Tourcode CNX 001 - 7 days / 6 nights

Chiang Mai - Thaton - Mae Kok River - Chiang Rai - Golden Triangle - Chiang Mai

Daily departure from/to Chiang Mai, minimum 2 persons, private tour

DAY 1 CHIANG MAI

Arrival in Chiang Mai. Our driver will welcome you, followed by short transfer to the hotel in downtown. Day at leisure. Time to relax or explore the northern capital by your own.

DAY 2 CHIANG MAI B/L

Start your round trip with a sightseeing tour in and around Chiang Mai and  drive first around the old town of Chiang Mai surrounded by a moat, which houses countless historical temples. One of them is Wat Chedi Luang from the 15th century, which also houses the city pillar. Then it's off to the Suthep Mountain Temple, which is also a kind of landmark of the city. The temple complex is located at an altitude of just over 1000 meters. Lunch will follow on route at a local restaurant. In the center of the city on the banks the Ping River, take walk through Warorot Market (the largest and most important fresh market for the locals in Chiang Mai) and the neighboring Ton Lanyai Market with its fragrant flowers, vegetables and partly exotic fruits. Finally you got the opportunity to visit some of the well-known handicraft workshops in Bosang. This includes first and foremost the well-known umbrella painters, as well as the silver processing, lacquerware production, wood carvings etc. (only what you are interested in and discuss it with the tour guide!). Afterwards we will transfer you back to the hotel.

DAY 3 CHIANG MAI - THATON B/L

Early morning depart the northern capital and heading to the north. Take brief stops at an orchid farm and at a local country side market, where you have the chance to taste some exotic snacks. Finally reach a small elephant camp and see how these giants take their daily morning bath in the river. Then you board the bamboo raft and enjoy a lazy one hour trip down the river. Continue to Chiang Dao and here explore the mystic cave temple. On route further to the north stop at a traditional rice mill near Fang. Late afternoon arrive in Thaton. Spend the night at a resort on the banks of the Kok River.

Day 4 THATON - KOK RIVER - CHIANG RAI B/L

After breakfast visit Wat Thaton with its giant Buddha statues. Enjoy stunning views over the Kok River and the nearby Burmese mountain wilderness. Go on to the Shan village Ban Mai. The women of this village are famous for their skills in weaving. Then start for a boat ride down the Kok River to Chiang Rai, passing scenic areas and hill tribe villages. Take some brief stops on route, for example at a Lahu hill tribe village and the hot springs (opportunity to take a bath). The boat trip ends at the village of Ban Ruammit. From here it is just half an hours drive to the city of Chiang Rai. On route visit beautiful Wat Rong Suer Ten (better known as the blue temple). Arrive Chiang Rai by early afternoon. There is some time left to relax. In the evening take the chance for a walk over the little, but colorful night- and food market. Overnight in Chiang Rai.

Day 5 CHIANG RAI - GOLDEN TRIANGLE - CHIANG RAI B/L

Travel further north to the former royal town of Chiang Saen and from there along the Mekong to the well known Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar do meet. Take a quick look in to the small Opium Museum, where you get more information about the history of Opium in this region. An OPTIONAL short boat trip on the mighty Mekong River can be booked right on site. Go on to Mae Sai, the border town to Myanmar (Burma) and take a stroll over the bustling border market. Then continue through the mountain wilderness up to Doi Maesalong, a hill top village of the Kuomingtan Chinese surrounded by tea plantations. Opportunity to taste some tea. On route pass various hill tribe villages (Lisu, Akha and Yao) and chance to stop at one or two of them. By late afternoon you will be back in Chiang Rai again and spend another night here.

DAY 6 CHIANG RAI - CHIANG MAI B/L

In the morning first visit the picturesque Wat Rong Khun (well known as the white temple) a bit outside the city. From here a side trip to Khun Gorn waterfall can be done. But it's a 1,4 km walk on a jungle trail up and down through some dense forest and nice flora until you reach the waterfall. Continue towards Chiang Mai, passing paddy fields and small villages. Take some brief stops on route. Arrive the northern capital by early afternoon. There is time left for more sightseeing or shopping. Our tour guide and driver are ready to serve you. Overnight in Chiang Mai.

DAY 7 CHIANG MAI B

Transfer to the airport or railway station, depends on your further schedule.

PRICE INCLUDES:

Air-conditioned transportation during the tour, English speaking tour guide, all transfers and excursion as mentioned in the above itinerary, accommodation at middle class hotels and resorts incl. daily breakfast, all other meals as shown in the program (L = lunch), entrance fees as per program

NOT INCLUDED:

Drinks, tips and personal expenses