DESTINATION GUIDE
CHIANG MAI
Northern Thailand’s largest city has struck a fine balance between the traditional and the contemporary and offers cultural heritage, unique cuisine, luxury and boutique stays, jungle treks and much more
The former capital of the ancient Lanna kingdom, Chiang Mai has kept its traditional roots. From its temples to its cuisine, you can still experience the old ways of the northern kingdom. For the more adventurous traveler, Chiang Mai presents a variety of activities, from training as a mahout, bamboo rafting to treking to mountain hilltribe villages. After wearing yourself out by exploring the region’s many curiosities, you can reward yourself with wonderful Thai cuisine and coffee and relaxing massages.
Read about some of our privately-guided experiences in Chiang Mai.We can tailor and refine any experience to suit your interests or for a family-orientated trip
LANNA FAMILY
CULTURE AND COOKING
Half day
Visit a traditional Lanna family residence which has been part of the family heritage for more than 150 years. Your hosts are a local Thai family, sharIing details of their life and culture with a unique cooking experience. First select ingredients from the garden including fresh herbs and spices then, with the guidence of your hosts, create local northern Thai dishes from homemade recipes, sharing the meal together to gain an insight into the local Lanna way of life.
ETHICAL ELEPHANT
EXPERIENCE
Full day
We head into the northern hlls to an ethical elephant sanctuary for a no hands-on elephant learning experience. Embark on an elephant walk into the forest with expert guides. Meet the mahouts and observe the elephants grazing, socializing and bathing. We learn about elephant conservation and behaviour. their health and diet and gain an insight into the mahouts role in Thai culture. We help fill tubes with corn, sugar cane and banana and observe the elephants enjoy their treats. After a Thai vegetarian lunch, learn about traditional weaving techniques at the Karen Cultural Centre. Then help prepare food for the elephants while
AKHA HIKE AND BAMBOO
RIVER RAFTING
Half day
Arrive at Nam Tok Mok Fa waterfall in Mae Taeng Distict then on to a local Ahka village community - a glimpse into the tradition and culture of the local people. The trek then leads along a trail used by the local community for foraging and fishing, along a stream that winds its way through the jungle. Reach the larger river then the bamboo rafting experience begins, gently floating down the river on a traditional bamboo raft at an unhurried pace. Head to a local Akha homestay for the night or journey back to Chiang Mai.
OLD CITY TEMPLES
BY SAMLOR
Half day
We begin at riverside Warorot Market, where our samlors are waiting to take us to Old Chiang Mai. We head off down Tha Pae Road to Wat Chiang Man, the oldest temple in the city dating from 1296, with your local guide explaining the history of the temple and city. Next we head to Wat Phra Singh which houses the most venerated Buddha in Northern Thailand. We then make our way to Wat Phuak Hong with its Mon-style chedi. The next stop is the Chiang Mai Gate market to try some of the local delicacies on offer. Finally, we visit Wat Chedi Luang and nearby Wat Phantao, a beautiful wooden temple.
Read about some of our favourite hotels in Chiang Mai.
PING NAKARA
BOUTIQUE
The Ping Nakara Boutique Hotel is an early 1900's colonial style hotel located near the Ping River with 19 individually styled guestrooms. Guests can enjoy the comfort of the library or the peaceful verandah by the outdoor pool and can unwind and enjoy treatments from the hotel’s Nakara Spa.
CROSS CHIANG MAI RIVERSIDE
The luxury hotel is situated on the banks of the Ping River north of the city. The unique design blends modern elements with the traditional Lanna style around a courtyard interspersed with leafy 120-year-old Tamarind trees. The resort has 29 elegantly designed suites, an infinity pool, fine-dining Oxygen Rooam and a rooftop bar overlooking the tranquil flow of the river.
137 PILLARS HOUSE
CHIANG MAI
Built in the 1880's as part of the East Borneo Company headquarters, the boutique luxury 137 Pillars House has 30 set in a series of 19th-century teak houses in the leafy Wat Gate neighborhood. With gourmet dining, a swimming pool, library and an array of spa treatments, the hotel has a warm and relaxing ambiance
ANANTARA RESORT
CHIANG MAI
Anantara Chiang Mai Resort is located on the river, a short distance from Old Chaing Mai. The rooms and suites are a comtempory design with teak floors. Facilities include an outdoor pool, spa and fitness center. The Service 1921 Restaurant & Bar, located in a colonial-era building which was home to the Britsih Consulate, serves contemporary Asian cuisine.
VILLA
MAHABHIROM
Villa Mahabhirom is a design hotel located in the Suthep district outside of the city centre, threading together history, culture and art. The 14 villas are 1, 2 and 3 bedroom restored antique teakwood houses ranging in size from 50sqm to 80sqm. They have been beautifully decorated with chandeliers, numerous pieces of art and Italian marble bathrooms. The property features a swimming pool and dining at Saigon Restaurant.
NA NIRAND
BOUTIQUE HOTEL
This garden resort is located on the banks of the Ping River, a short distance from the old city. The resort is built around a restored teak Lanna-style house, which serves as a lounge, library and spa.The 39 rooms are furnished in a Lanna-style and the four colonial-era suites are housed in a separate building right by the water’s edge and fronted by a pool.The TIME Riverfront Cuisine overlooking the Ping serves northern Thai cuisine.