CHIANG MAI OLD TOWN BY TUK TUK - MORNING DEPARTURE (HALF DAY)

Highlights: Visit Chiang Mai cultural landmarks inside the city wall and surrounded area on 'Tuk Tuk'.

One of Chiang Mai's major attractions is its old city. While many old cities all over Thailand once had walls and moats, Chiang Mai is almost the only city where the old walls are still mostly intact.

9:30 am: Tuk tuk arrives to pick you up from hotel and takes you around the area, with a brief or longer stop as you wish on the tourist favorite spots.

Moats - Clockwise from 12 o'clock (north), the five gates and four corners are:

Chang Phuak Gate (Centre, N moat). Formerly known as Hua Wiang ("head of the city") Gate as it was considered the most important. King Saen Muang Ma (1365-1401) built an albino elephant monument outside the gate during his reign. The name of the gate then changed gradually to reflect its presence. Traditionally, kings-to-be entered the city through this gate on the way to their coronations.

Si Phum Corner (NE moat corner). Taking the left turn at this point takes one to the superhighway. Straight on leads to a bridge over the Ping River and beyond it, the rail and bus stations.

Tha Phae Gate (Centre E moat). Built c.1296. "Tha Phae" means "raft landing". Originally there was an outer Tha Phae on the river and this gate, the inner Tha Phae. When the raft landing was supplanted by a bridge, this became the Tha Phae Gate. Rebuilt 1985-1986. The vicinity is by far the area most useful to visitors as it contains the greatest number of tourist services. Every Sunday a Walking Street Market originates here.

Katam Corner (SE moat corner). A "katam" was a "fishtrap". Water flowing into the city from the Hua Lin corner (NW) of the city collected near this corner in a large pond full of fish. The corner took on the name of the tool used to catch the fish. Turning left here leads to the River Ping.

Chiang Mai Gate (Centre, S moat). Built c.1296 at the founding of the city by King Mangrai. Traditionally the start of the road south to Lamphun. Reconstructed c.1800. Rebuilt 1966-1969. Nearby is the Chiang Mai (fresh) Market, selling foodstuffs. Adjacent are many food stalls, which are popular throughout the day and evening.

Saen Pung Gate (SW moat). First mentioned in historical records about 1545. Traditionally used to transport the dead out of the city to crematoria outside the city proper.

Ku Huang Corner (SW corner). Refers to a stupa "kuu" containing the ashes of a person named "Huang". Rebuilt c. 1800. Turning left here leads to the airport.

Suan Dok Gate (W side of moat). On the sign, misspelled in English as "saun dok". Little in the vicinity of interest to visitors.

Hua Lin Corner (Moat NW corner). "Hua" means "head" and "lin" meant "aqueduct". At this corner the small brook, Hûuai Kaeo, was lifted over the city's rampart to provide fresh water to the settlement. Turning left here leads to the Nimmanhaemin District, Chiang Mai University, and onward to Doi Suthep.

Inside the wall, we will make a few stops at:

3 Kings Monument - The statues of King Mengria, King Ramkhamhaeng and King Ngam Muang, co-builders of Chiang Mai in 1296.

Wat Chedi Luang: The greatest pagoda in northern Thailand, partially destroyed in an earthquake in 1545.

Lunch break will be at a local restaurant with some Thai food.

Wat Phra Singh: A grand monastery containing an important Buddhist statue called Phra Phuttha Sihing.

Wat Chiang Man: The oldest temple in Chiang Mai town, built in 1296 by King Mengrai of Lanna kingdom. The temple is famous for its Lanna-style chedi supported by rows of elephant-shaped buttresses.

1:30 pm: Return to the hotel.

Includes: Tuk Tuk ride (two to a vehicle), Lunch, English speaking guide, Accident insurance (for age 1-75 yrs.)

* Child: Age 4-12 yrs. (Child age 0-4 yrs. FREE)

* All taxes/service charges inclusive.  Tip is not included.

* All discounts will be applied when check out.