If you have not seen Chiang Mai, you have not really seen Thailand. No visit to Thailand should be considered complete without at least a few days in the North. Experience the "other" Thai Culture in the former Kingdom of Lana. You can shop endlessly, ride elephants, hunt for wild orchids near spectacular waterfalls, visit ethnic minority villages, or sample some of Chiang Mai's legendary nightlife. We offer four programs in Chiang Mai (including a Thai cooking school) plus Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle.

Our three-day Introduction to Chiang Mai, Thailand's Orchid of the North for first-time visitors. We include plenty of sightseeing, including a sample of the local nightlife. If you have time, stay longer to enjoy one or more of the extra activities shown below.

Chiang Mai Basics Been there and done that? Try this three-day Chiang Mai Basics Package for return guests. You get one of our famous guides for a day to see and do practically anything you like. Shopping? More obscure temples? Or how about that umbrella factory you missled last time?

A Taste of Thailand Have fun learning Thai cooking! Our five-day Chiang Mai Stay includes three days (or more if you like) of cooking classe,s plus plenty of exploration with one of our famous private guides. If you are not traveling alone and your companion wants to do something else, we have plenty of alternative activities included in the package.

Leisurely Chiang Mai Have a week or longer and want to save money? This is our long stay program in Chiang Mai. You get a guided introduction to the Orchid of the North, then you are on your own. We can hook you up with a Thai boxing school or meditation enter if you like.

Chiang Rai and the North Overnight trip to the other Orchid of the North, with plenty of breathtaking scenery along the way.

Thailand's Golden Triangle Venture north towards the Burmese border. Using Chiang Rai as your base you visit hill tribe villages that once thrived on opium farming, see a 14th century capital, and take a quick trip into Myanmar forsome amazing shopping. three days and two nights.

Purple Dragon has designed unique optional day trips that fit easily into any holiday schedule. If you take any of our all-inclusive packages you get a special price for the optional sightseeing you decide to add. Have a look at these creative adventures:

Chiang Mai Wedding Celebrate your love with a gorgeous traditional Thai union ceremony. We supply costumes, a photographer (still or video), music, food and everything else.

Chiang Mai Tales Delve into the city's rich culture and history

Fortress of Secrets Walking tour within the moat-ringed Old City to see some of Chiang Mai's oldest architecture and the greatest concentration of working temples of any small area in Thailand. Life has all but stood still in this part of the city, which is somewhat forgotten by tourists.

River of Life Travel leisurely by boat up the Ping River and stop for a healthful massage

Elephants Naturally An unforgettable one-day trip to an elephant sanctuary on the edge of one of Thailand's most beautiful natural parks. After an entertaining pachyderm show you take a ride on elephant back through the forest. A delicious lunch is included, then float down a lazy river through truly unspoiled scenery on a bamboo raft.

Lamphun Step back in time on a half day visit Chiang Mai's nearby sister city

Nature's Kingdom A day trip to Chiang Mai's lush wilds

Lampang See a giant chicken and an elephant hospital plus authentic architectural and cultural treasures in a town well known for its ceramics. If you like, we can also arrange an overnight trip for those who really want to spend time with elephants.

Gay Travel Thailand: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, the Golden Triangle and Thailand's Cultural & Spiritual Heartland

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"My guide in Chiang Mai was Kenny and as I spent more time with him than the other guides, I feel that I came away a little bit of a friend as well. Seeing the temples with him left me with an understanding of Buddhism that I would not have had otherwise. He took me to a real Thai disco and I taught him ten pin bowling. We had a great time doing both. Thank you again and please thank each of the guides for me". -- William M. (London)

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