Chiang Mai Trip Overview
Discover the charm of northern Thailand and the notorious Golden Triangle – the meeting point of Laos, Thailand and Myanmar (Burma) – on this three-day tour with a local guide! Traveling by minibus round-trip from Chiang Mai, explore the underground chambers of Chiang Dao Caves and see where the Ruak and Mekong rivers converge. You’ll also visit the exquisite Wat Rong Khun and the Hall of Opium museum, ride a long-tail boat down the Khong River and relax at Mae Ka Chan hot springs. Enjoy personal attention on this small-group tour, limited to 12 people.
Additional Info
Duration: 3 days
Starts: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
Explore Chiang Mai Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand
Discover the charm of northern Thailand and the notorious Golden Triangle – the meeting point of Laos, Thailand and Myanmar (Burma) – on this three-day tour with a local guide! Traveling by minibus round-trip from Chiang Mai, explore the underground chambers of Chiang Dao Caves and see where the Ruak and Mekong rivers converge. You’ll also visit the exquisite Wat Rong Khun and the Hall of Opium museum, ride a long-tail boat down the Khong River and relax at Mae Ka Chan hot springs. Enjoy personal attention on this small-group tour, limited to 12 people.
Itinerary
Day 1: Chiang Mai – Doi Mae Salong
Stop At: Chiang Dao Cave, Chiang Dao Sub-district, Chiang Dao 50170 Thailand
Your private minivan/car (depending on numbers) will head first to Chiang Dao Caves (approximately 1.5 hours). Explore the set of five interconnected caves that make up Chiang Dao, thought to expand more than 12 kilometres into Doi Chiang Dao Mountain. The caves are among the most extensive in the county and are associated with Wat Chiang Dao, and so are a popular pilgrimage spot for both monks and ordinary Thais. The caverns contain hermit images, a reclining Buddha, rock formations, and also a royal coat of arms to mark the visit of the Thai Queen.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Doi Mae Salong, Chiang Rai Thailand
You’ll then continue on to the charming small town of Doi Mae Salong (approximately 3 hours). The atmosphere here is reminiscent of a small southern Chinese village, and the region is famous for its Chinese tea traders – so enjoy a cup of tea in a traditional Chinese tea house overlooking the mountains and tea fields. In the late afternoon there is time to explore the interesting markets, where you may see produce and crafts made by hilltribe people like the Akha. Please note sometimes in the low season the markets will close early. You’ll stay overnight here in Doi Mae Salong.
Duration: 12 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Hotel
Day 2: Golden Triangle – Chiang Rai
Stop At: Golden Triangle, Sob Ruak Village, Chiang Saen 57150 Thailand
After breakfast, jump in a private minivan/car and visit the point of the Golden Triangle, where the Thailand, Myanmar and Laos borders meet. Stop at the border town of Mae Sai (approximately 1.5 hours), the most northern town in all of Thailand. It’s a great place to do some souvenir shopping; full of colourful shops stacked with Myanmar lacquerware, gems, jade and other goods from Laos and China, all at some of the best prices around! Enjoy lunch overlooking the mighty Mekong River and then pay a visit to the House of Opium Museum for a deeper insight into opium culture. This afternoon climb on board a longtail boat and travel on the Mekong River to the old city of Chiang Saen, the ancient capital of the Lanna Kingdom. Chiang Saen is surrounded on three sides by impressive ramparts, with the Mekong forming the fourth wall. Ruins lie around this charming one-street market town of quiet wooden shophouses.
Duration: 4 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Hotel
Day 3: Chiang Mai
Stop At: Wat Rong Khun, Lahaul-Spiti Pa O Don Chai Subdistrict, Chiang Rai 57000 Thailand
For many, the privately owned Wat Rong Khun, more commonly known as the White Temple, is a must-visit. Travel approximately 30 minutes out to this contemporary temple, started in 1997 and expected to be a work in progress for another 60 to 70 years. The temple is constantly being added to and its strange design features references to Buddhist mythology, human sin and pop culture icons such as Michael Jackson, Harry Potter and Superman.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Mae Chan, Mae Chan, Chiang Rai Province
You will then journey 70 minutes to Mae Ka Chan Hot Springs, with a lunch stop along the way. Although oddly located in the ‘car park’, the springs offer an opportunity to take a relaxing soak, and/or enjoy a foot massage ‘fish spa style’, whilst munching on quail eggs which have been cooked in the heat of the waters. After enjoying the hot springs you’ll hop back on the bus and return to Chiang Mai, the journey taking about 1.5 hours and arriving back at around 5pm.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Chiang Rai, Chiang Rai, Chiang Rai Province
Chiang Rai boasts a relaxed atmosphere, a great night market, and a variety of good restaurants. This charming city has a small-town feel and is a great place to explore on foot.
Duration: 12 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
No accommodation included on this day.
