Chiang Mai Hidden Gems: 3 Temples by Local Red Truck by Local Operator

This is a 3.5-hour experience in Chiang Mai. It is run by CanalTour x ExploreSiam, an operator we book with directly rather than through a reseller, which is why we can hold your place with them before we treat your booking as final.

Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples sit side by side across Japan and the etiquette differs slightly: at a shrine, bow at the torii, rinse hands and mouth at the water basin, then bow twice, clap twice, bow once at the hall; at a temple, no clapping, hands together, and incense if it is offered. Photography is fine outside and usually not inside halls. Zen meditation sessions, zazen, are taught at several Kyoto and Tokyo temples in 30 to 60 minute sittings with the posture explained; a shukubo temple stay adds the morning service and vegetarian shojin ryori. Shoes come off at every hall.

The price covers Guide, Drinking water and Insurance. It does not cover Personal expenses, Gratuities for driver and guide, Entrance fees and Entrance fees, so budget for those separately. Everything included is listed in full on this page; if something is not on that list, assume it is not in the price.

Tha Phae Gate. We need at least one day's notice, and we confirm the date with CanalTour x ExploreSiam before treating your booking as final. If they cannot take your date we tell you and refund you rather than leave you waiting.