Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai is a beautiful city in northern Thailand that offers a unique blend of culture, nature, and adventure. Here's an ideal itinerary for 5 days in Chiang Mai with an eco-tourism focus:

Day 1: Arrival and City Tour

• Arrive at Chiang Mai International Airport and check into your eco-friendly hotel.
• Start your day by exploring the old city of Chiang Mai on foot or by bike. Visit the famous temples such as Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang, and Wat Phan Tao.
• For lunch, head to Pun Pun Organic Vegetarian Restaurant, which serves delicious vegetarian and vegan food made from organic ingredients.
• In the afternoon, visit the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, where you can shop for local handicrafts, souvenirs, and try some street food.
• End your day with a relaxing massage at one of the many eco-friendly spas in the city.

Day 2: Doi Inthanon National Park

• Wake up early and head to Doi Inthanon National Park, which is about 2 hours away from Chiang Mai.
• Doi Inthanon is the highest mountain in Thailand and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. You can go hiking, bird watching, and visit the waterfalls and hill tribe villages.
• For lunch, try some local food at one of the park's restaurants, which use locally sourced ingredients.
• In the evening, return to Chiang Mai and have dinner at Aum Vegetarian Restaurant, which serves delicious vegetarian and vegan food made from organic ingredients.

Day 3: Elephant Nature Park

• Today, visit the Elephant Nature Park, which is an elephant sanctuary that rescues and rehabilitates elephants from the tourism and logging industries.
• Spend the day learning about the elephants' stories, feeding them, and observing their natural behavior.
• For lunch, enjoy a vegetarian buffet made from locally sourced ingredients.
• In the evening, return to Chiang Mai and have dinner at Anchan Vegetarian Restaurant, which serves delicious vegetarian and vegan food made from organic ingredients.

Day 4: Mae Sa Valley

• Today, explore the Mae Sa Valley, which is about 30 minutes away from Chiang Mai.
• Visit the Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden, which is home to over 700 species of plants and flowers. You can also go hiking and bird watching in the surrounding forests.
• For lunch, try some local food at one of the valley's restaurants, which use locally sourced ingredients.
• In the afternoon, visit the Mae Sa Waterfall, which is a beautiful waterfall surrounded by lush greenery.
• End your day with a relaxing massage at one of the many eco-friendly spas in the valley.

Day 5: Cooking Class and Departure

• On your last day in Chiang Mai, take a cooking class at one of the many eco-friendly cooking schools in the city. Learn how to cook traditional Thai dishes using locally sourced ingredients.
• For lunch, enjoy the dishes you cooked during the class.
• After lunch, check out of your hotel and head to the airport for your flight back home.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your eco-tourism trip to Chiang Mai!