Overview
Discover Northern Thailand's cultural heart where ancient temples meet mountain landscapes and traditional crafts thrive. This Chiang Mai experience combines temple exploration, elephant sanctuary visits, hill tribe culture, and night market shopping. Experience the slower pace of northern life, participate in a monk chat, learn Thai cooking, and explore the surrounding mountains. From Doi Suthep's golden chedi to the Sunday Walking Street's vibrant atmosphere, Chiang Mai offers authentic Thai culture.
Trip Highlights
- Doi Suthep Temple
- Ethical elephant sanctuary
- Old City temples
- Thai cooking class
- Night Bazaar and markets
- Hill tribe villages
What's Included
- Daily Breakfast
- Boutique Hotel in Old City
- Airport Transfers
- Elephant Sanctuary Visit
- Cooking Class
- Temple Tours
Detailed Itinerary
1
Day 1: Arrival & Old City
- Morning (11:00 AM - 2:00 PM): Arrive in Chiang Mai. Check into your boutique hotel in the Old City.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Explore the Old City's temples. Visit Wat Chedi Luang with its massive chedi, Wat Phra Singh, and walk along the ancient city walls and moat.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 10:00 PM): Welcome dinner at a traditional Lanna restaurant. Explore the Night Bazaar for shopping and street food.
2
Day 2: Doi Suthep & Crafts
- Morning (8:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Visit Doi Suthep Temple, Chiang Mai's most sacred site. Climb the 306 steps (or take the tram) for panoramic city views. Experience the golden chedi and mountain atmosphere.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Visit Baan Tawai handicraft village or San Kamphaeng for traditional crafts—silk weaving, umbrella making, and wood carving.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Dinner and traditional Khantoke dinner show with northern Thai dances.
3
Day 3: Elephant Sanctuary
- Morning (8:00 AM - 4:00 PM): Full-day visit to an ethical elephant sanctuary. Learn about elephant conservation, feed and bathe elephants in a natural environment. Enjoy a vegetarian lunch. No riding—focus on ethical interaction.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Return to Chiang Mai. Relaxing evening or explore the Saturday/Sunday Walking Street (if timing matches).
4
Day 4: Cooking Class & Hill Tribes
- Morning (8:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Thai cooking class. Visit a local market to select ingredients. Learn to cook 5-6 classic Thai dishes. Enjoy your creations for lunch.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Visit a hill tribe village (Karen or Hmong). Learn about traditional lifestyles and crafts. Respectful cultural exchange.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Farewell dinner. Optional traditional Thai massage.
5
Day 5: Departure
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Final breakfast. Optional visit to Warorot Market or last-minute temple visits.
- Afternoon: Transfer to Chiang Mai Airport for departure.
Interested?
Get a free quote for this amazing journey.
Other Recommendations
3N/4D
Bangkok Grand Palace & Markets
THAILAND
View Itinerary→
5N/6D
Phuket & Phi Phi Islands Beach Paradise
THAILAND
View Itinerary→
7N/8D
Bangkok-Ayutthaya-Chiang Mai Heritage Trail
THAILAND
View Itinerary→