Our Chiang Mai Private Tours
Table of Contents
Frans Betgem
About Chiang Mai a la Carte and Green Trails
Chiang Mai a la Carte is a brand of Green Trails, offering a diverse selection of private tours in Northern Thailand. Our two brands—Green Trails and Chiang Mai a la Carte—specialize in crafting unique, customized experiences for travelers. On this website and the Green Trails platform, you’ll find options ranging from single-day excursions to multi-day journeys.
Chiang Mai a la Carte focuses on special interest tours such as:
• Cultural and Heritage Tours: Temple visits, Lanna history, and Buddhist traditions.
• Culinary and Handicraft Tours: Northern Thai cuisine, local markets, and artisanal crafts.
• Nature and Family Tours: Botanical gardens and family-friendly activities.
• Festival and Textile Tours: Exploring vibrant celebrations and Indigenous textiles.
Customization is our specialty—every tour is tailored to match your interests and preferences.
What Green Trails Offers
Green Trails specializes in adventure and nature-focused experiences, including trekking, cycling, rafting, and exploring Northern Thailand’s breathtaking national parks like Doi Inthanon and Huai Nam Dang. We also collaborate closely with tribal communities, offering immersive cultural tours that delve into the lives, languages, and traditions of ethnic groups such as the Palong (Dara-ang), Akha, and Hmong people.
For any tour inquiries, contact us at: info@green-trails.com.
Special Interest Tours
We pride ourselves on creating customized private tours in Chiang Mai and beyond. Whether your passion lies in:
* Stone carving or paper flowers,
* Festivals,
* Lanna temple architecture,
* Indigenous textiles and hill tribe cultures,
* The history of the teak industry,
* Northern Thai cuisine and rice cultivation, or
* American missionary history
we can design a personalized experience for you.
In the past, we’ve created tailored tours for families connected to the Bombay Burmah Trading Corporation and the Danish East Asiatic Company, offering them a chance to explore their historical ties to the region.
Exploring North Thailand
Our tours span North Thailand’s provinces, as defined by the six-region system:
• Upper North: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, Lamphun, Lampang, Nan, Phrae, Phayao, and Uttaradit.
• Lower North: Tak, Phichit, Phetchabun, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Kamphaeng Phet, Nakhon Sawan, and Uthai Thani.
From bespoke itineraries to nationwide tours—such as a journey from Bangkok to Chiang Rai—we cater to every interest and travel style.
Preserving Lanna Culture
At Chiang Mai a la Carte, we’re committed to celebrating and preserving the rich traditions of Lanna culture—the heritage of Northern Thailand. Once an independent kingdom, Lanna was influenced by Burmese rule (1558–1774) and later absorbed into the Thai kingdom. Today, its identity shines through its architecture, music, dance, and culinary traditions.
If you’re fascinated by Lanna architecture, the provinces of Lampang and Phrae are must-visit destinations, showcasing elegant teak wood houses and historic temples. Let us create a journey tailored to your interests and immerse you in the vibrant culture, history, and beauty of Northern Thailand.
Our Samlor Tours
The samlor, meaning “three wheels,” is a traditional bicycle taxi that has been an essential mode of transportation in many Southeast Asian cities and towns. In Vietnam, they are called cyclos, in Indonesia, becak, and in the Philippines, trisikad or tricycle. In Singapore and Malaysia, they are known as trishaws. Despite their regional differences, these vehicles share one key feature: they are powered by strong male legs. There are not many female drivers but in Chiang Mai there is at least one.
Preserving the Samlor as Living Heritage
This beautiful, eco-friendly form of transportation is sadly disappearing. In Chiang Mai, there were hundreds of samlors as recently as the 1970s. However, like much of Southeast Asia, the samlor has been replaced by cars, tuk-tuks, and other motorized vehicles.
The only way to ensure its survival is by turning it into a tourist attraction, as has been done in Phnom Penh, Hanoi, and Singapore, where locals now rarely use these vehicles. We are committed to supporting Chiang Mai’s samlor drivers by offering samlor tours that highlight this unique piece of cultural heritage.
Chiang Mai Cycling Tours
While we are not a specialized cycling tour operator, we do include cycling in some of our tours, such as the Cycling and Zipline Adventure. Our sister company, Green Trails, offers cycling tours tailored to student groups in areas like Huay Tung Thao and from the McKean Senior Center to the ruins of Wiang Kum Kam. If you’re interested in exploring Chiang Mai on two wheels, let us know, and we’ll help arrange a memorable experience.
Chiang Mai Private Temple Tours
Our standard private temple tours include iconic sites like Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Wat Chiang Man, Wat Phra Singh, and Wat Chedi Luang. Beyond these, Chiang Mai has many other fascinating temples, such as:
• Wat Umong
• Wat Phrathat Doi Kham
• Wat Suandok
• Wat Lok Molee
• Wat Chet Yod
For those interested in Buddhism, a visit to less-visited temples like Wat Sri Suphan (the Silver Temple) is highly recommended. Our Magnificent Temples of Chiang Mai Tour is a great starting point, but we can customize it to suit your preferences. Behind each temple lies a unique story, and we’re passionate about sharing them.
Temple Architecture
Chiang Mai’s temples showcase various architectural styles, such as:
• Burmese Influences: Seen in temples like Wat Mahawan and Wat Buparam,
• Mon Style: wchedis shaped like stepped pyramids housing standing Buddha images, exemplified by Wat Chedi Liam and Wat Phuak Hong in Chiang Mai, as well as Wat Phra That Hariphunchai and Wat Ku Kut in Lamphun.
For a deeper dive into Burmese- and Shan-style architecture, Lampang offers treasures like Wat Sri Chum and lesser-known temples such as Wat Phra That Mon Cham Sin.
Historical Tours
Chiang Mai is rich in historical landmarks beyond its temples. It boasts heritage houses, traditional teak wood buildings, and other significant structures. We offer historical walks along the Ping River, where you can explore the city’s past.
We’ve also organized customized tours for descendants of employees of the Bombay Burmah Trading Corporation and the Borneo Company, including the Tales and Trails of the Teak Wallahs Tour for 137 Pillars House, a boutique hotel housed in a former teak trading office.
For Burmese and Shan heritage, Lampang stands out with restored landmarks like the Louis T. Leonowens Company compound, now known as the Louis House (see below pictures)
Missionary History
Few know about the significant American missionary history in Chiang Mai, Lampang, Nan, and other Northern Thai cities. In 1867, Daniel McGilvary founded the Laos Mission in Chiang Mai, paving the way for establishments like:
• McCormick Hospital
• Dara Academy (the first girls’ school)
• The Prince’s Royal College
These institutions, founded over a century ago, have museums that preserve their legacy. We include sites like the McKean Leper Asylum (now the McKean Senior Center), established in 1908, in our Chiang Mai Heritage Tour. Similar missionary landmarks can be found in Chiang Rai, Phrae, and Nan, such as old missionary houses and seminaries.
Food, Culinary, and Cooking Tours
The Thai kitchen is world-famous, with Northern Thai cuisine boasting distinctive dishes like:
• Sai Ua (Northern Thai sausage)
• Khao Soi (a Yunnanese Muslim-inspired dish)
• Fried Pork Skin with Spicy Paste (Num Phrik), a popular Chiang Mai gift
Chiang Mai is also home to numerous cooking schools and vibrant markets, making it the perfect place to learn Thai cooking. Our tours, such as the Caves, Cooking, and Sticky Waterfalls Tour and the Thai Cooking and Elephants Tour, combine culinary experiences with cultural and natural exploration.
The Fresh Markets of Chiang Mai
Experience the vibrant energy of Chiang Mai’s fresh markets, where tradition and flavor come alive. While modern supermarkets and malls have become popular, the city’s open-air markets remain essential to daily life.
Kad Luang, meaning “big market,” is Chiang Mai’s most famous market and a must-visit destination. Often referred to as the Warorot Market, this bustling area is actually part of a larger complex that includes the Tonlamyai Market, known for its vibrant flower stalls along the Ping River. Nearby, the Hmong Market offers an array of tribal textiles and unique souvenirs. Spend hours exploring Kad Luang and its surroundings—it’s one of our favorite spots in the city!
Thailand: A Land of Coffee and Tea
Tea has long been a staple in Thailand, introduced by Chinese immigrants. Today, the largest tea plantations can be found in Chiang Rai at Doi Mae Salong, Doi Wawee, and Singha Park, where visitors can tour sprawling tea fields.
Coffee, on the other hand, was introduced as part of the Royal Project, a sustainable initiative started by His Majesty King Bhumibol. Over time, coffee has grown into a beloved beverage in Thailand. Visit plantations like Suan Lahu or villages such as Ban Mae Klang Luang on Doi Inthanon to discover the origins of Thailand’s coffee culture.
Explore Orchards and Rice Fields
Discover the lush beauty of Chiang Mai’s rice fields and fruit orchards with our guided tours. During the rainy season, also known as the “green season,” the rice paddies glow with vibrant greenery under clear skies.
Our half-day food tour by samlor is a fantastic way to experience local markets and sample eight authentic snacks. We can also arrange tours to explore Northern Thailand’s agricultural traditions, including visits to Royal Projects such as Doi Angkhang and Doi Inthanon. In Lamphun, witness the harvest of longan fruit (lamyai), celebrated annually with a colorful festival.
Private Trekking Tours in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai offers exceptional trekking opportunities right at its doorstep. One of the best day treks takes you through Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, from Doi Pui Hmong Village to the Hmong Village of Ban Mae Sa Noi. For a deeper experience, consider an overnight stay in this charming Hmong village.
Our sister brand, Green Trails, specializes in trekking tours and offers programs such as the Historic Opium Trail Trek, which combines stunning landscapes with a fascinating history.
Family-Friendly Private Tours
We have extensive experience organizing private, customized tours for families in Chiang Mai. Each family is unique, and we specialize in crafting itineraries that balance fun and education. Safety is of course the highest priority. Whether it’s soft adventure trips like the All in the Family Tour or active experiences offered by Green Trails, we ensure every family member has a memorable time.
Festival Tours: Experience Northern Thailand’s Celebrations
Northern Thailand’s festivals are a vibrant reflection of its culture. Our Loy Krathong Tours—offered as private or join-in experiences—are particularly popular, but we also highlight other events like:
Songkran (Thai New Year)
Chiang Mai Flower Festival
Poy Sang Long Ceremony
Lamphun Longan (Lamyai) Festival
Salak Yom Festival in Lamphun
While the enchanting sight of sky lanterns at Loy Krathong has captivated visitors in the past, recent restrictions have led to changes in the celebration. We’ll keep you updated on this year’s plans.
The fantastic Handicrafts of Chiang Mai
Known as Thailand’s handicraft capital, Chiang Mai is a haven for traditional artisans. We’ll take you to hidden workshops where crafts like sa paper, celadon pottery, handmade umbrellas, and wood carving are still created by hand. Don’t miss the House of Many Elephants, the studio and museum of Petch Viriya, a master carver of wooden elephants. Try our Old Handicrafts of Chiang Mai Tour for an authentic experience.
Hill Tribes and Ethnic Minorities
Northern Thailand is home to diverse ethnic groups, from well-known hill tribes like the Karen and Hmong to lesser-known groups like the Tai Lue, the Kachin, and the Pa’O people. These communities offer a rich tapestry of customs and traditional attire.
Green Trails provides comprehensive tribal photography tours and organizes customized visits to ethnic villages, including textile-focused tours that delve into traditional craftsmanship.
Buddhism Tours: Discover Spiritual Traditions
If you’re interested in Buddhism, we can design tailored tours to temples, meditation centers, and Buddhist universities. Participate in activities like Monk Chats at Wat Suan Dok and Wat Chedi Luang, where you can engage directly with monks about their teachings.
Our early morning almsgiving tour, which includes visits to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and Wat Pha Lat, is one of our most popular offerings.
National Park Adventures in Northern Thailand
Explore the breathtaking national parks of Northern Thailand:
• Doi Inthanon National Park: Home to Thailand’s highest peak, offering scenic hiking trails and cascading waterfalls.
• Huai Nam Dang National Park: Known for its classic trekking routes.
• Doi Suthep-Pui National Park: A hidden gem with the famed Opium Trail and the Monk’s Trail leading to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.
Our tours range from single-day trips, like Doi Inthanon: Hiking the Nature Trails, to multi-day adventures for a deeper exploration of these natural wonders.
Let us guide you through the heart of Northern Thailand, blending cultural immersion, natural beauty, and unforgettable experiences into your journey.
