6D5N THAILAND CHIANG MAI & CHIANG RAI

6D5N Thailand Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai

On arrival at Chiang Mai Airport, your driver will meet you at the arrival hall and drive you to Chiang Rai, a mountainous city north of Chiang Mai.  Situated at the Golden Triangle (bordering Myanmar and Laos), the small city with its relaxed atmosphere retains a strong Lanna identity mostly through its temples, art, language, music and cuisine.  Travel to Mae Khachan Hot Spring – a public hot spring that is very popular with the local Thais.  Dip your feet into warm and soothing mineral water at the hot spring and look out for locals selling chicken eggs that you can boil in the hot springs – a popular activity with both locals and visitors.

Day 02 – CHIANG RAI   [B/L]

Begin your tour with a visit to the famous Wat Huay Pla Kung.  Visitors can ascend to the top of the big white Guan Yin statue by way of an elevator and reach its forehead.  Views from the eyes of the Guan Yin statue is rather stunning.  Next you will visit the famous Chiang Rai White Temple, also known as “Wat Rong Khun”.  The White Temple is one of the most recognizable temples in Thailand and one of Chiang Rai’s most visited attractions.  Thereafter, visit a tea plantation to have an appreciation on the  distinctive types of teas grown in the highlands.  When in Chiang Rai, another “must-do” activity is to visit the Golden Triangle where you can see the geographical confluence of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos.  This region of Thailand was once known for its opium trade.  Board a boat for a short cruise on the Mekong River.  You will visit one of the oldest cities in northern Thailand, Chiang Saen, which was once the centre of the Lanna Kingdom.  The remains or remnants – mostly houses and temples and the old city wall – of a bygone era are scattered around.

Day 03 – CHIANG RAI – CHIANG DAO   [B/L]

Depart Chiang Rai and proceed to visit an elephant-riding village.  Take a journey through the village and down the river riding on the elephants!  Next you will visit a Long Neck Hill Tribe Village to see how the long neck people go about their daily activities.  After lunch, you will visit the village of Chiang Dao, a quiet and picturesque little town with a quaint northern Thailand feel.  Visit the Chiang Dao Cave, a highlight of the Chiang Dao National Park.  Shortly after entering the cave entrance, you will descend into a large cavern that eventually leads to 2 caves where you can freely explore on your own.  These 2 caves are lit by electric lights and contain many Buddha images, shrines and statues.

Day 04 – CHIANG DAO – CHIANG MAI   [B/L]

Depart Chiang Dao and head to Chiang Mai today.  Enroute, you will stop at Doi Inthanon National Park, also known as “The Roof of Thailand” covering an area of 482km² in the Chiang Mai province in the north of Thailand.  The summit of Doi Inthanon (2,565m) is famous for its spectacular views especially at sunrise, the waterfalls, the few trails and the two chedis (stupas) dedicated to the King’s and Queen’s 60th birthdays.  The majestic Wachirathan Waterfall (also spelled “Vachirathan” and known as the Diamond Creek Falls) is one of several major waterfalls on the way up to the summit of Doi Inthanon and it is probably the most impressive of the waterfalls on the mountain’s slopes.  The Angkha Luang Natural Trail at the Doi Inthanon National Park is a scenic 350m looped board-walk trail.  Enroute to Chiang Mai, visit the White Karen Hill Tribe Village, an indigenous community of Northern Thailand where the local women wear beautiful traditional colourful clothing whilst going about their humble daily routine as the men go about harvesting crops in the fields.  Continue on and arrive at Chiang Mai, the “Rose of the North”,  which is famous for its ancient wats or temples, bazaars, markets and a vibrant nightlife.  The central part of Chiang Mai City fringes the Night Bazaar and the Old City, where a panoply of contemporary and traditional merchandise shops, cafes and massage parlours convey a sense of old world meets new world charm.  The huge Night Bazaar runs every evening from 1800 to 2230.

Day 05 – CHIANG MAI   [B]

Explore Chiang Mai at your own pace today.  You may wish to check out Nimmanhaemin Road, also known as Nimman or “Coffee Street”.  The nearby Huay Kaew Road has a night market that is often packed full of students and teenagers shopping for the latest fashions at reduced prices.  This road also has a high concentration of cafes, restaurants and cool bars.

Day 06 – DEPART CHIANG MAI   [B]

Free time until your transfer to Chiang Mai Airport for your departure flight.

Whether you prefer the above itinerary “as-is” or have it customised, if you will indicate the start/end dates of your intended travel and provide your contact details, we will get in touch with you to discuss the itinerary on a no-obligations basis on your part.