Northern Cultures 4 Days / 3 Nights

Northern Cultures will give you a deeper insight in the heritage and spirit of the north which goes back in time for more than 700 years. Nestled in the mountainous area are hill tribes and villages, romantic waterfalls and wonderful landscapes. The moderate climate makes this region also an excellent place for outdoor activities.

Program:

Day 01 Chiang Mai – Lamphun – Chiang Mai (L, D)
Upon arrival at Chiang Mai airport, transfer to Tamarind Village hotel. Late morning depart Chiang Mai for the old kingdom of Lamphun to visit Wat Chammadhevi, built in the mid-700s in the Lawo (Lopburi) style. The Chedi has a square structure similar to the Buddhagaya in India. Around the Chedi are levels of arches holding a total of 60 Buddha images and relics of Queen Chamthewi are enshrined within the Chedi.

Afterwards visit Wat Phrathat Haripoonchai, considered a fine example of Lanna architecture and built during the reign of King Arthitayarat. The Wat is dominated by a 46-metre tall golden Chedi and other architectural works include the ancient-style brick arch adorned with fine designs, the pair of sculptured lions at the door and a Khmer-style Buddha statue.

Continue to visit the Dhamma Park Gallery, a centre for socially engaged Buddhism, set in a beautiful garden with traditional Thai houses. Run by the British artist Venetia Walkey it can offer opportunities to deepen the understanding that everything that exists in our fragile biosphere and universe is connected with each other. Learn about the spiritual journey from ignorance to enlightenment by the humorous and satirical sculptures of the British artist in the gallery and explore the metal and wooden sculptures in the “Heritage Garden” of Thai artist Khun Inson Wongsam. Lunch at the Dhamma Park.

Afterwards visit Ban Nong Nguak, a handicraft centre famous for its handmade cotton materials. Before the return to Chiang Mai, visit Wiang Kum Kam, the ancient city built in 648 and later abandoned due to a great flood. The city is seen as a “prototype” for the city of Chiang Mai. A highlight is the ancient ruin of Wat Chedi Liam, which was originally built in the style. Evening, experience dinner with local family in traditional Thai house out skirt of Chiang Mai, including general talking mainly northern culture and the way of lives. Overnight at Tamarind Village hotel (run-of-house room).

Day 02 Chiang Mai – Lisu Lodge (B, L, D)
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning visit Chiang Mai City Art and Cultural Center (closed on Monday), learn about every aspect of the city from its pre-history to the present. See how people of different cultural origins and ethnic backgrounds have melted together to form a beautiful local culture that lies at the heart of the magic fascination of Chiang Mai.

Then, visit Doi Suthep temple, the most famous landmark of Chiang Mai with its golden pagoda shining high over the city. The pagoda structure is exquisite, with 6kgs of pure gold at its peak, the rest completely plated with gold. The sound of temple bells fills the air and the view down over the city make an irresistible photograph opportunity.

Next, visit the Daraphirom Palace Museum (closed on Monday) which was built after King Rama VI gave the petition to Princess Jao Dara Rasamee to return to her home city after King Rama V passed away. Jao Dara Rasamee used her home at the palace to perform many good deeds in the fields of agriculture, culture and the arts. She also supported Buddhism and was influencing the Lanna handicrafts which are still making Chiang Mai famous today. Continue to Lisu Lodge for lunch.

In the afternoon enjoy Lisu Experience guided by a Lisu people. Start from Ton Lung temple to visit the herbal garden and then visit a family and stop to take tea at the shaman's house where you will given an introduction in traditional medicine. Our guide will be translator and accompany all activities. Then experience an oxcart ride through orchards and farmland to the Thai village of Ban Pang Mai Daeng. Dinner and overnight at Lisu Lodge.

Day 03 Lisu Lodge – Khûm Lanna (B, L, D)
Breakfast at the Lodge and afterwards visit the Thai Buffalo Training Camp in Mae Rim, a tourist destination with a difference. The only one of its kind, this camp aims at showcasing the lifestyle of the Lanna or northern Thai people. There is a mock village fully equipped with household utensils, a barn, a hay-stack, a water wheel and paddy fields as far as the eye can see. Here you can see the preservation of the unique way of life in rural areas. The main attractions are the buffaloes - once a common sight in Thailand they are now rare to find.

Then, visit Mae Pan Din Phor Tham Suan (closed on Wednesday), a home stay and pottery house where you can learn about the design and creation of pottery and see their gallery. Then drive to Khûm Lanna for lunch. In the afternoon take the mountain bike and set off for an agro-cultural tour to visit and talk with different farm owners farming rice, corn, chili, soybean and other crops. Before return to the Khûm Lanna stop for a visit of the big reclining Buddha image at the cave temple Wat Tham Dork Kum. Dinner and overnight at Khûm Lanna.

Day 04 Khûm Lanna – Chiang Mai (B, L)
In the early morning (before breakfast), you can join a food offering to the monks and novices at Wat Khue Park, close to Khûm Lanna. Then, visit the market in Phrao to explore all the ingredients that you will turn into delicious dishes during the Thai cooking lesson. The course includes:

- Introduction of Thai ingredients
- The demonstration and cooking of 4 dishes
- A comprehensive and easy to follow recipe book

Afterwards enjoy the food prepared in traditional northern Thai style.

In the afternoon, visit Aui Kham, who has over 60 years experience in traditional curing and herbal medicine. Aui Kum is a very interesting man who is keen to pass his knowledge on to the new generation. The day ends with the transfer to Chiang Mai airport or your hotel in Chiang Mai. End of services.

Northern Cultures Package rates:
1 Pax - 29,900Baht - single traveller
2 Pax - 18,500Baht per person (based on twin sharing)
3-7 Pax - 16,490baht per person (based on sharing)
8-14 Pax - 14,490baht per person (based on twin sharing)
Sgl Sup - 1,910baht

Price Included :
• Transfers and tours as mentioned by private air-conditioned vehicle with English speaking guide.
• Meals as specified.
• Accommodation in air-conditioned room at Thamarind Village and non air-conditioned room with electric fan at Lisu Lodge and Khum Lanna based on sharing twin-bedded room. Price for 1 person is based on single occupancy.
• Baggage handling.

PriceExcluded :
• All international & internal airfares as well as all airport taxes.
• Other meals as well as services not mentioned in the program.
• Hotel’s early check-in and late check-out.
• Personal expenditures such as laundry, drink during meal etc.

Remark :
• Chiang Mai City Art and Cultural Center and Daraphirom Palace Museum are closed on Monday while Mae Pan Din Phor Tham Suan is closed on Wednesday.
• There are 9 ovens for cooking at Khum Lanna.
• Price includes the current 7% VAT. In case of any change of VAT, we reserve the right to amend our price accordingly.

For large groups please contact us at tours@lostinthailand.com