CULTURE TOUR PROGRAMME -1-

(Full Day)

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1) Wat Suan Dok and Wat Chet Yot

You start your day with the visit of the most photographed and most inspiring temples of Chiang Mai : Wat Suan Dok (built in a 14th century pleasure garden) and Wat Chet Yot (built in 1447 by Lanna architects recently returned from Buddhagaya, the site of the Buddha's enlightenment in northern India over 2,500 years ago)

2) Chiang Mai National Museum

The Chiang Mai National Museum (open Wednesday through Sunday) provides a superb overview of Lanna Thai Culture including works of art, war weapons and ancient Buddha images.

3) Kruba Srivichai Monument and Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep

After your lunch, you head for Doi Suthep - the holy hill west of Chiang Mai - on an steep road meandering for 12 km (7.5 miles) up the flanks of the mountain ('Doi'). On the way, you stop at the popular Kruba Srivichai Monument (which honours the man whose followers built the first motor road to the mountain in 1935).

Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, perched high on the flank of the hill, 1,022 m (3,000ft) above sea level, is Chang Mai most famous temple. The pagoda in its centre contains some of the relics of the Lord Buddha. The temple is visited thoughout the year by thousands of tourists and Buddhist pilrims from all over the world.

4) Phuping palace

On the way back, you drive onto a road wich mounts through pine forest to Phuping Palace (if open), the summer residence of the royal family. The beautifull flower gardens are open to the public from 8.30am to 4.00pm Friday to Sunday and on official holyday.

CULTURE TOUR PROGRAMME -2-

(Half day)

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Wat Ku-Tao, Wat Chiang Man, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Sing

Visit of Wat Ku-Tao (the most tranquil temple of Chiang Mai), Wat Chiang Man (the oldest, which dates from 1296) Wat Chedi Luang (the most impressive) and Wat Phra Sing (the most lovely).

NATURE TOUR PROGRAMME -1-

(Full Day)

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9.40 - Pong Yang Elephant Camp

You start your day along the Mae Rim- Samoeng route, inside the Mae Sa Valley, with a visit to the Pong Yang Elephant Training Centre -30 kms from town - where elephants demonstrate their formidable and highly valued forestry skills.

Mae Sa Waterfalls

Back on the road, you head then for the Mae Sa Waterfalls, a eight level waterfall which occupies a tranquil setting amid gigantic trees.

Mae Sa Butterfly Farm and Orchid Farm

Your next attraction is the Mae Sa Butterfly Farm where a large variety of beautiful butterflies are raised in a spacious garden. The farm gift shop sells framed butterfly specimens, a wide variety continuously blooming orchids and jewelry made from fresh flowers electroplated in gold.

(Chiang Mai Snake farm)

You have the option of stopping at the Chiang Mai Snake Farm to safely observe these dangerous reptiles.

Lunch at Huay Thung Thao (lake)

NATURE TOUR PROGRAMME -2-

(Full Day)

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10.00 - Chiang Dao Elephant Camp

You start your day heading for Chiang Dao, north of Chiang Mai, winding along the bends of the road high above the Mae (River) Ping. You will arrive at the Chiang Dao Elephant Camp in time for the 40 minute, 10 am show.

(Elephant-Back Amble Around)

After the show, you have the option of taking a one hour elephant ride.

Rafting down the Mae Ping River

Next on your programme is an exciting bamboo raft ride down the Mae Ping to Tha Rua.

Chiang Dao Caves

Returning to the highway you will drive to Chiang Dao and its famous caves. These sacred caves are filled with Budda images and deep recesses that must be explored with oil lantern carrying local guides.

SHOPPING TOUR PROGRAMME

(Half Day)

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1) Chiang Mai - Sankampaeng Road

The largest and most popular of the local handicraft factories are situated along a 13 km stretch of the Chiang Mai - Sankampaeng Road. Both sides of the road are lined with factories and showrooms which give you the opportunity to both observe the production of the crafts and purchase your favorites. When shopping, this is certainly the best area to visit.

2) Bor Sang Village

Another area that must be seen on the Sankampaeng road is Bor Sang - the world-famous village which sells cotton umbrellas and paper parasols handpainted in variety of floral and animals designs. Generations of Bor Sang families have been engaged in umbrella and parasol making for over 200 years.

3) Lunch at Baan Suan Restaurant

For lunch, you can head for delicious Thai food or just a cool drink in the beautiful garden at Baan Suan Restaurant.