A cultural Thai adventure

Explore this wonderful city and spend time enjoying the surrounding countryside. We will recommend and arrange the best privately guided activities, restaurant reservations and places to shop for you the ultimate experience of Chiang Mai.

This tour will take you on a culturally exciting journey through Chiang Mai. First up is the must see, most scared fascinating temple of the North - Wat Prathat Doi Suthep. Perched within its mountain top home above the city, you will first spot the golden spire on the meandering drive up. You will climb the staircase lined with green trees and imposing looking Nagas (mythical Thai water spirits) to visit the exquisite golden pagoda. After appreciating the tranquil atmosphere and stunning scenery, you will be able to stop on your journey down for a cup of locally grown 'Arabica' coffee. Once re-energised the tour will continue and finish off in the mountains where you will stop to visit the village of White Hmong. A traditional hill tribe of around 800 inhabitants, learn how they are still practicing traditional customs from over 500 years ago.

Take a closer look at Chiang Mai with a walking tour designed to reveal a more authentic side of the city. Set off through the city’s old town with a knowledgeable local guide. Step off the main streets to see hidden neighbourhoods brimming with charm.

During the tour, get a taste of local life. Visit bustling markets where Chiang Mai’s residents come to buy fresh vegetables, spices, and more. See school kids on their way to class, elderly Thais tending their garden, and other scenes of daily activity in the city.

Explore historic landmarks, including Wat Chiang Man, Chiang Mai’s oldest temple. Walk alongside the crumbling walls of the old town and admire the city’s iconic Three Kings Monument.

Pay a visit to the Lanna Folklife Museum. Located inside a restored colonial building, the museum showcases the rich heritage of Northern Thailand and provides further insight into the history of Chiang Mai.

Having spent several hours walking, it’s time to refresh tired muscles. Head to the Chiang Mai Women’s Correctional Institute where former female prisoners run a traditional Thai massage spa. The project trains the prisoners to be masseuses, providing them with a valuable skill and allowing them to be self-sufficient after their prison term. Help support this fabulous programme by enjoying a 30-minute foot massage.

Before returning to the hotel take a short stroll to majestic Wat Chedi Luang, the final stop on the Chiang Mai walking tour. After a visit to the temple, return to the hotel by car.

Today, you'll embark of a fascinating cultural expedition to discover Thai cooking, traditions, and family life. As one of the world’s most tourist-friendly countries, Thailand is uniquely able to give visitors an immersive exotic experience. This fascinating encounter provides guests with a truly authentic look at Thai culture, specifically the country’s rich culinary heritage. We begin by discovering traditional basket-weaving skills as we slip into a pair of local ‘fisherman’s pants’ and join Mr. Prapat on a trip to his home in Hang Dong. Here we explore traditional local architecture and artisan skills, such as basket weaving, that have gone unchanged for centuries. Then it's time to select fresh ingredients needed to cook a sumptuous home-cooked meal. Using this organic produce, Mr. Prapat and his family will teach guests the traditional techniques and skills of northern Thai cuisine, before sitting down to enjoy a family meal. After lunch, guests can spend the afternoon taking a leisurely stroll around the neighbourhood to see some of the local cottage industries on show, in a truly authentic setting.

After breakfast at your hotel you will head out to Sri Lanna National Park where you will freshen up and climb the famous “sticky waterfalls”. If you have energy, you can walk up to the source of the falls, a seven-coloured natural spring. Next, you will jump on bicycles and ride through the paved roads away from the falls, as the scenery changes from lush nature to a wide variety of plantations. You'll pass different fruit orchards along the way, as well as wide stretching rice paddies. You're welcome to stop for photos and to enjoy the views as you go.

You will reach Mae Ngat Dam reservoir which marks the end of the bike ride. Then it's time to change your mode of transport and hop into the long-tail boat for a fresh 20-minute breeze of a ride over the wonderful, green surrounded reservoir. You will stop at a floating raft house for lunch. Feel free to swim around the raft house or follow your adventure guide while kayaking over the lake. Later in the afternoon, you will take the boat back to the shore, pack your gear and head back towards your hotel in Chiang Mai.

Depart your hotel at 6am and arrive at the foot Hill of Doi Suthep Mountain, in time to buy offerings and join the locals during the daily alms giving ceremony. This is a serene Buddhist procession where dozens of monks walk barefoot through the street collecting food and everyday items. Continue up the mountain to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and climb the 309 steps of the Golden Naga stair case to reach its golden pagodas. Proceed to Wat Umong, built in the 14th century, a heavily forested temple covered by moss and small plants offering a unique yet charming sense of natural decay. After a walk through its mysterious tunnels, you reach the Viharn of the temple to experience your own private blessing ceremony. After that, enjoy a delicious bowl of Khao Soy for lunch. This famous Northern Thai dish is a combination of coconut cream, crispy noodles and plenty of spice.

Relax and slip into serene seclusion at Naka Island. This exclusive boutique resort is found on Naka Yai Island and is surrounded by endless, stunning views of Phang Nha Bay. Dip into one of the pools and relax pool-side sipping on a cocktail, or enjoy one of the resort's many word-class activities, from kayaking and sailing to Thai massage lessons and bike tours. The gourmand can take up Thai cooking classes or even mixology classes, while those searching for something active can enjoy Thai boxing, windsurfing or a bike tour across the island. Explore your nearby surroundings on a island hopping tour, as you kayak through caves, discover secret lagoons, navigate a sea walker and admire the vibrant marine life with a glass canoe ride. For those searching for an extra touch of romance, the resort offers intimate dining options or pamper yourself at the spa with a range of signature indigenous botanical treatments with expert beauticians.