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Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is located among the rolling green hills of the Northern Thailand, 720 km from Bangkok. With a population of over 130,000 in the city proper (andaround200,000 in the metropolitan area), it is Thailand's seventh-largest city. Located on a plain at an elevation of 320 m, surrounded by mountains and lush countryside, it is much greener and quieter than Bangkok.

Chiang Mai can trace its history back more than 700 years, asit was founded in 1296 by King Mengrai. The city became the capital of Lanna Kingdom, which translates as A Million Rice Fields.Lanna Kingdom enjoyed a golden age throughout the 15th century. During this age the powerful kingdom controlled most of what is now northern Thailand, north-western Laos, the eastern Shan states of Myanmar and even southern Yunnan. For over two centuries (1558-1774) Chiang Mai was under Burmese control. During the 19thcentury increasing Western interests in the teak forests of the north forced King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) of Siam to take over the administration of Chiang Mai in 1892. Economic integration with Siam became stronger with the opening of the railway in 1921.

Now the area is strongly connected with the rest of Thailand by road, rail and more than 40 daily flights to Bangkok, Phuket or Krabi.In fact Chiang Mai International Airport is a major air hub linking northern Thailand not only with the rest of the country, but also with China, Laos, South Korea, Malaysia and Singapore. The airport serves more than 16,000 flightsand 2.5 million passengers each year.

Chiang Mai has a tropical climate, but with cooler temperatures and slightly less humidity than other regions in Thailand. This is mostly due to the city’s more northern location and higher elevation. The climate can be roughly divided in three seasons: the rainy season, the cool season, and the hot season.

The rainy season continues from June till the end of October. The daytime temperature reaches an average of 32 degrees C and a pleasant 23 degrees C at night. It’s humid but with cooler temperatures.The rain doesn’t impact too much as it usually comes in short downpours. This is a very good time to visit Chiang Mai province, as the nature is at its best: the hills are covered with thick, deep-green vegetation, the rivers are full of water and the waterfalls are amazing. The emerald green paddy fields are also stunningly beautiful. The cool season lasts from mid-November to mid-February. It is the most popular time to visit the city. During the day the temperatures reach pleasant 28 - 30 degrees C but at night the temperature can drop to as low as 10 degrees C (sometimes even lower). The weather is dry with clear blue skies. The hot season lasts from mid-February till the end of May. Daytime temperatures can easily reach 38 degrees C, with nights bringing some welcome relief. This is the season when farmers burn the fields, so air quality is often poor and visibility of mountain views reduced by haze

The top attractions in Chiang Mai include:

This mountain-top temple is a must see while in Chiang Mai. It is one of the most sacred temples in Thailand; a center of pilgrimage

Chiang Mai Old Town – A historical center of the city with many interesting temples. The Old Town is also known for its cafes, restaurants and nice accommodation option.

DoiInthanon National Park – Located just 1 hour 30 min drive from Chiang Mai it is home to the highest mountain in Thailand (2565 meters above sea level), nature trails and waterfalls.

Hilltribe villages – There are many ethnic minority villages in Chiang Mai province nestled in lush countryside. Each one is different as the villages are inhabited by various minority groups: Karen, Lahu, Lisu, Akha, Yao, Hmong and others.

Bamboo rafting – Bamboo rafting along one of the rivers in the hills around Chiang Mai is an adventure you should not miss.

Trekking – Chiang Mai is a great place to go trekking in the hills and mountains around the city.

Pai – A small town located 145 km from Chiang Mai is a quiet little town set amid superb scenery and popular as a base for exploring the natural attractions of the area. Enclosed in a lofty mountain range,Paiis rich in many forms of natural wonders such as waterfalls, gorges, caves and hot springs.

Elephant sanctuary – There are at least 3 elephant sanctuaries in Chiang Mai province, where these magnificent animals are treated with respect, where they are not forced to work and are provided with adequate care.

Night Bazaar – A largest night market in the North of Thailand. There are some interesting finds here, from clothes and scarves to carvings and lacquer ware.

WatPhra That DoiSuthep

this mountain-top temple is a must see while in Chiang Mai. It is one of the most sacred temples in Thailand; a center of pilgrimage

Chiang Mai Old Town

a historical center of the city with many interesting temples. The Old Town is also known for its cafes, restaurants and nice accommodation option.

DoiInthanon National Park

located just 1 hour 30 min drive from Chiang Mai it is home to the highest mountain in Thailand (2565 meters above sea level), nature trails and waterfalls

Hilltribe villages

there are many ethnic minority villages in Chiang Mai province nestled in lush countryside. Each one is different as the villages are inhabited by various minority groups: Karen, Lahu, Lisu, Akha, Yao, Hmong and others.

Bamboo rafting

bamboo rafting along one of the rivers in the hills around Chiang Mai is an adventure you should not miss.

Trekking

Chiang Mai is a great place to go trekking in the hills and mountains around the city.

Pai

a small town located 145 km from Chiang Mai is a quiet little town set amid superb scenery and popular as a base for exploring the natural attractions of the area. Enclosed in a lofty mountain range,Paiis rich in many forms of natural wonders such as waterfalls, gorges, caves and hot springs.

Elephant sanctuary

there are at least 3 elephant sanctuaries in Chiang Mai province, where these magnificent animals are treated with respect, where they are not forced to work and are provided with adequate care.

Night Bazaar

a largest night market in the North of Thailand. There are some interesting finds here, from clothes and scarves to carvings and lacquer ware.

h/d city & temples tour
(join tour; daily; 08.30-12.30 & 13.00-17.00)

Visit four of the most significant temples in Chiang Mai, the glorious Wat SuanDork, Wat PhraSingha: houses PraBuddha Sihingha, Wat ChediLuang with its biggest pagoda and Wat Chiangmum, the oldest temple of Chiang Mai.

h/d doi suthep temple
(private tour; daily 08.30-12.30 & 13.00-17.00)

Visit Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, the most sacred temple upon the hill with its enormous mythological Nagas staircase of 306 steps and inside the cloister is an intriguing copper-placed chedi topped by five-tier gold parasol, which contains relics of Lord Buddha.

h/d doi suthep & meo doi pui
(join tour; daily; 08.30-12.30 & 13.00-17.00)

Visit Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, the most sacred temple upon the hill with its enormous mythological Nagas staircase of 306 steps and inside the cloister is an intriguing copper-placed chedi topped by five-tier gold parasol, which contains relics of Lord Buddha.Visit a quaint and picturesque Meo Hill Tribe Village set in an attractive hillside spot and see the Meotribe people dressed in their colorful traditional costumes.

h/d elephant jungle sanctuary with lunch
(join tour 06.30-12.30 & 13.30-18.30)

  • 07:00 - Drive approximately 1.5 hours south of Chiang Mai through rolling hills, forest, and local farming areas.
  • 08:30 - Arrive at the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. Walk through and learn about the elephants, change into traditional Karen clothing and make medicine for the elephants.
  • 09:00 - Meet the elephants. Feed, give medicine, interact, and play with the elephants in a natural environment as you learn about their behavior and history. Take photos with the elephants.
  • 09:45 - Mud Spa with the elephants 10:30 Walk with the elephants to a river and bathe them.
  • 11:30 - Eat a traditional meal and then say goodbye to the elephants.
  • 12:00 - Leave the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary and drive approximately 1.5 hours to Chiang Mai

h/d kanta elephant sanctuary – poo poo paper
(private tour; no lunch; 06.30-12.00 & 13.00-17.00)

A half-day package to Kanta Elephant Sanctuary offers visitors an enjoyable opportunity to spend quality time with elephants in their natural home, as well as gain an insight into their history and behavior, and create cherished lifelong memories of their time spent with these amazing animals with friendly, happy elephants in a safe and sustainable environment.

  • 06.30 - 07.00 am Pick up from your hotel or accommodation.
  • 07.30 am - Drive approximately 50 min north of Chiang Mai through rolling hills, forest, and local farming areas.
  • 08.30 am - Arrive at Kanta Elephant Sanctuary. Walk through and learn about the elephants, change into traditional clothing and prepare fruits for our elephants.
  • 09.00 am - Meet the elephants. Feed, interact, and play with the elephants in a natural environment and get muddy as you learn about their behavior and history. Take photos with the elephants.
  • 10.00 am - Walk with the elephants to a river and bathe them.
  • 11.00 am - Get some tea, coffee and season fruit then say goodbye to the elephants. Leave Kanta Elephant Sanctuary and transfer to Elephant Poo Poo Paper: Visit and learn more about Eco friendly recycled paper making made with Elephant Poop. Then return to hotel

pantawan cooking school
(join tour; 09.00-14.00 & 16.00-21.00)

A private driver will collect us from the hotel and transfer us to the Cooking School. Uncover the secrets behind Thailand’s famous dishes at the Pantawan Cooking School. Travel south of the city centre to a traditional teakwood house to meet with a local chef. After a short introduction on the day’s activities, head out to a nearby fresh market.Browse the stalls at this a colourful and lively market. See exotic herbs and spices and learn about their uses. During the visit, the chef will introduce local vendors and explain about Thailand’s food culture.Armed with a basic knowledge of Thai cuisine and its ingredients, return to Pantawan and start cooking! Chop vegetables, stir up spicy sauces and fry up sizzling dishes. Throughout the course the chef will share his personal story and offer tips and hints for preparing these same dishes back at home.When everything is ready, sit down and enjoy the delicious fresh dishes. Savour the delicate flavours of home-cooked Thai cuisine, enjoying the results of the day’s activities. We will finish the meal around 20:30 and return to the hotel with a full belly and a better understanding of Chiang Mai’s foodie culture.

asia scenic cookery school
(join tour; 09.00-14.00 & 15.00-21.00)

Today you will learn to cook some of the most famous Thai dishes at Asia Scenic – one of the best cooking schools in Chiang Mai.After you select the menus you want to cook, you get started with a local market tour to select the freshest and best ingredients for your menu.Enjoy the guidance of the chef and prepare your own meal, then evaluate yourself by having what you have cooked for lunch!

f/d safari tour with lunch (maetaman elephant camp + riding+rafting)
(join tour; daily 08.00-16.30)

Morning transfer to Elephant camp at Mae Taman area, watch the elephants display their skills and talent shows, follows by elephant riding through to jungle approx. 45 minutes and take Ox-cart ride around the village. Enjoy bamboo rafting along Mae Teng river. Lunch at restaurant. Visit Orchid farm, where we will witness the unique beauty of this beautiful floral species. Then return to hotel

f/d doi inthanon national park with lunch
(join tour; daily 08.00-17.00)

Visit Doi Inthanon National park, driving through the beautiful scenery and paddy fields. Visiting pagodas of the King and the Queen built by royal Thai air force to commemorate their 60th birthdays. At the pagodas you willadmire beautiful scenery of the mountains in the park from the viewpoints there. Then drive uphill to the top of Thailand. 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, approx. 20 minutes’ walk). Transfer to visit Karen hill tribe village. Stop at Hill tribe market and on a return trip visit Wachiratharn waterfall.

f/d chiangmai – chiangrai – golden triangle with lunch
(join tour; daily 07.00-21.00)

Travel by picturesque road to Chiang Rai. Stop is made at a hot spring. Then drive via Chiang Rai city tovisit Wat Rongkhun (the White Temple). Visit Mae Sai, the trade border between Myanmar and Thailand with its variety of goods. Then onto visit The Golden Triangle and Chiang Sean with its ancient & ruin city. Lunch is included

f/d patara elephant fram with lunch
(join tour; morning session: 07.30-15.30)

The trip "Elephant Owner For A Day" is a specialized and meaningful day trip with happy elephants and their babies.It's a great day out for visitors who want to be with, learn, take care for elephants and riding elephant bare back as what's an elephant care taker would do daily to keep an elephant healthy.Patara Elephant Farm invites you to hands-on experience on participating, sharing responsibilities and taking care of an elephant. "Elephant Owner for a Day" is a special program created for everyone to learn and interact with elephants as what an owner would do daily, during which time you are trained to approach your elephant correctly, know the elephant's temperament, feed and check its health, learn about and take care of your own elephant, bathe and brush it in the river, learn how to ride on its neck, and communicate through different spoken commands. You will get a chance to bare-back riding to visit forest, waterfalls or local temples. The program is specialized and meaningful activity to create trust and relationship between you and your elephant. With conservation philosophy "Extinction is Forever", Patara Elephant Farm honored to encourage people to try, at least once in their lives, to experience this very special and sacred animal that should be treasured. Give yourself an opportunity to share once-in-a-lifetime experience with the elephants; you will be touched by their beautiful hearts and will be brought closer to their special world.

    Suggestion to bring :

  • T-shirt
  • long pants
  • extra clothes
  • sandals or slippers
  • sunblock lotion
  • insect spray
  • swimming suit

f/d elephant nature park with lunch (private transfer / join program)
(daily 08.30-17.00)

After breakfast a private car with driver will come and pick us up and transfer to the Camp.Today we will enjoy a full day visit to Elephant Nature Park; a natural home and sanctuary for elephants, buffalos, dogs, cats, birds and many other rescued animals.Your visit starts with a picturesque drive through rural countryside to Elephant Nature Park. You will hear the personal stories of rescued and orphaned elephants. See how they became a proud herd and free from abuse for the first time in their lives.Many find their visit to Elephant Nature Park rewarding and very relaxing. Observe free roaming elephants (no riding), and other rescued animals enjoying the natural surroundings of our sanctuary.Your visit helps support our regional projects and offers an invaluable opportunity of helping elephant conservation.Feeding the elephants. After unloading and distributing fruit treats you will have a chance to feed the elephants from the viewing platform.

Lunch: Enjoy a sumptuous and varied buffet of Asian and International dishes.

Walk with our staff and the elephants to the river that skirts the park. Watch the elephants bathe and play while you stay dry on the river bank.Late afternoon and it`s time for goodbyes to the elephants and to Elephant Nature Park before the hour-long drive back to Chiang Mai where you will be dropped off at your hotel. The rest of the day is free at leisure. Enjoy the massage and the nightlife in Chiang Mai on your own.

*Park visits are all about spending quality time observing and being with the herd. We do not adhere to a strict schedule; the best way to make the most of your visit is to relax, watch and learn from the elephants.

    What to bring?

  • hat
  • sunscreen
  • sandals/ flip flops
  • change of clothing as you may get muddy or wet
  • towel
  • shoes for walking
  • camera
  • bug repellent

f/d authentic life and culinary safari
(08.00-16.00)

Pickup from hotel, visit Warorot Market (flower market), to see and feel the real northern people’s way of life and transfer to Chiang Mai Railway station for an experience local train from Chiang Mai to Maetha station (approx. 1.5 hr.), then continue by van to visit Maetha local market, where locals sell odd ingredients such as edible ferns and fried bugs! You will spend the morning sampling some of the more unusual flavours that local people love but are unlikely to show up on your table in a Thai restaurant back home. After that continue to Lumphun for lunch at local restaurant. After lunch visit Wat Hariphunchai, It was built around 800 years ago by King Athittayarat, the King of Lamphun city. Having a strong faith in Buddhism, the King introduced Buddhism to his city by adopting the Buddhist practice in this predominantly Mon city. Visit Wat Chamathevi, The temple was founded around 1150 whenLamphunwas the capital of the Mon Dvaravati Kingdom of Hariphunchai. According to local legend, the temple was founded much earlier in the days of Queen Chama Thewi, who founded the town of Lamphun in the early 9th century. Then transfer to Sarapee, feeling the real way of life and passing Wild tree along the local road back to Chiang Mai.Then continue to hotel, rest of the day free at leisure.