Icons & Secrets

Two tourists watch a traditional craftsman making umbrellas in Chiang Mai

People engaging in pottery making at an outdoor workshop in Chiang Mai.

Tea room with wooden interior in Northern Thailand, featuring traditional musicians in the background in Chiang Mai.

People overlook a canal at Amphawa Floating Market in Chiang Mai.

Person adjusting a large red traditional umbrella with intricate designs in Chiang Mai

Buildings line the banks of a river in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

5 (93)

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

3 hours English

5 (93) 100% Personalized

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

How It Works

Book your date

Choose your preferred date, start time and group size for your experience.

Share your interests

Complete your personalisation form after booking, for a tailored experience.

Explore with your matched host

We match you with a local host who shapes the route around you.

Experience Overview

Time:

3 hours

What to expect:

Fully tailored to your preferences

Language:

Hosted in English (Other languages may be requested)

Transport Mode:

Walking experience (May use public transport for longer distances)

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’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 Excluded:

Food, drinks, and shopping expenses

Transport fares or attraction entry fees

Mostly walking, with food, drinks, transport and entry fees paid separately unless stated.

Reviews of Our Chiang Mai Experiences

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.

Pamela

Bangkok

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!

Emily

Bangkok

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.

Estuardo

Bangkok

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.

Paul

Bangkok

Tom was very knowledgeable about Buddhism.

Randal

Bangkok

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

Jennifer

Bangkok

See all reviews

A possible route, not a fixed script

This sample shows what the experience could include. Your host will shape the route around your interests, pace, weather and plans.

Suggested 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.

Chiang Mai, Our Guests Way

Here are our guests exploring on a City Unscripted experience.

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

Your FAQs

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.

★★★★★

Kendra

21 June 2026

We had the best day with Benny! He contacted us right after the booking to plan out the day. When our flights were delayed he quickly responded and was flexible to adjust to the new schedule. He was so helpful in navigating the streets while sharing information about the areas. Hoping for another trip soon just so we can book another tour with Benny!

Teresa

1 July 2026

We had an amazing experience with Claudio. Claudio was an outstanding guide—friendly, professional, and incredibly knowledgeable about the history of Bologna. He shared fascinating stories that brought the city to life and gave us fantastic recommendations for local restaurants and hidden gems that we never would have found on our own. City Unscripted did a wonderful job matching us with someone who truly loves what he does. Claudio made us feel like we were exploring the city with a knowledgeable local friend rather than just taking a tour. We highly recommend both City Unscripted and Claudio to anyone visiting Bologna. Thank you for making our day so memorable!

Trevor

30 June 2026

We were lucky to have such a knowledgeable, thoughtful guide in Lorenza. We were able to experience and learn a lot in a very short amount of time. We were thrilled with her authenticity and passion for the city, its history, and culture. She did a wonderful job of tailoring the experience to our interests!