Explore the North
Chiang Mai
Travel through some of the best scenery the North of Thailand has to offer, visiting places of cultural and historic importance, such as Wat Phradhat Doi Suthep, “Long Neck” Karen Padaung Village and a boat trip on the Pai River and Golden Triangle.
Highlights
- Visit the Hilltribes and find out about the "Long Neck" women
- Explore the beautiful sights and views of Pai Valley and Pai River
- Make your way up the 290 steps of Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep for the breathtaking views over Chiang Mai
- Witness a traditional Buddhist offering
- Visit the famous hot spring at Mae Ka Chan
- Stand on the hilltop and at the renowned Golden Triangle with views over Myanmar, Laos, Thailand and the Mekong River
- Day 1 - Chiang Mai - Mae Hong Son
- Day 2 - Long Neck Karen Village, Mae Hong Son
- Day 3 - Mae Hon Son - Chiang Mai
- Day 4 - Chiang Mai
- Day 5 - Chiang Mai - Hill Tribes - Chiang Rai
- Day 6 - Golden Triangle - Mae Sai
- Day 7 - Depart Chiang Rai
- Additional Information
At approximately 8.30am, you will drive from Chiang Mai along a winding road through spectacular jungled mountains via the Pai Valley to Mae Hong Son province. Transfer by air-conditioned minivan/coach with stops along the way including an Orchid Farm where a picnic lunch will be provided. Lunch on Day One is a set lunch served at the local restaurant in Pai.
Before arriving into Mae Hong Son, you will stop on the way to visit the Fish Cave where large fresh water fish live in a mountainside pool. Arrive at your hotel around 4.30-5pm.
Approximate duration of the visits:
- On the way in Mae Hong Son, stop 45-50 minutes at the Fish Cave
Approximate distances:
- From Chiang Mai to Pai: 3 hours drive
- From Pai to Mae Hong Son: 3 hours drive
- From Fish Cave to The Imperial Mae Hong Son: 20km/30 minutes by road transfer
The Imperial Chiang Mai Resort & Sports Club
Property Location With a stay at The Imperial Chiang Mai Resort & Sports Club in Mae Rim (Don Kaeo), you'll be close to 700th Anniversary Stadium and Huay Tung Tao Lake. This family-friendly hotel is within close proximity of Chiang Mai International and Exhibition Center and Tribal Museum.
After breakfast, you will start your day with a visit to the “Long Neck” Karen Padaung Village where the women in this tribal village wear their one brass winding rings on their necks. Being a conservative tribal village makes them can keep and prolong their unique culture and tradition for years long. Lunch is included before taking a boat trip on the Pai River and then heading back to Mae Hong Son.
Approximate distances: From Pai River to Mae Hong Son 1 hour drive
The Imperial Chiang Mai Resort & Sports Club
Property Location With a stay at The Imperial Chiang Mai Resort & Sports Club in Mae Rim (Don Kaeo), you'll be close to 700th Anniversary Stadium and Huay Tung Tao Lake. This family-friendly hotel is within close proximity of Chiang Mai International and Exhibition Center and Tribal Museum.
Today, you will visit the early morning fresh market and witness the traditional Buddhist offering. Afterwards, go for some sightseeing of Burmese temples on the lakeside, Wat Nong Jong Kam and Wat Jong Klang and a drive up to visit Wat Phra Dhat Doi Kongmoo on the mountain top with breathtaking views of this sleepy town.
After lunch, drive for 6 hours back to Chiang Mai and upon arrival at night, you will be transferred to your hotel.
Approximate duration of the visits: Spend 30 minutes for each temple
Approximate distances:
- From the hotel to the 1st temple, Wat Nong Jong Kam: 10 minute drive
- From Mae Hong Son to Pai: 3 hour drive
The Park Chiang Mai
Property Location With a stay at The Park Chiang Mai in Chiang Mai (Chang Khlan), you'll be minutes from Elephant Parade House and Meng Memorial Bridge. This hotel is within close proximity of Central Chiang Mai Memorial Hospital and Nong Hoi Market.
A full day to enjoy the delights of Chiang Mai and in the morning, it will be your turn to work! Climb 290 steps to visit the Hilltop Temple of Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep which offers spectacular views of the Chiang Mai area. Lunch will be at a local restaurant before continuing to the district of Sankampaeng, home to Chiang Mai's famous handicraft industries before transferring to your hotel.
Optional: Kantoke dinner (with a Northern style dancing performance)
Approximate distances:
- From Doi Suthep to Sankanpaeng: 1.15 hour drive
The Park Chiang Mai
Property Location With a stay at The Park Chiang Mai in Chiang Mai (Chang Khlan), you'll be minutes from Elephant Parade House and Meng Memorial Bridge. This hotel is within close proximity of Central Chiang Mai Memorial Hospital and Nong Hoi Market.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep - Buddhist Temple
A must see, on any visit to Chiang Mai, is the wondrous and holy temple of Wat Phra That which is located near the top of Doi Suthep (Mount Suthep). The temple is simply referred to as Doi Suthep by most people. Every tuk-tuk and songthaew driver in Chiang Mai will offer to take you on the 15 klm trip up the winding mountain road to Doi Suthep.
Built as a Buddhist monastery in 1383 it is still a working monastery today. Funds raised by donations and the lift fee go to support the monks living there and for maintenance of the various temple buildings. The architecture, statues, murals and shrines seen here are nothing short of breathtaking.
This morning, you will drive north to Chiang Rai through mountain scenery via Mae Ka Chan, famous for a hot spring. You will then arrive in Chiang Rai around noon and have lunch. After lunch, transfer to a 'pick-up' truck to climb the narrow mountain roads and enjoy great views from Doi Mae Salong, a Chinese settlement founded by Kuomintang soldiers. Stops are included at Akha and Yao Hill tribe villages.
Approximate distances: From Chiang Mai to Hot spring 3 hour drive
Wiang Inn Hotel Chiang Rai
Property Location With a stay at Wiang Inn Hotel Chiang Rai in Chiang Rai, you'll be next to a golf course and minutes from Chiang Rai Clock Tower and close to Wat Pra Singh. This hotel is within close proximity of Wat Mung Muang and Wat Phra Kaew.
You will begin today by driving to Mae Sai, Thailand's northernmost town on the Myanmar border. Next visit the renowned Golden Triangle where you can stand on the hilltop and enjoy views over Myanmar, Laos, Thailand and the mighty Mekong River. After this you will drive along the Mekong River to Chiang Saen, where evidence of the original 13th century city can still be seen. Lunch will be at a local restaurant.
Option:
- Myanmar Border crossing (Subject to border control, however if you do decide to cross the border, we will need two photocopies of your passport along with border pass fee if you can cross into Burma)
- Boat trip at Golden Triangle
Approximate distances:
- From hotel to Mae Sai 45 minute drive
- From Mae Sai to Golden Triangle: 45 minute drive
Wiang Inn Hotel Chiang Rai
Property Location With a stay at Wiang Inn Hotel Chiang Rai in Chiang Rai, you'll be next to a golf course and minutes from Chiang Rai Clock Tower and close to Wat Pra Singh. This hotel is within close proximity of Wat Mung Muang and Wat Phra Kaew.
After breakfast, you will have a little free time at leisure until approximately 12pm when you will take your transfer to Chiang Rai Airport for an afternoon flight to Bangkok to continue your holiday or for your flight home.
Note: Airfare is not included
Approximate distances: From hotel to Chiang Rai Airport 45 minute drive
Please note:
- Departure: daily, available upon request
- Starting in Chiang Mai and ending in Chiang Rai
- Times given are for reference and can be altered according to your personal requirements. While every effort to personalise itineraries can be made, departure/pick up time is subject to change due to external factors
Services included with this tour:
- 6 night accommodation as mentioned (or similar) in twin share/double rooms with daily breakfast included
- Single room supplement will apply should you require a single use room instead of sharing one room
- Pick up and drop off services by private air-conditioned vehicle with English speaking local guide and entrance fees at places listed above
- Meals as specified in the above itinerary (drinks are not included)
- Bottled water and cool towel provided on transfers and sightseeing
- Portage service
- VAT Government tax and services charge
Services not included with this tour:
- All airfares and taxes, unless otherwise specified
- Visa expenses, processing and issuance fees
- Accommodation, services and transportation in Bangkok
- Meals other than specified as included
- Festive dinners, seasonal room supplement and meals other than specified as included (Compulsory Christmas/New Year/Chinese New Year/Loy Krathong/Peak season surcharges (stated & charged separately should you be travelling over these dates in addition of the mentioned cost for this tour)
- Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (souvenir, phone call, laundry, etc.), alcoholic beverages, drinks with meals and entrance fees for any extra sightseeing or optional activities.
- Tips or gratuities to guides/drivers/porters/hotel, restaurant or boat staff, etc.
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