Of all Chiang Mai?s cultural achievements, none are more remarkable than their handicrafts. Chiang Mai is, quite simply, Thailand?s major center for quality handicrafts. The artisans produce an extraordinary range of quality products which are in variably the first choice among shoppers, silverware, lacquerware, silk and cotton products, ceramics, parasols and jewelry.

On this tour a visit is made to the San Kampaeng district, heart of the silk and cotton home industries, to witness the fascinating process of making and weaving these popular fabrics. Then we continue to Bor Sarng, the umbrella village, where the delicate Thai paper umbrellas are produced and hand painted. Last but not least, stops are made to observe the intricacies of lacquerware, silverware and teakwood furniture.

A varried half day tour where you will have the opportunity to see a lot of interesting aspects of Pattaya, including a local market, marine aquarium full of magnificent tropical fish, a cliff full of tame monkeys and an oyster farm.

You will also have the opportunity to visit a stone village before reaching a nursery of the famous orchid farm. Here you will see many beautiful varieties of orchids, how they are grown for the local market and for exporting to other countries

A glimpse of everyday life in Thailand can be seen at the Damnoen Saduak Floating market which is located some 68 miles from Bangkok. Your journey commences with a leisurely drive passing through salt fields and rice paddies before arriving at a jetty. Here we will board long tail speed-boats to take you to the market.

The market is made up of Thai style canoes laden with colorful, succulent fruits, vegetables, sweets and meats. They gently ply their way through the canal selling as they go. Close by is the Rose Garden, comprising 70 acres of lush tropical gardens and manicured lawns. Here lunch will be taken in a restaurant overlooking the river.

After lunch you will be treated to a Thai Village show with over 150 performers portraying a fascinating cross section of Thailand?s culture, heritage and way of life settings as authentic as the remote rural villages. Enjoy cultural activities, a wedding ceremony, Thai dancing, an elephant show and a whole host of other activities on this interesting afternoon.