Discover Chiangmai

5 Days / 4 Nights Program with what we believe would be the "essentials" for a first-time visitor in Chiangmai, which includes Private Elephant Conservation Safari, Special Merit Making Ceremony, Doi Suthep Temple, City Sights & Local Handicraft Village.

  • DAY 1   Arrival

    On arrival at CHIANGMAI Airport you will be met and transferred to Your Chiangmai Hotel, where your reservation is for the next 4 Nights and includes Breakfast. En route to the Hotel, your Guide will give you an introduction to Thailand and your Program. The rest of the day is at your leisure in the Resort. (Specific aspects of your Sightseeing, etc. can also be discussed with your Guide).

  • DAY 2   Special Merit Making Ceremony, Doi Suthep Temple & City Sights

    This morning we leave the Resort early (around 06.00am) to arrive early at the foot of Doi Suthep, where we can take part in a local make merit ceremony by giving Alms (some food & drink, etc.) to the local Monks from Wat Sri Soda. This is an amazing and moving site with usually hundreds of Saffron Robed Monks walking out of the Temple. After this we continue with a drive up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the most venerated Temple in Chiangmai, situated on the hill-side some 3000 ft. above the City in the Doi Pui National Park. On the way up the mountain we stop for a short coffee break before visiting The Temple itself (before all the crowds arrive !!). Here we can climb the 306 stairs, to reach the Temple which encloses a large traditional, “Lanna” style Chedi covered with gold plates (A small mountain Tram is also available if the stairs are too much effort !!) From the Temple Grounds there are also panoramic views over Chiangmai and the surrounding area.

    On our descent we can spend the rest of the day in and around Chiangmai City, visiting some of the Principle Temples inside Chiangmai old moated City, such as - Wat Phra Singh, Chiangmai City's most important Temple. Constructed in the 14th Century, of particular interests here are some well-preserved murals. Wat Chedi Luang, once home to the Emerald Buddha (Now in the Grand Place in Bangkok) built over 600 years ago, is dominated by it's massive Chedi, which was partially destroyed by an earthquake in the mid 1500's. and Wat Chiang Man, the City's oldest Temple. Wat Suan Dok, best known for its large number of pagodas in which the ashes of the Chiang Mai Royal Family are enshrined.

  • DAY 3   Private Elephant Conservation Safari

    This morning we drive by Private Air-conditioned vehicle, to our Elephant Conservation Site, in the Mae Khanin Valley on the outskirts of Chiangmai.

    On arrival at the Site, you will be greeted by your Host, and have a short briefing on how to be a health-based advocate for elephants, you will learn how to approach and become friends with your elephant as well as provide a health inspection.

    After getting changed into a more comfortable Local “Elephant” Outfit, we then start our Private “Elephant Safari” in an Africa Safari-style Off road Vehicle through the hidden MaeKhanin Valley, and while driving along the trail of River Crossings, you will have up close and personal interactions with free-roaming elephants.

    You will have the opportunity to feed the Elephants with natural fruits and herb balls as well as a hands-on specialized elephant bathing for skincare and other healthcare-based activities. After a Safari-styled local Lunch, we can walk with the Elephant through the Fields & Forest.

    On completion, we say farewell to your elephants, then meet up with our Vehicle & return to your Resort.

    For your Safety & Security, our own Qualified, English-speaking Guide, will be with you throughout the Private Program, which will be just your own Private party (with your own Vehicle ) throughout the activities.

  • DAY 4   Local Handicraft Village

    Today we visit some of the various Traditional Local Handicrafts & Craft villages that Chiangmai is renowned for. Specific interests and details can be discussed with your Guides, but could include Silk Weaving; Teak-wood carving; Silver working; Laquerware production; Ceramics and a village community producing Sa-paper (to your interest, as time and energy permits!) before returning to the Hotel.

  • DAY 5   Departure

    Today is at your leisure until we transfer you to CHIANGMAI AIRPORT, for your onward flight.

 

This would include:

  • Private Transfers, Touring, Transportation, Entrance Fees, etc. with Qualified, English-speaking Guide & Road Transportation by private air-conditioned vehicle in Chiangmai on DAY 1-5
  • Lunch taken at Local Restaurant (or picnic Lunch if necessary) on DAY 2-4.
  • 4 Nights including Breakfast at Your Chiangmai Hotel on DAY 1-5
  • Bottled Water, Soft Drinks & Cool Towels in Vehicle
  • P.A. Insurance (Local Cover) while on Tour

Principal Exclusions

  • Air Tickets & Airport Taxes
  • Hotel "Extra" Accounts, Late Check-out Arrangements, etc.
  • Gratuities (Guides, Drivers, Porters, etc.)
  • Other Meals Items & Services not indicated in the program

This is the EXAMPLE of the type of Private Program that we can offer – While this can be booked directly as it is, it could also be used as Guideline to help you prepare an individual Program that we can arrange and finalize for you.

Please remember, the very nature of these private trips makes them quite flexible and wherever possible we do try to cater directly to your interests.

Specific costs will vary dependent on Dates of Travel, International Arrival & Departure Flight Times, Number of Clients in the Party, Availability of Hotel Accommodation & Room Category, etc.