The Best of Northern Thailand - Wellness & Culture

Upon arrival at Chiang Mai International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. Spend the afternoon settling into your accommodation or go for a walk around the streets of the former capital of the independent Lanna Kingdom. Finish the first day with a welcome dinner at your hotel with a farm-to-table service.

Relax into the first day of your fitness retreat after a morning wellness practice by spending time poolside or indulging in a spa treatment. This afternoon, visit one of Chiang Mai’s most popular sites: 600-year-old Wat Pra That Doi Suthep. After a drive up Doi Suthep mountain’s winding road, the final climb to the site is via a magnificent Naga (dragon-headed serpent) staircase which has many beautiful and historic Buddhist temples and about 306 steps. On a clear day, there are astonishing panoramic views out over the city of Chiang Mai. Continue your night with an unforgettable Thai culinary experience. As the former capital of the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai became a vital cultural and commercial crossroads between Thailand, Myanmar (Burma), Laos, and China. Many ingredients that are still in use today such as lemongrass and galangal trace their culinary roots to the north and were perfected in the Chiang Mai royal courts. Next, you will embark on a guided tour, where you will sample the delights of Chiang Mai cuisine, including various mouthwatering local snacks, and the delicious Khao Soi – a coconut curry noodle dish that is unique to Chiang Mai. After the tour, you may wish to go to the night market, where your guide will assist you should you want some help with bartering or searching for particular items.

You'll begin day three with a nutritious breakfast and a wellness activity at your hotel. Then, you'll embark on a relaxing tour to Wat Chai Mongkok Pier to start a cruise of the Mae Ping River by local long-tail boat. This river shows its true rural identity as the city view will be replaced by scenes of wide water and green trees. You will see traditional wooden houses interspersed with modern residences and colorful scenery while witnessing the local lifestyle along the river banks. On your tour, you'll stop in at a traditional local-style teak wooden house with a vegetable and fruit garden. Agriculture remains Thailand’s largest source of income and here you’ll discover the basic elements-rice, local herbs, fruits, and fishing-all thriving in a chemical-free environment. Enjoy a locally-prepared lunch and then stop in at a fresh food market to see the abundance of crops grown in this fertile area. From the market, take a 3-wheeled trishaw, in Thailand called a Samlor, along Tapae Road, through the city wall gates into Chiang Mai historical old town, passing ancient Buddhist temples, along Rajdamnern Road to see the Three Kings Monument before having lunch. The rest of your day is at leisure to continue exploring or enjoy another wellness activity.

Early this morning, take part in an alms-giving service where monks wearing saffron robes walk quietly along the streets carrying bowls to receive boiled rice and other food donations from bystanders. In return, the people receive holy blessings. Afterwards, back to the hotel for breakfast and a wellness activity. This afternoon, visit Suan Dok Temple (Flower Garden Temple), site of dozens of small white chedi, about three to six meters high. These house the ashes of many of the Chiang Mai Royal Family and Buddhist relics. After exploring the temple with your guide, visit the ‘monk-chat’ area. This is an initiative by the temple in order to have monks talk with foreigners, to give them more of an insight into their religion. It’s an open forum and a fascinating way to learn more about Thai Buddhist religion, culture and traditions.

Begin your morning with a wellness activity and breakfast at the hotel. Spend the rest of the morning at leisure relaxing or sipping a fresh juice. After breakfast, relax by the pool of the hotel. Take part in an independent excursion or head to downtown Chiang Mai for shopping and exploration where you can enjoy the area on your own. After an optional afternoon wellness activity, join your group for dinner in Chiang Mai Town.

A morning of wellness and a delicious breakfast at your hotel is followed by a journey to the historic settlement of Wiang Kum Kam, former capital of the Lanna empire. Riding along the Ping River, a bicycle tour will take you past temples and ruins dating back hundreds of years. Your tour will stop at an elementary school mostly attended by hill tribe children. Next, marvel at some of the finest ceramics ever made at a small pottery factory. Watch the craftsmen make different shapes by hand. Refuel by sampling delicacies at a local bakery before continuing on to a market filled with the most delicious and exotic fruits and other snacks. Return to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure or engage in another wellness activity.

After a breakfast and wellness class at your hotel, travel through beautiful Thai landscapes en route to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. The Sanctuary team will introduce you to their elephant welfare programs, the natural habitat and behaviors. Elephants are always searching for food and to satisfy their hunger you will feed them with different kinds of fresh fruits and vegetables. Next, immerse yourself in a mud bath with your new gray friends. After playing with the pachyderms, refresh with a shower and dinner of delicious Thai food, freshly cooked by the team.

Begin your morning with a fitness class and breakfast at the hotel. Spend the rest of the morning at leisure relaxing or meditating. After breakfast, relax by the pool of the hotel or indulge in some Thai massage or other spa treatments. The day is yours to explore Chiang Mai independently and engage in any last-minute souvenir shopping. After an optional afternoon wellness activity, join your group for a Farewell Dinner.

It's time to say farewell to your Thailand retreat! Today, you'll savor one more breakfast and wellness activity in Chiang Mai before your transfer to the airport for your flight home.