Chiang Mai

Secret Chiang Mai: Clay Gardens, Spirit Shrines & Quiet Lanes

Hidden Gems • 3 hours 5

(93)

Secret Chiang Mai: Clay Gardens, Spirit Shrines & Quiet Lanes

Explore Chiang Mai’s creative, calm spirit houses, quiet studios, and shaded gardens, on a flexible walk guided by your energy and interest.

Escape the scorching heat by planning an early start each day and visiting museums during the hottest times of the day

What makes this experience special

This is a flexible walk shaped around you. Your host plans the route to match your pace and curiosity, exploring peaceful lanes, spiritual corners, and creative spaces most visitors miss.

Key highlights

Begin on a quiet soi where only locals tend to wander
Pass hidden courtyards, studios, or gardens; pause if the mood fits
Try clay shaping if the moment allows, or simply sit with tea
Step into a vinyl café or incense-filled space if it feels right
Let your host adapt in real time, no rush, no script
Choose when to observe, engage, or move on without pressure
If open, you might detour to a riverside textile archive

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

At a glance What’s included Things to know

3 hours

Fully tailored to your preferences

English Other languages may be requested

Walking experience may use public transport for long distances

What’s included

Tailored itinerary based on your preferences

A knowledgeable host who knows the hidden gems

Flexible start times to fit your day

What’s not included

Food, drinks, and shopping expenses

Transport fares or attraction entry fees

Meeting point

Suan Dok Gate, QXQH+H8R, Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring

How your day could unfold

A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you most

Here’s what your experience could look like

These are just suggestions from our hosts to inspire your day. Your host will tailor the experience to suit your interests and tastes

Meeting point

Suan Dok Gate, QXQH+H8R, Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

A Courtyard Where Craft Still Happens

An unmarked space where tradition lingers

Secret Chiang Mai: Clay Gardens, Spirit Shrines & Quiet Lanes

You might follow your host into a quiet alley where something is being shaped by hand, maybe bamboo, maybe not. Sometimes the door is open. Sometimes not. You could pause, join in, or simply pass through.

A Garden with Clay and Calm

A tucked-away place where the pace softens

In a shaded garden, there may be people sitting with local clay. Some guests choose to sip tea here. Others listen to the silence or try shaping something small. It depends on what feels right in the moment.

Where Sound Meets Stillness

Music, incense, and space to slow down

A wooden doorway might open into a space that blends music, quiet, and reflection. What you find, or whether you enter at all, depends on the day and your mood.

A Moment That Might Appear

A pause, a doorway, or just a feeling

Your host may suggest a quiet detour, or you might notice a corner that feels full of story. Whether you stop, enter, or simply keep walking, some moments offer meaning without asking for attention.

Optional Close by the River

Soft light, still water, and time to reflect

If energy allows, the day could end along the Ping River. Some choose to sit. Some walk a little more. There’s no plan, just the quiet of the city at the edges.

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories

Unwinding by the water on a peaceful Thai boat ride

Temple views and sunshine moments in Thailand

Hugging it out on a colourful Thai street adventure

Sharing laughs in the heart of a vibrant Thai market street

Cultural icons and warm welcomes at a historic Thai site

Tropical blooms and market treasures on a Thai stroll

Street eats and good company at a local Thai food stop

Tuk-Tuk Adventures and Smiles in Thailand

Evening lights and easy smiles on a Thai night out

River breeze and good vibes on a Thai ferry ride

Bright skies and happy snapshots during a Thai escape

See what happens when you travel unscripted!

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What travelers think of our Hidden Gems experiences in Asia

Pamela Apr 2025

Kat brought us to all the places we wanted to see while being mindful of the heat and a person in our party with mobility issues. We absolutely loved Bangkok and we credit her with that. She spoke English well too.

Emily Apr 2025

My friend and I had one full day in Bangkok and Kat planned the perfect itinerary. She asked us our preferences and was very communicative leading up to our tour. We got to see all the major temples, try some delicious food that was off the beaten path and gave us tips for how to navigate around Bangkok and for our trip around Thailand more broadly. Would highly recommend booking this tour for a customized and delightful experience with a local!

Estuardo Sep 2024

I really had a great experience with Kat. When I bought the tour, Kat contacted me to see how we can make my experience more memorable. She sent me quite a few ideas and I did the same. Once my trip day approaches, she sent me actual plan… and it was really great. I completely agreed with all her suggestions, ideas and timings. She met me at my hotel on time and there we went. We had great conversations, and she also made sure I enjoyed my time and visited the most places during the 8 hours. She was really keen on how this tour was going to be and also coordinated all the timings and made sure we went to all locations. Thanks so much again Kat for taking the time to tour me around. Kat is a wonderful person and very caring. If you are planning to visit Bangkok in the near future, please make sure you ask for Kat… you will not be disappointed at all.

Paul May 2024

We spent two days with Kat - one day seeing the Bangkok highlights and the other doing the River Market and other markets. She is a great guide: very knowledgeable; professional; and kind. We would strongly recommend her for any tours in the area.

Randal Jan 2024

Tom was very knowledgeable about Buddhism.

Jennifer Jul 2023

She was able to show me everything on my short layover Tour and get me to the airport on time at 100% recommend.

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FAQs

Your questions, answered

Is this a traditional tour or something different?

This isn’t a traditional tour with a fixed script. It’s a fully personalized day shaped around your interests, whether it’s culture, history, neighborhoods, or hidden local spots. Your host is a knowledgeable local, more like a friend showing you their city. It’s flexible, one-on-one, and tailored entirely to you.

What if I don’t know what I want to explore?

That’s completely fine! Select an experience theme or a flexible discovery experience, and after booking, answer a few questions so your host can design the perfect experience for you.

How does personalization work?

After booking, you’ll receive a short questionnaire where you can share your interests, travel style, and any must-see spots. Based on that, we’ll match you with a local host who’ll reach out to plan your personalized itinerary..

Will I know my itinerary in advance?

Yes, you will have the opportunity to chat with your host directly and agree on a plan for the day. However, there’s always room for spontaneity and local surprises!

Will I see famous landmarks or just hidden gems?

Both! Your host will take you to iconic sights if you want to see them, but they’ll also introduce you to places and stories most travelers miss.

Can I request specific places or types of stops?

Yes! After booking, you will receive a questionnaire where you can highlight must-visit spots and anything else you’d like to include, and your host will craft your experience around them.

Can I change the meeting place?

Yes, you will be in touch with your host before your experience, and you can agree on a different meeting point with them. Your host can meet you anywhere central that’s convenient.

How much walking is involved?

This depends on the experience, but your host can adjust the pace to suit your comfort level.

Can my host meet me at my accommodation?

Hotel meet-ups are available upon request in central areas. If you're staying outside the city, your host will recommend the best meeting spot and guide you with directions.