Destinations: Chiang Rai – Tha Ton – Chiang Dao – Pai – Mae Hong Son – Chiang Mai.
Duration: 10 Days
Overview: This 10-day Northern Thailand tour takes you through the cultural and scenic highlights of Chiang Rai, Thaton, Mae Hong Son, and Chiang Mai. You’ll explore iconic landmarks like the Doi Tung Palace, the Golden Triangle, the White Temple, and visit hill tribe villages such as the Long-Necked Karen. Enjoy unique experiences like rafting through Tham Lod Cave, bathing elephants at the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, and strolling through the vibrant markets and temples of Chiang Mai.
Arrival in Chiang Rai, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel. You’ll have time free for stroll around in the city. Stay overnight in Chiang Rai.
After breakfast, you’ll depart to visit Doi Tung Palace, also known as the King’s Mother Garden. The palace is set in a beautiful valley with a vast garden featuring a wide variety of flowers. At the palace, you’ll see the main hall where people pay their respects to the photographs of the King’s Mother. You’ll also have the opportunity to see silk embroidery showcasing flowers starting with the English alphabet, as well as beautiful paintings that change color and light as you move from one corner to another. Enjoy the lovely viewpoint from the palace balcony with views of the garden and surrounding mountains. You can stroll through the garden and take a photo of the statue called “The Continuity,” located in the center of the garden. You’ll then continue to Mae Sai, the northernmost point of Thailand, where you can observe the border between Thailand and Burma at Tha Khee Lek. This area is a trading hub for Thai, Burmese, and Chinese products.
After lunch, you’ll visit the Golden Triangle area, once known for its opium trade. Here, you’ll have the chance to take a boat ride on the Mae Khong River to visit our neighboring Laos and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the mighty Mae Khong River, which divides the three countries. You’ll then return to Chiang Rai for overnight accommodation.
After breakfast, you’ll explore the city of Chiang Rai, beginning with a walk through the heart of the local market, where locals gather to buy and sell fresh fruits and vegetables. After that, you’ll visit Wat Phra Kaew temple, followed by the superb Rai Mae Fah Luang Museum. Then, you’ll make your way to the famous White Temple, Wat Rong Khun. Though relatively new, it is the most visited monument in the region, designed by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. Begun in 1997, the artist predicts the temple will take 60 to 90 years to complete after his death. Its pure whiteness and unique design set it apart from other temples, featuring a mural inside the main hall that mixes Buddhist symbols with modern elements like The Matrix, Star Wars, the 9/11 attacks, and even Kung Fu Panda.
After lunch, you’ll head to the Thaton area, where you’ll visit Thaton Temple, perched on a mountain with stunning views of the Kok River, which flows 78 km through Thailand from Myanmar. You’ll spend the night in Thaton.
In the morning, you’ll drive to the Chiang Dao area, where you’ll explore the Chiang Dao Temple Cave. This cave once provided shelter to Myanmar troops before their attack on Chiang Mai in the 1500s. Inside, you’ll marvel at impressive limestone formations, including stalactites and stalagmites in various shapes and sizes.
After lunch, you’ll continue your journey to Pai, a charming town in Mae Hong Son Province. Along the way, you’ll stop at Mae Malai village to explore a local market showcasing some of Thailand’s most unique products.
Next, you’ll visit Mork Fah Waterfall, a stunning 60-meter waterfall that flows year-round. You’ll enjoy a leisurely walk along a shaded forest trail leading to the falls, where mist floats through the air, giving the waterfall its enchanting name.
Then, you’ll stop at Pong Dueo, one of Chiang Mai Province’s most beautiful hot springs. Nestled in a picturesque wooded valley, this relatively untouched spa features bubbling geysers and shallow rock pools, perfect for a relaxing swim. By evening, you’ll arrive in Pai and stay overnight at your hotel.
You’ll be picked up at your hotel and embark on a cruise along the Pai River, giving you the chance to observe the beautiful scenery and the simple lifestyle of the area. You’ll stop to visit a Long-Necked Karen village, where the women wear brass rings around their necks. Interacting with the villagers allows you to learn about their unique culture and traditions that have been preserved for many years.
In the afternoon, your journey will take you to Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu, located on the outskirts of Mae Hong Son town at the top of Kong Mu Hill. You can reach the temple either by road or by climbing a long staircase for those who are up for the challenge. From the hilltop, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the town surrounded by mountains and valleys. Next, you’ll visit the Jong Kham and Jong Klang temples. These two temples, located next to a large swamp, feature beautiful Burmese-style architecture and house sacred Buddha images. Overnight in Mae Hong Son.
After breakfast, you’ll first visit Tham Lod Cave by bamboo raft. This cave is home to large numbers of bats and swifts and is filled with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Upon arrival, you’ll take a walk to the cave entrance, where a raft man will guide you inside the cave on a bamboo raft.
In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Lahu Hill Tribe village. The main occupations here include rice farming, corn planting, and raising animals for consumption. The Lahu are also known for their hunting skills. You’ll have the chance to observe their traditional lifestyle. Next, you’ll visit the Lisu Hill Tribe village, renowned for its sewing, embroidery, and silverware craftsmanship. The standout feature of the Lisu is their women’s dresses, which are noted for their bright colors and striking appearance. Finally, you’ll transfer back to your hotel for your overnight stay.
After breakfast, you’ll visit the local market before departing for Chiang Mai via Mae Chaem. Along the way, you’ll pass through Doi Inthanon National Park, which is rich in plant and animal species, especially birds, and is home to some ethnic minorities. You’ll stop to visit some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Chiang Mai province. You’ll arrive in Chiang Mai in the evening. Overnight in Chiang Mai.
After breakfast, you’ll embark on a walking tour of the old town. You’ll visit some of Chiang Mai’s most beautiful temples, including Wat Phra Singh, Wat Phan Tao, and Wat Chedi Luang. Wat Phra Singh is one of the most sacred temples in Chiang Mai, known for its Lanna-style architecture and often referred to as “The Temple of the Lion Buddha.” Next, you’ll continue to Wat Phan Tao, an ancient temple with a beautiful garden area located right next to the sacred Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai town. Adjacent to Wat Phan Tao is Wat Chedi Luang, a Buddhist temple in the historic center of Chiang Mai. Its chedi is one of the tallest structures in the old city, and many important Buddhist holidays are celebrated here. Then you’ll stroll along small streets lined with traditional houses and enjoy a rickshaw tour. Afterward, you’ll explore the central market of Warorot, a great spot for experiencing true Thai culture and daily life.
In the afternoon, you won’t want to miss Doi Suthep Hill. This mountain temple is one of Thailand’s most historically and spiritually significant places. You’ll drive up the scenic mountainous terrain, passing lush landscapes on your way to the base of the complex. You’ll then climb more than 300 steps and take an elevator to the top, where you’ll have the chance to admire panoramic views of Chiang Mai City. Overnight in Chiang Mai.
After breakfast, you’ll drive to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary for a memorable visit. You’ll journey approximately 1.5 hours south of Chiang Mai, passing through rolling hills, forest, and local farming areas. Upon arrival, you’ll meet your guide and take a short walk through the jungle to the sanctuary. There, you’ll change into traditional Karen clothing and receive an introductory lesson about elephant anatomy, history, and behavior.
Next, you’ll have the opportunity to meet the elephants, feeding, interacting, and playing with them in their natural environment. You’ll learn about their behavior and history and take plenty of photos. Lunch will be served, featuring traditional Thai dishes and fresh fruit.
In the afternoon, you’ll learn how to make herbal medicine balls before feeding the elephants again. Then, you’ll accompany them to the river for a refreshing bath and brush. Following this, you’ll join the elephants for a therapeutic mud spa, swim in the river, and capture more photos.
Finally, you’ll change back into your clothes, say goodbye to the elephants, and drive back to Chiang Mai, arriving in the late afternoon. You’ll be dropped off at your hotel and spend the night in Chiang Mai.
Your time will be free until its time for transfer to the airport for flight return to Bangkok and your onward connecting flight.
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