Chiang Mai Tour
Ancient temples, vibrant street markets and Doi Inthanon National Park
A 4-day, 3-night tour of some of the historic town's varied sights
Our 4-day, 3-night Chiang Mai tour will show you just a few of the highlights of Thailand’s northern capital and its surrounding area, from the picturesque, narrow lanes, ancient temples and lively street markets of the 800-year Old Town to the cloud forest of the country’s highest mountain, Doi Inthanon. (c. 2,550m or 8,500ft.)
This extension or mini-tour is intended to complement our existing north Thailand, or Thailand and Laos itineraries, many of which either start or finish at Chiang Mai’s International Airport, although, for anyone just spending a few days in this popular destination and looking for a comprehensive, guided visit, the tour is, of course, available as a stand-alone programme.
Varied activities – in addition to our Old Town walking tour – include a morning spent at an ethically-run elephant sanctuary to get up close and learn about these iconic, gentle giants, a punt down a picturesque river on traditional-style bamboo rafts, visits to spectacular waterfalls and a village of the ethnic Karen people, as well as a nature hike to discover the unique flora and fauna of Doi Inthanon National Park and an evening food tour of one of Chiang Mai’s vibrant street markets. A hands-on, half-day Thai cookery class is also an option for the final day of your Chiang Mai tour.
This is a private trip with no fixed dates and while below is our suggested itinerary, the programme is entirely flexible and shorter or longer versions can be tailored while additional visits and activities can be readily accommodated. For anyone passing by with a few days to spare and wishing to explore Thailand’s northern capital in more depth, then this 4-day, 3-night mini-tour is strongly recommended.
Note also that while our suggestion is the comfortable, low-key mid-range hotel Sugarcane Chiang Mai, a variety of accommodation in any category can be provided while extra nights before and after are available if required.
The price for a private tour is based on two people sharing (twin or double) while for a single traveller, the price is £645.
Itinerary
Here's an idea of what you can expect to do and see day-to-day.
Day 1 - Chiang Mai - arrival and walking tour of the old city
Morning check-in followed by a walking tour of Chiang Mai including the scenic, narrow lanes and ancient temples of the Old Town, the fascinating Culture and History Museum and vibrant Worarot Market in the city’s Chinatown District. An evening, guided street food tour to check out some of the north Thai specialities completes the day.
Overnight: Chiang Mai Transport: Walk, Meals: D,
Day 2 - Elephant sanctuary and bamboo rafting
2 Departure for a short drive to Mae Wang District and a morning visit to the Hug Elephant Sanctuary. Learn about the gentle giants and their former role in the north Thai logging industry as well as having the opportunity to interact with, feed and walk with the elephants in their natural environment. A chance to bathe in some nearby waterfalls and a Thai-style buffet lunch is included, after which we’ll take a leisurely ride down a picturesque river on bamboo rafts with a late afternoon return to Chiang Mai
Overnight: Chiang Mai Transport: Minibus, Boat, Walk, Meals: B, L,
Day 3 - Doi Inthanon - Thailand's highest mountain
Day tour to Doi Inthanon – national park and Thailand’s highest mountain. Activities include a visit to one of the park’s spectacular waterfalls, a nature hike to discover some of the mountain’s unique flora and fauna and a visit to a village of the local Karen ethnic group who inhabit the region. (The precise itinerary will depend upon the season and weather conditions at the time )
Overnight: Chiang Mai Transport: Minibus, Walk, Meals: B, L,
Details
The nitty-gritty, the things you need to know, the answers to your burning questions.
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Highlights
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Map
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Hotels
Just a few of the many highlights
Formerly an independent kingdom, now north Thailand's cultural and commercial capital, we'll explore the narrow lanes and ancient temples of the charming old town; check out the bustling markets and head into the surrounding hills
- Guided walking tour of some of the sights of Chiang Mai's famous Old Town
- Tour of the city's street markets; street food, ancient temples and Chinatown
- Visit to an ethically-run elephant sanctuary to learn about the iconic beasts
- Stay in a comfortable downtown hotel with garden and pool
- Day tour of Doi Inthanon National park - home to Thailand's highest peak
- Bamboo rafting trip down a picturesque, jungle-lined river
We choose our hotels based on a combination of location, comfort and convenience. Here is a *selection of the types of hotel/rooms you can expect to stay at on this tour...
Sugar Cane Chiang Mai view
- Small, family-run, boutique style accommodation
- Well-appointed with pool, garden, bar and restaurant
- Excellent quiet yet central location
20 Lodge Chiang Mai view
- Delightful lush garden setting & pool
- Quiet location in the Old City
- Small, friendly and a welcoming family style
*This list should be considered a guide only, hotels/rooms may change (without notice) depending on availability.
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