Depart the hotel at 08:30 to board a private tuk-tuk and begin exploring the history and culture of Chiang Mai. Nicknamed the ‘Rose of the North’, Chiang Mai has blossomed into a vibrant city that captures both the spirituality and modernisation of Thailand, where craft beer and contemporary restaurants have sprouted up amongst gilded temples. The day begins with a visit to Warorot Market, a ramshackle collection of food, textile, and homeware vendors. There’s ample opportunity to mix with locals out for the day’s shopping and taste a few Thai snacks along the way.
Our next stop is Wat Chedi Luang, famed for its enormous chedi which once housed the Emerald Buddha that now sits on the grounds of the Grand Palace in Bangkok. When possible, your guide will assist you with digging deeper into Buddhist beliefs and practices as you learn from one of Chedi Luang’s revered monks.
Once more, board your tuk-tuk and head for Wat Sri Suphan. The temple’s façade, roof, and Buddha statues are all covered in silver, contrasting with most of Thailand’s gilded temples. This came about as the temple was built in the 1500s to serve the local silversmith village, which in turn paid homage by donating silver. Within the temple grounds, visit the silversmith learning centre where local artisans continue to practise age-old techniques. Try your hand at a short workshop, crafting your own piece using the traditional methods that have adorned this remarkable temple for centuries. After visiting the temple, wander the surrounding alleys to see the local silversmiths that still call the neighbourhood home.
The final visit of the day is to Wat Phra Singh, where you will have the opportunity to see the temple’s remarkable murals and explore the splendour of the grounds.
Lunch will be enjoyed at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel.