Chiang Mai Chiang Rai Journey

We begin our journey with a guided tour of Chiang Mai’s old town and its principal temples. After a 13:30 pick-up in the city centre, we visit Wat Suan Dok, notable for its 48-metre-high Sri Lankan-style chedi overlooking the Royal Cemetery. Next, we explore Wat Phra Sing, a large temple complex with over 60 buildings, followed by Wat Chedi Luang, a 14th-century temple at the heart of the old city that has been carefully restored after years of decline. We also visit the nearby Wat Chet Yot, which shows signs of age, and Wat Chiang Man, known for its numerous elephant sculptures. We spend the night in Chiang Mai.

After breakfast at the hotel, we visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, perched on a mountain overlooking Chiang Mai. You can reach the temple by climbing the 309-step naga staircase or take the included cable car. The temple itself is renowned for its intricate architecture and offers spectacular panoramic views of the city below. Next, we explore the lively Wararot Market, a historic hub known for its diverse and high-quality local produce, followed by a visit to the fragrant flower market nearby. In the evening, enjoy a khantoke dinner—a traditional northern Thai meal accompanied by cultural performances inspired by the Lanna kingdom, which shaped the region for nearly five centuries. We stay overnight in Chiang Mai. Dinner is included.

After breakfast at the hotel, we visit Elephant Poopoopaper Park, an eco-friendly outdoor museum that showcases the unique process of making paper from elephant dung fibres. The guided walking tour through the lush gardens takes you across eight pavilions, each explaining a stage of production—from collection and rinsing to the final paper assembly. You can join our skilled artisans and guides to try your hand at this unusual craft. Informative graphics also highlight Chiang Mai’s long tradition of papermaking and handicrafts. After lunch, we travel by road via Doi Saket to Wat Rong Khun, known as the ‘White Temple’. Built in the 1990s, this striking temple features an ornate white exterior embedded with mirrors, creating a dazzling effect. We then continue to Chiang Rai, arriving in the afternoon for check-in at your accommodation. Lunch is included.

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and travel to Chiang Saen for a panoramic view of the Golden Triangle, where the borders of Laos, Myanmar and Thailand converge along the mighty Mekong River. We then take a 30-minute boat trip around the Golden Triangle, offering a unique perspective of this historic meeting point. Following the boat ride, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before being transferred to Chiang Rai Airport. Breakfast and lunch are included.