Depart your hotel at 06.00 AM and arrive at the foot hill of Doi Suthep mountain, in time to buy offerings and join the locals during the daily alms giving ceremony. (Note: Take away breakfast box from the hotel.) This is a serene Buddhist procession where dozens of monks walk barefoot through the street collecting food and everyday items. Continue up the mountain to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and climb the 309 steps of the Golden Naga staircase to reach its golden pagodas. Proceed to Wat Umong, built in the 14th century, a heavily forested temple covered by moss and small plants offering a unique yet charming sense of natural decay. After a walk through its mysterious tunnels, you reach the Viharn of the temple to experience your own private blessing ceremony.
After, enjoy this lovely day with a delicious bowl of Khao Soy at Lamduan Fah Ham Khao Soy Restaurant. This famous Northern Thai dish is a combination of coconut cream, crispy noodles and plenty of spice that is sure to delight!
After lunch, put on your walking shoes and head out to explore the highlights of this charismatic South East Asian city by foot! What better place to start our day of discovery than the banks of the Mae Ping River! From here, we join the bustle of Waroros market, a favourite for Chiang Mai locals for exotic species, colourful fruits, an endless variety of rice and bizarre new culinary delights. From here, we continue by rickshaw to Thapae Gate and continue to explore ancient Chiang Mai on foot. Thapae Gate is Chiang Mai’s main entrance to the old walled city. In days gone by, it was the gate through which traders, diplomats and visiting monks passed when they had business in the city proper. From here, we continue our walk to Three Kings Monument and the city’s most beautiful temples, Wat Chedi Luang, where the famous Emerald Buddha was once enshrined, and Wat Phra Singh, home to a very old and sacred Buddha image.
Overnight in Chiang Mai.