4 Days / 3 Nights
Bako National Park
Overview
From a culinary discovery to a spiritual journey, escape to the bustling and serene city of Chiang Mai. Meet a local chef and take part in a cooking class, visit the revered Doi Suthep and receive a spiritual blessing from a monk, indulge in high tea amidst a mountain setting and learn all about elephants for an exquisite escape to the north.
Trip Highlights
Uncover the secrets of northern Thai cuisine
Meet with a local chef at Pantawan Cooking School in Chiang Mai, visit a fresh market before uncovering all the secrets behind delectable Thai dishes.
Private blessing at sacred Doi Suthep temple
Visit one of Doi Suthep’s monks and receive a blessing of good health and good fortune before witnessing the magical evening of monks chanting.
Interact with gentle giants at Elephant Discovery Camp
With guidance from professional mahouts learn all about these gentle giants everyday routine and make a splash with them in a pond.
Itinerary
1
Chiang Mai Arrival
Chiang Mai Airport – 137 Pillars House (6.3 km): approx. 20 min
Arrive in Chiang Mai, greeted by an EXO Travel guide, you will be transferred by a private vehicle from Chiang Mai Airport. Check in at luxury 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai.
Relax with massage to recuperate from jetlag at the hotel.
Overnight at 137 Pillars House, Chiang Mai.
2
Chiang Mai
Today’s tour begins at 09:00. Uncover the secrets behind Thailand’s famous dishes at the Pantawan Cooking School. Travel south of the city centre to a traditional teakwood house to meet with a local chef. After a short introduction on the day’s activities, head out to a nearby fresh market.
Browse the stalls of this colourful and lively market. See exotic herbs and spices and learn about their uses. During the visit, the chef will introduce local vendors and explain about Thailand’s food culture.
Armed with a basic knowledge of Thai cuisine and its ingredients, return to Pantawan and start cooking! Chop vegetables, stir spicy sauces and fry up sizzling dishes. Throughout the course the chef will share his personal story and offer tips and hints for preparing these dishes at home. When everything is ready, sit down and enjoy the delicious fresh dishes. Savour the delicate flavours of home-cooked Thai cuisine, enjoying the results of the day’s activities. Receive a nice apron embroidered with your name on it as a memorable souvenir.
In the afternoon, step into one of the city’s most revered pagodas, Wat Suan Dok. Witness local devotees deep in prayer or paying homage to the mausoleum where the ashes of the former Royal Family are interred. Learn about the beliefs and traditions of Thailand’s Buddhists. Continue on the spiritual trail, leaving the city centre, and taking a winding drive into the hills. Climb up the staircase of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, admiring the intricate naga carvings along the way. Upon reaching the top, explore the 14th-century pagoda and hear about its origins. Wander around the towering gilded stupa and take a moment to enjoy the views of Chiang Mai in the distance.
Then take a leisurely stroll down the Doi Suthep and enjoy the serenity of mountainous view mingled with graceful color blooms and Lanna umbrellas. Breathe in the clean air while savouring some exquisite English afternoon tea alongside scones, finger sandwiches, cookies and cakes. Before the sun sets, visit one of Doi Suthep’s monks and receive a blessing of good health and good fortune. Then witness the magical evening chanting of the monks, a serene way to end the day’s spiritual tour.
Return back to the hotel.
Overnight at 137 Pillars House, Chiang Mai.
3
Chiang Mai
Take away breakfast from the hotel.
This full day elephant experience begins at 07:30. Be picked up from the hotel and transfer by 4WD for about an hour to the Elephant Discovery Camp, located in a private natural area up on a hill which is not open to the public.
Upon arrival at the camp, meet an elephant mahout, be introduced to the elephants, and learn about their story and daily lifestyle. Interact and play with the elephants under mahouts’ supervision and form a bond with them. Enjoy walking alongside these gentle giants and watching them play in the mud pond. Learn to communicate with them and how to prepare nutritional food and desserts for them using various natural ingredients.
Have fun bathing and soaking with the elephants in a big pond. Enjoy picnic lunch box from the hotel.
Return to hotel.
Overnight at 137 Pillars House, Chiang Mai.
4
Chiang Mai Departure
137 Pillars House - Chiang Mai Airport (6.3 km): approx. 20 min
Breakfast at the hotel before checking out. Be transferred to the airport in a private, air-conditioned luxury vehicle for the onward flight.
Important Information
Inclusions
Notes
OUR SERVICES INCLUDE:
- 3 nights accommodation at 137 Pillars House
- Airport porter service
- Meals as mentioned (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
- Luxury service of English-speaking guide
- Tours and transfers by a private, air-conditioned luxury vehicle
- Entrance fees for mentioned visits
- Welcome gift on the day of arrival
- Personalized apron with your name as a memorable souvenir
OUR SERVICES DO NOT INCLUDE:
- Other meals than mentioned
- Other services than mentioned
- International and domestic flights
- Laundry, telephone calls and expenditures of personal nature
- Tips
- Travel insurance
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