Tour Details

Mae Ping River Small-Group Tour

From: £24.22

Duration: 4-5 hours

Categories: Culture & History, Cruises & Sailing

Discover the enchanting culture of the Chiang Mai area on this small-group Mae Ping River tour! Visit Wat Chai Mongkol, an architecturally stunning temple, and see its exquisite Buddhist relics. Glide down the majestic Mae Ping River on a long-tail boat, and soak in the picturesque rural scenery. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local farmer’s house, and visit a garden to learn about the medicinal use of plants in Thailand. Stroll around the Warorot Market and browse for unique souvenirs and goods.

Begin your Chiang Mai adventure by exploring Wat Chai Mongkol, a grand temple built on the shore of the Mae Ping River. Boasting more than 600 years of history, Wat Chai Mongkol contains an unparalleled collection of shrines and relics. Follow the Buddhist tradition of offering alms to monks, and learn about other unique religious practices.

Then, board a roofed, long-tail boat and cruise down the Mae Ping River, the main river flowing through the city of Chiang Mai that is fondly known by locals as the “Lifeline of the Province.” The Mae Ping River provides the surrounding rural farmers with water to irrigate their rice paddies and agricultural crops. Drift along the water and enjoy the breathtaking scenery; admire the quaint teak houses and the verdant rural greenery.

Stop at a farmer’s house and enjoy a delectable Khao Soi lunch. This noodle dish is often made with chicken or beef, served over Chinese egg noodles and garnished with shallots, cilantro, pickled mustard greens, fried whole chilies and a squeeze of lime juice.
 
After lunch, walk through the fruit orchards of the Chiang Mai Plain and visit a garden to learn about local vegetables, herbs and the medicinal use of plants. Pass by rich, fertile rice paddies and plantations of coffee, tea and strawberries on the edge of the Mae Ping River.

Return to Chiang Mai by songthaew, a typical Thai passenger vehicle, and stop at Warorot Market, one of the largest markets in Chiang Mai. This three-story building sells everything you can imagine, from food to beautiful textiles to handicrafts. Try some more Thai food at the various food vendor stalls. Finish your full-day adventure at the Ton Lam Yai Flower Market, where you can view thousands of colorful, fresh-cut flowers and breathe in the fragrant aroma.

Your tour concludes at the flower market, and you are then free to explore on your own or let your guide assist you in getting back to your hotel if needed.

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Culture Shock Rating

We have a wide range of tours designed to give you an insight into the destination you're travelling in and there is something for everybody. The culture shock ratings considers the destination visited, transport used, activities undertaken and that "Wow, I'm really not at home now!" factor. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our gradings is as follows…

20%

This is the least confronting of our tour range. Transport used on the trip is either private or a very comfortable public option, the activities included are usually iconic sites and locations that are not all too confronting.

40%

The tour can include a mix of private and public transport providing a level of comfort that is slightly below what you would experience at home. Sites visited are usually iconic sites, tours can also include market visits, visits to communities etc that provide the traveller with a fantastic insight into destination.

60%

Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether it's a packed public bus where you are forced to stand, a visit to a local market, a local community, you are sure to have an experience that is very different from what you're used to at home.

80%

The comforts of your home town and the environment you are used to are more of a rarity. Expect some challenging transport options, visits to local sites and areas that don't resemble anything at home.

100%

You're out there in the global community! You are likely to be exposed to the elements, travel in whatever means of transport is available and basically take it as it comes, whatever comes! It can be tough.

Physical Rating

Our physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our gradings is as follows…

20%

These tours have very limited physical activity. Usually climbing in and out of the transport provided, walking through sites, markets etc included in the itinerary.

40%

These tours have a bit of physical activity but nothing that should challenge you too much. This could be climbing on and off public transport through to a walk through the destination you're travelling in, they can include walking only tours or a combination of walking and transport.

60%

These tours involve a bit of physical activity from walking up and down hills in the destination you're travelling in or the surrounding areas. Climbing on and off local transport or riding a bike up to 30 kms along predominantly flat terrain or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.

80%

These Tours will provide you with some solid physical activity. Whether its bike riding, walking, trekking, kayaking or riding on public transport you will need to have a good level of fitness to enjoy this tour.

100%

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. These tours are our most challenging and involve some serious walking, hiking or bike riding. Can involve step climbs by foot or pedal and some challenging public transport options in the destination you are travelling.

Luxury Rating

Some trips are like a stroll on the beach, while others have you trekking alpine passes. Some of you thrive on camping out on the savannah, while others may prefer a hot shower and a comfortable bed in a lodge. Follow the grading systems below to find the right trip for you.

To help you choose the trip that's right for you, we've broken all of our trips down into four service levels. Measuring the comfort level of the accommodation and transport. So whether you're travelling on a budget and want to save money by using public transport, or prefer upgraded accommodation and are happy to pay a little more, then we have a level for you.

25%

This is grassroots travel at its most interesting

50%

Authentic experiences with some of the comforts of home

75%

For those who like to travel in comfort

100%

All the unique experiences wrapped up with a gold ribbon