SUTHEP ROUTE PROGRAMME

(Half Day)

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1) Kruba Srivichai Monument and Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep

You start the afternoon heading for Doi Suthep - the holy hill west of Chiang Mai - on a 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 throughout the year by thousand of tourists and Buddhist pilrims from all around the world.

2) 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 beautiful flower gardens are open to the public from 8.30am to 4.00pm Friday to Sunday and on official holyday.

3) Doi Pui Tribal Village

After that, you climb inside a 'songtheow' (local red pick-up converted in taxi) and continue about 3Km to the Meo tribal village of Doi Pui - which will give you vignettes of modern hilltribe life. Of interest in the village are also the Opium Museum and the Hilltribe Museum.

NORTHERN ROUTE PROGRAMME

(Half Day)

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1) 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.

2) Mae Sa Waterfalls

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

3) 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.

Lunch at Orchid Farm Restaurant

(Chiang Mai Snake farm)

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

WESTERN ROUTE PROGRAMME

(Full Day)

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1) Chiang Mai - Hang Dong Road

A full day tour starting out on Highway 108 heading toward Hod. Your first stop is a few kilometres away from town at woodcarving and lacquerware shops. The shopping area which also contains many ceramic, silver and bamboo craft shops, continues until Km. 15.

2) Wat Prathat Si Chom Thong

A next halt on the highway is 58 kms southwest of Chiang Mai, at Chom Thong - home of the handsome Wat Prathat Si Chom Thong. The temple, with its beautifull gilded chedi, dates from 1451.

3) Mae Klang Waterfalls

After the visit of Chom Thong's temple, you return to the head of the town and follow the road to Doi Inthanon. On the way, 7kms later, you stop at the lovely Mae Klang Falls, Chiang Mai most photographed waterfall.

4) Doi Inthanon National Park

At Km. 8 is the entrance to Doi Inthanon National Park, a 1,005 square kilometres area which includes Thailand's highest mountain and areas of dense virgin rain forest. Some 45 minutes later, you will arrive at the highest point in Thailand, 2,595 meters (8,514 ft) above sea level. Located at the summit is a shrine to Chao Inthanon, a former prince of Chiang Mai., after which the mountain ('Doi') is called.

EASTERN ROUTE 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) Sankampaeng Hot Springs

For lunch, you can head for the Sakampaeng Hot Springs Restaurant, 30 minutes later. The hot springs boil continously and emit a strong smell of sulpur. You can also enjoy watching the thermal geysers rising inside the beautifully landscaped flower gardens within the park area.