Day 06~Chiang Mai: Wat Doi Suthep, City Temple and Trishaw Ride to Muang Mai Market. Evening visit a Lanna family over dinner
This morning, we take a half-day excursion. We first drive to visit the Wat Doi Suthep- situated atop a 3444 ft high mountain and require climbing of 309 steps! Proper attire is required. The site has pagodas, statues, bells, a museum, and shrines. With luck, we have a good weather day, and we can enjoy a panoramic view of the town and the province.
The next stop will be at Wat Chedi Luang in the historic center of Chiang Mai that enshrined Emerald Buddha from 1468 till 1551. Originally 280 feet tall, the temple partly collapsed due to an earthquake in 1545, and they moved Emerald Buddha to Luang Prabang in after six years.
We will also visit the Wat Phra Singh- Chiang Mai's most revered temple that contains the most beautiful Lai Kham Chapel with its exquisite wood carving and northern style murals.
Now is the time to take a trishaw ride and browse through the Muang Mai market. Most of the produces here come straight from the local farms!
Afternoon time is free for you to pursue your interests.
Late afternoon (4.30 pm), we will visit a Lanna Family. With our guide, we travel on the outskirts of the city and meet a local family in an authentic Thai neighborhood. The host family welcomes the guests with a refreshing drink. We will spend time with the family, learning about traditional Thai architecture and the elegant teakwood homes and structures. Led by the host family head, we will stroll through the orchard and herb garden. We will learn how to make bamboo baskets and cigars from banana leaves. Perhaps, there is no other better way to end the day than with a delicious home-cooked Northern Thai meal, prepared by the family.
After the meal, your guide and driver will bring you back to the hotel.