Chiang Mai Small-Group Cultural Tour

21 Reviews

Tour Information

Key Details

Mobile Voucher Accepted
Hotel pickup Available

Duration: 5 Hrs

Departure Time :
6:00am-6:30am
Departure Details :
We will meet you at your Chiang Mai hotel if it's within a 5-kilometre radius of Tapae Gate. If you're outside the 5-kilometre radius, then please meet us at the Imperial Maeping Hotel.
Return Details :
Returns to original point of departure
Cancellation Policy :
This activity is non-refundable

Overview

Explore the soul and spirit of Chiang Mai on this small-group cultural tour! Rise early and watch Chiang Mai come to life as you visit one of its liveliest markets. Enjoy a traditional Thai breakfast at a local market and get a glimpse of a typical morning routine. Gain insight into Chiang Mai's deeply religious culture by visiting two well-known Buddhist temples, and strike up a conversation with a monk.

Highlights

Free hotel pickup and drop-off included
Led by a local guide

Know More about this tour

Your morning cultural tour of Chiang Mai starts as you jump aboard the songthaew, an iconic Thai passenger vehicle, and take a scenic drive down Suthep Road. Along the way, stop by Kad Thon Payom, a market renowned for its northern Thai cuisine and fresh fruits. See a variety of fascinating foods, from herbs to live fish to exotic fruits. Join in on the tradition of offering food to monks before enjoying a delicious Thai breakfast.

Continue on to Wat Umong, a 600-year-old Buddhist temple built in the foothills of Suthep Mountain and surrounded by forests. The most unique features of the temple are the tunnels that give the wat its name (umong is the Thai word for "tunnel"). Inside the temple, you'll see an impressive image of a fasting Buddha along with a large stupa (a mound-like structure filled with Buddhist artifacts). Keep your eyes open for the hundreds of Buddhist proverbs in English and Thai posted on trees throughout the grounds.

Then visit Wat suan dok, a 14th-century temple built in a forest grove for Phra Sumana Thera, a visiting monk from Sukhothai. The striking, white bell-shaped temple boasts a 20-foot (6-meter) Buddha. Wat suan dok is special because of its large prayer hall and the sides of the chapel, which are open instead of completely enclosed. Learn more about Buddhism by chatting with a Buddhist monk through the temples Monk Talk program.

Inclusions

Entrance fee to Wat Umong and Wat Suan Dok
Local guide
Thai breakfast
Offering to Buddhist monks
Hotel pickup and drop-off

Exclusions

Gratuities (optional)

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking

Children below the age of 6 are not permitted on this tour.

Maximum group size is 12.

Traveler Reviews

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Kimberly B 24-Apr-2018

Awesome dinner and exposure to the culture!!!
John L 16-Dec-2017

spent time in 700 year old temple that was not garish. in breakfast room with monks. market walk. enjoyable.
Stephen A 14-Dec-2017

Our tour guide was amazing and when I asked her how come she knows so much and she simply smiled and answered I've been doing this for thirty years and believe me, she hasn't lost the passion. All the places we visited had stories to tell and I'm so happy that I did it.The River boat Lunch on the ...
Anamita G 29-Nov-2017

Appreciated the nuanced perspective that the guide was able to share about Buddhism in Thailand, the different temples and the history of Chiang Mai! I had a great experience taking this tour.
Kevin M 07-Oct-2017

a fantastic experience in chiang mai , after being picked up early in the morning
was driven by my guide I was the only one on this tour was given some food to give to the monks , and in return received a blessing from a monk
was then taken to two different temples , watt umung and t ...
Patrick L 22-Aug-2017

Highlight of my trip so far
Jonathan H 26-Jul-2017

The highlight of my trip. Our guide Thongbang was fantastic. She spoke really good English and explained Buddhism and the local culture in a really engaging way. Loved the whole experience.
Michael K 03-Nov-2016

Fantastic tour and a wonderful tour guide who knew exactly where to take me. The visits to the Buddhist temples was extraordinary and the food we ate was superb!
Greg 02-Aug-2016

I have to start by saying that our tour guide, Thong Bang was an amazing, knowledgeable person who loves what she does and it showed. We learned so much and left with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the culture and spirituality of Thailand. The tour was casual, enlightening, and well ...
Sherry V 29-Apr-2016

Too bad that Viator charges almost 75 for this tour it is quite the rip-off. Although I was the only one on the tour not Viator's fault, there was not much to do. Followed the tour guide to give food to a monk, ate rice/chicken for breakfast, and went shopping for her at the local market. I beli ...