Day 1 - Starting: Chiang Mai & Finishing: Chiang Mai
Your Independent Experience starts today in Chiang Mai with an arrival transfer. Meet your guide at your accommodation and get some tips on how to spend your first day exploring and the best place for dinner. Chang Mai is a vibrant city situated in northern Thailand. It is awash with famous temples and quaint cafes, and is known as one of the friendliest cities in the country.
Day 2 - Starting: H'mong Hilltribe & Finishing: H'mong Hilltribe
Today you will take part in a local cooking class and discover the secrets of aromatic Thai cuisine. You'll learn everything from the key ingredients, to how to use them and what to use in their place if you can’t get them at home. As well as taking your own comprehensive recipe book with you after the class, you'll feast on the fruits of your labour for lunch. You will then drive through the picturesque, undulating countryside to reach the H’Mong Hilltribe Lodge. The H’mong are an ethnic minority in Thailand. They originated in the south of China and today make up the second largest hilltribe group. After a barbeque dinner in the lodge's open-air dining area, the day concludes with a cultural performance by the Hmong people. You'll gain an insight into the traditional lifestyle of the tribe, with a wedding ceremony enactment, shamanic ritual and makong (cotton ball) throwing.
Day 3 - Starting: Chiang Mai & Finishing: Chiang Mai
This morning, soak up the breathtaking landscape and peaceful atmosphere of the Hmong Lo before you return to Chiang Mai. In the afternoon, embark on a scenic, winding drive up a mountain (around 45 minutes) to one of the country's most stunning temple complexes, Doi Suthep. A 300-step naga-guarded stairway leads you to the temples, and the climb is well worth the effort. The hypnotic atmosphere of chanting Buddhist monks and sweeping views of the city make this a most memorable experience. Enjoy some free time on your final evening in the city. Maybe wander through the night markets later on and sample the abundant delicious street food.
Day 4 - Starting: Chiang Mai & Finishing: Chiang Mai
Your Chiang Mai adventure ends today after breakfast. There are no activities planned until your included departure transfer to the airport or train station. Additional accommodation is available to extend your stay, or you might like to add on another of our Independent Experiences or an Urban Adventure in Thailand or South East Asia.
Shamanism is a central part of Hmong culture. The shaman is considered the gateway to the spirit world, a ‘master of spirits’ who enacts animist rituals in order to return a soul back to a body. These rituals include trance, string tying, animal sacrifice, traditional funeral and marriage ceremonies and a verbal evocation known as ‘soul calling’.
Highlights
Chiang Mai’s Night Bazaar – Lanna handicrafts and traditional wares of the hilltribes
Northern Lanna style Thai cooking class in Chiang Mai
Included
– The services of an expert English-speaking local guide- Cooking class in Chiang Mai- Hmong Lodge stay including cultural show- Visit to famous temple complex of Doi Suthep- Arrival & departure transfer
Additional Accommodation
Extend your holiday by booking some pre or post tour accommodation – ask us or your travel agent.
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