Depart the hotel at 08:30am to board a private Tuk Tuk and begin to explore the history and culture of Chiang Mai. Nicknamed the ‘Rose of the North’, Chiang Mai has blossomed into a vibrant city that captures both the spirituality and modernisation of Thailand where craft beer and contemporary restaurants have sprouted up amongst gilded temples. Today will start with a visit to Warorot Market, a ramshackle collection of food, textiles, and homeware vendors. There’s ample opportunity to mix with locals out for the day’s shopping and have the chance to taste a few Thai snacks.
Our next stop will be Wat Chedi Luang. Famed for its enormous chedi which once housed the Emerald Buddha that now sits on the grounds of the Grand Palace in Bangkok. When possible, your guide will assist you with digging deeper into Buddhist beliefs and practices as you learn from one of Chedi Luang’s revered monks.
Once more, board your Tuk Tuk, and head for Wat Sri Suphan. The temples façade, roof and Buddha statues are all covered in silver, contrasting it with most of Thailand’s gilded temples. This came about as the temple was built in the 1500s to serve the local silversmith village which, in turn, paid homage to the temple by donating silver. After visiting the temple, wander the surrounding alleys to see the local silversmiths that still call the neighbourhood home.
The final visit of the day will be to Wat Phra Singh, where you will have the opportunity to see the temple’s remarkable murals and explore the splendour of the temple grounds.
Lunch will be enjoyed at a local restaurant before the day comes to an end and you return to your hotel.
