Thailand | Tour Code: 12823
Experience the wonders of Northern Thailand on a 7-day adventure, exploring ancient temples, hilltribe villages, and breathtaking scenery.
Highlights
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Engage with gentle giants at the Kanta Elephant Sanctuary, fostering a deep connection with these magnificent creatures. Participate in their care, play, and witness a river bath experience
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Discover the Golden Triangle, the area where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet at the confluence of the Ruak and Mekong rivers
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Visit Kongland (Pai Canyon), the high eroding cliff, the best scenic point where you could witness the breathtaking sunset view of Pai
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Be amazed with Wat Phrathad Doi Suthep,. the most sacred temple in Northern Thailand, containing a holy relic of Lord Buddha
Overview
Experience the wonders of Northern Thailand with this multi-day tour, which takes you on a journey through the region's cultural and natural highlights. From the bustling markets of Chiang Mai to the ancient temples of Chiang Rai, and the natural beauty of Pai, you will explore diverse landscapes and learn about the local hill tribes' rich culture. You will also have the opportunity to visit Elephant Nature Park, a sanctuary for rescued elephants, and witness traditional Thai craftsmanship at silk and pottery factories. With comfortable accommodations and local cuisine, this tour is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the beauty and charm of Northern Thailand.
Inclusions
- 2 Nights in Pai at The Quarter Pai - ★★★ or similar
- 2 Nights in Chiang Mai at Movenpick Suriwongse - ★★★★ or similar
- 2 Nights in Chiang Rai at The Siam Triangle Hotel - ★★★★ or similar
- Transfers and Sightseeing as per itinerary
- Daily Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Tour accompanied by English Speaking Guide
- Admission fee included as per Itinerary
Itinerary
Arrive and meet at Chiang Mai Airport, and then drive to Pai, a small district in Mae Hong Son Province. It's embraced by rolling mountains and enveloped in peaceful and charming natural surroundings. Lunch will be provided at a local restaurant.
Upon arriving in Pai, check-in to Pai Hotspring Spa Resort and take a short rest. You can enjoy a few hours of Thai massage (at your own expense), or just sit back and enjoy the fresh and beautiful view of the mountains and the Pai River. In the late afternoon, explore the beauty and charm of Pai by visiting some of the Burmese-style temples, such as Wat Phra That Mae Yen, located on a hill from where you can overlook the whole Pai, and Wat Nam Hu, which contains a sacred Chiang Saen Buddha image that is 24 inches wide at the base and 30 inches high. Before sunset, we'll visit Kongland (Pai Canyon), which has high eroding cliffs and is the best scenic point where you can witness the breathtaking sunset view of Pai.
Afterwards, we'll visit Pai Night Market, which is the highlight of visiting Pai. Unlike other night markets in Thailand, Pai Night Market is a lovely small market with various kinds of handmade products from hill tribes and local Thai people. Dinner will be provided at a local restaurant.
Overnight stays at The Quarter Pai or similar.
After breakfast, we will depart early from Pai back to Chiang Mai. At 9:30 a.m., we will arrive at Elephant Nature Park for a half-day morning visit. Elephant Nature Park is a rescue and rehabilitation center for elephants and many other rescued animals. The visit will start with a picturesque drive through rural countryside to the park, during which you will learn about the rescued and orphaned elephants and their individual stories.
At the park, you will have the opportunity to spend time with the various herds. Many of these elephants have left behind a traumatic past and are, for the first time, able to form relationships with other elephants and rediscover their elephant nature. Guests will have the chance to observe elephants as well as other rescued animals living free of fear among the natural surroundings of the sanctuary. There is no riding or bathing of the elephants at ENP. Your visit will help support their regional projects and ongoing care for their herd, as well as make future rescues possible. A vegetarian buffet lunch will be provided at Elephant Nature Park, followed by a transfer to your hotel in Chiang Mai.
In the evening, you can enjoy a traditional Khantoke Dinner and see Northern Thai folk dancing and performances of different hill tribes in their natural, colorful costumes. Each tribe differs in costumes, dialects, and superstitions.
Overnight stays at Mövenpick Suriwongse Chiang Mai or similar.
After breakfast at the hotel, we will drive up Doi (Mount) Suthep to visit Wat Phrathad Doi Suthep, the most sacred temple in Northern Thailand, which was established in A.D. 1384. The temple houses a holy relic of Lord Buddha and is located 3500 feet above sea-level. To reach the temple, we will climb a challenging flight of over 300 steps flanked by enormous mythological Nagas. Once we reach the top, we will enjoy a panoramic view of the city from 3,500 feet above sea-level. Afterward, we will enjoy a local lunch.
In the afternoon, we will visit Sankampaeng, a village known for its Thai silk and cotton looms. We will also visit Bo Sang, a village known for its paper and umbrella-making. We will continue to the Celadon kilns, where you can admire the exquisite traditional high-fired stoneware. In addition, we will visit the lacquerware, teak-wood carving, jewelry, and silverware factories. This tour will show you how Chiang Mai craftsmen produce their crafts by hand from the first stage until the finish, and give you an idea of what souvenirs you can buy and take home from Chiang Mai.
Overnight stays at Mövenpick Suriwongse Chiang Mai or similar.
Have a breakfast at the hote, and we will start our journey by driving north towards Chiang Rai, enjoying the splendid mountain scenery and tropical jungle along the way. During the trip, we will make a short stop at Mae Ka Chan hot spring, followed by a visit to the unique Wat Rong Khun (White Temple), which differs from any other temple you are likely to see in Thailand. This temple is a lifetime project of artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, and it combines traditional Buddhist art with contemporary themes.
We will arrive in Chiang Rai around noon, and have our lunch. After lunch, we will visit a Yao and an Akha hill tribe village in Mae Chan. This will give us an opportunity to learn about the culture and way of life of these indigenous communities. Finally, we will transfer to your hotel.
Overnight stays at The Siam Triangle Hotel or similar.
After breakfast, we will drive to Mae Hong Son, with a stop en route at "Tham Plaa," also known as Fish Cave. Next to the cave is a pool that burbles from a subterranean stream. The pool holds fish up to 1 meter long, and you can feed them with bread. We will then continue on to Mae Hong Son and visit Wat Phrathad Doi Kongmoo, the hilltop temple that affords a wonderful view of the city and surrounding mountains and valleys. Lunch will be provided at a local restaurant.
After lunch, we will take a boat trip along the scenic Pai River, followed by a visit to the Padong Long-necked hill tribe village. Afterwards, we will drive back to Pai, with some stops at viewpoints en route. Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight stays at The Quarter Pai or similar.
Additional Information
- Advertised FROM prices apply to low‑season travel periods only and are subject to availability at the time of booking.
- Prices vary by travel date, room type, length of stay and demand, with higher rates applying during shoulder and peak periods, including school holidays and blackout dates.
- FROM prices may not be available on all departures and are indicative only.
- International flights, where included, are based on lead‑in fares and are subject to limited availability. Actual airfares may vary depending on travel dates, seat availability and airline policies.
- Any airfare differences from the advertised package price will be advised prior to booking, and additional charges may apply for flight upgrades or changes.
- Additional charges may apply, including peak‑season surcharges, festive period supplements, mandatory resort dinners, upgrades and optional experiences.
- Final pricing, inclusions and promotions are confirmed at the time of enquiry or booking and are subject to availability and change without notice.
- Indicative pricing shown for advertising purposes only.
Excluded
- Airfares and taxes, unless expressly stated in your holiday package
- Visa costs, including application, processing and issuance fees
- Local city, tourist or accommodation taxes, where applicable, payable locally
- Meals not specifically listed as included, including mandatory festive or special‑event dinners
- Travel insurance and personal expenses, including mini‑bar, laundry, telephone calls and similar incidentals
- Tips and gratuities to guides, drivers, porters, hotel, restaurant or boat staff
- Any other services or expenses not expressly included in the holiday package
