Explore the hypnotising north of Thailand and discover its main cultural attractions, during this magical five-day tour from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai. This fascinating region offers you a plethora of historic monuments, memorable landscapes, gastronomic delights, and wonderful wildlife. Enjoy the north of Thailand while seeing its top temples and visiting the spectacular hill tribe villages.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Chiang Rai: Learn about local cultures at the Hilltribe Museum , explore remote tribal villages in the highlands, and discover the dazzling Wat Rong Khun temple.
Golden Triangle: See three countries from one spot in Sop Ruak at the confluence of the Ruak and the Mekong rivers.
Chiang Mai: Visit a tribal village, cruise a river on a longtail boat, take in the views from the hilltop Wat Doi Suthep temple and much more.
Day 1: ARRIVAL CHIANG RAI
Arrive in Chiang Rai and meet with our representative. Then, transfer and check in at the selected hotel, enjoying the rest of the day free at leisure. Maybe explore the heart of the old town, which dates from the reign of King Mangrai in the 13th century, or wander around the bustling night bazaar to catch a glimpse of the spirit of this beautiful area.
Overnight in Chiang Rai.
Day 2: CHIANG RAI – GOLDEN TRIANGLE – CHIANG RAI (270km – 6 hrs)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, before heading to the centre to admire the iconic monument of King Mangrai, en route to the Hilltribe Museum and Education Centre. Learn all about the dozens of hill tribes who, for centuries, have lived in the highlands around the city and how they have survived the spread of globalisation. Continue to the Mae Chan district to explore the remote hill tribe villages of Yao and Akha people, and experience their way of life first-hand. Head towards Mae Sai, a small border town with a busy market, before going into the heart of the infamous Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet. This natural wilderness gained an unwanted notoriety in the Sixties because of the abundant opium cultivation in the area. After lunch, continue to Chiang Saen to visit the hilltop Wat Phra That Chom Kitti, which is reached via a 350-step staircase. Return to Chiang Rai and have the rest of the day free at leisure.
Overnight in hotel in Chiang Rai. Breakfast and lunch included.
Day 3: CHIANG RAI – CHIANG MAI (260km – 4 hrs)
Begin your journey after breakfast at the hotel, heading towards Chiang Mai. On the southern outskirts of Chiang Rai, stop at the magnificent Wat Rong Khun, a dazzling temple built in the 1990s. Its ornate all-white exterior, with embedded pieces of mirror makes it one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand. Continue to Chiang Mai and, on arrival, visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of the most revered temples in the country. This sacred location is at the top of a mountain from where you can appreciate stunning panoramic views of the city. To reach the temple you must climb up a 309-step naga staircase. Alternatively, you can use the cable car to reach the temple. Afterwards, head to the riverbank and hop on a boat for a cruise along the scenic River Ping. Relax, enjoy the cruise, and then visit a farm to savour a delicious khao soi noodle curry and watch a fascinating dance performance. After a walk through the local flower and fresh produce market, return to the hotel. The cable car ride is included.
Overnight in hotel in Chiang Mai. Breakfast and lunch included.
Day 4: CHIANG MAI CITY & SURROUNDINGS (40 kms – 1hrs)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading to Elephant Poopoopaper Park, an eco-friendly, naturally built outdoor museum park that introduces and explains the unique steps involved in making our much talked about paper products from elephant poop fibres! The interpretive walking tour through our lush gardens brings visitors through eight different pavilions explaining each stage of our fascinating process from poo collection to rinsing to final product assembly. Visitors are encouraged to pull up a stool, roll up their sleeves and join with our talented artisans and guides and participate in our head-turning process! Complemented by the presence of rich graphics and signage, visitors will also be introduced to Chiang Mai's long and rich history of traditional papermaking and handicrafts production. After lunch you will explore this ancient city. Chiang Mai’s old town is still surrounded by remnants of the old defensive walls and a moat. Visit the historic Wat Suan Dok and admire its 48- metre-high Sri Lankan-style chedi, which overlooks the Royal Cemetery. Continue to Wat Phra Sing in the old town and appreciate the beauty of this large complex of more than 60 buildings before visiting 14th century Wat Chedi Luang in the very heart of the old city. In the evening, you can enjoy an optional khan toke dinner (not included).
Overnight in hotel in Chiang Mai. Breakfast and lunch included.
Day 5: DEPART CHIANG MAI
Start your last day in Chiang Mai with a delicious breakfast, before checking out of your selected hotel.
Breakfast included.
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Thailand. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Shoes should be removed before entering a temple or private house. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
