Tourcode CNX 102 - 3 days / 2 nights

Chiang Mai - Thaton - Doi Maesalong - Golden Triangle - Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai

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

DAY 1 CHIANG MAI - THATON L

In the morning you will be picked up by our tour guide and driver from the hotel, airport or railway station in Chiang Mai. Leave the city behind you and drive in northern direction. On route take some brief stops at an orchid farm in Mae Rim and later at the local country side market in Mae Malai, where locals, but also people from nearby hill tribe villages trade vegetables, fruits and many other products. You got also the chance to taste some exotic snacks here! Later at a small elephant camp you can observe these giants taking their daily morning bath in the river. An OPTIONAL trip downriver on a bamboo raft can still be booked on site. Then heading to Chiang Dao to explore the mystic cave temple with impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Further north near Fang take a look at one of the many  traditional rice mills, followed by a side trip to a remote Lahu hill tribe village near the Burmese border. In Thaton on a hill top visit Wat Thaton, which is dominated by giant Buddha images that overlook the Mae Kok Valley and the nearby Burmese mountain wilderness. Spend the night in Thaton at a resort on the banks of the Kok River.

DAY 2 THATON - GOLDEN TRIANGLE - CHIANG RAI B/L

First travel up to Doi Maesalong, a mountain village of the Kuomingtan (ex renegade Chinese army of 1949) surrounded by countless tea plantations. You got the opportunity to taste some of the fresh green tea. On route you will pass several hill tribe villages of the Lisu, Akha and Yao. Brief stops at one or more of them are possible. Then descent down winding and scenic roads to Mae Sai, the market- and border town to Myanmar. Time for a stroll over the bustling border market to get a snack, drink or souvenir. From here continue to the mighty Mekong River, where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet (well known also as the Golden Triangle). A short OPTIONAL boat ride on the Mekong can still be booked on site. At the Opium Museum you can get more information about the history of Opium in this region. Today's final stage will bring you via the former royal town of Chiang Saen to Chiang Rai, which is also the provincial capital of this northernmost province in Thailand. Spend the night in Chiang Rai.

DAY 3 CHIANG RAI - CHIANG MAI B/L

After breakfast leave Chiang Rai and start your journey back to Chiang Mai. Just on the outskirts of the city visit beautiful Wat Rong Khun (better known as the white temple). It is one of the most recognizable and visited temples of the country. Constructed in a radiant white color with sparking reflections from mirrored glass mosaics makes it that unique. Continue along some rural areas and paddy fields towards Wiangpapao and Mae Kachan. Here take a brief stop at the hot springs and small geysir. Lunch break will be on route. Arrive in Chiang Mai by early afternoon. There is some time left for sightseeing, shopping or just relax in the northern capital. Our tour guide and driver are always ready to serve you. Transfer to the hotel, airport or railway station, depends on your further schedule.

REMARKS/FLEXIBILITY:

• On the 2nd day an approx. 3 hours boat trip on the scenic Kok River between Thaton and Chiang Rai can be included in this package with slight changes to other activities on that day. If you wish to do so, please let us know at the time of booking!
• There is also a shortened 2 days/1 night Chiang Rai & Golden Triangle Package available.
• Accommodation in Chiang Mai before and/or after this package can be booked with us as well.

PRICE INCLUDES:

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

NOT INCLUDED:

Drinks, tips and personal expenses