Great Experience Songkran Water Festival in Chiang Mai

12 April 2010 - Arriving in Chiang Mai (D)

Arrive Chiang Mai, meet our representative and transfer to Hotel.

Afternoon - Visit one of Thailand's most revered Temples Doi Suthep. This Buddhist Temple situated on top of the Eastern mountain in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park which covers 262.5 Square km. The mountain with beautiful views overlooks Chiang Mai City 15 Km below. Leading up the mountain is a 300 step naga staircase to the temple. A naga (multi headed serpent) on both sides of the staircase follows the staircase up the mountain. For those who need fast access to the temple there is an elevator. The mountains high altitude ensures weather on the upper slopes is cool and pleasant all year round.

Evening - Enjoy special Thai Dinner on the mountain and see the sun set and panoramic view of Chiang Mai. Transfer back to your hotel.

13 April 2010 - Thai New Year (B/L)

Morning - Visit Mae Sa Elephant Camp, with an elephant nursery and see these magnificent animals demonstrate their intelligence and skills. You can enjoy an optional half hour or hour elephant back ride through indigenous jungle. On Thai Elephant Day there is a big ceremony for elephants in the camp. On route back to Chiang Mai, guests can relax and walk in Orchid gardens and a butterfly farm.

12.00 - Lunch at local restaurant.

Afternoon - Return to Chiang Mai and enjoy the Parade of Buddha Images from the city. Local Thais decorate holy Buddha images from the temple and people spray water on the images to give them luck.

14 April2010 - Family Day (B/D)

Morning - Free leisure time.

Afternoon - From your hotel, walk to join local people returning sand from the river to the temple. At Songkran Thai people collect sand from the river due to traditional beliefs that every time we visit the temple sand is removed. At new year Songkran.

Evening - Relax in a palatial setting while dining on delicious northern Thai cuisine called “Khan Toke” and eat to your heart’s content. During the meal traditional Thai instruments play soothing music and charming Thai dancers entertain you with the fingernail dance, candle dance, sword dance and Ramwong dance.

15 April 2010 - Making Merit Day (B)

Morning - Join Thai people in the extend life ceremony and put your banner in the pile of sand. Visit temples around the ancient city wall and moat of Chiang Mai. Visit the oldest temple in Chiang Mai - 710 years old containing a sacred ancient crystal Buddha. Visit an ancient temple with the largest stupa in Chiang Mai – over 600 years old. Visit an ancient temple with vivid murals showing Chiang Mai ancient Thai life. Round toff the trip with a fascinating visit to a local Thai market where you witness local Thai peoples life style.

Afternoon - Free a Leisure or transfer to airport for your next destination.