Nicknamed the “Rose of the North,” Chiang Mai, Thailand is famous for its elephants, but Backyard Travel’s Chiang Mai Discovery Tour reveals much more. This three-day, two-night excursion is an ideal supplement to a Bangkok business trip, with a flexible itinerary that can be customized to suit each traveler’s preferences — from accommodation choices to specific activities.
Begin your visit with a classic trishaw ride to a bustling local market where you can savor a cup of Arabica coffee. Continue to the revered Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, where a private blessing ceremony by resident Buddhist monks offers a meaningful cultural experience amid sweeping forest views of Chiang Mai. The itinerary also includes guided visits to the historic temples Wat Suan Dok and Wat Phra Singh, both rich in Lanna architecture and spiritual significance.
For wildlife and nature lovers, the tour features a guided 50-minute elephant trek that allows close-up time with these gentle giants in an organized, supervised setting. Adrenaline-seekers can opt for a downhill river-rafting section that showcases the region’s scenic waterways. The tour also offers cultural immersion opportunities: visit an Akha tribal village to share tea with locals and learn about their traditions and daily life.
Committed to community-based travel, the Chiang Mai Discovery Tour provides an option to stay with a host family in Mae Kampong as part of a community ecotourism initiative. This homestay choice gives travelers an authentic, personal encounter with rural Thai life while supporting local livelihoods.
The tour is available through October and is priced from $1,357 per family (two adults and one child). The price excludes visa fees, tips, personal expenses, and domestic and international airfare. Because the tour is customizable, travelers can request specific accommodations and activities to shape the experience to their needs.
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