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 colourful 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 Soya, a smooth, spicy, noodle in curry soup. Return transfer from the farm to your city centre Chiang Mai hotel is included.