Our City and Jungle by Bike day trip starts with a visit to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai’s landmark hilltop temple where participants can chat with the monks and enjoy a panoramic view of the city. The biking journey begins from the hilltop with a ride through the lush jungle of Doi Suthep and Doi Pui National Park combined with visits to a Hmong hill tribe coffee plantation development project and the man-made lake Huay Taeng Taew. After lunch, cycle along the meandering Mae Ping River filled with sights of local markets, temples and friendly locals.

Memorable Morning Merit is a half-day excursion in Chiang Mai. At dawn, participants enjoy a 30-minute trishaw ride through Chiang Mai and watch the town waking up. At the local market, they can make purchases of food and flowers to be used as offerings later. Continue by trishaw to Wat Ket, a picturesque temple seldom visited by tourists. Guests can observe monks in their morning prayers before presenting the offerings to the monks and receiving blessings in return, capping off an authentic Buddhist experience.

Scenic Day Trip to the Golden Triangle by SGA Flight is a delightful full-day excursion through the fabled Golden Triangle. Taking off from Chiang Mai on a SGA craft, clients enjoy a bird’s eye view of the scenic mountains along the way to Chiang Rai. In Chiang Rai, they will visit the Karen, Yao, Lahu and Akha hill tribe villages followed by a scenic drive through the Doi Tung mountain ridge (straddling Thailand and Myanmar) en route to the beautiful Mae Fah Luang flower gardens. Lunch is served at the splendid restaurant of the Anantara Resort. Cruise along the Mekong on a long-tailed boat into the heart of the Golden Triangle before returning to Chiang Mai on the SGA flight.

Exotissimo’s Phuket Heritage excursion uncovers the island’s rich and colourful cultural heritage. The downtown fruit market tantalises all palates with its wide array of tropical fruits. In the historic quarters, the oldest Chinese shrine and Sino-Portuguese architecture are standing testimonies to the tin mining days of the 19th century. Guests then head to the summit of Rang Hill to savour refreshing cocktails and a sweeping panorama of Phuket town. In the evening, a delightful meal of Phuket cuisine completes the day.

For more information about the excursions, please contact thailand@exotissimo.com.

Following months of extensive research, Exotissimo Travel unveils a challenging expedition that explores the pristine forests of Thailand’s northern hinterlands. Reviving an ancient trade route, the program offers intrepid travelers an unparalleled insight into the region’s rich biodiversity, cultures and customs. The Old Elephant Trail: Trekking Thailand’s Highest Peaks is a 7 Day / 6 Night trek that starts from Mae Surin National Park in Mae Hong Son Province along the little known Old Elephant Trail. Centuries ago the route was busy with merchants traveling between Mae Hong Son and Chiang Mai but with the construction of a road in the 1950s, the trail was abandoned. After years of solitude, the trail is now the perfect route for adventurous travelers. To read the full itinerary, click here. The press release for this new exciting tour is available here.

Ideally placed along the hip Nimmanhaemin Road in Chiang Mai, the Yantarasiri Boutique Resort is a beautiful hotel enshrouded in an atmosphere of luxury and serenity. Offering four room options – superior, deluxe, executive and suite, the spacious rooms are presented in Lanna style and decorated with natural materials. The ample greenery and old trees surrounding the saltwater pool enhance the lush feeling of the hotel. The restaurant is serviced by two chefs, one specialising in Thai cuisine while the other serves Western delights.