Chiang Mai Farm Life and Khao Soy Experience: A Glimpse into Thailand's Agrarian Culture
4.3
50 Ratings
Chiang Mai
Experience the agrarian culture of Thailand with a visit to Chiang Mai's farms and a taste of the local specialty, Khao Soy. Discover the beauty of the region's fertile grounds and the peaceful life along the Ping River.
Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Mae Ping River - We start this short yet sweet excursion with a short transfer to the Chaimongkol docking area of an exhilarating 45-minutes cruise over the Mae Ping River. Chiang Mai life from the river takes on a completely new persona once you had a taste of the city.

The Rose of the North’s Mae Ping River splits the modern part with the more local side where temples, old wooden houses and local communities still thrive. With modern times interspersed along the river banks, the overall colorful scenery and witness the lifestyle of the local people is something that has retained over time.

The cruise ends with a visit to a local farmhouse with its own herbs, vegetables and fruit gardens. On the farm you observe yourself how the cultivation of jasmine rice and a variety of herbs for use both in medicine and cookery are tended to in traditional fashion. Guided by the local family, visitors truly get a feel and taste of how former generations infused their knowledge in the current farming life cycle.

A selection of seasonal fresh fruit is there to be tried out in combination with the taste of lemon-grass and other herb juices. You should not leave Chiang Mai without tasting the local dish, Khao Soy, a smooth, spicy, noodle in curry soup. Return transfer from the farm to your downtown Chiang Mai hotel is included.

What's Included
  • All entrance fees covered
  • Air-conditioned vehicle transportation
  • Khao Soy meal included
  • Taxes and service fees included
  • Half day tour with English-speaking guide
What's Not Included
  • Personal expenses such as meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping, portage fees.
  • Hotel accommodation in the destination of commencement
  • Compulsory Christmas, country-specific festival and/or New Year dinner at included hotels
  • Single supplement charges for single travellers, where applicable
  • Any airline tickets, visa fees, additional transportation cost from and to the general meeting point
  • Travel insurance coverage for customers (highly recommendable)
Additional Information

The northern capital, charmingly nestled amidst landscapes of mountains, valleys, and lush farmlands, Chiang Mai offers a gentler portrayal of Thailand, distinct from the powerful intensity of its elder sibling, Bangkok.

Numerous rivers trace the borders of the foothills, maintaining a consistent water supply vital for farming, with the Mae Ping River being the primary water source for the Chiang Mai region. This tranquil waterway seamlessly integrates with the city’s core districts, and the farmer’s existence alongside the Ping River is vividly presented during this 2.5-hour voyage, marking the culmination point of this boating expedition.

Round it off with a local delicacy, a bowl of Khao Soy, on a village farm, and you’ll gain a glimpse into the daily routine of a farmer.

  • This tour is operated on joint / Seat-In-Coach basis only with English-speaking assistance (no guide).
  • Transfers are only operated within the downtown Chiang Mai areas and restricted to main hotels only. Regions outside the central business district such as Mae Rim, Hang Dong, Doi Saket, Mae Taeng and Chiang Mai International Airport are excluded and supplementary charges apply.
  • We regret that are unable to provide pick-up and drop-off transfer services from and to apartment complexes, local guest houses or private apartments.
  • We advise you kindly to head on your own arrangement to the nearest hotel inside the downtown Chiang Mai area.
  • We will do all possible to comply with any dietary requirements during this excursion; it may not always be possible to confirm your wishes in advance based on the choice of meal at the farm.
  • Natural elements of any kind have a destructive effect on electronic equipment. It is the customer’s own responsibility to ensure that any camera, mobile telephone or other device is properly wrapped and protected against these elements. We cannot be held responsible in any way for negligence and/or not following suggestions for any damage related to this.
  • Please ensure that you bring sunglasses, a hat /cap and sunblock with a high SPF factor when traveling with us on this tour – even when it is cloudy, the sunrays still have an immense power.
  • We reserve the right to make necessary changes to the excursion in case of unfavourable weather conditions or situations where we are forced to make alterations to guarantee the safety of our guests.
  • It is the responsibility of the customer to provide us with the correct hotel information, should pick-up and drop-off services be included in the package.
  • Any changes in accommodation outside 24 hours will be handled accordingly: changes within 24 hours may be on request.
  • In the event of no-show or change of accommodation without prior consent and confirmation from us within 24 hours may result in the applicable cancellation charges as outlined in the terms and conditions.
  • This tour departs every hour between 09:00 and 15:00 hrs (last departure).
Location
Mae Ping River
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.3
(50 Ratings)
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Pam_m
Mar 7, 2024
Fabulous! - Really enjoyed it. They were organized, welcoming and put together a fabulous, informative tour finishing with an amazing lunch. Don't miss out on that part! It was step 14 of the rice planting process!!! Our guide Kao was the best!
Review provided by Viator
Kim_f
Mar 7, 2024
Beautiful river trip - This was a wonderful way to spend 2.5 hours. So peaceful, so many beautiful trees along the riverside. The captain was very knowledgable and helpful. When we got to the farm for lunch, he explained about all the different herbs in the garden and how they could medically help you. The dinner was so delicious as was the lemongrass tea and ice cream. No one was trying to sell you anything and there were just 7 of us guests. A very authentic trip, thoroughly recommended ❤️
Review provided by Viator
William_l
Mar 4, 2024
A good value trip with a light meal included - The trip was about two hours and included a boat trip to and from the farm - a good meal was served with ice cream desert and a soft drink followed by the return trip - a trip up the river with food for less than $20’per head - What’s not to like - if you have a morning to spare - worth a visit.
Review provided by Viator
Malcolm_p
Feb 14, 2024
Great river trip - Well organised and prompt pick up. Lovely river boat ride. Stop at farm for lunch could have been longer. A bit rushed. Great value for money. Recommend
Review provided by Viator
Peter_t
Nov 10, 2022
Relaxing trip with lunch - Khao Soy and ice cream were delicious. Interesting little farm. No issues with pick up and drop off at hotel.
Review provided by Viator
Helen_s
Jan 22, 2024
Thai life Riverside - Pleasant afternoon. Don't expect too much and enjoy it for what it is. Food was excellent st farmhousr
Review provided by Viator
Andrew_t
Nov 18, 2022
Worth doing but not top of todo list - Seeing the different architectural developmental history and life along the river bank was interesting. Lunch was delicious and the commentary which was difficult to hear on the boat but at the farm was helpful to appreciate the diversity of plants for fresh food
Review provided by Viator
Julia_k
Jan 1, 2023
Nice but not worth $30 - It was a nice trip, but you didn't really see anything, other than the owners restaurant. We didn't get to see how it was made as promised. There was little commentary. It would have been better if we'd seen more.
Review provided by Viator
Camilleo987
Nov 1, 2023
Want my refund asap. - Tide too high, the guy called us just when we arrived in to the meeting point to say that he will not come to pick up us today but can move the activities the day after because of high tide. As everyone knows, no matter what days, tide follow hours during a period so probably they could not make it for few days but surely did not discovered that 5mins before.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sandra_j
Oct 19, 2023
Tourist trap - I should have listened to the reviews. Dont bother… Its just an avenue to have lunch at their farm/restaurant. Food is ok at best, and the river boat ride is boring.
Review provided by Viator
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