Northern Culture

4 days -- from USD 627 per person

Discover the well-preserved cultures of Thailand’s northern region. Experience a wide range of activities such as visiting temples of ancient architectural design, gallery featuring Buddhism-related artworks and Lanna handicraft centre. Also enjoy an ox-cart ride, a dinner with local family and learning how to cook traditional Thai northern foods.

Day 1 - Chiang Mai - Lamphun - Chiang Mai (Lunch, Dinner)

Upon arrival at Chiang Mai airport, transfer to Tamarind Village hotel.

Late morning, visit the old Kingdom of Lamphun including Wat Chammadhevi, commonly referred to Ku Kut, located on the Lamphun-San Pa Tong Road and built in 1298 B.E. in the Lawo (Lopburi) style. Then, continue to visit Dhamma Park Gallery, a contemporary, ecumenical centre for Socially Engaged Buddhism and the Arts. It offers an exciting third dimension Eco-Spiritual Tourism for those who wish to venture further on their travels. Visit and learn on the spiritual journey from ignorance to enlightenment via the humorous and satirical sculptures by....

...British Artist and Peace Builder, Venetia Walkey, which mark the way stages and are on permanent exhibition at the Gallery. Lunch at Dhamma Park. In the afternoon, visit Ban Nong Nguak in Pa Sang, handicraft centre famous for its handmade cotton materials, which are produced mainly in here. Then, drive to Chiang Mai, visit Wiang Kum Kam, the ancient city built and later abandoned due to a great flood long before the founding of the city of Chiang Mai. Another highlight along the way is the ancient ruins of Wat Chedi Liam, which was originally built in the style. After that, dine with local family in traditional Thai house on the outskirts of Chiang Mai.

Overnight at Tamarind Village.

Day 2 - Chiang Mai - Lisu Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Breakfast at the resort. Morning visit Chiang Mai City Art and Cultural Center (close on Monday). Learn about every aspect of the city from its pre-history to the present. Then, onto visit Doi Suthep temple, the most famous landmark of Chiang Mai with golden pagoda shrines on the hilltop overlooking the city. Next, visit Daraphirom Palace Museum (close on Monday) located in the Dara Rasamee Border Patrol Police Camp in Mae Rim District in Chiang Mai. The Palace was built after King Vajiravudh (King Rama VI) gave the petition to Jao Dara Rasamee to return to her hometown after King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) passed away.

Jao Dara Rasamee used her home to perform many good deeds in the fields of agriculture, culture and arts. She also supported Buddhism and was a major influence in developing Lanna's handicrafts, which made Chiang Mai a famous town of fine handicrafts today. Lunch at Lisu Lodge. Afternoon, a tour at a hill tribe village of Lisu includes Ton Lung temple and herbal garden. Stop at the shaman's house for a tea-break and get some ideas of traditional medicine. The tour is guided by Lisu people who will be a translator and accompany you for all activities in the village. Then, get on an oxcart and ride through orchards and farmland to the village of Ban Pang Mai Daeng.

Dinner and overnight at Lisu Lodge.

Day 3 - Lisu Lodge - Khum Lanna (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Breakfast at the lodge. Then, visit the Thai Buffalo Training Camp Mae Rim, a tourist destination with a difference. The camp aims at showcasing the lifestyle of the Lanna or Northern Thai people. It is open to tourists who wish to see the preservation of a unique way of life. The main feature attractions are the buffaloes. Then, onto visit Mae Pan Din Phor Tham Suan, a home stay and pottery house where you can learn about pottery making and watch their gallery. Lunch at Khum Lanna.

In the afternoon, take the old style bicycle for agro-cultural tour to visit and talk with farm owners. Stop at a huge reclining Buddha image at Wat Tham Dork Kum.

Dinner and overnight at Khum Lanna.

Day 4 - Khum Lanna - Chiang Mai (Breakfast, Lunch)

Take part in the food offering to the monks which will be held early morning at Wat Khuen Park near Khum Lanna. Breakfast at Khum Lanna. Then, explore the local market in Phrae. Late morning, enjoy Thai cooking lesson, the courses include:

- Introduction of Thai ingredients.

- The demonstration and cooking of 4 dishes.

- Enjoy all food prepared in traditional northern Thai style.

Then, transfer to Chiang Mai airport or your hotel in Chiang Mai.