This fantastic road trip starts and ends in Chiang Mai and you will sleep in a different location each night.
Day 1 ( -/L/D)
Chiang Mai Hotel
Arrive early morning at Chiang Mai airport/train station
You will be met by your own guide and your driver
Transfer to Chiang Mai hotel
City tour of Chiang Mai old town
Visit the most famous temples of Chiang Mai, Wat Suan Dok and Wat Chedi Luang
Afternoon excursion to the temple on the mountain, Wat Doi Suthep
Traditional Khantoke dinner with Thai dance
Wat Chedi Luang
Wat Doi Suthep
Traditional Thai Dance
Day 2 ( B/L/D)
Doi Inthanon Bamboo Bungalows
Breakfast at your hotel and then depart for a full-day’s excursion to Doi Inthanon National Park
Visit the stunning waterfalls of Wachiratharn and Siritharn
Take in the dramatic views across the park from the King and Queen’s chedis
Enjoy a hillside Thai lunch
Travel to the top of Thailand’s highest peak, Doi Inthanon, home of endemic plant and animal species such as the green-tailed sunbird
Walk the short Angkha summit trail, amongst the lush jungle vegetation
Those who wish to, may also take in a more strenuous 2-3 hour hike through rainforest, rice fields and hill tribes
Visit a Karen hill tribe village and a Hmong hill tribe market
Overnight is in bamboo bungalows as guests of a Karen hill tribe
King’s and Queen’s Chedis, Doi Inthanon
Hill tribe village
Jungle walk
Day 3 ( B/L/-)
Mai Rim Hotel
Journey through miles of unspoiled countryside, along the renowned Mae Hong Son Loop
The town of Mae Hong Son is home to two of the most spectacular temples in northern Thailand, o Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu with its awesome hilltop views o and the beautiful Wat Jong Kham on the edge of the lake in town
Visit the exciting Night Market on the edge of Mae Hong Son Lake and enjoy a delicious Thai dinner in the company of locals
After dinner, take a romantic stroll around the lake with its illuminated temple reflections
Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu
Wat Jong Kham
Night market at Mae Hong Son
Day 4 ( B/L/D)
Pai Hotel
Breakfast at your hotel
Travel to the picture-perfect town of Pai, nestling in a stunning mountain valley
Pai is a lovely little community of markets, live music and guesthouses on the river
Bathe in the Hot Springs and enjoy an hour-long northern Thai massage
Take pleasure in the breath-taking sunset views over Pai Canyon
Dine out at one of Pai’s unique Thai/Jewish restaurants
You will end your day at one of Pai’s celebrated live music venues
Pai waterfront
Pai Canyon
Traditional Thai massage
Day 5 ( B/L/D)
Mae Rim Hotel
Breakfast at your hotel before early morning departure
Early arrival at Mae Taman Elephant Camp to bathe the elephants (swimwear required)
Elephant show
Ox carting from hill tribe village
Elephant ride through jungle
Scenic riverside lunch
Bamboo rafting
Orchid farm
Dinner at your hotel
Elephant trekking
Mae Taeng River
Bamboo rafting
Day 6 ( B/L/D)
Doi Mae Salong Hotel
Drive to the delightful town of Doi Mae Salong in the far north of Thailand
Lunch in Doi Mae Salong
Excursion to Chiang Dao National Park
Visit the amazing Chiang Dao Caves with Buddhist statues amongst stalactites and stalagmites
Return to Doi Mae Salong and sample some of their famous tea in a traditional teahouse
Dinner will be served in one of the many Chinese restaurants for which the town is renowned
Doi Mae Salong temple
Tea plantation
Cave temple
Day 7 ( B/L/D)
Chiang Rai Hotel
Breakfast at your hotel before early morning departure
Travel to the region known as ‘The Golden Triangle’, where the countries of Myanmar (Burma), Laos and Thailand all meet
Stop at the trading post of Mae Sai on the Thailand-Myanmar border
Search the local market for souvenirs including jade, lacquer and gems
There is a possibility of travelling for a brief spell into Myanmar, but this takes some time and will incur an extra cost for border crossings and entry visas
Lunch is on the banks of the mighty Mekong river
Visit the Hall of Opium and learn about the infamous history of the region
A long-tail boat will then carry you down the Khong river and sample the rice-whiskey directly from the riverbank distilleries
With no border control in this region, you are free to set foot in Laos
Your hotel is in the delightful city of Chiang Rai, which you can explore at your leisure
The Golden Triangle
Houses on the Mekong
Longtail boat on the Khong river
Day 8 ( B/L/-)
After breakfast at your hotel, you will have some time in Chiang Rai before traveling to the incredible ‘white temple’, Wat Rong Khun
Your guide will show you the secrets of this temple, with its surprising interior murals
You will travel through beautiful rural Thailand and have lunch en route
If time permits, then we will visit the craft markets in Chiang Mai, where you can purchase souvenirs as they’re made!
You will return to Chiang Mai and be delivered to your hotel or to the railway station or airport
Chiang Rai
The White Temple, Wat Rong Khun
Umbrella painting at craft village
Arrangements:
Services included in the price:
Tour Guide: 1 car with driver and 1 English speaking guide will be provided throughout.
Accommodation: All rooms have air conditioning and private facilities, except for the Doi Inthanon bungalows, which do not have air con.
Meals: As specified in the program. (7 x Breakfast, 8 x Lunch, 7 x Dinner)
Transport: Tours and transfers by air-conditioned vehicle.
Misc: All activities as specified in the itinerary, including admission fees, with instruction where necessary.
