Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Elephants Tour

Welcome to Chiang Mai, the blissfully calm and laid-back city in northern Thailand.

Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel by your private guide. After taking a brief rest, pay a visit to Meo Hill Tribe Village, set on a hillside of Doi Suthep-Pui National Park. Here, you can learn about the local customs and life, admire their batik techniques, complex embroidery, and colorful costumes, and enjoy the fantastic view of the mountain and the village cloaked in flowering plants. After that, explore Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, not only an ancient temple but also a natural lookout point that provides panoramic views of Chiang Mai from the summit.

Depart for Chiang Rai with your guide in a private car. On arrival, we head to the Development and Education Programme for Daughters and Communities Centre in the Greater Mekong Sub-region (DEPDC/GMS), a Non-Profit organization to prevent and protect thousands of children and youth in northern Thailand from being trafficked into exploitative labor. It aims to help the most at-risk children, their families, and communities, and instill self-confidence and positive attitudes among children to decrease the conditions and factors that make them vulnerable to trafficking.

Then we spend the remaining time at the DEPDC's Half Day School in Mae Sai, applying educational opportunities as the pathway to protection and development. They provide non-formal education, life-skills training, and vocational training to children. You will get a thorough understanding of their lives and engage with them when they participate in educational activities.

After the visit, drive to your hotel in Chiang Rai for the night.

After breakfast, depart for Wat Rong Seua Ten, also known as the Blue Temple, the new landmark of the area. The temple presents its unique architecture and fine scripture art worth visiting. Continue on to visit Longneck Karen Hill Tribe Village. The women here wear heavy brass rings around their necks, wrists, and ankles. Learn about the customs and traditions of Long Necks and stroll around the village to get a feel of the local's way of life. Afterwards, hop on a long-tail boat and enjoy a panoramic cruise along the Mae Kok River. Before heading to Chiang Mai, make a visit to the unique White Temple.

This morning, you will have an impressive and unique culinary experience at a local Lanna family. With a private transfer, you will go to the local Lanna family for a Thai cooking class. Firstly, take a join-in tour to visit the house and garden. The hospitable host will introduce you to the history, religious beliefs, and traditions of the Lanna family, show you their garden full of fresh vegetables, various fruits, and spices, as well as herbs. Afterward, enjoy your private cooking class and learn to prepare some authentic Thai dishes. And finally, enjoy a delicious lunch with the family.

An afternoon tour of the Old City gets you complete exposure to local culture. Go to the riverfront Warorot Market (Kad Luang), get an authentic shopping experience with the locals. Next, venture to the eastern Thapae Gate, then take a Samlors (three-wheeled bike) or rickshaw to pass through the Old City and its narrow streets, lined with historic buildings, beautiful temples, and old shops. Reach the Wat Suan Dok Temple, wander inside to learn about its history, and sit down with a Buddhist monk to talk about his life, gaining a deeper understanding of Thailand's cultural beliefs.

Thailand is commonly known as the kingdom of elephants. Thai elephant, the symbol of Thailand, has a special significance in Thai history, tradition, culture, and royalty through many centuries.

Today, you'll visit the Friends of the Asian Elephant in Lampang, one hour outside Chiang Mai. This jungle sanctuary is the world's first elephant hospital established in the 1990s, providing free care for injured, sick, or abused elephants throughout Thailand. So far, over 4,000 cases of sick and injured elephants treated. You spend the whole day here, getting up close to these lovely elephants as they roam freely during rehabilitation.

The time is short but sweet, now you have to say goodbye to Thailand. After breakfast, your guide will escort you to the airport for your flight back home.