VLTL01 - TRULY NORTHERN THAILAND

Day 1: Arrival in Chiang Rai (-)

Activities:

• Upon arrival at Chiang Rai International Airport, meet your tour guide and transfer to your hotel in the heart of the city.

• Spend the remainder of the day at leisure to rest after your journey or take a self-guided walk around the nearby streets and riverside promenade.

Suggestions for the Evening:

• Enjoy local cuisine at Chiang Rai Night Bazaar or sample dishes at a street food stall.

• Visit the clock tower roundabout to catch the evening light-and-sound show.

Overnight: Chiang Rai

 

Day 2: Chiang Rai – Doi Tung – Mae Sai – Golden Triangle – Chiang Rai (B)

Morning:

• After breakfast, depart for Doi Tung Palace, the former residence of the Princess Mother (mother of King Rama IX).

• Explore the Mae Fah Luang Garden, a spectacular floral sanctuary with beautifully landscaped grounds featuring hundreds of exotic plants.

• Tour the museum and main palace hall, admiring intricate silk embroidery, unique artworks, and photorealistic portraits of the royal family.

• Pause at the statue of “The Continuity”, a symbolic sculpture commemorating the Princess Mother’s enduring impact on the region.

Midday:

• Drive to Mae Sai, Thailand’s northernmost town bordering Myanmar.

• View the bustling Tha Khee Lek Market, popular for cross-border trade among Thais, Burmese, and Chinese.

• Discover a vast selection of gems, jade, textiles, electronics, and souvenirs.

Afternoon:

• Continue to the Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos converge.

• Learn about the area’s history as a major opium trade route.

• Embark on a boat trip along the Mekong River, gliding past Laotian riverbanks and jungle-covered islets.

• Enjoy panoramic views of the tri-nation boundary.

Evening: Return to Chiang Rai and enjoy dinner at your own leisure.

Overnight: Chiang Rai

 

Day 3: Chiang Rai City Tour – Thaton (B)

Morning:

• Begin with a walk through Chiang Rai Morning Market, where locals purchase fresh produce, herbs, and handicrafts.

• Visit Wat Phra Kaew, the original site of the revered Emerald Buddha, before it was relocated to Bangkok.

• Explore the Rai Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park, housing an extensive collection of Lanna artifacts and traditional wooden architecture.

• Visit the iconic Wat Rong Khun (White Temple), a dazzling modern temple designed by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat.

• Observe surreal artwork combining Buddhist themes with pop culture references like Star Wars, The Matrix, and Marvel heroes.

• Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant (on your own account).

Afternoon:

• Drive to Thaton, a tranquil riverside town near the Thai–Myanmar border.

• Ascend to Wat Thaton, a hilltop temple complex with panoramic views over the Kok River and lush jungle valleys.

Evening: Settle into your hotel and enjoy the cool highland air.

Overnight: Thaton

 

Day 4: Thaton – Chiang Dao – Pai (B)

Morning:

• Depart Thaton and head toward the mountainous district of Chiang Dao.

• Visit the revered Chiang Dao Cave Temple, an ancient limestone cavern used by soldiers in historic Burmese–Siamese conflicts.

• Walk through chambers adorned with stalactites, stalagmites, and golden Buddha statues.

• Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (on your own account).

Afternoon:

• Drive to Pai, a scenic highland town in Mae Hong Son province known for its bohemian vibe and dramatic landscapes.

• En route, stop at Mae Malai Market to browse regional herbs, teas, and snacks.

• Visit Mork Fah Waterfall, a 60-meter cascade enveloped in mist. A short hike through forest trails leads you to the base of the falls.

• Continue to Pong Duet Geyser, a natural hot spring and spa area in a pristine forest setting. Witness bubbling pools and enjoy a quick soak in mineral waters.

Evening:

• Arrive in Pai and check into your hotel.

• Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of this mountain town.

Overnight: Pai

 

Day 5: Pai – Mae Hong Son (B)

Morning:

• Embark on a scenic boat ride along the Pai River, flanked by lush jungle and bamboo groves.

• Stop at a Long-Neck Karen (Padaung) village to learn about this indigenous group known for their brass neck rings.

• Engage with community members and observe traditional weaving and crafts.

Afternoon:

• Drive to Mae Hong Son, nestled in a remote mountain basin.

• Visit Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu, perched atop a forested hill. From the summit, take in sweeping views of the mist-covered valleys and town below.

• Explore the Wat Chong Kham and Wat Chong Klang twin temples beside a tranquil lake. Admire Burmese-style architecture and a collection of delicate glass paintings.

Evening: Enjoy free time to discover the charming night market.

Overnight: Mae Hong Son

 

Day 6: Mae Hong Son – Hill Tribes & Caves (B)

Morning:

• Head to Tham Lod Cave, one of Thailand’s largest caves.

• Journey through the limestone chambers on a bamboo raft, accompanied by local guides with lanterns.

• Marvel at massive stalactites and ancient teak coffins attributed to prehistoric tribes.

Afternoon:

• Visit a Lahu Hill Tribe Village, known for hunting and farming traditions. Gain insight into their cultural customs and subsistence lifestyle.

• Proceed to a Lisu Village, where women wear vibrant, hand-embroidered garments and produce silver jewelry. Witness their skills in textile crafts.

Evening: Return to your hotel in Mae Hong Son and relax.

Overnight: Mae Hong Son

 

Day 7: Mae Hong Son – Doi Inthanon – Chiang Mai (B)

Morning:

• Depart early for a scenic drive to Chiang Mai via Mae Chaem.

• Enter Doi Inthanon National Park, home to Thailand’s highest peak (2,565 meters). The park harbors waterfalls, cloud forests, and rare bird species.

• Stop at the twin royal pagodas dedicated to King Rama IX and Queen Sirikit.

Afternoon:

• Visit majestic waterfalls like Wachirathan and Siriphum Falls.

• Arrive in Chiang Mai in the late afternoon and check in.

Evening: Free time to explore Chiang Mai’s Old City.

Overnight: Chiang Mai

 

Day 8: Chiang Mai Temples, Market & Doi Suthep (B)

Morning: Embark on a walking tour of Chiang Mai’s ancient temples:

• Wat Phra Singh, an iconic Lanna-style temple.

• Wat Phan Tao, built from reclaimed teakwood.

• Wat Chedi Luang, home to a towering ruined stupa.

• Take a rickshaw ride through quaint alleys lined with teak houses.

• Browse Warorot Market, a bustling hub of spices, fabrics, and local delicacies.

Afternoon: Ascend to Doi Suthep Temple, Chiang Mai’s spiritual heart. Climb 306 steps or take a lift to the golden chedi. Enjoy sweeping views of the city from the mountaintop terrace.

Evening: Relax or explore the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar.

Overnight: Chiang Mai

 

Day 9: Elephant Jungle Sanctuary (Join-In Tour) (B/L)

Morning:

• 08:00 – 08:30: Hotel pickup and transfer south through scenic rural landscapes.

• 10:30: Arrival at Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. Change into traditional Karen clothing, learn about elephant anatomy and ethical care practices.

Afternoon:

• 11:00 – 13:00: Feed and interact with the elephants. Learn their backstories and participate in photo sessions.

• 13:00 – 15:00: Make herbal medicine balls and accompany the elephants to the river. Enjoy mud spa, bathing, and brushing.

• 15:00 – 17:00: Clean up, say goodbye, and transfer back to Chiang Mai.

Evening: Free evening to unwind or continue exploring independently.

Overnight: Chiang Mai

 

Day 10: Departure from Chiang Mai (B)

Enjoy your final breakfast in Thailand.

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

End of Services.

 

Notes:

• Meals Included: B (Breakfast), L (Lunch)

• Pack modest attire for temples, swimwear for waterfalls/hot springs

• Some visits involve moderate walking/hiking – good footwear is advised

• Activities and timing are subject to change due to local conditions and weather