Pick up at the airport or at hotel, visit the most important sites and museums of Chiang Mai before lunch at a local ‘Khao Soi’ restaurant. Khao Soi is a specialty found only in the north of Thailand. Of Chinese-Islamic origin, it is a savory soup made of flat egg noodles in a coconut-curry broth, topped with crisp deep-fried noodles and a choice of condiments. Don’t forget to squeeze fresh lime juice on it!

After lunch, drive into Doi Suthep – Doi Pui National Park. Stop at Mae Sa Waterfall for a swim and short hike around the falls before winding up the road to Doi Suthep, one of the most famous temples in Thailand. Phra Khru Ba Sriwichai, a much-revered monk, constructed the road up to the temple in 1934-36. His statue stands at the foot of the mountain on the road to the temple. Take a short cable-car ride or walk up the stairway to the top and admire the impressive view of Chiang Mai far below. A short drive away is the Hmong Village of Doi Pui, once an opium-growing village, now a prosperous market village with wonderful southward view to Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest mountain. Return to your hotel at sunset. Spend the evening on your own. Chiang Mai has a wide variety of excellent restaurants, and a Night Bazaar that is a hub of nighttime activity.

Meals: Lunch
Accom:See list

After breakfast, leave the hotel by 0730hrs to reach the Lampang Elephant Hospital and Conservation Center (early start is necessary as most interesting activities will take place in the morning) You will have a chance to practice driving an elephant, visit the hospital which gives free care to all elephants, and take a saddle-back ride through the forest.

Have lunch in a local restaurant.

On the way back to Chiang Mai we’ll stop at Ban Tawai, a well known wood carving village where you can do some souvenir shopping.

Dinner is at a local restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accom: See list