Chiang Mai: National Elephant Care & Bamboo Rafting with Van Transfer

<p>Explore Chiang Mai on foot and discover the roots of an ancient kingdom that dates back to the 13th century. This tour is a great way to understand the spiritual beginnings of Chiang Mai and how it continues to influence the culture and lives of its present-day inhabitants.</p><br><p>To start things off, we meet at the Three Kings Monument, where participants will receive a safety briefing and learn about King Mangrai, the first King of the Lanna Kingdom and the founder of Chiang Mai, the second-largest city in Thailand.</p><br><p>Our first stop on this 2.5-hour guided tour is Wat Phra Sing, the second most revered temple in Chiang Mai, known for its distinctive architecture featuring intricate woodcarvings and northern Thai-style murals. Here, visitors can explore the Lai Kam Assembly Hall and pagoda, the latter is a Buddhist symbol for individuals born in the Year of the Dragon. From there, the group will continue to Wat Chedi Luang, a 600-year-old site with fascinating ruins, which was originally built by King Mangrai. Apart from seeing the beautiful temple premises, there will also be an opportunity to listen to talks by monks, before concluding the tour.</p>

<p>Discover the charms of Old City Chiang Mai with 14 kilometers. Biking the back lanes and alleys experience the modern city alongside the ancient temples inside the walls of the old city.</p><br><p>Begin your laid-back evening bike tour at 6.00 PM by heading towards the old city wall’s eastern gate, passing many of Chiang Mai’s quaint lanes. Arrive at the first stop, Tha Phae Gate, which was once the entrance through which traders brought their wares into the city. Learn more about Chiang Mai's history as a trading hub at this beautifully restored gate. </p><br><p>Continue your ride through the spaghetti streets of the old city to the temple Wat Intakhin, with its serene 700 hundred year old white Buddha and the Three Kings Monument, where you will hear about the founding of Chiang Mai. Proceed with the tour to the city moat. Leaving the bikes by the side of the moat, walk across to Wat Lok Molee with its beautifully illuminated stupa and ornate wooden prayer hall. At this time of day you have a good chance of hearing the monks chanting their prayers. </p><br><p>The next stop is Chiang Mai’s grandest monument: Wat Chedi Luang was built to house the ashes of a king and was once the home of the Emerald Buddha, now housing the City Pillar and 3 auspicious dipterocarp trees which provide protection to the city. Cycle to Chiang Mai’s Gate Market for the last stop and wander through the bustling night market. Walking through the market, your guide will point out the different types of street foods available. After selecting some food to sample, sit down with a drink and enjoy the night market atmosphere.</p>