of Chiang Mai who died in 1897 after Lanna Kingdom was combined to be a part of Siam. Enjoy exploring around Ang-Kha Nature Trail at the highest peak viewing beautiful Fern & Moss as well as White & Red Rhododendrons (bloom only during Jan – Feb). Visit the Twin Pagodas built by the Thai Air force in honor of their Majesties King and Queen for their 60th Birthday Anniversaries. A visitors’ center nearby contains tourist information both in Thai and English. Stop on the way down to shop at Hmong Tribal Market who trade various kinds of vegetation, temperature fruits and flowers from their own farm. Lunch will be served at the local restaurant. Drive through Baan Khun Klaang, the biggest Hmong community of Doi Inthanon heading to the Royal’s Project initiated by his Majesty the King to stop the hill tribes from growing the Opium. Enjoy searching around taking some pictures of beautiful flower plantations and the organic farmland inside the Project. Further down to Karen hill tribe village at Baan Sop Had. Last stop at Wachiratarn Waterfall. Relax by fresh and clear fall for freshen up after a long day tour. Transfer back to Chiang Mai.
Duration: 9-10 Hours
Every evening, the centre of Chiang Mai comes alive with the massive Night Market that stretches for several blocks and includes restaurants, bars and entertainment.
Duration: 3 Hours
Spend a pleasant excursion of about 30 kms to the countryside in the north of the city. Visit Mae Sa Elephant Camp, the biggest and the most popular camp in Chiang Mai. Enjoy a variety of fabulous shows of Elephants who love to show off their skills, abilities and intelligence. Don't miss a chance to observe the Elephants bathing in a stream before moving the performance site. During the beginning of the show, about 20 Elephants will parade to welcome you to their performance; the demonstration of how these majestic and powerful creatures work in Logging Industry, Football Matches consisting of many talented Elephant players, Playing Games and Painting of beautiful abstract and realistic. After spending time to enjoy with Elephants, visit an Orchid Nursery Farm filled with more than 50 different varieties of gorgeous orchid blooms in a dazzling array of colors. There is a superb collection of exotic butterflies to dazzle and bewitch you.
Duration: 4 Hours
Visit and explore four revered temples in Chiang Mai. All was constructed during the Lanna period; each reflects the glory, splendors and nobility of a rich historical era. In the West of the city lies Wat Suan Dok built by King Kuena, the large white chedi towers above the numerous small ones and contains the ashes of the Lanna King and the remains of many generations of the old Chiang Mai Royal family. A short distance from Suan Dok Gate (Western Gate) is Wat Phra Singh first built during the reign of Phra Chao Kham Fu (1328-1335). The temple’s compound includes the Lai Kam Chapel and the abbot of this important temple is the head of the local religious administration. Lying smack in the heart of the city (almost right in the middle of the square-walled city) is Wat Chedi Luang, the large Chedi (the biggest in the city) behind the viharn was constructed by King Saen Muang Ma around 1401. Originally 90 meters high, it is now a mere 40 meters as the result of an earthquake in 1545. A small building near the main entrance encloses the “Sao Intakin” (spirit of the city). Last but not least is Wat Chiang Man, lying in the Northern part of the old walled city; it is the oldest temple within the city walls. Then visit the largest central market, Worarot Market, alive with its daily hustle and bustle. Exotic fresh fruits, preserved food, local delicacies, clothes galore, flowers and other nick knacks
Duration: 4 Hours