Home > Chiang Mai > Chiang Mai Small-Group Cultural Tour
USD $77.00
Chiang Mai Small-Group Cultural Tour
Chiang Mai, Thailand
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.
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 temple’s Monk Talk program.
spent time in 700 year old temple that was not garish. in breakfast room with monks. market walk. enjoyable.
Review by: Stephen A, December 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 way back to the city was a feast. Highly recommended!!!
Review by: Anamita G, November 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.
Review by: kevin m, October 2017
a fantastic experience in chiang mai , after being picked up early in the morning _br/_ 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_br/_ was then taken to two different temples , watt umung and then onto watt suan dok _br/_ at each temple you are given a rear insight into the live off a monk , and even get a chance to meet a monk and et to ask him questions about the live off a monk _br/_ and the end off the tour , was taken around a local market , and given a traditional Thai breakfast _br/_ if you are looking for something different to-do while in chiang mai I would recommend doing this tour
Review by: Patrick L, August 2017
Highlight of my trip so far
Review by: Jonathan H, July 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.
Review by: Michael K, November 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!
Review by: Greg, August 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 worth the extra money rather than taking a basic point and click sight seeing tour. Loved it!
Review by: Sherry V, April 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 believed we skimmed over a lot of the temple tour because, later, I heard from others that their guides took them places I didn't see. I think she was a very nice lady, but wasn't exactly sure what to do with me. The two temples could probably have been done on my own...just needed a taxi which costs almost nothing in Thailand...if I had only known. The temples were nice, but underwhelming.
Review by: Krista N, February 2016
This tour was a delightful surprise and it's the one I've been telling everyone about. I ended up having a private tour due to some no-shows. Katie, my guide, took me to bring gifts to the monks and receive a blessing, and then we had a DELICIOUS breakfast by the airport. Thai congee, pork balls, sliced chicken, some Thai doughnuts with green sauce. The military pilots were there in their jump suits...very impressive. Obviously a popular place. Then we visited a very peaceful temple and made another offering. The super highlight was Monk Chat, where I chatted with a monk from Bagladesh for nearly an hour. The hour passed very quickly. It really made me want to understand Buddhism even more. If I had one tip for this tour, it's to wear shoes that can easily be slipped on and off. I was wearing high-top sneakers and they were a PAIN. Everywhere we went, I had to take them off and then get them back on again and there wasn't always a chair. I also liked traveling around in the red truck. Very easy to get in and out of.
Review by: Yelena G, May 2015
This tour was amazing! We had a wonderfull guide who has told us and showed us so much about culture, buddhism and Chiang Mai. I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about Thai Culture.
Review by: Adam T, January 2015
Very good tour. Was fun watching Chiang Mai come to life in the morning. Tour guide was friendly.
Review by: A. J. J, January 2015
Trip Advisor Review:
Review by: muzicbaby, January 2015
I am so glad I booked this tour! The guide, Thongbang Thotsadon, was AMAZING! She came to pick me up right on time, at which point I discovered this was going to be a private tour. She was an absolute pleasure to speak with and so knowledgable! She took the time to get to know a bit about me and answered all my questions patiently and thoroughly.
Review by: Penelope M, February 2014
Very informative. Exceptional tour guide. Answered all of my questions in detail. She was very patient with me. We purchased food, then gave it to the monks and received a blessing. We went to a novices breakfast and listened to the elder state his prayers and instructions, then we were able to photograph the monks as they ate their morning meal. It was an extraordinary tour; I recommend it highly.
Review by: Paul V, January 2014
Up close and personal, loved it!
Review by: Jonathan A, January 2014
This was great! A brief, informative and varied tour of the city and a great sampling of the cultural goodness available. Our tour guide was lovely and knowledgeable.
Review by: Wayne C, July 2013
Enjoyable morning and friendly guide. Thai breakfast was fine. Interesting to see the monks start their day, but this tour may not be for everyone.
Review by: Gareth E, April 2013
If you are the slightest bit interested in Thai and Buddhist culture then this is the tour for you. Very interesting to see Buddhist practices up close and take part in some of these. Very welcoming guide that helps immerse you in the Thai culture, highly recommended.
Review by: meggs888, August 2012
This is a must do tour, great value for money. The guide was excellent and it is was great to not only learn about the culture but also to exerience a small part of it! _br/_
Megan, Australia
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