Join this four-day tour to discover the must-see landmarks, museums and temples of Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai. Enjoy a boat trip around the Golden Triangle and discover the awe-inspiring Pha Chor cliff in Mae Wang National Park. Learn about Thailand’s culture and history visiting museums and ancient temples.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Wat Phra That Chedi Luang: an ancient bell-shaped Lanna style stupa, surrounded by smaller ancient chedis and a historic ordination hall.
Golden Triangle: this natural wilderness gained unwanted notoriety in the 1960s because of the abundant opium cultivation in the area, but today has been restored to a problem-free area.
Hall of Opium Museum: Aiming to educate people about opium, this exhibition portrays every angle of the drug’s history.
Doi Tung Royal Project: This project is dedicated to the reforestation of the Doi Tung area
Baan Dam: The museum consists of a collection of almost 40 houses where the colour black predominates and where death is showcased in many forms.
Wat Rong Khun: Its ornate all-white exterior, with embedded pieces of mirror, gives it a resplendent appearance, which makes it one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand.
Pha Chor cliff: It is believed that this was once the watercourse of the River Ping. When the river changed its route, the site became a hill from the river sediment that piled up into layers.
Chiang Mai: discover the Three Kings Monument, Wat Chedi Luang, and the stunning Wat Phra Singh temple.
Day 1: ARRIVAL CHIANG RAI – GOLDEN TRIANGLE (70 km – 1 hr)
On arrival to the Chiang Rai Airport (recommended flight PG231, arriving at 08:55 hrs), meet and greet with our representative before you start your day by visiting the highlight of Wat Phra That Chedi Luang, an ancient bell-shaped Lanna style stupa, surrounded by smaller ancient chedis and a historic ordination hall. With 88 metres in height and 24 metres in diameter, Phra That Chedi Luang is the tallest religious structure in Chiang Rai. King Saen Phu, the third king of the Lanna kingdom, erected the stupa circa 1290. Continue to visit the hilltop Wat Phra That Chom Kitti temple, which is reached via a 350-step staircase. Afterwards, head to the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet. This natural wilderness gained unwanted notoriety in the 1960s because of the abundant opium cultivation in the area, but today has been restored to a problem-free area. Then enjoy a boat trip around the Golden Triangle with a stop at Don Sao Island, which forms part of Laos (boat trip lasts approx. 45 minutes). Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (Included). In the afternoon, visit the Hall of Opium Museum, a combination of multimedia and exhibits to make learning more interesting. Aiming to educate people about opium, this exhibition portrays every angle of the drug’s history.
Overnight in Chiang Rai.
Day 2: CHIANG RAI (270 km – 6hrs)
In the morning, after a tasty breakfast, drive to visit the Doi Tung Royal Project. This project is dedicated to the reforestation of the Doi Tung area. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (included). In the late afternoon, head to the hotel and check-in, with the remainder of the evening at leisure.
Overnight in Chiang Rai.
Day 3: CHIANG RAI - CHIANG MAI (260 kms – 4hrs)
Wake up to breakfast at the hotel, followed by a visit to Baan Dam - the Black House Museum. The museum consists of a collection of almost 40 houses where the colour black predominates and where death is showcased in many forms. Continue to visit the Hilltribe Museum and Education Centre. Learn all about the dozens of hill tribes who, for centuries, have lived in the highlands around the city and see how they have survived the spread of globalization. We´ll drive to the magnificent Wat Rong Khun, a dazzling temple built in the 1990s. Its ornate all-white exterior, with embedded pieces of mirror, gives it a resplendent appearance, which makes it one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (included). Afterwards, depart to Chiang Mai via Wiang Pa Pao, the south-westernmost district of Chiang Rai, with beautiful scenery along the way. Visit Pha Chor cliff in Mae Wang National Park, where nature has created an unexpected geographical anomaly. Pha Chor is a natural phenomenon of eroded rock pillars. It is believed that this was once the watercourse of the River Ping. When the river changed its route, the site became a hill from the river sediment that piled up into layers. When time passed, it eroded and became cliffs and soil pillars of strange shapes. Continue to the hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Overnight in Sanpatong, Chiang Mai.
Day 4: DEPARTURE CHIANG MAI
Charge your batteries with breakfast at the hotel and at around 08:00 am venture out on a Chiang Mai city and temple tour, visiting the Three Kings Monument, Wat Chedi Luang, and the stunning Wat Phra Singh temple. Enjoy one final lunch at a local restaurant (included) and transfer to Chiang Mai Airport at around 01:30 pm. Recommended departure flight after 03:00 pm for domestic flights.
Especially during the dry, cool season (December to February), a warm jacket and long trousers are recommended. Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Thailand. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Shoes should be removed before entering a temple or private house. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
