Touring the Mae Sa Valley

Our guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel; depart by private van to Mae Sa Elephant Camp and watch the elephants taking their morning bath and demonstrating their skills and strength during an entertaining show (show starts at 09:40hrs). After the show, enjoy a 30-minute trek through the forest on elephant back (2 persons per elephant). Continue to Mae Sa Snake Farm. The farm not only displays snakes native to Thailand, but also carries out studies and research concerning snake breeding. During a thirty-minute show (show starts at 11:30hrs) watch demonstrations of snake handlers wrestle with cobras and how snake venom is extracted from the various snake species. Our next visit will be to Bai Orchid & Butterfly farm – feast you eyes on the colorful varieties of orchids and see, how they are cultivated.

Option 1 (CNXMSV1): After lunch at the orchid farm, we continue to the Buffalo Training Camp, who’s aim is to conserve Thai buffaloes and demonstrate the way of local villagers planting and harvesting rice, how they train and tame their buffalo to work in the rice field, including the techniques of riding a buffalo. Return back to your hotel around 16:00 hrs.

Option 2 (CNXMSV2): After lunch at the orchid farm, visit Mae Saa Waterfall. End the day with a visit to Darapirom Palace Museum (closed on Mondays), former home of Princess Dararasamee, one of King Chulalongkorn's favorite consorts, who later became one of his official wives. After the king’s death, she decided to return to her northern home and resided in the resplendent palace known as Darapirom Palace. Here she played an important role in promoting Lanna arts and crafts, literature, music, and Buddhism. She passed away in 1933, bequeathing the house to her relatives. The house was later bought by Chulalongkorn University and after extensive renovations, opened to the public in 1999. The architectural design of the house with its expansive balconies, verandas, high ceilings and massive windows looking out onto pleasant gardens is quite a treat for the eyes. There is a collection of the queen's clothes, her personal dishware, cutlery, ornaments, ceramics, jewelry and other belongings.

Plant Life on Doi Inthanon

This tour is focused on tropical ecology and the native flora of Thailand’s largest mountain, Doi Inthanon (2565 m). This is not a garden tour per se, but introduces the visitor to the original natural environment of e.g. orchids, hoyas and rhododendrons. By visiting these plants in their home environment, you may acquire knowledge to better support such plants in your private garden or greenhouse. We begin at the summit, where there is a short jungle trail with native rhododendrons, orchids and even a bog. Then we progressively go downwards to study different ecosystems such as evergreen forests, pine forests and dry deciduous forests. We focus on the flora, but anything of biological interest will be discussed (mushrooms, birds, insects etc) and put into an ecological context. We eat lunch at a restaurant on the mountian, and spend some time studying crops of the hill tribes. At the base, before returning back, we study some tree species commonly found in the villages of the Chiang Mai valley (300-350 m).

Palace Garden Tour

This garden tour is aimed at high elevation tropical plants, which are very different from the plants you see in the valley. We combine a garden situation with the wild flora to introduce the guest to tropical biology and ecology.

Program (these times are approximate)
Pick-up at your hotel at 08.00hrs
Phu Ping Palace: 09.30-12.00hrs
Lunch at Phu Ping Palace: 12.00-13.00hrs
Excursion 13.00-16.00hrs
Back in town ca 17:00hrs

Guide: English speaking guide with knowledge about tropical plants is provided

The Phu Ping Palace
This is a royal palace situated on the majestic mountain Doi Pui/Doi Suthep (1676 m) which hovers above Chiang Mai. It contains a collection of high elevation plants, jungle species as well as roses. Please note that if a member of the royal family visits the palace on short notice, visitors are not allowed access to the gardens. If such a situation occurs, we exchange that visit with a visit to another garden or a jungle walk.
Doi Pui/Doi Suthep National Park
This national park has been inventoried since the first botanists came here in 1902-1904. In total, some 2200 plant species have been recorded from this mountain. We make an excursion to study typical indigenous species, with emphasis on trees.

Orchid Lovers Tour

This garden tour is an introduction to orchid biology and production, combining all steps from the forest to research, production and retail.

Program (times are approximate)
Pick-up at your hotel at 08.00hrs
Research: Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden 09.30-11.30hrs
Lunch at Botanic Resort 11.30-12.30hrs
Forest: Wild orchids on Doi Pui/Doi Suthep 12.30 -15.00hrs
Retail: Visit at the Khamtieng flower market 15.30 - 17.00hrs

Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden
This is the national botanical garden of Thailand, situated in the mountains. Orchid research and conservation has a high priority, why the garden has many of the 1100 Thai orchid species in cultivation. Here we focus on orchid biology and orchid conservation efforts, as well as invite guests to ask questions.
Doi Pui/Doi Suthep National Park
This national park is composed of a monsoon forest on the characteristic mountain hovering above Chiang Mai. We search for orchids and discuss tropical forests in general.
The Khamtieng Flower Market
This is the largest and most famous flower market in northern Thailand, composed of many small independent plant vendors aiming at gardens (not cut flowers). We focus on the orchid street, to adore Thai and exotic orchids, hybrids and forest species. The orchid farms multiply forest orchids via cloning, and also works on creating new hybrids. We discuss how to multiply orchids and how to care for them. If you love plants, we know you will come back here!

Nature & Countryside by Bicycle Tour

This cycling tour is a wonderful way to discover the beautiful countryside surrounding Chiang Mai. Ride through tranquil villages and pass shimmering rice paddies, taking time out to visit Buddhist temples and see the local people at work in the fields. Cycling affords us a rare opportunity to get close to rural Thailand and visit an interesting water-buffalo farm. Follow peaceful back roads close to the Ping river, before embarking a boat for a short cruise back to Chiang Mai city.

The program:
08.30 hrs Meeting at guest’s hotel and bike fitting. Short vehicle transfer by local pick up truck (songtaew) to our starting point in Mae-Rim.
09.00 hrs Begin cycling following the river northbound. Cycle through rural countryside, rice fields and plantations. (Cycling distance approximately 20kms).
11.30 hrs Stop for a visit of a buffalo farm, where you can observe the way of life of local farmers, and the use of water buffalos in rice farming.
12.00 hrs Picnic lunch at local restaurant.
13.30 hrs Back on the saddle, we cycle toward the Ping River and follow scenic small routes southward towards Chiang Mai.
15.30 hrs Arrive at a riverside house for refreshments. Embark on a motorboat for a cruise down the Ping River down to Chiang Mai city.
16.30 hrs Arrive at disembarkation point with an interesting local temple close by. Transfer to your hotel by local songtaew.

Lisu Lodge Soft Adventure

This unique tour offers an exploration of Lisu and Akha villages, an elephant ride in the jungle, mountain biking and white water rafting in the scenic Mae Tang Valley. Early in the morning, pick up from your hotel in Chiang Mai by air-conditioned vehicle to the Lisu Lodge, a one-hour drive from the city. Upon arrival at the Lisu Lodge, a traditional welcome drink is served. Start your adventure with cycling about 13 km to an elephant camp. Enjoy an hour’s elephant ride towards the river. After a picnic lunch, experience a 45-minute white water rafting adventure (during the dry season, bamboo rafting is provided instead) along Mae Taeng River to a traditional Thai country village. From here you have the choice either to go back to the Lisu Lodge by bike or by the local truck. Transfer back to your hotel in Chiang Mai city.

Lampang Heritage Tour

Pick up at your hotel in Chiang Mai and drive to Lampang, located 90km southeast of Chiang Mai. Visit the Lampang Elephant Conservation Center. It is the only facility in the world devoted to the training of elephants for timberwork using these pachyderms as labor. The veterinary hospital provides health care for elephants, who are sent here to be rehabilitated after abuse in captivity. There are daily performances and training demonstrations. Visitors can enjoy feeding these intelligent giants or ride them to see the natural surroundings and even watch the production of paper made from elephant dung. Continue to the old city center of Lampang and enjoy a 30-minute tour on horse-drawn carriages. After lunch, continue to Wat Phra Thad Lampang Luang, which is among the most revered temples in Northern Thailand, built around the 11th century. You then have a chance to visit one of the local cottage industries engaging in making ceramics, for which Lampang is so famous for. Drive back to Chiang Mai and transfer to your hotel. Note: The order of visits can vary for the seat-in-coach tour and the private tour.

Khum Lanna Cooking Class

Pick up at your hotel in Chiang Mai city around 08:00AM and transfer by air-conditioned minivan to Phrao, situated about 90km north of the city. Upon arrival at Khum Lanna, you are greeted by with a tasty welcome drink (herbal tea or fruit juice from the garden). Start with a tour of the garden around the compound, where you collect different seasonal herbs, vegetables and fruits for cooking. Using the gatherings from the garden you will then start a cooking class. The course includes: - An introduction to Thai ingredients - A comprehensive and easy to follow recipe book - A hands on demonstration of how to prepare 5 different dishes - Seasonal fruit tasting Afterwards you enjoy the lunch that you have helped prepare yourself. In the afternoon, learn how to make a typical Thai dessert that you can sample and take away. Finally, take a cycling tour to visit Aui Kham’s house. Learn about traditional healing and herbal medicine from Aui Kham, who has accumulated more than 60 years experience in this field. Return to Khum Lanna at around 17:00hrs and transfer back to your hotel in Chiang Mai City.

Kayak & Cycling Tour

Get active and join us for an exciting day of kayaking and cycling in and around spectacular Sri Lanna National Park, located only an hour's drive from Chiang Mai! First, we will cycle 15 kilometers along beautiful rural roads set against a backdrop of dazzling bamboo and fern groves, fruit orchards and rolling rice fields. Next, we will paddle kayaks on Mae Ngud Lake Reservoir before breaking for a mouth-watering Lanna lunch at our exotic bamboo floating raft house on the lake. The afternoon can be spent paddling and exploring the lake, swimming or simply finding an isolated shoreline spot for sunbathing.

The program:
8:00 – Participants are picked up at their hotels and departure to north of Chiang Mai.
9:00 – Preparation and bike fitting, before a 15 km cycling tour through the countryside to Sri Lanna National Park.
10:30 – Arrival at the park and to Mae Ngud Lake Reservoir. Relax and change.
11:00 – Briefing, basic instructions, and the start of the paddling adventure.
12:00 - 12:30 – Arrival at the floating house. Lunch and leisure time.
14:30 – Paddle back to the shore and change.
16:00 – Depart for Chiang Mai
17:00 – 17:30 – Guests are delivered to their hotels.

Elephant Safari - Hmong Nong Hoi Village & Botanic Garden

Drive from Chiang Mai City to Mae Rim and visit an elephant camp. Watch the elephants demonstrating their skills and taking a bath in the river. Enjoy an exciting trek through the forest on elephant back. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to the hill-tribe village of Hmong Nong Hoi Royal Project. It is about 1,200 meters above sea level, with an average temperature of 20.6 degrees Celsius. Visitors have a chance to observe the experimental cultivation of herbs. Fruit trees grown in this area include Japanese apricot, peach, plum, avocado, strawberries, grapes, passion fruit, and coffee. There is also opportunity to observe medical treatment with herbal plants, needlework, the making of farm tools, and liquor production from maize. Continue to Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden and orchid farm. Covering an area of 560 acres, the botanic garden was established in 1992 in order to gather, conserve and strengthen the study and research on Thai plants and herbs. More than 700 species of plants, mostly Thai natives, are grown here. Visitors can drive around and drop in at the spots of their interest, e.g. the Orchid Breeding Center, the Herbs Center, and the Greenhouse.

Elephant Mahout Training Course

A fantastic chance to get to know the real professional mahouts - find out what they do every day for their elephants and learn the secrets of becoming a mahout.
For those interested in learning how to “drive” and command an elephant, basic mahout training courses lasting from 1 to 3 days are now available at Maesa Elephant Camp. The camp can be reached in 20 minutes by car from Chiang Mai city and is located along the banks of a river in a beautiful lush tropical valley. Open for nearly thirty years and currently home to 78 elephants, this camp has become leader and experts in the field of elephant breeding, training, healthcare and sustainable tourism.

Sample itinerary:
07:00 hrs Transfer from hotel in Chiang Mai city to Maesa Elephant Camp. Change into your personal Mahout outfit, then meet your instructor who will give you a short briefing about the course. Enjoy the Elephant Show and practice elephant bathing. After lunch at the camp’s restaurant, learn the basic commands for elephants. Then watch out, how an elephant artist will paint a personal picture for you. The program ends at around 16:00 hrs with a farewell ceremony during which you receive a certificate and digital photograph taken during the course as well as the elephant’s painting as a memorable souvenir of your stay at the camp! Transfer back to your hotel.
You will get
- one full mahout outfit set (extra set available for sale with advance notice)
- Unforgettable Experiences Elephant art creation
- Mahout certificate

Eco Soft Adventure

Depart Chiang Mai by 4-WD Land Rover or similar to the hill tribe museum at Mae Rim. Then continue to Mae Taeng for an elephant safari through the rain forest and enjoy a short ride in a traditional ox-cart. After a picnic style lunch, embark on inflatable rafts down the rapids of the scenic Mae Taeng River for about an hour (note: during the dry season between February to August, the water level in the river is usually too low for white-water rafting and you will glide downriver on bamboo rafts instead!). Continue to Baan Huai Rai, passing several villages, orchards, valleys, and rice fields. A brief stop is made at Wat Tha Kham, before driving uphill to the village of Baan Pang Hai. Enjoy the scenic drive and views on your return trip to your hotel in Chiang Mai.

Dokmai Garden Introduction to Tropical Plants

This garden tour is focused on knowledge, not colours!
The aim is to study local gardens and orchards, and to introduce the visitor to tropical fruits, vegetables, foods, ornamentals and forest plants of Thailand. We discuss identification, cultivation, cooking and other uses, as well as the plant’s ecology.

Program (times are approximate)
Pick-up at your hotel at 08.00hrs
Hang Dong market 09.00-09.30hrs
Dokmai Garden 09.30-11.30hrs
Lunch 11.30-12.30hrs
Opkhan National Park and nearby orchards, gardens and farmlands 12.30-15.30hrs
Lanna style food tasting 15.30-16.00hrs
Back in town approx. 17.00hrs

Dokmai Garden: This garden is the home of the Seehamongkol family. It is designed as a western botanical garden, with over 800 tropical plant species, of which 500 are labelled with scientific names and facts on aluminium signs. The garden is flat and compact (4 ha or 10 acres), and provides an airconditioned shop with books, wireless internet, WC, shower and a bar.

Doi Inthanon

Doi Inthanon is Thailand's highest mountain and towers 2,565 meters above sea level. Complex mountain ranges and a mild climate characterize an area with moist and dense summit forest which is the source of important tributaries of the Mae Ping River, one of northern Thailand' s major waterways. Various streams descend, forming beautiful waterfalls throughout the park. Hmong and Karen hill-tribes inhabit the park. Visiting the Doi Inthanon National Park is possible throughout the year. The best period for viewing waterfalls is May through November. The best period for viewing wild flowers is December through February. The best period for ornithologists is November through March. The drive to the summit offers some fine views, especially during November and December, before the dry season haze has become well established. On your visit to the summit stupa containing the remains of King Inthawidhayanon, be sure to read the English translation on the back of the marble plaque nearby. Photographing any part of the radar station is forbidden, but visitors may take pictures freely of any other subject. Visit Vachirathan waterfalls, which are reached by a short, easy trail from the parking area. Vachirathan waters tumble down granite escarpment, creating a misty veil of great beauty. On our return trip, we will stop at a hill-tribe village and the small small town of Chomthong, famous among Thai Buddhists for its temple: Wat Phrathat Chomthong. Spend time admiring the golden stupa and the architecture of the ancient viharn (the main building housing the Buddha statues).

A Day in the Mountains (Elephant Ride & Bamboo Rafting)

Depart Chiang Mai to the sub-district of Mae Waang, located approximately 60 km south of the city. The road passes through rice fields, countryside villages and green mountains. The first stop is at Mae Sapok waterfall, which is an easy two-kilometers walk from the road. Visit a nearby Karen village before lunch in a local restaurant. A short drive brings you to Mae Waang River. Enjoy a one-hour rafting trip on bamboo rafts. You will get wet, so bring along a change of cloths! The adventure continues with a trek through the forest on elephant back. Then continue on foot through the jungle back to the main road for your transfer back to your hotel in Chiang Mai.

Wiang Kum Kam

The lost city of Wiang Kum Kam – “The Underground Empire”, an ancient ancestral and archaeological site, was re-discovered in 1974 and designated a historical park in the year 2000. Heralded as a flawless diamond of early Lanna civilisation, the ancient city of Wiang Kum Kam was the first capital of the Lanna kingdom founded by King Mangrai, its first ruler, before he established Chiang Mai as the permanent capital of the Lanna kingdom in 1839 BE (1296 AD). Following a massive flood, the city of Wiang Kum Kam vanished without a trace. For over 200 years, Wiang Kum Kam became a lost civilization buried under layers of earth at depths of 1 to 4-metres. In the minds of most people, experts and laymen alike, Wiang Kum Kam was believed to have existed only in legend, until local residents came across Buddha images under the foundation of the small stupa behind the central sanctuary at Wat Chang Kham. The temple is also known by its original name, Wat Kanthom. A total of 20 archaeological sites including 10 ancient temples were found within the ancient rectangular-shaped city wall and beyond. This tour includes round-trip transfers from your hotel in town to Wiang Kum Kam and a tour around the sights by horse-drawn carriage.

Monk Chat

Wat Suan Dok is just one of the many temples in Chiang Mai frequently visited by tourists. Built in the 14th century, the monastery has a rich history and interesting architecture. Nowadays visitors to Wat Suan Dok can do more than just learn about its long history and admire the temple's architecture: Called the "Monk chat" program, interested visitors can join an informal question-and-answer session with monks and learn more about Buddhism, meditation and the monks’ lives. The program is held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings from 17:00 to 19:00 hrs In English and offers both monks and tourists an opportunity to exchange ideas about cultural and Buddhism related aspects. Prior to participating in the Monk Chat program, we will introduce you to two seldom visited temples in town – Wat Duang Di and Wat Bupparam.

Master cooking class in Chiang Mai

In response to popular demand for more advanced courses, "Master Classes" are now available upon request in Chiang Mai. They are designed to give a deeper insight and understanding to Thai Food. You will learn how to prepare and cook some of the most delicious Thai dishes ever created. The classes are for people who are passionate about Thai food and want to learn more than what is usually on offer. The menus have been specially designed to cater for professional chefs whilst still being accessible for food lovers who already have some knowledge of Thai cooking. There are 5 courses to choose from, each with its own exciting selection of dishes. Course 5 specialises in northern food which is becoming more and more popular. The tastes and flavours of the north are completely different from the rest of the country and this menu is recommended if you are interested in regional cooking. You will be prepared and given all the ingredients for the 5 dishes that you will cook. You will prepare them all from scratch and make any curry pastes that are needed. Once the preparation is completed you will cook all the dishes. The teacher will be on hand to help you and will give you many extra tips and hints as you go. Upon completion of the course, you receive a recipe booklet containing all the recipes from the master classes. Once the cooking is completed, you will sit down and dine on all the food that you have created, in peaceful and atmospheric surroundings.
MENUS:
MENU 1 MAA HOR - Minced chicken, pork and prawns served on a bed of pineapple and orange. SAENG WAA GOONG - Barbecued prawns with a kaffir lime dressing. PO DTERK - Mixed seafood soup with holly basil. PHAD PHET MOO - Stir-fried pork with red curry paste and green peppercorns. YAM MAKUA YAAW - Spicy long eggplant salad.
MENU 2 GAENG JUUT DTAENG KWAA - Clear soup with cucumber stuffing. SEAKHRONG MOO TORT GRATIEM PRIK THAI - Port spare ribs with crispy garlic and pepper. YAM PHISET - Chef's special salad. CHU CHEE PLAA - Deep-fried fish with a red curry sauce. MIENG PHAMA - Palm sugar, ginger and grated coconut served in pepper leaves.
MENU 3 TAKRITE GOONG - Lemon grass sticks with minced chicken, prawns and pork. GAENG SOM PLAA - Sour soup with snake-headed fish. YAM HUA PLEE - Banana flower salad. GAENG BOOM BAI - Boombai curry with pork. GOONG MAKHAM - Prawns with tamarind sauce.
MENU 4 GAENG LIANG GOONG - Mixed vegetable soup with prawns. GAENG PAA MOO - Jungle curry pork (curry without coconut milk). PLAA CHON NEUNG MAANOW - Steamed snake head fish with a chilli and lime sauce. PHAD GOONG KAP NOR MAI FARANG - Stir-fried prawns with asparagus. YAM NEUA - Spicy beef salad Thai Style
MENU 5 - Northern Thai Dishes KHAO SOI GAI - Chiang Mai noodle soup with chicken GAENG HANG LAY MOO - Chiang Mai curry with pork YAM GIN GAI - Spicy chicken soup northern style NAM PRIK ONG - Minced pork northern style SAA MAKUA - Crispy eggplant salad

Master cooking class in Chiang Mai

In response to popular demand for more advanced courses, "Master Classes" are now available upon request in Chiang Mai. They are designed to give a deeper insight and understanding to Thai Food. You will learn how to prepare and cook some of the most delicious Thai dishes ever created. The classes are for people who are passionate about Thai food and want to learn more than what is usually on offer. The menus have been specially designed to cater for professional chefs whilst still being accessible for food lovers who already have some knowledge of Thai cooking. There are 5 courses to choose from, each with its own exciting selection of dishes. Course 5 specialises in northern food which is becoming more and more popular. The tastes and flavours of the north are completely different from the rest of the country and this menu is recommended if you are interested in regional cooking. You will be prepared and given all the ingredients for the 5 dishes that you will cook. You will prepare them all from scratch and make any curry pastes that are needed. Once the preparation is completed you will cook all the dishes. The teacher will be on hand to help you and will give you many extra tips and hints as you go. Upon completion of the course, you receive a recipe booklet containing all the recipes from the master classes. Once the cooking is completed, you will sit down and dine on all the food that you have created, in peaceful and atmospheric surroundings.
MENUS:
MENU 1 MAA HOR - Minced chicken, pork and prawns served on a bed of pineapple and orange. SAENG WAA GOONG - Barbecued prawns with a kaffir lime dressing. PO DTERK - Mixed seafood soup with holly basil. PHAD PHET MOO - Stir-fried pork with red curry paste and green peppercorns. YAM MAKUA YAAW - Spicy long eggplant salad.
MENU 2 GAENG JUUT DTAENG KWAA - Clear soup with cucumber stuffing. SEAKHRONG MOO TORT GRATIEM PRIK THAI - Port spare ribs with crispy garlic and pepper. YAM PHISET - Chef's special salad. CHU CHEE PLAA - Deep-fried fish with a red curry sauce. MIENG PHAMA - Palm sugar, ginger and grated coconut served in pepper leaves.
MENU 3 TAKRITE GOONG - Lemon grass sticks with minced chicken, prawns and pork. GAENG SOM PLAA - Sour soup with snake-headed fish. YAM HUA PLEE - Banana flower salad. GAENG BOOM BAI - Boombai curry with pork. GOONG MAKHAM - Prawns with tamarind sauce.
MENU 4 GAENG LIANG GOONG - Mixed vegetable soup with prawns. GAENG PAA MOO - Jungle curry pork (curry without coconut milk). PLAA CHON NEUNG MAANOW - Steamed snake head fish with a chilli and lime sauce. PHAD GOONG KAP NOR MAI FARANG - Stir-fried prawns with asparagus. YAM NEUA - Spicy beef salad Thai Style
MENU 5 - Northern Thai Dishes KHAO SOI GAI - Chiang Mai noodle soup with chicken GAENG HANG LAY MOO - Chiang Mai curry with pork YAM GIN GAI - Spicy chicken soup northern style NAM PRIK ONG - Minced pork northern style SAA MAKUA - Crispy eggplant salad

Mae Saa Elephant Camp & Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden

Half an hour north of Chiang Mai City, Mae Saa elephant camp is located in a pleasant forested valley. Here the elephants provide a demonstration of their skill, intelligence, good humor and strength. Continue to Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden and orchid farm. Covering an area of 560 acres, the botanic garden was established in 1992 in order to gather, conserve and strengthen the study and research on Thai plants and herbs. More than 700 species of plants, mostly Thai natives, are grown here. Visitors can drive around and drop in at the spots of their interest, e.g. the Orchid Breeding Center, the Herbs Center, and the Greenhouse.

Lampoon & Wat Haripoonchai

Legend handed down for more than 1,400 years refer to this ancient town as Hariphunchai. Its first ruler was Queen Chamthewi who was of Mon extraction. In late 12th century, King Mengrai overran the town and subsequently integrated it into the Lanna Kingdom. Today, Lamphun still retain its enchanting ambience of a small but old community. It is only 26 kilometers from Chiang Mai, located on the bank of the Kuang River and its attractions include ancient sites and relics as well as forests and mountains and delightful lakes. Visit Wat Haripoonchai, considered one of the most sacred monuments in the north. Admire the intricately lacquered doors, the bronze gongs, which are among the largest in the world and two fine Buddha images in bronze. On the return trip to Chiang Mai, visit the village of Pasang, noted for its high quality silk and cotton weaving.

Hmong Nong Hoi Village & Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden

A scenic drive on winding mountain roads brings you to the hill-tribe village of Hmong Nong Hoi Royal Project. It is about 1,200 meters above sea level, with an average temperature of 20.6 degrees Celsius. Visitors have a chance to observe the experimental cultivation of herbs. Fruit trees grown in this area include Japanese apricot, peach, plum, avocado, strawberries, grapes, passion fruit, and coffee. There is also opportunity to observe medical treatment with herbal plants, needlework, the making of farm tools, and liquor production from maize. On the way back to Chiang Mai, visit Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden and Orchid Farm. Covering an area of 560 acres, it was established in 1992 in order to gather, to conserve and to strengthen the study and research on Thai plants and herbs. More than 700 species of plants, mostly Thai natives, are grown here. Visitors can drive around and drop in at the spots of their interest, e.g. the Orchid Breeding Center, the Herbs Center, and the Greenhouse.

Hmong Nong Hoi Village & Mae Saa Waterfall

Drive to the north of Chiang Mai to visit the Hmong (Meo) hill-tribe village of Mae Saa Mai, which consists roughly of over hundred families. You will be amazed by the amount of silver worn by the tribesmen as a symbol of their wealth. On your return trip to Chiang Mai, visit Mae Saa Waterfalls in the Ruckachati National Park.

Hmong Doi Pui Village & Doi Suthep Temple

Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, tucked away in the mountains at an elevation of 3,280 feet (1,056 meters). To reach the temple itself requires a climb up a Naga staircase of 290 steps. The monastery was built by King Gue-Na in 1383. In its center stands a huge Chedi (spired pagoda), which contains partial relics of Lord Buddha. Then continue to the Hmong village of Doi Pui. The hill people make a living by selling handicrafts, fabrics and curious decorative ornaments.

Handicraft Villages

Chiang Mai has long been known as Thailand's City of Handicrafts, and in the Sankamphaeng district of Chiangmai is the heart of the handicraft industry. Many of Thailand's major producers are located here and you will find all of the traditional crafts of the old days and the new in the shops along the Chiangmai - Sankampaeng Road. Lacquer-ware: This ancient art form of decorating wooden objects with many layers of black lacquer provides a combination of beauty and practicality. Silk and textiles: Thailand is famous worldwide for its fine, pure silk and Chiang Mai produces some of the finest. You can select readymade products or have an arrangement for your own tailoring. Hand-woven and ethnic textile designs for the collector are also offered. Woodcarving: Another feature that you don't want to miss is the woodcarving industry. The skilled craftsmen are professional experts in carving fine teakwood in reliefs, statuary, and furniture. A wide range of handcrafted souvenirs is also available. Umbrella making: Borsang has been the traditional center of Chiang Mai's famous umbrella and fan making. Here the hand-painted wares are made of delicate "Sa" paper and are available in many designs and colors. Silverware and Gems: Silversmithing in Chiangmai began centuries ago along Wualai Road, an area still known as the Silver village. Traditional items such as trays, bowls and boxes are on sale, precious stones and high quality jewelry can be bought at Gems Gallery.

Half-Day Thai Cooking Class in Chiang Mai

The Chiang Mai Thai cookery school offers a choice of 5 different one-day courses, which run in circle day in any day out (7 days a week). The courses are completely hands on which means that you will prepare and cook all the dishes by yourself. Teachers have an extensive knowledge of Thai ingredients and cooking methods which they take pleasure in sharing with their students every day. They all speak excellent English. The main emphasis of the courses is on quality. A recipe book in full color contains all the recipes from the 5 courses along with a photograph of each dish (each participant receives a free copy of the cook book).

For those on a tighter schedule, the preparation of 4 dishes will be taught during the morning class and the course ends after lunch with a transfer back to the hotel at around 14:30hrs.

COURSE 1 - INTRODUCTION TO THAI INGREDIENTS
Morning activity: The teacher will display a tray of ingredients and will go through each one and explain how to prepare, storing techniques as well as altenatives that can be used.
Morning dishes:
THAI HOT AND SOUR PRAWN SOUP: tom yam goong
GREEN CURRY WITH CHICKEN: geang keaiw waan gai
THAI FRIED NOODLES: phad thai
THAI STYLE FISH CAKES: tord man plaa
LUNCH
Dates for course 1 (Nov 2010 - Oct 2011):
Nov 5 10 15 20 25 30 / Dec 5 10 15 20 25 30 / Jan 4 9 14 19 24 29 / Feb 3 8 13 18 23 28 / March 5 10 15 20 25 30 / April 4 9 14 19 24 29 / May 4 9 14 19 24 29 / June 3 8 13 18 23 28 / July 3 8 13 18 23 28 / August 2 7 12 17 22 27 / September 1 6 11 16 21 26 / October 1 6 11 16 21 26 31

COURSE 2 - MAKING CURRY PASTE
Morning activity: Learn to make “Panaeng curry paste” by using a pestle and mortar. The ingredients need to be prepared first and then ground to a paste. The instructor will be on hand to help.
Morning dishes:
PANAENG CURRY WITH PORK: geang panaeng moo
CHIANG MAI CURRY WITH CHICKEN: geang hunglay gai
FRIED FISH WITH CHILLI AND BASIL: plaa laad prick
SWEET AND SOUR VEGETABLES: phad preiw waan pak
LUNCH
Dates for course 2 (Nov 2010 - Oct 2011):
Nov 1 6 11 16 21 26 / Dec 1 6 11 16 21 26 31 / Jan 5 10 15 20 25 30 / Feb 4 9 14 19 24 / March 1 6 11 16 21 26 31 / April 5 10 15 20 25 30 / May 5 10 15 20 25 30 / June 4 9 14 19 24 29 / July 4 9 14 19 24 29 / August 3 8 13 18 23 28 / September 2 7 12 17 22 27 / October 2 7 12 17 22 27

COURSE 3 -TOUR OF THE LOCAL MARKET
Morning activity: Visit the local market and learn about the different vegetables, herbs, roots and spices being sold.
Morning dishes:
CHICKEN IN COCONUT MIILK SOUP: tom kha gai
RED CURRY WITH FISH: geang ped plaa
FRIED MIXED MUSHROOM WITH BABY CORNS: phad hed horm
FRIED BIG NOODLES WITH THICK SAUCE: laad nah
LUNCH
Dates for course 3 (Nov 2010 - Oct 2011):
Nov 2 7 12 17 22 27 / Dec 2 7 12 17 22 27 / Jan 1 6 11 16 21 26 31 / Feb 5 10 15 20 25 / March 2 7 12 17 22 27 / April 1 6 11 16 21 26 / May 1 6 11 16 21 26 31 / June 5 10 15 20 25 30 / July 5 10 15 20 25 30 / August 4 9 14 19 24 29 / September 3 8 13 18 23 28 / October 3 8 13 18 23 28

COURSE 4 - SHOPPING AT THE MARKET
Morning activity: Learn how to select ingredients that are fresh for their cooking. Each student will have their own shopping list and pick up the ingredients written on their list. The payment will be taken care of by the instructor.
Morning dishes:
YELLOW CURRY WITH CHICKEN: geang garee gai
STEAMED FISH IN BANANA LEAVES: hor neung plaa
CHICKEN WITH CASHEW NUTS: gai phad med mamuang
FRIED BIG NOODLES WITH SWEET SOY SAUCE: phad seiiw
LUNCH
Dates for course 4 (Nov 2010 - Oct 2011):
Nov 2 7 12 17 22 27 / Dec 2 7 12 17 22 27 / Jan 1 6 11 16 21 26 31 / Feb 5 10 15 20 25 / March 2 7 12 17 22 27 / April 1 6 11 16 21 26 / May 1 6 11 16 21 26 31 / June 5 10 15 20 25 30 / July 5 10 15 20 25 30 / August 4 9 14 19 24 29 / September 3 8 13 18 23 28 / October 3 8 13 18 23 28

COURSE 5 -VEGETABLE CARVING
Morning activity: Learn the basics techniques of carving including how to use the carving knives. Learn to create flowers and leaves from different vegetables.
Morning dishes:
CLEAR SOUP WITH MINCED PORK: tom jued
SPRING ROLLS: paw pia tord
ROAST DUCK CURRY: geang phed ped yang
CHICKEN WITH GINGER: gai phad king
LUNCH
Dates for course 5 (Nov 2010 - Oct 2011):
Nov 4 9 14 19 24 29 / Dec 4 9 14 19 24 29 / Jan 3 8 13 18 23 28 / Feb 2 7 12 17 22 27 / March 4 9 14 19 24 29 / April 3 8 13 18 23 28 / May 3 8 13 18 23 28 / June 2 7 12 17 22 27 / July 2 7 12 17 22 27 / August 1 6 11 16 21 26 31 / September 5 10 15 20 25 30 / October 5 10 15 20 25 30

City & Temples & Wat Doi Suthep

Private tour: Visit to Wat Doi Suthep, tucked away in the mountains at 3,280 feet. The temple is reached by a staircase with 290 steps, flanked by a naga balustrade on either side. The monastery was built by King Gue-Na in 1383. The center is a big Chedi (spired pagoda), which contains partial relics of Lord Buddha. You then pass the city’s biggest market – Talad Wararot before going to two important temples: Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Sing.

Chiang Mai City & Temples

Buddhist temples in Chiang Mai show off a mixture of architectural styles that reflect the varied heritage of Northern Thailand. Elements from Lanna Thai, Burmese, Sri Lankan and Mon temples have all been used in one from or another. Intricate woodcarvings and protective Naga serpent staircases add a flamboyance that reflects an awesome reverence for the Buddhist religion. Gilded umbrellas, guardian figures from the tales of the Ramayana and stupas trimmed with god filigree combine to heighten the overall effect. To date, there have been some 300 temples constructed in Chiang Mai and its outskirts.

During this half-day tour, you will visit Chiang Mai’s largest fresh market (Waroros) and the following temples:
Wat Phra Singh: The large chedi was built in 1345 by King Pha Yu to house the remains of his father King Kam Fu. A typical scripture repository is located at this temple as well. These repositories were designed to keep and protect the delicate sa or mullberry paper sheets used by monks to keep records and write down folklore. The high stucco-covered stone base of the repository protected the delicate scriptures from the rain, floods and pests.
Wat Chedi Luang: The temple was originally constructed in 1401 by the orders of King Saeng Muang Ma. In 1454, reigning King Tilo-Garaj enlarged the chedi to a height of 86 meters. After an earthquake in 1545, the chedi lay in ruins until 1991, when it was reconstructed at a cost of several million Baht. Wat Chiang Man is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai. King Mengrai allegedly lived here while the city of Chiang Mai was constructed. Enshrined in Wat Suan Dok was built in 1383. It was constructed in the gardens of Lanna Royal Residence. The rows of smaller white chedis contain the ashes of Chiang Mai Royal family.

Buffalo Training Camp and Snake Farm

This tour departs in the morning with a private van transfer to Mae Rim. We visit the Buffalo Training Camp, who’s aim is to conserve Thai buffaloes and demonstrate the way of local villagers planting and harvesting rice, how they train and tame their buffalo to work in the rice field, including the techniques of riding a buffalo. Next, visit an orchid farm. Then continue to Mae Sa Snake Farm. Here, various species native to Thailand, are collected and researched. Snake handlers show a variety of non - poisonous and poisonous snakes, with cobras being the highlight, during a 30-minute show.

Balloon Flight over Chiang Mai

Enjoy the sensation of flying over farmlands, lakes and forest land during a hot air balloon ride with Balloon Adventure Thailand. Balloon flights depart early in the morning before the earth heats up. Due to thermal conditions, this exhilarating adventure is available only during a limited time between end of October and mid/end of February each year. Pick up from hotels to the launch site is usually between 06:00 and 06:30AM. Coffee / tea are served while the crew prepares the balloon for take off. Flights last around 75-90 minutes and end with a balloonist champagne celebration. Each participant will receive a certificate signed by the pilot.

Thai Dinner & Dance

After a full day's excursion in the heat of the day, enjoy a delicious genuine Thai-style dinner in delightful atmosphere. The meal is accompanied by Thai classical music and dances. Once performed in the inner-court only for royalty, every hand gesture carries a separate meaning. In the background, expert musicians demonstrate their considerable skills with ancient instruments designed for Thai classical music. Available at Piman Restaurant and Silom Village.

Thai Boxing

The vicious styles of Thai boxing, which utilizes almost every part of the body to fend off an opponent, is what makes the sport unique from world boxing. Boxers are allowed to punch, kick, shove, and push by using their feet, legs, fists, knees, and elbows to attack the opponent above, as well as below the waist. Before the start of any match, each boxer performs a pre-fight ceremony to honor and show respect for their trainers, religion, and the sport itself. The ceremony involves a special kind of dance, accompanied by strident Thai boxing music, and the shouts of gamblers in the stands, betting on the outcome.
Thai Boxing at Ratchadamnoen Stadium: every Monday and Wednesday at 6 p.m., Thursday at 5 and 9 p.m., and Sunday at 4 and 8 p.m.
Thai Boxing at Lumphini Stadium: every Tuesday and Friday at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 5 p.m.

Siam Niramit Cultural Show

Siam Niramit - Siam, the Kingdom whose history, customs and civilization have transcended time.The land of beauty and cultural treasures that have descended down through centuries. Rejoice the glory of ancient Siam and b fascinated by the wonder and grandeur of Siam Niramit, Siam - the Enchanted Kingdom.
The Theme: Travel back through time into the history and culture of the Kingdom of Siam. You will be amazed and captivated by Journey Back Into History: Travel back into ancient civilizations and be stunned by splendid and diverse cultures that become the roots of the distinctive Thai ways of life. Journey Beyond Imagination: Karma, deeds of Mevit and Sin, destines where our spirits will be in the next lives. The dramatic portrait of the three Worlds of Hell, Heaven and Mythical Forest will just take your breath away.
Journey Through Joyous Festivals: To ascend to Heaven, Thais hold merit-making Festivals through our the year. You will be delighted by variety of wonderful, colourful and joyous festivities and celebrations. What was life like in old Siam? Find out for yourself at the Thai village where the unique architecture, music and costumes are revived. And not only can you see how Thailand delicate and ornate handicrafts are made, you try to create them yourselves! Savor the world-famous flavors of Thai cuisine at Sawasdee Restaurant. The delicacy of each Thai dish is elegantly presented and complimented by the charming ambience of traditional Thai décor.

Dinner Cruise on the Manohra

Experience Bangkok at its best by cruising the historic Chao Phraya river aboard the beautifully restored rice barge, the "Manohra" and "Manohra Moon", 50-year-old rice barges that were completely re-built and restored for dining and cocktail cruising. Seating is set for 40 guests only to ensure an intimate experience. The boats depart from the Manohra Cruises pier on the river frontage of the Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa and pick up at the Oriental Public Pier and the Taksin Public Pier.

Dinner Cruise on the Loy Nava

Dinner on the Legendary "River of Kings". Dine aboard the Tahsaneeya Nava, a unique and beautiful antique teakwood rice barge, and cruise along the historic Chao Phraya River, which flows between the ancient and modern capitals of the kingdom and is the focal point for festivals and royal ceremonies. Celebrate a romantic evening on the majestic River of Kings. It’s an experience of Thailand you will never forget. Guests are welcomed aboard by traditionally attired hostesses with a rose-water sprinkling ceremony. Scented cool towels are offered to guests to refresh themselves. During the candle-lit romantic and sedate cruise along the Chao Phraya River, traditional kim music (Thai xylophone) is played gently in the background. The boat is noted for its floral appearance, featuring fresh and cut flowers from all over Thailand.

Safety on board is of major importance. Safety equipment is inspected and maintained regularly, and a life jacket is provided under every seat. Enjoy the subtle spices of traditional Thai dishes, using only the freshest top-quality products. Each menu is carefully designed to satisfy all palates, drawing upon dishes from each of Thailand’s distinct gastronomic regions – the North, the Northeast (Isaan), the South and the Central Plains. A choice of Thai and Thai Vegetarian and Seafood set menus is available. Every dish is labeled and guests are provided with a multi-lingual description of the dishes and the regions from which they originate.