Discover the enchanting culture of the Chiang Mai area on this small-group Mae Ping River tour! Visit Wat Chai Mongkol, an architecturally stunning temple, and see its exquisite Buddhist relics. Glide down the majestic Mae Ping River on a long-tail boat, and soak in the picturesque rural scenery. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local farmer’s house, and visit a garden to learn about the medicinal use of plants in Thailand. Stroll around the Warorot Market and browse for unique souvenirs and goods.
Begin your Chiang Mai adventure by exploring Wat Chai Mongkol, a grand temple built on the shore of the Mae Ping River. Boasting more than 600 years of history, Wat Chai Mongkol contains an unparalleled collection of shrines and relics. Follow the Buddhist tradition of offering alms to monks, and learn about other unique religious practices.
Then, board a roofed, long-tail boat and cruise down the Mae Ping River, the main river flowing through the city of Chiang Mai that is fondly known by locals as the “Lifeline of the Province.” The Mae Ping River provides the surrounding rural farmers with water to irrigate their rice paddies and agricultural crops. Drift along the water and enjoy the breathtaking scenery; admire the quaint teak houses and the verdant rural greenery.
Stop at a farmer’s house and enjoy a delectable Khao Soi lunch. This noodle dish is often made with chicken or beef, served over Chinese egg noodles and garnished with shallots, cilantro, pickled mustard greens, fried whole chilies and a squeeze of lime juice.
After lunch, walk through the fruit orchards of the Chiang Mai Plain and visit a garden to learn about local vegetables, herbs and the medicinal use of plants. Pass by rich, fertile rice paddies and plantations of coffee, tea and strawberries on the edge of the Mae Ping River.
Return to Chiang Mai by songthaew, a typical Thai passenger vehicle, and stop at Warorot Market, one of the largest markets in Chiang Mai. This three-story building sells everything you can imagine, from food to beautiful textiles to handicrafts. Try some more Thai food at the various food vendor stalls. Finish your full-day adventure at the Ton Lam Yai Flower Market, where you can view thousands of colorful, fresh-cut flowers and breathe in the fragrant aroma.
After this, you will be taken back to Wat Chai Mongkol, where your tour will conclude. You can explore on your own or your guide can help you arrange local transport to return to your hotel safely.
boat ride not inspiring. did stop in Laos for 30 minutes. had to leave passports with Thai immigration.
Review by: Ivor F D, February 2016
This was a great trip up the reiver with hits very serene scenes. The meal aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand the natural produce at the end stop was sensational Enjoyed the food , the guide and the boat exoerience
Review by: doodly, July 2015
I was the only person booked on this tour and I was looked after very well. The tour was very informative and we covered a lot of things. My guide was wonderful and as I was travelling alone 19yr old female he even organised a taxi back to my hotel so I would get back safely. I really enjoyed my day out. The food was delicious and the markewts a lot of fun.
Review by: Darlene T, February 2014
The tour was pretty fun but very overpriced for what you get. The best part was the visit to the farm/restaurant. The lunch provided was great! The big disappointment was that our tour guide didn't drop us at the flower market. We were dumped off several blocks away and had to find it.
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