Upon arrival at Chiang Mai Airport, our local guide greets you and transports you to your selected hotel in town. After checking in, it’s time to relax or enjoy the hotel facilities. In the afternoon, you begin your first day in Chiang Mai to explore the magnificent Buddhist temple and its ancient interior, which reflects architecture and faith from more than six centuries ago. Start with the 600-year-old temple of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, near the summit of Doi Suthep Mount. The temple is almost as famous as the Temple of Emerald Buddha in Bangkok. After a drive up the mountain’s winding road, the final climb to the site is via a magnificent Naga (dragon-headed serpent) staircase of 306 steps. Inside is an intriguing copper-plated chedi topped by a five-tier gold umbrella that contains partial relics of Lord Buddha. On a clear day, there are incomparable views over the city of Chiang Mai.

After breakfast at your hotel, you have a full day of leisure to discover the historic walled city of Chiang Mai on your own or take one of the many optional excursions available through your travel agents or locally through your guide. We suggest learning about the Asian elephants at one of the elephant sanctuaries. Trekking, biking, and cooking classes are also popular choices. Option: Half Day Elephant Care (excluded from package rate)

After breakfast, we will drive north towards Chiang Rai through splendid mountain scenery and tropical jungle with a stop at Mae Ka Chan, famous for a hot spring which the locals strongly believe that hot springs have therapeutic abilities. We arrive at Chiang Rai around noon and local lunch can be found en route. After lunch, transfer to the 'pick-up' truck to climb the narrow mountain roads and enjoy great views from Doi Mae Salong. Between November and February, you can enjoy the cool weather as well as learn more about the culture of the Chinese descendants of the KMT Nationalist Chinese Army Regiment at their village, Santikhiri. The mountain is also home to numerous hill tribe settlements. Near the peak of the mountain, visitors will find several tea plantations as well as tea houses. Visit Akha and Yao hill tribe villages along the way to witness the fascinating lifestyles of these ethnic groups who make a living from the land. Continue to your hotel in Chiang Rai and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

After breakfast drive to Mae Sai, the northern-most Thai small town on the Burmese border, visiting a Jade factory and the colorful border market, where local sellers sell everything from cheap electronics to local art objects. Take a selfie at the small arch marking the most northern point of Thailand. Then continue on the road to Chiang Saen, where evidence of the original 13th century city can still be seen. Enjoy this lovely setting on the banks of the Mekong River, a tranquil spot with charming old temples and finely carved figurines. Lunch will be at the local restaurant. The next visit is to the renowned Golden Triangle, where you can stand on the hilltop and enjoy views over Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, and the mighty Mekong River. Return to your hotel in Chiang Rai and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Your last day starts with breakfast at the hotel. At the arranged time, your private driver will transfer you to Chiang Rai Airport for your flight to your next destination. Note: Flight tickets excluded in package price