The city of Chiang Mai has an abundance of beautiful and historic Buddhist temples and this tour takes in the most interesting. One of the highlights is a visit to the 600 year-old temple of Wat Pra That Doi Suthep, near the summit of Doi Suthep mountain. After a drive up the mountain’s winding road, the final climb to the site is via a magnificent Naga ‘dragon-headed serpent’ staircase of 306 steps. Inside is an intriguing copper-plated chedi topped by a five-tier gold umbrella which contains partial relics of Lord Buddha. On a clear day, there are incomparable views over the city of Chiang Mai.

Other temple visits on this tour include: Wat Suan Dok, whose large central stupa contains the ashes of Chiang Mai’s royal family; Wat Chedi Luang, where the Emerald Buddha was once enshrined; and Wat Phra Singh, housing a very sacred 1,500 year old Buddha image.