Culture, mountains &
unforgettable north
Thailand doesn't begin and end at the beach. In the north, a different country entirely awaits — ancient
temples in lantern-lit streets, misty mountains above rice terraces, ethical elephant sanctuaries, and food so
specific to this region that chefs in Bangkok still travel here to learn.
At a Glance
Destination
Chiang Mai
Duration
From 10 to 14 nights
What's included
International flights, transfers and hotel
Style
4* hotel with breakfast
A world apart from the beach
Thailand's second largest city, Chiang Mai sits locked between the country's northern hills, surrounded by jungle on all sides.
Once the capital of the 13th-century Lanna Kingdom, the old walled city still carries the spirit of that era, barefoot monks in saffron robes, street vendors doing what their grandparents did, and markets that have barely changed in generations. It's the kind of place that makes people extend their trip. And then extend it again.
The temples are extraordinary, over 300 within the old city walls alone. The food is unlike anything in southern Thailand less fiery, more complex, rooted in the Lanna traditions of the mountain people. The famous Khao Soi, a rich coconut curry broth with egg noodles is the dish that guests talk about for months after they get home.
Beyond the city, the landscape opens up into mountains, national parks, hilltribe villages, and the most rewarding ethical elephant
sanctuaries in the country.
Choose Your Chiang Mai Escape
Ten nights in the north of Thailand, based in a hand-picked 4-star hotel in or near the old city. Time enough to explore the
temples, visit an elephant sanctuary, take a cooking class, wander the Sunday Night Market, and begin to understand
why so many people who come here never quite manage to leave.
✓ Return flights from UK regional airports
✓ 10 nights in a 4-star hotel
✓ Airport transfers
✓ ATOL protection
From £1,149pp
With 14 nights, you move beyond the highlights and into the real north. A day trip to Doi Inthanon — Thailand's highest
peak. A morning in the hilltribe villages above the city. An evening at the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. This version of Chiang
Mai stays with you.
✓ Return flights from UK regional airports
✓ 14nights in a 4-star hotel
✓ Airport transfers
✓ ATOL protection
From £1,347pp
Three nights in Bangkok for temples, tuk-tuks, and the best street food on earth — then the train south to Hua Hin for
eleven nights by the sea. The energy of one of Asia's greatest cities, followed by the gentle calm of its most refined
coastal resort.
✓ Return flights from UK regional airports
✓ Bangkok 3 nights · 4-star hotel
✓ Chiang Mai 11 nights · 4-star hotel
✓ All internal flights and transfers
✓ ATOL protection
From £1,759pp
What awaits you in Chiang Mai
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep :
Perched on the summit of Doi Suthep mountain, this golden temple is one of the most revered sites in northern Thailand reached by climbing more than 300 steps lined with ornate Naga serpents, with views over the entire city below.
Ethical Elephant Sanctuary :
A day with former working elephants watching them forage in the forest, play in the mud, and live with the dignity they deserve. No riding. No hooks. One of the most moving experiences in Thailand.
Thai Cooking Class :
A day spent with a local family picking fresh produce from the garden and turning it into a feast under their careful guidance. The recipes come home too.
The Night Bazaar & Sunday Walking Street :
Two of Thailand's best markets, both in Chiang Mai. The Night Bazaar runs every evening along the Chang Khlan Road and the Sunday Walking Street closes the old city to traffic and fills it with lanterns, musicians, and northern Thai food.
Doi Inthanon National Park :
Thailand's highest peak, cool mountain air, dramatic waterfalls, cloud forest trails and some of the finest birdwatching in Southeast Asia. A full day out of the city that feels like a different country entirely.
Practical Info
Getting there: Direct flights to Chiang Mai International Airport from Bangkok (approx. 1 hour). All internal flights
included in Package 03.
Best time to visit: November to February is ideal. The Yi Peng Lantern Festival in November, thousands of glowing lanterns rising over the city is one of the most beautiful sights in the world.
Currency: Thai Baht (THB). Chiang Mai is a cash-friendly city, the Night Bazaar and most local restaurants prefer it.
