This morning drive to the mountain temple of Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, the most famous landmark of Chiang Mai. Climb the naga staircase to visit the exquisite golden pagoda with 6 kg of pure gold at its peak and the rest plated with gold shines high over the city. The sound of temple bells fills the air, and the view down over the city makes an irresistible photo opportunity. Afterwards drive up the mountain by “songtaew” pick-up truck onto a rough dirt road to the Chang Khien Coffee Research Project where you can enjoy a cup of the local ‘arabica’ surrounded by fabulous gardens of flowers. Continue to the white Hmong village of Chang Khien where the 800 inhabitants still retain their traditional hill tribe clothes and culture that dates back 500 years. Continue down to the Mae Sa valley to visit an orchid farm and butterfly sanctuary.
Around 15h00, arrive at the Lisu Lodge and enjoy a traditional welcome drink prior to the briefing and orientation. Late this afternoon, a Lisu ‘guide’ will take you for a walk through the village; start from Ton Lung temple to view the herbal garden then continue to visit the Lisu village families with a stop for a cup of tea and a traditional medicine at the shaman’s house. Afterwards visit t the cultural centre or so called the ‘museum’ created by the villagers. Inside you will find a display of typical items from the Lisu as well as the Akha tribes and watch a 10-minute dance show performed by both tribes before returning to the lodge.
Overnight at Lisu Lodge

After breakfast at the lodge depart for a guided bike tour around the Lisu Lodge area. Drive to an Elephant Camp. From here, you will enjoy a 1 hour elephant ride through beautiful mountain scenery followed by a picnic lunch alongside the Mae Tang River. Embark on an inflatable raft for 45 minutes to an hour of pleasant, and sometimes exciting, white-water rafting on the Mae Taeng River. Then transfer to Phrao via Mae Hor Phra to visit Bua Tong waterfall en route.
Arrive at Khum Lanna and be greeted by local Lanna people. A tasty welcome drink (herbal tea or fruit juice from the garden) will be served. A short briefing introduces you to the lodge and village and also proposes a choice of activities for the next day. Khum Lanna will provide Thai farmer shirts for guest use during their stay.
Then, partake in a Thai cooking class and enjoy the fruits of your labors with a full 4-course sit-down Thai dinner with your host and friends (a free copy of “Khum Lanna Thai Recipe Book” is provided) While dining, enjoy an introduction to the Thai language which will prepare you for your market shopping the next day. Before going to sleep, relax alongside the campfire and watch a sky full of stars in the tranquil surroundings.
Overnight at Lanna Farm

Early this morning, coffee and tea will be brought to your room for your wake-up call before we start our sunrise biking trip along the rural country road via San Kwang village to Phrao to visit an early morning local market where local coffee is available. With the help of your guide you may buy local cookies and flower garlands for the temple offering on the way back. Then walk to visit a farmer’s rice and traditional tools shop, chat with the owner, and learn more about the rice legends and differences & properties of the varieties of rice. Your local escort will translate. Cycle back to Khum Lanna with a stop to visit Wat Pa Gee to pay respect to the Buddha image under the sacred tree. Continue biking to Khum Lanna along the local canal with a stop in the rice fields to get more information about the rice-growing process and the place of rice in Thai life.
Upon your return, freshen up and then feast on a local Lanna-style breakfast which is set on the riverside. Then take a garden tour around the compound in preparation of the Lanna country-style BBQ lunch; you collect different seasonal herbs, vegetables, and fruits for cooking. If you wish you can also learn how to ride a water buffalo. Take your second Thai cooking class during which you will learn to prepare and cook your selections from the garden or local market. Share an informal Lanna country-style BBQ lunch that you have prepared with your host.
From 14h00-16h00 you can choose one of the following (approx.) one-hour activities: / Guided biking tour around Khum Lanna / Fruit carving / Artificial flower making / Local style personal herbal steam bath / Hot-pressed herbal massage.
Late this afternoon, after your activities, transfer back to Chiang Mai airport or hotel.