Explore the soul and spirit of Chiang Mai on this small-group cultural tour! Rise early and watch Chiang Mai come to life as you visit one of its liveliest markets. Enjoy a traditional Thai breakfast at a local market and get a glimpse of a typical morning routine. Gain insight into Chiang Mai's deeply religious culture by visiting two well-known Buddhist temples, and strike up a conversation with a monk.
Highlights
- Chiang Mai morning culture tour, including Buddhist temples
- Discover the cultural and spirit of Chiang Mai
- Visit the vibrant Kad Thon Payom market and enjoy a traditional Thai breakfast
- Enter the tunnels of Wat Umong and see the impressive Buddha images
- See the picturesque Wat Suan Dok, with a collection of snow-white Buddhist stupas
- Free hotel pickup and drop-off
- Small group ensures personalized experience
Your morning cultural tour of Chiang Mai starts as you jump aboard the songthaew, an iconic Thai passenger vehicle, and take a scenic drive down Suthep Road. Along the way, stop by Kad Thon Payom, a market renowned for its northern Thai cuisine and fresh fruits. See a variety of fascinating foods, from herbs to live fish to exotic fruits. Join in on the tradition of offering food to monks before enjoying a delicious Thai breakfast.
Continue on to Wat Umong, a 600-year-old Buddhist temple built in the foothills of Suthep Mountain and surrounded by forests. The most unique features of the temple are the tunnels that give the wat its name (umong is the Thai word for "tunnel"). Inside the temple, you'll see an impressive image of a fasting Buddha along with a large stupa (a mound-like structure filled with Buddhist artifacts). Keep your eyes open for the hundreds of Buddhist proverbs in English and Thai posted on trees throughout the grounds.
Then visit Wat Suan Dok, a 14th-century temple built in a forest grove for Phra Sumana Thera, a visiting monk from Sukhothai. The striking, white bell-shaped temple boasts a 20-foot (6-meter) Buddha. Wat Suan Dok is special because of its large prayer hall and the sides of the chapel, which are open instead of completely enclosed. Learn more about Buddhism by chatting with a Buddhist monk through the temple’s Monk Talk program.
Schedule Details
Wat Umong
Select a month to view a calendar of availability and departure details.
6:00am-6:30am
Duration:4-5 hours
Return details:Returns to original point of departure
Tour and Pricing Options
Click the link below to check pricing & availability on your preferred travel date. Our pricing is constantly updated to ensure you always receive the lowest price possible - we 100% guarantee it. Your currency is set to USD. Click here to change your currency.
Additional Information
- Entrance fee to Wat Umong and Wat Suan Dok
- Local guide
- Thai breakfast
- Offering to Buddhist monks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities (optional)
- Confirmation will be received at the time of booking
Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.
Was this information helpful?
We want to know what you think
Is there additional information we could provide to help you decide if this tour or activity is right for you?
Note: Do not use this link for customer support. Instead you must go to Customer Care.
Book before you go!
Trust the worldwide leader
- Save money & time
- Avoid disappointments!
- Flexible cancel policy - no fee for changes
- Customer care available 24/7
Since 1999, over 3 million travelers have experienced more with Viator!
