1. Chiang Mai: Historical Temples Small Group Half-Day Tour
The charming city of Chiang Mai is a mix of atmospheric temples and sleepy streets. Spend a half-day exploring this city’s best temples with a knowledgeable guide. Start at Wat Phra Singh, a 700-year-old temple often described as the city’s most beautiful. Inside, find an enormous “Lion Buddha”, as well as guilded pagodas, murals, and statues. Then, visit Wat Chedi Luang, the largest Buddhist temple in the heart of Chiang Mai. Built in 1441, this crumbling chedi is surrounded by striking elephant and serpent statues, who guard the temple. Wat Suan Dok is known for its countless white stupas (meditation structures) and its stunning scenery, including its backdrop of Doi Suthep Mountain. It’s thought that a tooth from the Buddha himself is enclosed at the temple’s heart. Finally, visit Wat Chiang Man, Chiang Mai’s oldest temple, which dates back to 1296. The gleaming gold chedi is seriously impressive, but the atmospheric flower garden that doubles as a fantastic photo spot is also worth a visit.