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Chiang MaiMeet the locals

Our most recommended Chiang Mai Meet the locals

Chiang Mai: Doi Inthanon National Park & Elephant Sanctuary

1. Chiang Mai: Doi Inthanon National Park & Elephant Sanctuary

Discover the beauty of the Doi Inthanon National Park, see the Wachirathan Waterfall, and feed elephants at an elephant sanctuary. Choose from a tour with a centrally-located meeting point in Chiang Mai or a tour with convenient pickup and drop-off directly at your accommodation in Chiang Mai.  Hop aboard a comfortable van or bus and relax the drive to the southwest of Chiang Mai. Stop at one of the largest and most beautiful waterfalls in the country, Wachirathan Waterfall. This waterfall is more than 80 meters high, creating a refreshing mist that nourishes the surrounding vegetation.  Continue your journey to admire the stunning Twin Royal Pagodas. Take in gorgeous panoramic views with a terraced flower garden and the summit of Doi Inthanon Mountain. Walk on an ancient fern forest trail and have a delicious lunch at at local restaurant. Drive through the mountains and hill tribe village to the Elephant Village. Once you arrive, put on a traditional Karen tribe t-shirt and get ready for your jungle adventure. Pickup some fruits to feed the elephants. Learn about Asian elephants and the village's background. Find out how to approach elephants and the correct ways to feed them. Go on a forest hike with the friendly elephants through the lush vegetation and breathtaking mountains. Observe elephants roaming and foraging for food freely in the wild.  Swim with the elephants at the hidden waterfall where you can take some amazing picture. Have free time for a cool shower, to dry off, and to change back into your own clothes. Leave the Elephant Village and travel about 1.5 hours back to Chiang Mai City. 

Chiang Mai: Elephant Care at Elephant Retirement Park

2. Chiang Mai: Elephant Care at Elephant Retirement Park

Meet and feed elephants on this elephant sanctuary tour from Chiang Mai. Watch these majestic creatures up close and learn about them from specialists. Sit down to an authentic Thai lunch and stay hydrated with complimentary water. Start your journey in the morning with a hotel pickup from Chiang Mai city center. Take the 1-hour ride to the countryside of Mae Tang district. Get changed into the local clothes and be ready for the fun activities. The experienced guide will provide information about the elephants' behavior and how to provide proper care for them. Then, prepare food and healthy treats for the elephants and feed them afterward. After that, you and the elephants will walk to play in the mud and sand spa. During this time, you will have a chance to observe their behavior, in beautiful natural surroundings. After your time with the elephants, change your clothes, shower, and then enjoy a delicious traditional Thai buffet lunch, which is suitable for vegetarians. After lunch, relax on the 1-hour journey back to your hotel in Chiang Mai city center.

Chiang Mai: Evening Cooking Class and Visit Local Market

3. Chiang Mai: Evening Cooking Class and Visit Local Market

Discover the joy of traditional Thai cuisine with this cooking class that includes hotel pickup and drop-off in central Chiang Mai. Hand-pick ingredients for your desired dish at a local market and organic garden before crafting a delicious meal with the help of your guide. Savor your dishes together at the end of class. Be picked up from your hotel in central Chiang Mai and meet your guide. Go to a market to see fresh ingredients and vegetables and visit an organic garden, where you can take a stroll through to see how herbs and vegetables are cultivated in Thailand. Learn how to cook 5 Thai dishes stir-fry soup, an appetizer, a curry, and a curry paste. Try all the amazing dishes that you have crafted. Take home recipes to help you recreate these dishes for friends and family back home. Return to your hotel with cooking skills that will last you a lifetime. Have the option to select one dish from each category : Stir-fried Pad Thai (fried noodles Thai style) Pad See Ew (stir-fried chicken with fresh noodles) Kai Pad Med Mamuang Him Ma Pan (chicken cashew nut) Pad Kaphao Kai (Minced chicken with holy basil) Soup Tom Yum Kung (hot and sour prawn) Tom Kha Kai (chicken in coconut milk) Tom Kha Je (vegetarian/vegan in coconut milk) Tom Zap Kai (hot and sour with chicken) Appetizer Som Tam (papaya salad) Por Pia Thod (spring roll) Larb Kai (chicken salad) Yam Woon Sen (glass noodle salad) Curry/curry paste making Kaeng Massaman (Massaman curry) Kaeng Kieaw Wan Kai (green curry) Kaeng Panaeng Kai (Panang curry) Khao Soi (Chiangmai noodle with chicken) Kaeng Ped (red curry) Kaeng Karee (yellow curry) Pad Prik Kaeng (dry red curry)

Chiang Mai: Doi Suthep and Wat Umong Enchanting Evening Tour

4. Chiang Mai: Doi Suthep and Wat Umong Enchanting Evening Tour

Be picked up from your hotel in Chiang Mai city center and go on a short drive to Wat Umong temple in the late afternoon. At this time of day, the crowds are few and views are prime. Upon arrival, explore the underground tunnels, bask in the beauty of the temple, and enjoy the forest surroundings. It is said that the trees in this forest have words of wisdom for those who pass by. After Wat Umong, the next stop is Doi Suthep temple. At this ornate structure, which is reached by a 309-step staircase, enjoy the spectacular views of Chiang Mai at night from the summit of the mountain. Join a traditional ceremony performed by the temple's monks at the Golden Pagoda. After an afternoon spent exploring Chiang Mai’s temples and enjoying the sunset over the city, be returned to your hotel.

4-Hour Doi Suthep & Hmong Hill Tribe Village from Chiang Mai

5. 4-Hour Doi Suthep & Hmong Hill Tribe Village from Chiang Mai

Depart Chiang Mai and travel to the temple of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep on Doi Suthep mountain. Follow in the footsteps of the pilgrims who climb up 309 steps to the stupa on the hilltop. Get spectacular views of Chiang Mai city and its surroundings. Then, visit a village and museum of the ethnic Hmong hill tribe, located inside the boundaries of the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park. Learn more about the life of the tribe, known for their colorful costumes and handicraft traditions. Return to Chiang Mai and get dropped off at your hotel.

Doi Suthep spiritual Sunrise+Alms, monk Chanting &Meditating

6. Doi Suthep spiritual Sunrise+Alms, monk Chanting &Meditating

Pickup at 4:45-5:00 am. at any hotels lobby in Chiangmai. and then head to visit the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple when the temple is quiet and the monks are just rousing and going out to receive alms offerings. without any crowds you can enjoy the magical morning light and incredible views in serenity. It is the beginning to a great and wonderful day. Doi Suthep temple is located on the peak of the Doi Suthep Mountain and is the most famous landmark in Chiang Mai. They say you have not truly been to Chiang Mai if you have not visited this temple! At the top of the temple you can view the pagoda shining with real gold, and a viewing platform offers panoramic views of the whole Chiang Mai City – take in the wonderful countryside landscape while the sun rises behind the city and mountains. The morning sky and view could be immortalised in a beautiful painting ! Morning life at the temple is unforgettable -the sound of temple bells, monks chanting and the fascinating view of Chiang Mai will fill your heart. Don’t leave Chiang Mai without this impression. Before we continue to the other sites, we will have a nice and original taste of famous and delicious Chiangmai food. ( Khoi Soy or other Thai local breakfast ) After sunrise. we can drop by at the hidden jungle temple called Wat Phalat a hidden temple. It must be great to spend sometimes there to enjoy the peacefulness, the beauty, Cm. city views and the nature surrounding the temple. It is a hidden gems and it is so worth to visit this one, really different to other temples with the jungle ancients. One of my most favorite temples in Ching Mai. Beyond words beautiful place and it’s worth every penny! this temple offer you Chiangmai ( or Lanna ) and Myanmar Buddhists culture. It mixed both Lanna and Myanmar architecture there. It’s really really Worth to visit ! And then we continue to our last temple called Wat U-mong ( Or the Underground temple ) to enjoy the serenity surrounding & peace ! Both of them are unique, very interesting to spend your time there..

Chiang Mai: Mae Ping River Cruise with Lunch, Fruit & Tea

7. Chiang Mai: Mae Ping River Cruise with Lunch, Fruit & Tea

Cruise in a long-tail boat that will take you along the picturesque Mae Ping River in Chiang Mai. Relax, enjoy the views, visit local villages, and see how the locals live. Start your tour with a convenient pickup from your accommodation in Chiang Mai to begin your activity. Jump in the car and head to the dock to start your boat trip. Onboard the typical riverboat and enjoy the gentle cruise along the Mae Ping River. Admire the lifestyle of the local people whose traditional wooden homes and modern residences line the riverbank as you float long. Explore local farm life in rural Chiang Mai, and stop at a farmer's house to enjoy a traditional lunch if you book this option. See how the egg noodles recipe(Kao soi) is prepared and taste the delicious flavors of the unique creamy curry soup. Taste traditional ice cream, seasonal fruit with lemongrass, and local herbal juices.  Finally, end your day with a ride back to your hotel. 

From Chiang Mai: Mae Taeng Valley and Waterfalls Cycle Tour

8. From Chiang Mai: Mae Taeng Valley and Waterfalls Cycle Tour

Travel through the magical Mae Ngat Valley on a high-quality mountain bike. Embark on a guided tour departing from Chiang Mai and take part in a cultural activity through nature and local villages. Interact with exotic wildlife as you make your way around the countryside and taste a delicious lunch. Get picked up from your Chiang Mai hotel and transferred to the heart of Mae Ngat Valley. Meet your guide for a briefing and bike fitting. Begin your adventure with a ride through the picturesque countryside, while farmers go about their morning routine. Make stops at various points of interest, get some insights about local life, and learn about rice cultivation. You'll also explore the glittering Wat Ban Den temple, where you can admire the intricate details of this stunning place of worship. Take a break for a delicious Thai lunch in a tropical garden. After lunch, choose to enjoy more riding, pedaling on country roads that meander through the valley, or depart to the nearby Buatong waterfall, for some relaxing time. During the hot season, it's a wonderful way to end this cycling trip. Finally, be transported back to your Chiang Mai accommodation at the end of the day.

Chiang Mai: Doi Inthanon Highlights and Hiking Private Tour

9. Chiang Mai: Doi Inthanon Highlights and Hiking Private Tour

This private tour is for those looking to travel in comfort and peace to one of the must visit destinations in Chiang Mai. After being picked up at 8am we will drive south for 2 hours to Doi Inthanon National Park and begin with a visit to the highest spot in Thailand and a short walk on the Ang Ka nature trail, a fascinating area with flora and fauna found nowhere else. From here we drive to the twin pagodas - another must see part of Doi Inthanon and a beautiful attraction with gardens, viewpoints and unique architecture. The Doi Inthanon trekking tour begins with the help of a local Karen guide to explain the flora and fauna in the area as we walk the 5km trail through the jungle valley before descending into the village. The valley is dotted with beautiful waterfalls and is shaded by the forest canopy keeping you cool throughout the journey and you may hear one of the resident gibbons if you're very lucky. At certain times of year the rice paddies may be a verdant green, or shimmering gold and is a sight to behold. When we reach the Karen village we'll enjoy some local coffee and a tasty lunch and if you like, walk around the various handicraft homes in the village. From here we begin our journey back to the city but one last waterfall awaits, we'll let you choose to see Wachirathan waterfall, or Mae Ya waterfall - both breathtakingly beautiful and the perfect way to end the tour. From here we drive the 1.5 hours back to Chiang Mai to conclude the Doi Inthanon trekking tour. As the tour is private, the guide will do their best to avoid the crowds for a more intimate and memorable experience, if there is a particular attraction you want to spend more time at then just let the guide know!

Longest Zipline, Hidden Village and Hot spring in Chiang Mai

10. Longest Zipline, Hidden Village and Hot spring in Chiang Mai

Kingkong Smile Zipline Pick up from your hotel and 1 hour drive in the area deep jungle mountain. King Kong offers a unique canopy experience with different activities, It has an impressive view and is the most extreme and longest Zip line in Thailand! with fully trained staff to provide the most thrilling and safe experience. the canopy consists of 36 platforms and 14 double cables. We have cables from 2,210 feet long and 380 feet high, to cables 110 feet long and 40 feet high, with speeds of 70 miles per hour. when you finish it. Then time to have lunch together. Next in afternoon visit Hidden village(Mae Kam Pong village). The most popular for both Thai & foreigner choose to visit. I trust that you will fall in love this Hidden gem. Next we will visit San kamphaeng Hot Spring. This hot spring is very popular for Thai local people for a quick and easy few hours’ soak. Here you can take a dip in a private tub, swim in the mineral swimming pool or just soak your feet in a hot part of the flowing stream. 3 hours • Admission Ticket Included Mae Kampong Village Ban Mae Kampong is located in Mae On sub-district, adjacent to San Kamphaeng. This village is a popular natural tourist attraction and also hosts an interesting Community Learning Center. Just an hour’s drive from the city, Mae Kampong village is abundant in natural resources; it has a stream running through it, and a tea-tree forest surrounding it. 2 hours • Admission Ticket Free San Kamphaeng Hot Springs San Kamphaeng Hot Springs was named after its location which formally belonged to San Kamphaeng district, Chiang Mai. But later on, there was a change in administrative district and the area then belonged to Mae On district. The water from the hot spring is very hot that you can boil an egg. Try boiling eggs, wait until they are done at your favorite level and try eating them with the soy sauce. You should never miss to experience hot springs mineral bath here. The place offers facilities for foot soaking, traditional mineral bath and a mineral swimming pool. Visitors can relax while enjoying the beautiful scenes of nicely-decorated flower gardens and the surrounding green mountains. Tourists can find a cluster of shops at the entrance gate that sell a lot of local souvenirs such as local hand-woven textiles, Bo Sang umbrellas and a wide selection of handicrafts.

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What people are saying about Chiang Mai

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 698 reviews

Absolutely stunning strip! Would definitely recommend. It was so well planned. The taxi driver and tour guide were so lovely and friendly. They stopped enough times for snacks and toilet breaks. Our guide was super helpful sharing knowledge about the sites we were seeing and the culture of Thailand and its people. We really enjoyed this.

We visited 3 temples we had not seen before and enjoyed tasting food of our choosing and our guides. We particularly enjoyed climbing to the roof of the coffee shop to see the city and enjoy our coffee. Thank you, Lynn.

Had a really lovely time and Saman, our guide shared a lot of interesting information.

Très belle découverte et très bon moment

Small group, fun & friendly tour guide (I had Jackie!) and well planned itinerary :)

Very fun and interactive, loved every minute of it. The staff are amazing.