Weekly Excursions

Chiang Mai is known as the cultural capital of Thailand, nestled in the northern foothills of the country – it also boasts scenic nature and eco-adventure activities. At The Dawn, we balance hard work with an appropriately healthy dose of play by taking clients on a weekly day-trip to experience some of these famous natural and cultural attractions. Whether it is mountaintop temples, quaint coffee shops, exotic elephant parks or adventurous whitewater rafting Chiang Mai has it all. These outings are not just purely for entertainment but have therapeutic value as well – as they help clients relax and start appreciating and enjoying the simple things in life again.

With so much to see and do nearby our centre, you will be sure to enjoy new experiences with new friends under the close supervision of our support staff, who are committed to providing a safe, fun and enriching experience.

As one of the world’s most visited vacation spots, a visit to Thailand is sure to be a life changing experience. Not only will you have the opportunity to pick up souvenirs from the Land of Smiles on our excursions, but you will create lasting memories of your time at The Dawn.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR WEELKY EXCURSIONS

Our Weekly Excursions

ELEPHANT JUNGLE SANCTUARY

Experience life with the elephants in their natural habitat, you will get the opportunity to learn about elephant behaviour, and discover the unique and interesting history of each elephant. You will be able to feed, bathe and brush the elephants while they enjoy wading through the water. Located next to a Karen village in a densely forested mountainous region near Chiang Mai, the Sanctuary is surrounded by spectacular jungle scenery.

RAINFOREST CANOPY ZIPLINE ADVENTURE

Soar through the treetops on a zipline and enjoy two rappel descents. You can take three nature walks, including a hike up the seven-tiered Mae Kampong Falls for more scenic views. If you are lucky, you may even spot wild gibbons. This adrenaline-inducing canopy course covers 3 miles (5 km), including one 2,624-foot (800-meter) cable, the longest zipline in Asia, built and designed with fun and safety in mind.

TEMPLE TOUR

This is the perfect chance to sample the most famous and beautiful of the city’s 36 Buddhist temples (Wats), both inside the city walls and in the nearby countryside. You will also ascend the rolling hills surrounding Chiang Mai to experience the summit of Doi Suthep, a temple perched high up on a mountaintop. You will gain first-hand insight into habits of the Buddhist monks as they go about their daily routines, plus plenty of opportunities to photograph historic environs of Chiang Mai and the amazing views of the foothills surrounding the city.

WHITE WATER KAYAKING

Paddle along a jungle lined river in Northern Thailand on a kayaking trip through the Mae Wang valley. Follow a course that passes a series of elephant camps, and spot the friendly animals who come to the river to bathe and drink. Look for butterflies, and birds along the way, and soak up the sun on slow-going stretches of water between the rapids. The lower part of the river is perfect for advanced rafters, who will want to experience the white water and boulders of Lost Canyon.

THAI COOKING CLASS

You start off visiting Siriwattana Market to learn more about the food you will be preparing in the cooking class. After an hour at the market, you will be driven to Thai Cookery School Chiang Mai to start cooking. You are welcome to ask questions and share experiences during the cooking class. Our chef will share a variety of ingredients and show you how to cook the dishes before you return to your cooking station to prepare and make each dish yourself. After all the cooking is done, you will get to eat your meal with the rest of the class.

TRIBAL EXPERIENCE

Enjoy a trip to the mountains of Northern Thailand to Suan Lahu, a coffee farm run by members of the local Lahu tribe. Learn about the production of organic coffee, enjoy tasting coffee, help out on the plantation and visit the village where most of the workers live. There are a number of seasonal activities possible at the farm, ranging from taking care of farm animals, helping with the plants, to grading, roasting, and harvesting the coffee beans. This is a great way to gain a deeper understanding of a group of local people while also enjoying the scenic countryside.