Day Trips

Begin with a trip up Doi Suthep Mountain to the west of the city, to enjoy the temple and the views. Afterwards, visit Wat Suan Dork, the flowergarden temple, close to the western gate of the old city. Follow this with some time looking at local handicraft production before returning to your hotel.

Take a trip down the handicraft highway to the umbrella making center at Bor Sang. Along the way witness traditional silk weaving, silversmiths, laquerware production and wood carving. Of course, this is also the perfect way to buy all those holiday gifts for friends and family back home.

Head off early to visit a working elephant farm and see the magnificent creatures before they go to work in the forests for the day. On the way back into town, stop at an orchid and butterfly farm, providing beauty on a smaller scale. Before returning to your hotel take the opportunity to witness some local handicrafts being produced.

Enjoy an authentic Northern Thai banquet, served on wooden pedestal tables, or khan toke. For your entertainment, music and dancing is provided during the meal, including displays by six ethnic hilltribe groups, each with their own distinctive dress and jewelry.

Take a long tail boat ride along the Ping River to witness local culture and stunning scenery. Local fruit, snacks and beverages will be served on this 2 hour trip.

Combine the pleasure of eating great food with a relaxing evening trip along the River Ping.

Journey through spectacular scenery to the top of Thailand's highest mountain for excellent views of the Ping Valley. Visit the huge stupas dedicated to the King and Queen on the summit. On the return journey stop at Hmong and Karen hilltribe villages, waterfalls, and the Golden Stupa Temple. Lunch included.

Head to a picturesque area to ride an elephant through the jungle, then watch the elephants at work. Take a bamboo raft down a river before trying your hand at ox cart riding. Visit a Lisu tribal village, and stop off at an orchid farm before heading back into town. Includes and excellent buffet lunch.

Start early to reach Mae Sai, Thailand's northernmost town, in the morning. From this busy market town you can observe the bustling trade with neighboring Myanmar across the river. Move on to the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Myanmar and Laos converge. Follow the Mekong River south to the ancient capital of Chiang Saen, where the centuries old ruins survive amidst the modern riverside town. On the return to Chiang Mai stop off at Akha and Yao tribal villages and some hot springs.

Make a half day guided tour round some of the oldest and most beautiful of Chiang Mai's many Buddhist temples. The trip includes visits to Wat Phra Singh (Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Suan Dork, Wat Chiang Mun (the city's oldest temple) and the serene Wat Umong.

Alleviate stress, strain, or the aching limbs of too much sightseeing with a traditional Thai massage. Professional masseurs will need your muscles, nerves and bones, leaving you perfectly relaxed.