On arrival at Chiang Rai airport your driver and guide will be waiting for the journey by road to the Golden Triangle – where the mighty Mae Khong River joins the Ruak River and forms a triangle with the borders of Thailand, Burma and Laos. This area is known for its beautiful scenery and notorious history! We’ll learn more about this history and the fascinating story of the drug trade in the Opium Museum.

Not far away is the old city of Chiang Saen, a former Thai kingdom built on the banks of the Mae Khong River. Here we’ll see the magnificent ruins and temples of an empire that dates back hundreds of years.

Overnight in Chiang Rai.

After breakfast we’ll set off to Chiang Mai. Along the way, we’ll stop at Wat Rong Khun, also known as ‘The White Temple’. This incredibly ornate and decorative temple is the brainchild of a Chiang Rai-born visual artist and painter.

We’ll continue on to the hot springs at Baan Pong Nam Ron where we can dip our feet in the soothing waters. This will be followed by lunch in a local restaurant.

In the afternoon we’ll arrive in Chiang Mai and head to Sankamphaeng, a neighborhood of workshops where precious stones, silk, wood carvings and other artworks are crafted by skilled artisans.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Today, we’ll head out to Elephant Eco Valley for an ethical elephant adventure. We’ll learn all about elephant care and how to make tasty snacks such as nutritional herb and fruit balls. We’ll help to feed these to the elephants along with bananas and sugarcane. We also get the chance to harvest grass and other plants which we can give to our four-legged friends as we hike alongside them to the upper Eco Valley. This gives us the chance to observe their behavior and interact with the elephants in their natural habitat. The hike leads us to their favorite playground – the mud bath – and we’re more than welcome to join them for some messy fun!

After a refreshing shower, it’s our turn to be fed with a well-deserved lunch.

On our return to Chiang Mai we’ll take a look at the old city walls, gates and moat, as well as visiting some of the most important temples. Wat Phra Sing is home to the beautiful Lai Kham Chapel with its exquisite woodcarvings and northern-style murals; while Wat Chedi Luang boasts an enormous pagoda, which was partially destroyed by an earthquake in 1545.

A visit to Chiang Mai would not be complete without exploring the mountain-top temple, Wat Doi Suthep. This serene and sacred temple features an elaborate gold-plated chedi with commanding views over the city and surrounding countryside.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

The granite mass of Doi Inthanon, part of the Himalayan mountain range, rises 8,500 feet above sea level and is the highest summit in the country. Designated as a national park, the moist natural environment is a paradise for birds with almost 400 species, as well as animals, flowers and fauna.

After a final steep climb, we’ll reach the misty and refreshingly cool summit. A short walk brings us to a small stupa that contains the remains of Chao Inthawichayanon, the last independent ruler of Chiang Mai. We’ll explore part of the highest peak of the Ang-Kha Nature Trail. Keep an eye open for beautiful ferns and mosses as well as white & red rhododendrons (during January and February). We’ll visit the Twin Pagodas set in beautiful gardens, built by the Thai Air force in honor of the late king and queen’s 60th birthday anniversaries.

On the way down there’s shopping opportunities at the Hmong Tribal Market which sells various kinds of vegetables, fruits and flowers from their own farm.

After lunch in a local restaurant, a final stop will be made at Wachiratarn Waterfall where we can relax and refresh ourselves by the clear waters.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Transfer from the hotel to the airport for the departure flight to your onward destination.