Temples; Elephant Riding, Bamboo Rafting; Hill Tribes and the infamous Golden Triangle
The unique Lanna culture
Chiang Mai is a city rich in history with a distinct beauty and heritage of its own. Blending Burmese, Laotian and Indian culture, the Lanna culture is unique. In addition to
special dishes found only in the North,the people of Chiang Mai have their
own dialect, their own customs and their own Lanna architecture, immediately
recognizable on the ancient temples that can be seen everywhere in the
city.
Pouring lustral water during Intakin Festival - used to ask for peace and rain to fall during the right seasons. ---------
Elephant caravans were the main form of transport between Chiang Mai and the rest of Thailand till early in the 20th century.
With an abundance of mountains, forests, valleys, waterfalls, caves, lakes and National parks in the area, Chiang Mai abounds in natural attractions that are popular tourist destinations.
At the foot of Doi Inthanon National Park: the lovely Mae Klang Falls, Chiang Mai's most photographed waterfall.
Handicrafts famous with shoppers and importers around the world
The many handicrafts that are part of Chiang Mai's history are famous with shoppers and importers around the world. Sah paper umbrellas, delicate ceramics and celadons, dazzling gems and jewellery, silverware of all sorts, lacquerware with intricate design, thai silk, woodcarvings, antiques and semi-antiques, furniture,...
Elephants and rafts
If you are looking for a little excitment, consider an elephant ride, available at different elephant camps. As an alternative to the popular camps, you can also take part in elephant safaris and white water rafting through jungle area and mountain scenery at Mae Wang - or embark on inflatable rubber boats for a voyage down the Mae Taeng river.
Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, perched high on the flank of Suthep
Mountain, 1,022 m (3,000ft) above sea level, is Chiang Mai's most famous
temple. The pagoda in its centre contains some of the relics of the Lord
Buddha. The temple is visited thoughout the year by thousands of tourists
and Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world.
Visit Lanna Style temples, see the Old City Gates around the moat and visit authentic Chiang Mai markets by Samlor. Similar to the tricycle, but much larger, these pedaled treshaws are Chiang Mai's oldest form of transportation. Taking a ride in a Samlor is an excellent way to take in the city sights.
Travel & Transfers
Free airport transfer with hotel reservation
Transfers from airport to hotel are FREE of charge in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. (One-way). Up to 4 persons and 4 luggages per room.
The many handicrafts that are part of Chiang Mai's history are famous with shoppers and importers around the world. Sah paper umbrellas, delicate ceramics and celadons, dazzling gems and jewellery, silverware of all sorts, lacquerware with intricate design, thai silk, woodcarvings, antiques and semi-antiques, furniture,...
The Pong Yang Elephant Training Camp - where elephants demonstrate their formidable and highly valued forestry skills - is the main destination of a 30 km tour along the Mae Rim-Samoeng route, inside the Mae Sa Valley. Along the road are many tourist attractions like the Mae Sa Waterfalls, the Mae Sa Butterfly Farm and the Chiang Mai Snake Farm.
Doi Inthanon National Park is a 1,005 square kilometre area which includes Thailand's highest mountain and areas of dense virgin rain forest. At the foot of the mountain you find the lovely Mae Klang Falls, Chiang Mai's most photographed waterfall.
The largest and most popular of the local handicraft factories are situated along a 13 km stretch of the Chiang Mai - Sankampaeng Road. Both sides of the road are lined with factories and showrooms where you have the opportunity to observe the craftsmen and women at work and purchase their fine products.
As an alternative to the popular elephant camps along Mea Sa Valley and Chiang Dao road, you can also take part in elephant treks through the jungle or white water rafting off the beaten tracks in Mae Wang area.
Enjoy a 10 kms gentle mountain bike
ride to a traditional Thai village and continue with a 1.30 hour elephant
safari through beautiful mountain scenery. After your traditional
picnic at the elephant camp, embark on an inflatable raft for a
1.30 hour voyage down the white water of the Mae Taeng river. Then walk
up a steep mountain trail (1.30 hour) through dense jungle to an
Akha hilltribe village. Have tea with an Akha family and ride your
bike back to the resort.