Lan Na translates as a thousand rice fields and is the old name of the kingdoms of Chiang Mai and it surroundings. The glory days of the Lanna Kingdoms were in the 13th to 16th centuries when the great Thai civilizations grew up around the Muangs or city states of northern Thailand.

Our journey immerse you in the lives of the people of Lanna who are more than pleased to introduce you to their proud history and a deep rooted culture.

Your Asia travel experience begins as we escort you to a long-tail 'scorpion' boat, once a form of transport to ship cargo between Northern Thailand and Bangkok along the Mae Ping River. Travel down the very same waterway and take in historic sites and architectural gems, including a unique community fused with Chinese, Portuguese and Indian architectural elements.

After arriving in Chiang Mai you'll explore traditional hill tribe villages, indulge in relaxing Thai massage, visit local markets filled with unique local wares and even learn how to cook some of Thailand's culinary delights yourself.

We'll take you for a relaxing drive through Chiang Mai's scenic surrounding countryside to the mountain temple of Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, the most famous landmark in the city. Take in its 6kg gold peak and enjoy fabulous panoramic views over the city as the tranquil sound of temple bells fills the air. Your Northern Thailand tour will also include an elephant ride through lush mountainous terrain, white-water rafting and a chance to relax in the cool mist of a nearby waterfall.

The adventure continues with visits to local villages and a leisurely cycle ride where you'll pass sacred Buddhist sites and tranquil rice fields. Before your culturally enriching journey ends you'll also explore an ancient, heavily forested temple and learn more about Buddhist life from local monks.

Your day begins at Wat Sri Kong's boat landing, where you will board a scorpion-tailed boat to take in the historic sites of the river including the old trader community of Wat Gatekaram. Stroll past old buildings and check out an eclectic collection of items dating back to the earliest days of Western trading with Chiang Mai. Enjoy the must-eat signature dish of northern Thailand - "Khao Soy" - and browse the wares of the nearby night bazaar before heading to your hotel.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Today we will take you through Chiang Mai's picturesque countryside to Mae Kampong village, stopping en route at a local market to select the ingredients for your lunch. You'll stroll through the community forest before enjoying lunch prepared by your host family. Relax with a Thai traditional massage and take a walk around the village to see the processing of fermented tea leaves and various handmade products before heading back to Chiang Mai.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

A highlight on any Thailand tour is Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai's most famous landmark, which you'll visit today. Afterwards we'll drive you up the mountain in a "songtaew" pick-up truck to the Chang Khien Coffee Research Project and a traditional Hmong village. Then you'll head to the Mae Sa valley to visit an orchid farm and butterfly sanctuary before arriving at the Lisu Lodge, where several interesting cultural displays await.

Overnight at Lisu Lodge

Today you'll visit a local elephant camp and enjoy a 1-hour ride through beautiful mountain scenery before embarking on a white-water rafting ride on the Mae Tang River. Stopping at a lovely waterfall en route, we will then bring you to Phrao, where you'll be welcomed at Khum Lanna by local Lanna people and have a chance to relax before your first Thai cooking class. Enjoy the fruits of your labors with a full 4-course sit-down Thai dinner with your host and friends before capping the evening next to a relaxing campfire in the garden.

Overnight at Khum Lanna

Greet the sunrise with a bike trip along a rural country road to visit an early morning local market and Wat Pa Gee, with its sacred Buddha image, as you peddle past a local canal and rice fields. Upon return to the lodge a local Lanna-style breakfast awaits to be enjoyed riverside, before your culinary discovery continues with another Thai cooking class. Following a BBQ lunch with your hosts, the rest of the afternoon is to be enjoyed at your leisure with several activities available including a fruit carving, artificial flower making or a hot-pressed herbal massage. In late afternoon, we'll transfer you back to Chiang Mai.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

This morning we'll bring you west of the Old City to Ton Payom Market and the 14th century forest temple, Wat Umong. You'll also enjoy the scenery at picturesque Wat Suan Dok before visiting the International Buddhist Studies center and have a unique opportunity to learn and exchange ideas with the monks. We will then transfer you to the airport for your onward flight.

Edwin Briels
Exotissimo Travel Thailand General Manager

My favorite Exotissimo tour is The Real Lanna Experience. I have always had a fascination with Northern Thailand and the tour made me fall in love with the region even more.

I had a great view of the area from my accommodation at Lisu Lodge. It was also quiet and very relaxed. The people in the region were also very friendly and the food was outstanding!

I had a similar Northern Thailand experience with my collegue. We drove around and took in the beautiful mountain scenery and stopped by the villages along the way. My best memory of this trip is the freedom we had, we can stop anywhere anytime! I also remembered stopping by local schools and seeing the students donning different hilltribe uniforms.

The best way to enjoy this tour is to go with a friend and stop at all the main highlights that the guide will show you. In addition, you should pay a visit to the less visited places as well such as unknown markets and temples and chat with the friendly locals in the area.

I would definitely like to go to Southern Laos and A Blend Of Calm In Southern Laos tour caught my eye. I have never been to that area before, but heard a lot of good stories about it and would very much like to experience the area myself!