Chiang Mai & the northern loop discovery

DAY 1: Arrive in Chiang Mai

Welcome to Chiang Mai, the enchanting heart of northern Thailand! Upon your arrival, you will be warmly greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel for check-in (available from 2:00 PM). The rest of the day is yours to relax and enjoy at your leisure.

Chiang Mai, the most vibrant city in northern Thailand, is renowned for its stunning temples, charming old city with lively streets, welcoming locals, delicious cuisine, bustling night markets, and breathtaking surrounding landscapes. During your free time, take a stroll to soak in the local atmosphere or consider joining a cooking class at one of the many Thai culinary schools, where you can delve into the flavors of Chiang Mai’s cuisine.

This evening, why not immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Chiang Mai’s famous night markets?

Summary of inclusions

• Private airport transfer
• Hotel in Chiang Mai

DAY 2: Sightseeing Chiang Mai

After breakfast, embark on a short drive out of town along a scenic, winding mountain road to Doi Suthep Temple, Chiang Mai’s holiest temple, perched atop a hill over a thousand meters above the surrounding landscape. Climb the 309-step naga-guarded stairway to the temple, explore the captivating temple grounds, listen to the melodic chants of resident monks, and take in the panoramic views of downtown Chiang Mai and its surroundings.

Next, visit the Royal Park Rajapruek, a stunning botanical garden spanning 80 hectares, featuring various themed zones and the prominent Lanna-style Ho Kham Luang Royal Pavilion at its center. Spend time exploring the Orchid Garden, where rare orchids are on display, and discover different architectural and gardening styles from around the world.

You will also visit Bor Sang village, renowned for its traditional paper umbrella-making, and Sankampeng village, where you can explore other famous handicrafts, including silk weaving, woodcarving, silversmithing, and lacquerware making.

Return to your hotel, and the remainder of the day is free for you to unwind.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Sightseeing Chiang Mai
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Chiang Mai

DAY 3: Chiang Mai Elephant Experience

The following day, take a scenic one-hour drive from Chiang Mai through rolling hills, forests, and farmland to the Kanta Elephant Sanctuary, where you can spend time with these gentle giants. This full-day experience allows you to connect with the elephants, learn about their daily lives, and observe their behaviors. Enjoy feeding, playing, walking, and bathing with them in the river. Witness the elephants relishing their freedom as they scratch, rub, and throw dirt, all while you capture unforgettable moments.

After this memorable encounter, return to Chiang Mai, where the rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you wish.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Elephant experience
• Breakfast & lunch
• Hotel in Chiang Mai

DAY 4: Lampang & Phrae explore

After breakfast, set off for Lamphun to visit Wat Hariphunchai, a stunning temple featuring a massive golden Chedi, a popular postcard subject. Continue your journey to Lampang, stopping at Tung Kwian Market to experience the vibrant atmosphere where a variety of local goods from the land and jungle are bought and sold.

In Lampang, enjoy a leisurely horse-drawn carriage ride through the town, taking in the charming wooden houses along the river. Visit Wat Chedi Sao, a unique temple known for its 20 stupas. Then, head towards Phrae with a stop at Nam Tung traditional weaving village, where you can observe local women weaving beautifully patterned clothes on wooden looms.

Next, visit the exquisite Vongburi House, a wooden mansion built in 1907, renowned for its intricate wood carvings. Arrive in Nan in the late afternoon, check in at your hotel, and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, perhaps taking a stroll around town.

Nan, located on the right bank of the Nan River, is the provincial capital and was the center of the ancient Nonthaburi kingdom in the 14th century. The town is rich in historical architecture from the Lanna period, reflecting both Lanna influence and the Thai Lue heritage brought from Xishuangbanna, the origin of the Thai Lue people.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Lampang & Phrae discover
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Nan

DAY 5: Nan & Chiang Rai explore

After breakfast, embark on a sightseeing tour around Nan, starting with Wat Phumin, renowned for its Thai Lue-style mural paintings. Continue to Wat Chang Kham Woravihan, a Sukhothai-style temple featuring sculpted elephant figures around the Chedi. Visit the Nan National Museum, which showcases the region’s history and the culture of the indigenous people and minorities living in Nan, and Wat Phra That Chae Haeng, known for its 55-meter-high golden Chedi containing a holy relic from Sukhothai.

Bid farewell to Nan and enjoy a scenic drive to Chiang Rai, stopping along the way for photos and visits to local villages. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and spend the remainder of the day exploring Chiang Rai. Known as the gateway to the Golden Triangle, Chiang Rai boasts a unique local culture, impressive ancient architecture, a relaxed atmosphere, and delicious local cuisine.

Your afternoon tour of Chiang Rai includes a visit to the famous Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple), the Oub Kham Museum, the statue of King Mengrai, the founder of Chiang Rai, and the remarkable Wat Phra Kaew. The evening is free for you to explore at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Nan & Chiang Rai explore
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Chiang Rai

DAY 6: Golden Triangle & mountain lands

The next morning, enjoy an early breakfast before departing for the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar converge. Visit the Opium Museum and nearby sites to learn about the origins of the “Golden Triangle” name. Continue along the winding border roads with stunning views of mountain landscapes, passing through Mae Sai, Doi Tung, and Doi Mae Salong, with stops at hill tribe villages including Karen long neck, Akha, Yao, and Lisu communities.

You’ll also visit a jade cutting factory and a colorful local market, where you can learn about local products and trading practices. Then, drive up Doi Angkhang, a mountain range along the Thai-Burmese border, home to several hill tribe villages. Spend time visiting the Angkhang Royal Agricultural Station, which supports neighboring hill tribes by developing non-indigenous crops for them to grow. Engage with the locals and learn about their way of life and traditions.

Check in at your hotel, and the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Golden triangle area explore
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Doi Angkhang

DAY 7: Chiang Dao Discovery

After breakfast, set out for the Thai-Burmese border to visit the hill tribe villages of the Palong and Black Muser, where agriculture has been their way of life for centuries. Once reliant on opium farming and trading, these communities now receive support from the Thai Royal Project. With guidance from the Royal Project Foundation, they have transitioned from opium cultivation and slash-and-burn farming to growing cash crops like tea, vegetables, and various flowers.

Continue your journey through picturesque landscapes to Chiang Dao, where you’ll explore the fascinating Chiang Dao Caves. Return to Chiang Mai by late afternoon, with the rest of the day free for you to enjoy at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Chiang Dao hill tribe & cave explore
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Chiang Mai

DAY 8: Chiang Mai departure

Breakfast is served at the hotel. 

Enjoy your free time until your transfer to the airport for your onward flight. 

Wishing you safe travels, and hope to see you again soon!

Summary of inclusions

• Private airport transfer
• Breakfast