Chiang Mai holidays

A pleasant morning is spent in the company of these magnificent gentle giants. In present day Thailand, elephants were only used as tremendously powerful beasts of burden, but in the earlier times, they were a vital part of the King's army and played a very important role Thai History. On this trip you will witness the traditional techniques still used in the training process. Wonder at the delicacy and preciseness of such gigantic creatures in action. For a small fee, the adventurous can also enjoy a short but unforgettable elephant ride. On the return journey to the hotel a stop is made at Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden, as well, one of the region's orchid farms displaying a full variety of some of Thailand's exquisite blooms. region's orchid farms displaying a full variety of some of Thailand's most exquisite blooms.

Chiang Mai, ringed by small cottage factories and workshops is Thailand's main handicraft centre. On this tour, you'll make a visit to the San Kamphaeng district, heart of the silk and cotton home industries, where you'll witness the fascinating process of making and weaving these popular fabrics and then continue on to the Bor Sang, the umbrella village, where the delicate Thai paper umbrellas are produced and hand-painted. From here, you'll move onwards to Thai Celadon, about 3 miles north of Chiang Mai, where exquisite ceramics are produced. These are modelled on the Sawankhalok pottery that used to be made hundreds of years ago at Sukhothai and exported all over the region. With its deep, cracked glazed finish, the style is very distinctive and some pieces are exceptionally beautiful. Last but not least, you'll stop to observe the intricacies of both the lacquer-ware and silverware craftsmen.

A relaxing drive takes you up the slopes of Doi Suthep Peak to visit a Meo hilltribe to observe their simple way of life. The Meo hilltribe originated in South China and usually live on mountain peaks or plateaus above 3000 feet. Due to its proximity to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep which is visited by many tourists, this particular village is a little more commercial than the traditional hilltribe villages. This is followed by a visit to the most sacred temple in the north, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (AD 1384), containing a holy relic of Lord Buddha, with a challenging flight of over 300 steps, flanked by enormous mythological Nagas. A panoramic view of the city can be seen from here at 3,500 feet above sea level. On a clear day the panoramic views of the city from the temple ground are truly spectacular!