Northern Thailand Discovery 10 Days / 9 Nights

In the morning, visit the Doi Tung Palace, also known as King’s Mother Garden, a stunning palace surrounded by a vast and colorful flower garden. Inside the palace, you can pay your respects to the portraits of the Princess Mother and admire the exquisite silk embroidery and the amazing painting that changes color and light as you move. From the palace balcony, you can enjoy a lovely view of the garden and the mountains. You can also walk around the garden and take a photo with the statue called “The Continuity” in the center of the garden.

Next, head to Mae Sai, the northernmost point of Thailand, where you can see the border between Thailand and Myanmar, also known as Tha Khee Lek. This is a bustling trading hub for Thai, Myanmar and Chinese merchants, where you can find a variety of products.

In the afternoon, visit the Golden Triangle, the notorious area where opium was once traded. Here you have a chance to take a boat ride on the Mae Khong River and catch a glimpse of neighboring Laos. See the beautiful scenery along the mighty river, which separates the three countries from each other, before driving back.

Overnight in Chiang Rai

Begin your day with a stroll through the local market, where you can see the fresh vegetables and fruits that the locals sell and buy every morning. Continue to the Wat Phra Kaew temple, a magnificent museum that houses the Rai Mae Fah Luang art collection. Proceed to the white temple, Wat Rong Khun, a unique and modern temple that was built by the Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat in 1997. He said that the temple will only be completed 60 to 90 years after his death. The temple is white to symbolize purity and has a fresco that depicts Buddhist themes along with Matrix, Star Wars, the 9/11 attacks, and even Kung Fu Panda.

In the afternoon, head to Thaton area and visit the Thaton temple on the mountain. Enjoy a beautiful view of the Kok River that flows from Myanmar through Thailand for 78 kilometers. 

Overnight in Thaton

In the moring, depart for Chiang Dao area and visit Chiang Dao Temple cave, a historical site where the Myanmar soldiers rested before attacking Chiang Mai in the 1500s. Marvel at the stalactites and stalagmites of different shapes and sizes in the cave.

After lunch, continue to Pai, a small town in Maehongson province. Stop at Mae Malai village and browse the market that sells a variety of Thai products. Later, drive through Mork Fah Waterfall, a 60-meter-high waterfall that flows all year round. Take a walk along the forest trail to the falls and see the mist that surrounds the area.

Next, stop at Pong Deuid, one of the most beautiful hot springs in Chiang Mai province. This spa is not very commercialized and is located in a scenic wooded valley. Enjoy a relaxing swim in the pools that are formed by the geysers.

Arrive in Pai in the evening.

Overnight in Pai

In the morning, transfer to the pier. Take a cruise along the Pai River, where you can admire the stunning scenery and the simple lifestyle of the locals. Visit the Long-Necked Karen village, where the women wear brass rings around their necks as a cultural tradition. Interact with the villagers and learn more about their culture and history.

In the afternoon, head to Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu, a temple located on the top of Kong Mu Hill, just outside Mae Hong Son. You can either drive or climb a long staircase to reach the temple. From there, enjoy a panoramic view of the town and the surrounding mountains and valleys. Then, continue to Jong Kham and Jong Klang temples, two ancient temples that share the same area next to a large swamp. They both feature beautiful Burmese-style buildings that house sacred Buddha images..

Overnight in Mae Hong Son

In the morning, visit Tham Lod Cave, a natural wonder filled with bats, swifts, stalactites and stalagmites. Board a bamboo raft and glide through the cave, guided by a raft man who will show you the entrance and the inside of the cave.

In the afternoon, visit the Lahu Hill Tribe village, where the people live mainly by farming rice, corn and animals. The Lahu are also skilled hunters and have a simple lifestyle. You can observe their culture and traditions in this village. Proceed to the Lisu Hill Tribe village, where the people are known for their sewing, embroidery and silverware making. The Lisu women wear bright and colorful dresses that are the most eye-catching among all the hill tribes in Mae Hong Son province.

Overnight in Mae Hong Son

In the morning, around 7am, explore the local market and then leave for Chiang Mai via Mae Chaem. On the way, you will pass through the Doi Inthanon National Park, a biodiverse area with many plants, animals and birds, as well as some ethnic minority groups. Stop to see some of the most stunning waterfalls in Chiang Mai province. 

Arrive in Chiang Mai in the evening.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Start your day with a walking tour of the old town, where you will see some of the most beautiful temples of Chiang Mai. Visit Wat Phra Singh, a sacred temple with Lanna style architecture and a famous Lion Buddha statue. Then, visit Wat Phan Tao, an ancient temple with a lovely garden next to the majestic Wat Chedi Luang. It is a Buddhist temple with one of the tallest structures in the old city and a place where many important Buddhist festivals are held.

Then, ride a rickshaw along the small streets with traditional houses and experience the local culture. After that, walk through the Warorot Central Market and see the daily life and activities of the Thai people.

In the afternoon, visit the Doi Suthep hill, where the temple is one of the most historical and spiritual places in Thailand. Drive up the scenic mountain road and see the lush landscapes along the way. Then, climb up more than 300 stairs and take an elevator to the top. Enjoy a stunning view of Chiang Mai.

Return to the hotel and relax or explore the Night Market on your own.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Enjoy a full-day trek in Mae Wang area, where you can explore the northern Thailand’s nature and culture. Visit the Karen Hill Tribe, a waterfall and a forest in the Mae Wang area. You will also have a chance to feed and bathe an elephant at the Mae Wang Elephant Camp, where the elephants are treated with respect and care. You will not ride the elephant, but you will have a fun bamboo raft ride on the Mae Wang River. This trek is suitable for those who prefer a shorter and easier hike.

Itinerary:

8-8:30am Pick-up from your hotel by minibus/ air-conditioned bus for a one-hour drive to the south of Chiang Mai to the Mae Wang area. Enjoy the following activities: 

– Visit the Karen Hill Tribe and their village

– One-hour trek

– Waterfall (swimming)

– Bamboo rafting

– Feed and bathe the elephant without riding

Return to Chiang Mai around 5pm.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Enjoy some free time until airport transfer for your outbound flight.