North Thailand (Chiang Mai) Highlights 5 days

Upon arriving in Chiang Mai, you will be greeted and taken to your hotel to check in. Then, you can freely explore the city to get a glimpse of its local life, such as strolling through the streets and enjoying the fresh air.

The first night in Chiang Mai is the time for you to get ready for the exciting activities ahead.

Morning

After breakfast, we will embark on a walking tour through the old town of Chiang Mai, stopping at the ancient walls, moats, and the city's iconic old gates. During this journey, you will admire beautiful temples such as Wat Prah Singh, Wat Phan Tao, and Wat Chedi Luang, which are quintessential cultural symbols of Chiang Mai.

The tour continues through the winding narrow streets lined with traditional houses, where you will enjoy a rickshaw tour. 

The next destination this morning is the central market of Warorot, the heart of Chiang Mai's Chinatown, where you can explore handicrafts and local specialties. With a variety of goods such as food and cheap attire items, this market is ideal for buying handicrafts and local specialties.

Afternoon

We will go up to the famous Doi Suthep temple, situated at the top of the hill. This is the most beautiful and sacred temple in Chiang Mai, where Buddhist devotees make pilgrimages during major festivals. Especially, after climbing 309 stone steps to reach this temple, you will have a chance to enjoy panoramic views of Chiang Mai.

To round off the day, you will have free time to explore the vibrant and lively Chiang Mai Night Market before returning to your hotel.

Morning

The third day will bring you unforgettable experiences in the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. Setting off in the morning from 08:00 - 08:30, our driver will pick you up at the hotel and travel to the destination for about 1.5 hours.

Along the road, you will be enchanted by the scenery of Southern Chiang Mai, through the rolling hills, lush forests, and peaceful local farms. Upon arrival at the gate, you will meet your guide and begin a 10-15 minute walk through the forest to the Sanctuary. 

This tour will allow you to experience the local culture by wearing traditional Karen clothing and participating in activities here. The first activity is an introductory lesson, where you will have the chance to learn about the anatomy, history, and behavior of elephants. 

At around 11:00, you will meet the elephants, feed them, and interact with them in their natural environment. This is a one-of-a-kind experience to get close to nature, especially with these large and rare animals. Taking photos with the adorable elephants is an appealing activity for tourists here.

Afternoon

After enjoying a lunch of traditional Thai food and fresh fruit, the tour is funnier with more fantastic experiences. You will learn how to make herbal medicine balls and take care of the elephants, from feeding to walking with them to the river, bathing and brushing them. 

Especially, the most interesting activity is joining the elephants for a therapeutic mud spa and taking photos with the friendly elephants. At the end, you will change clothes and say goodbye to them before coming back to your hotel.

The fourth-day tour will begin with a journey to Doi Inthanon National Park, the highest point in Thailand, with a transfer about 2 hours from Chiang Mai.

Upon arrival, you will spend 2-3 hours trekking through the jungle, following a narrow mountain trail that leads us to a stunning hidden waterfall in the middle of the green trees.

The tour also broadens your horizons on the Pagagayaw Karen hill tribe village, home to the Karen tribe known for its unique way of life. On the way to this village, you will pass through the farmland, where you can admire the lush coffee plantations, vibrant flower farms, and beautiful rice terraces. Here, you will have the opportunity to taste a cup of local coffee. 

The journey continues with a visit to Vachiratharn Waterfall, a 70-meter-high waterfall with a powerful flow, where you can enjoy a cool and relaxing atmosphere alongside a spectacular view.

After exploring the natural getaways, you will come to gaze at the beautiful architecture of Napamaytanidol Chedi and Phra Mahatat Napaphon Bhumisiri. They are the two solemn stupas built to honor the 60th birthday of King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit.

Finally, you will come back to Chiang Mai for your overnight stay.

After breakfast, you will have some free time to relax or explore the area in your own way.

Our driver will take you to the airport for your flight home. The 5-day tour with many enjoyable experiences will surely leave you with fond memories!