Private North Thailand Express

On arrival at Chiang Rai Airport – recommended flight PG231 arriving at 08:55 – we meet you and begin the day at Wat Phra That Chedi Luang, an ancient Lanna bell–shaped stupa surrounded by smaller chedis and a historic ordination hall. At 88 metres tall and 24 metres in diameter, it is the tallest religious structure in Chiang Rai, erected circa 1290 by King Saen Phu of the Lanna kingdom. We continue to the hilltop Wat Phra That Chom Kitti, reached via a 350–step staircase, before heading to the Golden Triangle where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet. Once known for opium cultivation in the 1960s, this area has since been restored to a problem–free region. We take a boat trip around the Golden Triangle – about 45 minutes – with a stop at Don Sao Island in Laos, and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant – included. In the afternoon, we visit the Hall of Opium Museum, whose multimedia exhibits provide a comprehensive perspective on the history of opium. Overnight in Chiang Rai.

This morning, after breakfast, we drive to the Doi Tung Royal Project to learn about its ongoing reforestation work in the Doi Tung area. We then stop for lunch at a local restaurant – included. In the late afternoon we transfer to the hotel for check-in, and the evening is at your leisure. Overnight in Chiang Rai.

After breakfast at the hotel, we visit Baan Dam – the Black House Museum – a collection of almost 40 predominantly black buildings where themes of mortality are presented in many forms. We continue to the Hilltribe Museum and Education Centre to learn about the many hill tribes who have long lived in the surrounding highlands and how they have adapted to globalisation. Next, we head to Wat Rong Khun, a dazzling temple from the 1990s with an ornate, entirely white exterior set with mirrors. Lunch at a local restaurant is included. In the afternoon, we depart for Chiang Mai via Wiang Pa Pao – the most south westerly district of Chiang Rai – enjoying the scenery along the way. We stop at Pha Chor in Mae Wang National Park, where erosion has sculpted cliffs and pillars from layered river sediments – it is believed this area once formed part of the River Ping before the river changed course. We then continue to the hotel to rest. Overnight in Sanpatong, Chiang Mai.

After breakfast at the hotel, we set out at around 08:00 for a Chiang Mai city and temple tour, taking in the Three Kings Monument, Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh. We then enjoy a final lunch at a local restaurant – included – before we transfer you to Chiang Mai Airport at around 13:30. For domestic flights, we recommend booking departures from 15:00 onwards.