7-Day In-Depth Chiang Mai Adventure Tour

Discover Chiang Mai's Nature, Culture, and Elephants

This itinerary is specially designed for those who want to explore Chiang Mai, particularly family travelers. It is suitable for both the New Year holiday and summer vacations. It includes the must-see attractions as well as some off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Spending an all-inclusive night at The Bush Camp will allow you to establish a close connection with magnificent elephants. You will not only be able to tour the highlights — the spectacular landscape, historical temples, traditional Thai villages, and local cuisine — but also get in touch with the local people and gain a deep understanding of Chiang Mai.

This is a private trip, and we can customize it according to your time and interests.

  • Days:
  • Best for: first-timers
  • Departure date: up to you
  • Sample price:US$1,499 each (2 per room)*
  • Flights:Thailand domestic's is included (international on request)

*The price is based on a private tour of 2 people. The cost for a customized private SE Asia tour from US$200/person/day

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Chiang Mai Adventure Tour Map

ah-tl-3 tour map

Tour Highlights

Spend a night luxury glamping at The Bush Camp Chiang Mai.

The Bush Camp

Create art on eco-friendly elephant paper.

Elephant Paper

Visit a long-neck Karen minority village.

Long Neck Tribe

Climb up the unique surface of Bau Thong Sticky Waterfall.

Sticky Waterfall

Have a leisurely walk on "the Roof of Thailand"— Doi Inthanon mountain

doi suthep

Cook authentic northern Thai cuisine and enjoy its flavors.

cooking class

Itinerary in Detail

Day 1
Chiang Mai Arrival
  • You will be met by your private tour guide at the airport. We'll transfer you to your hotel, where you can relax and adjust from jetlag ready for the adventure ahead.
Day 2
Chiang Dao Cave and the Sticky Waterfall
  • Our adventure begins with an 8:00 AM pick-up from your hotel.
  • Embark on a scenic 2-hour drive north of Chiang Mai to explore magnificent Chiang Dao Cave, a limestone wonder filled with hidden beauty.
  • Then, visit Wat Tham Pha Bong, a renowned Buddhist temple celebrated for its serene atmosphere and breathtaking views.
  • Afterward, explore a village of the startling long-neck tribe, descendants of Karen immigrants from Burma who have preserved their unique cultural traditions.
  • In the afternoon, appreciate awe-inspiring Grand Blue Temple (Wat Ban Den), an architectural marvel known for its stunning buildings.
  • Our final stop is the Sticky Waterfall, a one-of-a-kind natural wonder. Unlike other waterfalls, its uniquely-textured rock formations allow you to climb and explore without slipping. Take a refreshing dip and have some fun in this incredible natural playground.
  • When you are ready, we'll return you to your hotel.
Chiang Dao Cave
Chiang Dao Cave
Day 3
The Amazing Bush Camp Elephant Experience
  • At 9:00 AM, depart from your hotel in Chiang Mai to stay at The Bush Camp, where you will enjoy a delicious Thai lunch. After lunch, check in and prepare for the day's activities.
  • Visit their "free-roaming, chain-free" elephant park. Feed and interact with Asia's largest land animal — it's truly a once-in-a-lifetime memorable experience.
  • Explore the Karen Village and experience the traditions of the mahouts by watching their families pound rice, weave their own handmade clothes, sample some of their cooking, and observe their daily lives.
  • Join a cooking class to learn how to make curry chicken, extract coconut meat, discover spices, and chop ingredients under the guidance of a professional chef.
  • Enjoy a sundowner at one of the many mountaintop viewpoints overlooking the majestic Ping River.
  • Savor a buffet dinner featuring freshly-prepared Thai and Western dishes while taking in the beautiful mountain vistas.
Elephant Experiences in Bush Camp
Explore a Karen Village and sample their cooking 
The Bush Camp Chiang Mai
Feed the Elephant
Day 4
Spend One More Day Up Close with Elephants
  • Enjoy a fresh buffet breakfast at your leisure.
  • Experience the unique opportunity to make paper from elephant dung and unleash your creativity by painting on this eco-friendly elephant paper!
  • Sample Kafee Boran and kanom krok — traditional coffee and a breakfast snack enjoyed by mahouts (elephant workers), while observing how well their elephants are cared for.
  • Watch the elephants enjoy their morning wash and learn more about how mahouts work with them at The Bush Camp. You can also see the elephants smearing mud on their bodies — a common activity for cooling off, sun protection, insect repellant, and other reasons.
  • After a full morning of activities, return to your tent to check out.
  • Enjoying one final lunch overlooking the mountains and Ping River, and then at approximately 1:30 PM, we'll return you to your hotel in Chiang Mai.
Elephant Experiences in Bush Camp
Watch the elephants enjoy their morning wash 
Elephant Paper
Draw on Elephant Paper
Day 5
Chiang Mai City Highlights with Doi Suthep Mountain
  • Begin your day with a visit to a bustling food and flower market, where locals go to shop for fresh produce and vibrant floral offerings.
  • After exploring the market, proceed to Wat Suan Dok, a significant temple in Chiang Mai. Standing on the viewpoint of Doi Suthep Temple, you can overlook the entire city of Chiang Mai.
  • Embark on a 30-minute drive to Doi Suthep Mountain, enjoying the breathtaking views of the surrounding Northern Thailand landscape as you pass through mountains and forests. Reach Wat Phra That, one of the most revered temples in Northern Thailand.
  • Return to Chiang Mai and experience a 20-minute rickshaw ride through the tranquil streets of the old town.
Doi Suthep Mountain
Doi Suthep Mountain
Day6
Doi Inthanon National Park and an Ethnic Minority Village
  • Escape the heat and chaos of Chiang Mai with a 1½-hour drive to the refreshing climate of Doi Inthanon National Park, which is renowned for its numerous waterfalls, scenic hiking trails, remote villages, and picturesque mountain farms.
  • Enjoy a leisurely nature walk along the Ang Ka Trail.
  • Visit a hill tribe village — Maeklang Luang Karen village which retains a primitive charm, featuring traditional wooden stilt houses. Visitors can observe local women engaged in weaving. The journey also offers picturesque views of small terraced fields.
  • Explore a small Hmong market, admire the scenic beauty of Wachiratharn Waterfall, and appreciate the magnificent King and Queen Pagodas.
  • After a memorable day in the park, we'll return you to Chiang Mai in the late afternoon.
Chiang Mai ,terraced fields
The Terraced Fields
Day 7
Chiang Mai Departure
  • We'll provide an airport transfer to ensure a warm send off and a smooth transition out of Thailand as you catch your flight back home.
  • Thank you for choosing Asia Highlights! We hope to see you again soon!

Ideas for Making This Trip Uniquely Yours

Special experiences can be added to brighten a honeymoon trip, a family vacation, a birthday, or satisfy personal interests.

champagne on the night cruise
Experience Buddhist alms-giving

For culture fans

chiang mai cooking class
Extend Your Trip to Lampang

For history fans

chiang mai handicraft village
Explore Chiang Mai handicraft village

For culture fans

Hand-Picked Hotels

We select hotels with style and local features. Let us know your preferences and we'll find your ideal hotel.

Smile Lanna Hotel in Chiang Mai
Smile Lanna Hotel in Chiang Mai
hotel in Bangkok
The Bush Camp Chiang Mai

Tour Price:

7 days from
US$1,499 p/p(based on a private tour for 2 people)
  • The price is based on a private tour during the low season with 4-star hotel options.
  • The price varies based on program, travel date, number of people.
  • We could also price a tour including both 4-star and 5-star hotels for you.
  • The price for a child younger than 8 is approximately 80% of the adult's price.
  • We accept payments in multiple currencies (GBP, AUD, CAD, EUR...).

Price Includes:

  • Privately-driven air-conditioned vehicle with ample space (except where stated)
  • English-speaking local guide for the sightseeing
  • Attraction tickets and itinerary activities
  • Accommodation for all nights
  • Hotel breakfasts and itinerary lunches/dinners
  • 24/7 helpline while touring
  • Governmental taxes

Price Excludes:

  • International flights not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Overweight luggage more than 20 kg per person
  • Visa fee, if applicable
  • Tips for guides and drivers
  • Personal expenses

Tour code: ah-tl-3

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  • Family adventures
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