Highlights of The North

📍 Chiang Rai Airport – Chiang Rai City 12.3 km): 17 min

Upon arrival at Chiang Rai Airport, you will be met and greeted by our EXO Travel guide for your transfer for a brief sightseeing at Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple. Soak up the amazing beauty of the unique kanok architecture. Then transfer to your hotel.

In the evening visit the local night bazaar or night market.

Overnight in Chiang Rai

Inclusions:

📍 Chiang Rai City – Golden Triangle (82 km): 1.17 hrs Golden Triangle - Chiang Mai (270 km): 4.30 hrs

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive to Sop Ruak (Golden Triangle), to see the viewpoint of the Golden Triangle where the Mekong River converges Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Visit the Hall of Opium (closed on Mondays), an impressive and informative museum that documents the history of the area and details its links to the opium trade. Lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch, continue to Chiang Mai.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

After early breakfast at the hotel, you will be picked up and transfer approximately 1.5 hours South of Chiang Mai through rolling hills, forest, and local farming areas, until reaching the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. Walk through and learn about the elephants, and change into traditional Karen clothing. Then it’s time to meet them, feed and give medicine, interact, and play with them in a natural environment as you learn about their behavior and history. Also, enjoy mud spa with them and walk with them to a river to bathe them. Have a traditional meal for lunch before saying goodbye to the elephants and drive back to Chiang Mai.

In the afternoon, explore the old and modern city of Chiang Mai, including its old crumbling city walls, gates, moat, eclectic markets, residential areas, majestic foreign consulates, government buildings and Thapae Road, one of Chiang Mai’s main streets. Continue with a drive up to Doi Suthep mountain for a visit to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Built in 1384 AD, this is the most sacred temple in Northern Thailand. Inside the temple, you will see one of the most sacred stupas in all of Thailand. A fantastic panoramic view over the city can be seen from here. Breathe deeply and enjoy the serenity of ancient Wat Jed Yod with its seven spires stupa and Wat Suan Dok where the ashes of Chiang Mai’s royal family are interred.

OPTIONAL: Chiang Mai Night Discovery

Chiang Mai really comes alive at night, and this tour allows guests to experience the social and spiritual sides of this charming city after dark.

The evening starts at a local temple where the monks gather for their nightly prayer chants. Guests can take part in this deeply sacred ritual by lighting incense and candles, to ensure an unforgettable and otherworldly experience.

Dinner is then served at the stunning 137 Pillars House, inspired by the courtyard architecture of ancient Chinese dwellings, and serving an exquisite selection of Lanna, Burmese and Shan cuisine, before guests are transported to the colorful Waroros Market. This bustling night market is the hub of local life in Chiang Mai, with fresh food and flower stalls offering an intoxicating mix of sights, sounds and smells.

Here, guests will be able to sample some local Thai delicacies, providing a sweet end to an enchanting evening. (D)

Time: 17.00 – 21.00

Departure: Daily

Blackout dates for dinner at 137 Pillars House on 24 and 31 Dec 17 due to the hotel                    

arranging only gala dinner.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Chiang Mai Hotel – Chiang Mai Airport (13.2 km): 15 min

Your guide and private car will pick you up at your hotel for the transfer back to Chiang Mai Airport.

OPTIONAL: Grandma's Home Cooking School

You will be picked up at either 08:30 or 15:30. Uncover the secrets behind famous Thai dishes at Grandma’s home cooking school. Travel south of the city center to a traditional Sala (open air) house to meet a local chef. After a short introduction on the day’s activities, head out to a nearby fresh market to collect your ingredients.

 

The chef will introduce the ingredients, exotic herbs and spices and their use, and explain Thailand’s food culture.

 

Armed with new knowledge of Thai cuisine and its ingredients, start cooking! Chop vegetables, create spicy sauces and fry up sizzling plates. Throughout the course the chef will share their personal story and offer tips and hints for preparing these same dishes in your own kitchen.

 

When everything is ready, sit down and enjoy the delicious fresh dishes. Savour the delicate flavours of home-cooked Thai cuisine, enjoying the results of the day’s activities. Return to the hotel with a full belly and a better understanding of Chiang Mai’s foodie culture.

 (L or D)

 

Time:                   08:30 – 14:00 / 15:30 - 20:30

Departure:         Daily

Note:   

• Private transfers between your hotel and Grandma’s home Cooking School, but join-in cooking activity.
• Cooking instruction in English
• Children are charged as adult price
• Minimum 2 pax up
• Evening class no visit local market

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast