From your hotel, take a vehicle up 3,500 feet (1,069 m) above sea level to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Visit one of Chiang Mai's most sacred temples on this half day tour to the beautiful Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. More commonly referred to as just "Doi Suthep" for the mountain it sits on, the temple is a gorgeous example of Buddhist grandeur and gives insights into Thai culture. From the parking lot, you can reach the temple gates either by climbing 306 steps on foot or by riding a cable car to the top. If you opt to go on foot, begin up the intricately carved Naga Serpent Staircase, which is flanked on either side by enormous, colorful serpent carvings that snake down the mountain.

At the top of the mountain, you're greeted by a stunning golden spire that crowns the center of the temple and can be seen for miles around. The spire is surrounded by walls of historical murals, which you can spend time admiring before moving on. Learn the myth of the temple's foundation as you pass the shrine to the white elephant that is said to have brought a relic of the historical Buddha to the temple.

Afterwards visit some of the many handicraft villages in the Sankamphaeng area. San Kamphaeng is a ‘home of handicrafts’ and the perfect place to browse through unique items that are made right here in Chiang Mai. Your first stop will be at Bo Sang, a village known for making brightly colored paper umbrellas. Then you’ll continue to a series of shops that sell handmade crafts such as silver jewelry, Thai silk, teak wood carvings, and lacquerware. These items make wonderful keepsakes for yourself and delightful gifts for friends back home.