Ideally, a driver is the way to go but on my last visit I found a one day package, widely available that included riding elephants, visit to butterfly and orchid farm, visit to the waterfalls and lunch for about $30. It was wonderful and a great value and they picked me up at the hotel. You are back to your hotel in the afternoon. Don't miss the night market and for sure try the guava juice. There is free entertainment there as well. Another activity was Thai kickboxing. I missed it and was sorry I did. I heard it was fantastic!