About Chiang Mai a la Carte

Chiang Mai à la Carte is the cultural and historical travel brand of Green Trails. We believe the richest experiences in Northern Thailand are not the ones on every bucket list. They are meeting the people and visiting places that mass tourism overlooks.
Based in Chiang Mai, we design day tours and longer expeditions, including journeys that support the local samlor (bicycle taxi) community, as well as more extensive travels further afield. Our true strength lies in customization: thoughtfully crafted, personalized itineraries that explore lesser-known destinations such as Mae Salong, Doi Angkhang, Doi Wawee, Phrae, Lampang, Phayao, Chiang Saen, Mae Sariang, and Mae Hong Son.
At the heart of every journey is genuine connection: meeting the people, understanding the cultures, and uncovering the stories that define Northern Thailand. We continually research new routes and refine our itineraries so that every trip remains meaningful and distinctive.

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Chiang Mai a la Carte

Two roads diverged in a wood and I – I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference” Robert Frost (1874-1963)

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What people say about Chiang Mai a la Carte
“I highly recommend Green Trails/Chiang Mai a la Carte to any group, university program, or traveler looking for a seamless, deeply educational, and unforgettable experience in Northern Thailand. I contacted them to help coordinate a custom itinerary for a group of 10, consisting of three US university faculty members and seven students, and they executed it flawlessly.
Every single day was a home run, including a fantastic cultural deep-dive exploring the diverse religious institutions, historical sites, temples, and local markets right within Chiang Mai. We traveled up to Mae Salong to learn about the fascinating history of the KMT (Kuomintang) soldiers and their families in the region.”
 
Collin Glenn, International Partnership Coordinator
Saginaw Valley State University, USA – 2026
 

“Since our initial correspondence, I realise you went and opened a newish avenue of travel for your company with my enquiry about Lake Phayao and Ban Bua village.  Loved being in both areas with almost no other tourists. Thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience.

Chiang Rai does not yet seem too overwhelmed by tourists and enjoyed our first evening in the night market and having hotpot. So much fun. Love that the night market there has not been sanitised as it has in Chiang Mai.
Everything we did on the week’s trip we enjoyed. All the temples were different enough to be of interest. Samlor rides were special and glad we could enjoy them still. The end of an era.”

Lisa Pacun and Family, UK – 2024

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Day Tours

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Our adventure brand Green Trails

Our partner Green Trails

If you are looking for more adventurous and active tours, please visit the website of our sister brand Green Trails. Green Trails offers trekking, cycling, and rafting tours in North Thailand. The site also contains lots of information about the indigenous people of North Thailand. Green Trails also offers educational tours for schools and universities.

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Green Trails

Handcrafted Authentic Adventures in Chiang Mai
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Samlor tours

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We want to preserve the samlor as Chiang Mai Heritage

Since 2016, Chiang Mai a la Carte has organized samlor (bicycle taxi) tours to preserve the legacy of Chiang Mai’s last remaining drivers. Once a common sight with hundreds pedaling through the city’s vibrant streets, these iconic vehicles have nearly vanished due to the rise of motorized traffic across Southeast Asia. By joining our tours, you’ll experience Chiang Mai’s charm at a leisurely, environment-friendly pace while supporting these drivers and inspiring a new generation to carry on this cherished tradition. Book a tour today and be part of this cultural revival—you’ll leave with unforgettable memories!

Read more about the Chiang Mai Samlor Project Chiang Mai on Three Wheels
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Chiang Mai UNESCO World Heritage

Multi-day tours

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Expeditions

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Customized Tours in Northern Thailand

With over 20 years of expertise crafting tailored tours in Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai a la Carte offers private, fully customizable experiences designed around your interests. Enjoy the ultimate flexibility with a dedicated guide and vehicle, ensuring a journey that’s uniquely yours. Drawing from our extensive collection of meticulously curated and regularly updated itineraries, we’ll create a personalized program to make your Northern Thailand adventure unforgettable. Share your passions with us, and let’s start planning your perfect trip today!

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Customized Trips

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