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Chiang Mai Explorer

Tour extension

Overview

Gallery

Itinerary

Inclusions

How to Book

Chiang Mai discovery

Chiang Mai, meaning ‘new city’ in Thai, is actually a city steeped in history. The former seat of the ancient Lanna kingdom, you’ll find plenty of traditional Thai culture and fascinating Lanna architecture within the ancient walls of the old city. Buddhist temples, from the crumbling to the ostentatious, delight visitors around every corner. 

And yet, amid all the traditional fare, there’s also a pleasant sprinkling of modernity. You’ll find cool bars, funky cafes, and fashion boutiques in the city’s streets alongside artisanal shops and smoky restaurants selling local delicacies. 

After cycling through the lush green outskirts and sampling the iconic mountainscapes around Chiang Mai, we encourage you to get to know the rose of the north itself. 

The city, neatly nestled between the intimidating Doi Suthep and the meandering Ping River, offers plenty to stick around for.

Activities

Ride / Walk

Difficulty

Easy

Duration

2 Days / 1 Night

Price

US$199

Day to Day itinerary

Day 1

Riding

Welcome to Chiang Mai

Rise bright and early to take part in the traditional ritual of almsgiving. Buddhism is inescapable in Chiang Mai, from the many temples dotted throughout the city to the orange-clad monks you see wandering the streets. To understand the city, you need to understand the part that Buddhism plays in the lives and rituals of its inhabitants.

Each morning, as the sun rises, the monks wander barefoot through the city and collect food from the locals. Providing food to monks is a way to make merit, as strictly speaking monks cannot buy food themselves. Take part in this rewarding experience while our knowledgeable guide explains the significance of the ancient tradition.

Head back to the hotel to refuel with breakfast before embarking upon a cycling journey on our historic Chiang Mai tour.

After heading to the grasshopper Adventures shop for a quick fitting, we’ll head out to discover the charms of Chiang Mai on a gentle, easy ride around the mostly flat city.

We’ll navigate the quaint lanes of the old city on the way to Tha Pae gate. Here, our expert guide will teach you all about the city’s history as a trading hub connecting neighbouring provinces. Admire the lovingly restored gate that used to be the entryway for traders to bring their wares.

Get pedalling on to the next stop at Somphet market. Markets play a crucial role in Chiang Mai as hubs for socialising, eating, and buying just about everything they need, from exotic spices to fresh fruit, and flowers to take to the temple.

Explore the always bustling market and sample some of the delicious fruit or, for the more brave, try the spicy papaya salads. Our helpful guide will be on hand to recommend the best places to eat the local Chiang Mai delicacies.

After a bite to eat, we’ll then begin a tour of the city’s iconic temples. Well stop by Wat Chiang Mian, the Navel Temple, and Wat Chedi Luang. We’ll also take time to appreciate the Three Kings Monument that celebrates the three founding kings of the city in the 13th century.

At each temple, observe locals and monks mingling as they go about their daily worship, admire the ornate artwork and carvings on show, and soak up the wispy ambience of incense sticks. Each temple provides a different ambience and backstory. Our guide will help explain the significance of various elements of the Buddhist traditions on show.

After this last stop, we’ll retrace our steps and pedal bike to the bike shop after a jam-packed morning of exploration and learning.

Feel free to enjoy the rest of the afternoon.

Day 2

Meals: B

Free Morning

You have a free morning to explore before late check out and your transfer to Chiang Mai airport. 

If you have time, we recommend taking a songthaew (the iconic local red trucks that serve as public transport) up to the peak of Doi Suthep.  

There, you can visit the ostentatious temple grounds with its golden stupa. You’ll also be treated to a wonderful panorama of the city below and the wider valley.

Tour inclusions

What’s Included

  • Departure transfer & fun tuk-tuk riding
  • Tour insurance
  • 1 night in a 4-star hotel
  • 1 Breakfast
  • Bike, helmet & water bottle
  • Entry fees to temples and where applicable
  • Water, shared snacks & nibbles
  • Fully guided

What’s not

  • International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Items of personal nature
  • Tips
  • Extra meals & drinks
  • Early hotel check-in

Tour Package

The tour comes with a comfortable accommodation and a great selection of activities. The tour package is US$199 p.p. for two people, and for single travelers there is a surcharge of US$99.

Explore Chiang Mai

The Rim Resort Chiang Mai

How to book an extension?

This package is available as an extra when booking one of our applicable tours:

If your multi-day tour is starting or ending in Chiang Mai:
When completing your booking details please select the available option.

If your multi-day tour is not starting or ending in Chiang Mai:
Please contact our team for the booking. We can also quote and arrange flights within Asia to/from Chiang Mai.

Please note: If you are traveling solo, you must also select the “Single Supplement”.

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