Sights and sounds of Chiang Mai

Tour the temples

Discover the ancient city of Chiang Mai and visit its most impressive temples on this fascinating half-day tour. Enjoy a whistle-stop journey through the city’s 700 years of history, beginning with a scenic drive up a winding road that overlooks Chiang Mai. Gaze down at the green garden city from up high en route to the 600-year-old Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple.

Once inside, your eyes will be drawn to the chedi, a structure that houses religious relics. The copper-plated chedi is topped by a glorious, five-tier gold spire and the relics of the Lord Buddha rest inside. Back in the city, visit the Wat Saun Dok temple, which means flower garden. Next stop is Wat Chedi Louang temple which dates back to the 14th century. Saffron-robed monks make pilgrimages here to pray at the shrines.

fr £17pp

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Head for the temples

This makes a good tour to start off your stay in Chiang Mai by giving you an overview of the beautiful city and its 700 years of history. Take the winding road up the side of the hill overlooking the city to visit the most significant temple in Chiang Mai, the 600 year-old Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, which is 3,500 feet above sea level. Inside is the symbol of the city, the copper-plated Chedi, topped by a five-tier gold parasol.

The climb up the 306 steps of the Naga staircase - a Thai mythological Dragon-headed serpent - is well worth the effort to see the views. Then back in the city you also visit the King's glorious flower garden temple at Wat Saun Dok with its large central Stupa and Wat Chedi Louang which consists of an impressive Chedi, which was originally built in 1411.

fr £38pp

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TAKE A BIKE INSTEAD OF A HIKE

When holidaying in Thailand it is tempting to spend all your time relaxing on a beach or around a hotel pool soaking up the tropical sun, but there are lots of tempting tours that can be taken and this is certainly one of them. You are taken on a five hour cycling trip through the charming rural areas surrounding Chiang Mai, visiting a school and temples, and experiencing the traditional Thai way of life in the countryside.

A bike tour in Chiang Mai and the surrounding areas is a great way to explore Northern Thailand, where landscape meets culture, making it the perfect location for biking enthusiasts and those who want to discover old Thailand. With mountains, rivers and forests Chiang Mai and the entire province provide some of the best mountain biking, as well as some leisurely and scenic routes, in all of the country.

fr £88pp

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A stroll in the park

You are picked up from your hotel in Chiang Mai and driven to Doi Inthanon, which at 8,514 feet above sea level is the highest peak in Thailand. It's located around 100 miles from the city and its national park is one of the most fertile natural treasure troves in all of Chiang Mai province. The invigorating mountain air and the fresh cool climate make it a rejuvenating break from the city.

On this tour you visit a Karen hilltribe village, Mae Kland and Wachiratharn waterfalls, the twin Dhedis built by the Royal Thai Air Force to honour the King and then stop at the summit, where you find the shrine of the former Prince of Chiang Mai. There will be some time to explore the area on foot before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant.

fr £99pp

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WALK BACK TO THE PAST

On this popular tour of northern Thailand you begin by driving up Doi Suthep mountain to visit the Buddhist temple Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, which is one of the most famous temples in Chiang Mai. Then continue on to Doi Pui Village, a Hmong community, where you will learn about its turbulent history and how, in the past, the village was involved in opium cultivation before tourism took over.

Take a walk around the village before meeting a guide who will accompany you on a hike to the Hmong village of Ban Mae Sa Mai which is situated in the lush Mae Sa Valley. The hike will take around six hours but there will be comfort stops along the way and lots of opportunities to take pictures and enjoy the stunning views of the valleys and mountains as you hear stories of the opium trade and its impact on the region.

fr £101pp

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Get a taste for Thai food

Baan Thai gives you the opportunity to learn how to cook real Thai food in a traditional Thai setting, with skilled and friendly teachers who can impart the secrets of local cooking techniques to you in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. You will not only be taught how to cook a variety of Thai foods, but also buy the ingredients at a local market.

The day begins with the market visit when cooking school staff will help you to choose the food. Back at the school you will be shown how to prepare it in this hands on environment. At the end of your course, you will not only have learned a thing or two about Thai cooking, but will also have had a memorable experience that tastes good too! Now get ready to impress friends back home with your new found culinary skills.

call now 020·7962·9933