The Best of Northern Thailand - Wellness & Culture

​Upon arrival at Chiang Mai International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. Spend the afternoon relaxing and settling in, or take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Chiang Mai, once the capital of the independent Lanna Kingdom. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel featuring a delicious farm-to-table menu.​

​Relax into the first day after a morning wellness session, followed by time to unwind poolside or indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment. In the afternoon, visit one of Chiang Mai’s most iconic landmarks, the 600-year-old Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. After a scenic drive up Doi Suthep mountain, ascend the final stretch via the stunning Naga (dragon-headed serpent) staircase, which leads to the temple, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Chiang Mai on clear days.

​In the evening, embark on a culinary adventure to explore the rich flavors of Chiang Mai's cuisine. Once the capital of the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai became a melting pot for culinary influences from Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, and China. You'll sample a variety of local snacks, including the signature Khao Soi—a fragrant coconut curry noodle dish unique to the region. After your meal, feel free to explore the vibrant night market, where your guide can assist with bartering or help you find special items.​

​Start day three with a healthy breakfast and wellness session at your hotel. Then, enjoy a tranquil cruise along the Mae Ping River aboard a traditional long-tail boat. As the urban landscape fades away, you'll glide past lush greenery, traditional wooden homes, and vibrant local life along the riverbanks. Stop at a charming teak house with a garden full of fruits and vegetables, where you’ll learn about Thailand’s agricultural heritage, which thrives without chemicals.

​After a locally-sourced lunch, visit a bustling fresh food market to explore the region's abundance of crops. Then, hop into a Samlor, a traditional three-wheeled trishaw, for a scenic ride through the ancient city gates and along Tapae Road, passing historic temples and the Three Kings Monument. Afterward, enjoy lunch and spend the rest of the day at your leisure, exploring further or indulging in another wellness activity.​

​Start your day early by participating in an alms-giving ceremony, where monks in saffron robes walk through the streets collecting food donations in exchange for blessings. Afterward, return to your hotel for breakfast and a rejuvenating wellness activity.

​In the afternoon, visit Suan Dok Temple, known for its rows of white chedi, each housing the ashes of Chiang Mai’s royal family and sacred Buddhist relics. Explore the temple with your guide before heading to the 'monk chat' area. This initiative allows you to engage in an open discussion with monks, providing a unique opportunity to learn more about Thai Buddhism, culture, and traditions.​

Begin your morning with a wellness activity and breakfast at the hotel. Spend the rest of the morning at leisure relaxing or sipping a fresh juice. After breakfast, relax by the pool of the hotel. Take part in an independent excursion or head to downtown Chiang Mai for shopping and exploration where you can enjoy the area on your own.After an optional afternoon wellness activity, join your group for dinner in Chiang Mai Town.

A morning of wellness and a delicious breakfast at your hotel is followed by a journey to the historic settlement of Wiang Kum Kam, former capital of the Lanna empire. Riding along the Ping River, a bicycle tour will take you past temples and ruins dating back hundreds of years.Your tour will stop at an elementary school mostly attended by hill tribe children. Next, marvel at some of the finest ceramics ever made at a small pottery factory. Watch the craftsmen make different shapes by hand. Refuel by sampling delicacies at a local bakery before continuing on to a market filled with the most delicious and exotic fruits and other snacks.Return to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure or engage in another wellness activity.

After a breakfast and wellness class at your hotel, travel through beautiful Thai landscapes en route to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. The Sanctuary team will introduce you to their elephant welfare programs, the natural habitat and behaviors.Elephants are always searching for food and to satisfy their hunger you will feed them with different kinds of fresh fruits and vegetables. Next, immerse yourself in a mud bath with your new gray friends. After playing with the pachyderms, refresh with a shower and dinner of delicious Thai food, freshly cooked by the team.

Begin your morning with a fitness class and breakfast at the hotel. Spend the rest of the morning at leisure relaxing or meditating.After breakfast, relax by the pool of the hotel or indulge in some Thai massage or other spa treatments. The day is yours to explore Chiang Mai independently and engage in any last-minute souvenir shopping.After an optional afternoon wellness activity, join your group for a Farewell Dinner.

It's time to say farewell to your Thailand retreat! Today, you'll savor one more breakfast and wellness activity in Chiang Mai before your transfer to the airport for your flight home.