Northern Thailand Discovery 8 Days

Tour Detail


Destinations: Chiang Rai – Chiang Saen – Chiang Mai.

Duration: 8 Days

Overview: This 8-day Northern Thailand tour takes you from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, exploring local markets, iconic temples, and unique attractions like Baan Dam (Black House). You’ll cruise the Mae Kok River to visit a Karen village, journey through the tea plantations of Mae Salong, and experience the cultural richness of the Golden Triangle. In Chiang Mai, highlights include a walking tour of the old town, a Thai cooking class, a Mae Ping River cruise, and a trek in Doi Inthanon National Park with visits to waterfalls and hill tribe villages.

Itinerary


Arrival in Chiang Rai, you’ll be met and taken to the hotel. You’ll have time to relax after your journey. You’ll spend the night in Chiang Rai.

After breakfast, you’ll visit the local market to discover the local products. Next, you’ll visit the world-famous Wat Phra Kaew, where the Emerald Buddha image was once enshrined. You’ll then move on to Wat Phra Singh, where one of Thailand’s most beautiful Buddha images is now enshrined. Afterward, you’ll take a short drive from Chiang Rai City to Baan Dam (Black House), the unique creation of national artist Thawan Duchanee. Part art studio, part museum, part home, Baan Dam is an eclectic mix of traditional northern Thai buildings interspersed with some outlandish modern designs. In the afternoon, you’ll take a boat cruise on the Mae Kok River from Chiang Rai to a Karen village, where you can watch elephants or feed them. Afterward, you’ll be transferred back to Chiang Rai for overnight accommodation.

After breakfast, you’ll depart for northern Thailand, a wooded, mountainous, and beautiful area. This morning, you’ll explore the surroundings, starting with the road that leads to Mae Salong. You’ll climb up and down the green hills covered with tea plantations, where you’ll taste the delicious tea produced by one of the many plantations in the region. From Doi Mae Salong, you’ll visit two villages of ethnic minorities: the Akha village of Loyo and the Lisu village of Ban Hanygo. You’ll also visit the Grand Royal Palace and the Mae Fah Luang Botanical Garden. Upon arrival in the Golden Triangle, you’ll take a boat trip on the Mekong River to see the point where Thailand, Burma, and Laos meet. You’ll stay overnight in Chiang Saen.

After breakfast, you’ll leave the hotel for Thaton. On the way, you’ll stop in the village of Patai to meet the Padong Karen tribe, famous for its ‘giraffe’ women who wear copper rings around their necks to lengthen them. You’ll then visit a traditional Chinese medicine pharmacy, where an expert will explain the use of herbs, roots, plants, and ointments. In the afternoon, you’ll head to Chiang Mai, the capital of the North, with a stop to explore the maze of underground galleries in Chiang Dao. You’ll stay overnight in Chiang Mai.

The morning will be mainly devoted to a walking tour of the old town, with stops at the old wall, the moat, and a gate of the old town. You’ll visit the most beautiful temples of Chiang Mai, including Wat Phra Singh, Wat Phan Tao, and Wat Chedi Luang. Then, you’ll stroll along small streets lined with traditional houses and enjoy a rickshaw tour. After that, you’ll walk through the central market of Warorot. In the afternoon, you’ll visit Doi Suthep hill. To brighten up your evening, you’ll browse the Night Market on your own. You’ll stay overnight in Chiang Mai.

After breakfast, you’ll join the Thai Farm cooking class from 08.30 until 14.00.

You’ll be picked up by the school team and join the Thai Farm Cooking School for Thai cooking classes in English. It will be a great experience for you to learn the recipes and tips of this succulent Thai cuisine.

–         Visit a local market

–          Explaining and learning about herbs and ingredients at our organic farm

–          Cooking jasmine rice and sticky rice

–          Pound and make a curry paste from scratch

–          Choose and make one curry paste, one curry and one soup

–          Cook a noodle dish and sweet dessert according to the day

In the afternoon, you’ll take a two-hour boat trip along the Mae Ping River, which is an excellent way to spend your time. You’ll watch as the scenery along the river changes and see many beautiful traditional teak houses as well as rural greenery along the way. Afterward, you’ll be transferred back to the hotel for your free time. You’ll stay overnight in Chiang Mai.

Your tour today starts with a transfer to Doi Inthanon National Park. It will take approximately 2 hours to reach the highest peak of Thailand. Upon arrival, you’ll spend 2-3 hours trekking through the jungle along a narrow mountain trail that leads to a stunning hidden waterfall in the middle of the lush jungle. Along the way, before reaching the Pagagayaw Karen hill tribe village, you’ll pass through farmland where you’ll see coffee plantations, flower farms, and beautiful rice terraces. You’ll discover the Pagagayaw Karen hill tribe village and taste a cup of locally grown coffee before moving on to Vachiratharn Waterfall, a 70-meter-high thunderous waterfall. You’ll enjoy the cool fresh air at the waterfall before continuing back down. Afterward, you’ll visit the beautiful architecture of Napamaytanidol Chidi and Phra Mahathat Napaphon Bhumisiri, which were built to honor the 60th birthdays of King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit. Finally, you’ll be transferred back to Chiang Mai for overnight accommodation.

Your time will be free until its time for transfer to the airport for flight return to Bangkok and your onward connecting flight.

PRICE GUIDE & NOTES


Pricing depends on your group size and requested services, such as hotel type. Please fill out the form below, and we'll respond within 24 hours.

Meals: 6 MEALS
Transportation: Private vehicle, Boat, Plane,
Accommodation: Based On Your Request

WHAT'S INCLUDED


  • Accommodation sharing double/twin room.
  • Pick-ups and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle as specified in the itinerary above.
  • Boat cruises as specified in the programme.
  • Domestic flight ticket (economy class): Hanoi – Hue including airport tax.
  • Domestic flight ticket (economy class): Phnom Penh – Siem Reap including airport tax.
  • Travel in an appropriate private air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced safe driver.
  • The services of experienced English-speaking guides as indicated in the itinerary (your other preferred languages are available upon request)
  • Entry fees for all visits as mentioned in the programme.
  • Meals as specified in the itinerary (B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner)
  • Service charges and government taxes.

WHAT'S EXCLUDED


  • Other international flight tickets and airport tax.
  • Visas
  • Lunches and dinners, except as specified above.
  • Drinks, tippings, and personal expenses.
  • Insurance.

BEST TIME TO & & VISIT


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FAQ


How does Vietnam cater to special dietary requirements?
At Luxury Travel Agency Vietnam, we ensure that your dietary needs are met by communicating your restrictions to hotels and restaurants in advance. We also brief our guides on your specific requirements to ensure you receive the appropriate meals throughout your trip.
What vegetarian options are available in Vietnam?
Although vegetarian options can be somewhat limited, especially outside major cities, you will find some vegetarian restaurants in larger urban areas. Vegetable-based dishes are relatively easy to find, and the selection of fresh fruit is exceptional.
Are there restrictions on photography in Vietnam?
Yes, there are restrictions on photography in Vietnam, particularly near military installations, airports, and other sensitive areas. It’s important to respect these guidelines to avoid issues such as equipment confiscation or legal trouble. Always seek permission before photographing restricted sites.
Can itinerary changes be made after arrival in Vietnam?
Yes, itinerary changes can be accommodated where possible. Once the official payment has been made, any changes to the tour details should be requested via email to info@luxurytravelagencyvietnam.com or directly to the staff handling your booking. Please note that changes may incur surcharges from hotels and restaurants, depending on the specific case. Additionally, the ability to amend reservations is subject to the availability of our suppliers, including hotels, restaurants, and other service providers. Minor changes involving minimal or no additional costs are typically offered as a complimentary service.
Can I enter Vietnam later than my granted arrival date in visa approval letter?
Yes, you can enter later than the granted arrival date in visa approval letter providing that you exit by granted exit date.
Can I purchase antiques in Vietnam?
You can purchase antiques in Vietnam, but keep in mind that only items less than 100 years old are legally permitted for export. The process for exporting recent artifacts can be complex, and there is a risk of high-quality replicas being confiscated at the airport. It’s advisable to buy from reputable dealers and ensure all items have the necessary documentation.
Are internet facilities widely available in Vietnam?
Yes, internet access is widely available in cities and major towns throughout Vietnam. Most large hotels provide Wi-Fi for guests, and internet cafes are plentiful and affordable.
As an American, should I expect hostility in Vietnam due to the war?
You might be pleasantly surprised by the warm reception you'll receive in Vietnam. The focus of the community is on the present and future, and they warmly welcome visitors from all backgrounds without holding onto past grievances. In fact, American tourists consistently rank among the top visitors to Vietnam.