Highlights of Thailand

On arrival in Chiang Mai you will have some time to freshen up after your journey, before you head off to discover some of the secrets of Thai cuisine on a cookery course. You will learn about the main ingredients used in Thai food and what alternatives you can use instead if you have problems finding them when you get back home. You are provided with a comprehensive cook book, full of recipes and ingredient details. At lunch time you sit down to enjoy your delicious creations and the day is usually rounded off with a tasting of seasonal Thai fruit. You return to the hotel mid-afternoon.

If cooking isn't your thing, you might prefer to go on a half-day cycling trip. After picking up the bikes and a local guide, you set off cyclng along the main road for about 3km, before turning off onto a small country road leading to Wiang Kum Kam. Your first stop is at the temple of Wat Kan Thom and the shrine of King Mengrai, where you spend a bit of time exploring the ruins, which were only fairly recently discovered during archaeological excavations. You set off again pedalling to Wat Chedi Luang, which is well-known as an important part of the architectural heritage of Chiang Mai. A visit to a local market rounds off the trip, after which you head back to Chiang Mai.

In the afternoon you all reunite and visit Doi Suthep, one of northern Thailand's most sacred temples. Passing the naga (dragon) you climb the 300 steps to the temple at the top of the mountain. From there you can soak up the wonderful views of the countryside. This evening you will enjoy a traditional khan toke dinner, while being entertained by Akha, Yao, Lahu, H'mong, Lisu and Karen tribal dances. Day four is free for you to explore at your own pace and your leader will be able to help you arrange any optional excursions that might take your fancy. Hotel - 2 nights

Back on the minivan again, you descend the hills to visit the Elephant Conservation Centre (approx. 1hr), where you take a tour of the facilities at the elephant hospital and see how the young elephants are weaned from their mothers. All the money raised by the centre goes towards the care of the elephants. 

After lunch you continue on to one of Thailand's World Heritage Sites, the Sukhothai Historical Park (approx. 2.5hrs). The city of Sukhothai (meaning 'Dawn of Happiness') was the original capital of Thailand's first kingdom and is believed by many to represent the golden age of Thai civilisation. The religious art and architecture are considered to be the most classic of Thai styles and the ruins contain the remains of 21 historical sites, with awe-inspiring Buddha images and four large ponds, which are often filled with stunning lotus flowers. Hotel - 1 night

Nb. Over the last 12 months, extensive research has been conducted in conjunction with the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) concerning the welfare of captive elephants. After careful consideration of the many important factors, such as the employment of the vast number of local people employed in the elephant entertainment industry, our desire to provide fun and enjoyable trips to our travellers, and most importantly the health and welfare of captive elephants, we have decided to remove elephant rides from this trip, however, you will still have the chance to see elephants at close range.