VLTL03 - CHIANG RAI & CHIANG MAI

Day 1: Arrival in Chiang Rai (–)

Activities:

• Arrive at Chiang Rai Airport.

• Meet & greet by your driver.

• Free time to stroll and explore Chiang Rai town at your leisure.

• Optional: Visit local night bazaar or riverside cafés.

Overnight: Chiang Rai

 

Day 2: Chiang Rai City Tour & Mae Kok River Experience (B)

Morning:

• Breakfast at the hotel.

• Visit the local morning market to observe daily life and local produce.

• Explore Wat Phra Kaew, where the Emerald Buddha was once enshrined.

• Continue to Wat Phra Singh, known for its fine Lanna-style architecture.

• Visit the Black House (Baan Dam) – an avant-garde art complex by Thawan Duchanee, showcasing unique structures and art pieces.

Afternoon:

• Enjoy a scenic boat cruise on the Mae Kok River.

• Visit a Karen hill tribe village, where you may feed or observe elephants in a natural setting.

• Return to Chiang Rai for leisure time.

Overnight: Chiang Rai

 

Day 3: Chiang Rai – Mae Salong – Chiang Saen (B)

Morning:

• Depart Chiang Rai after breakfast.

• Drive through picturesque hills to Doi Mae Salong, a region known for Chinese heritage, tea plantations, and stunning views.

• Sample locally produced teas at one of the tea farms.

• Visit Loyo Akha Village, an ethnic minority group preserving traditional customs.

Afternoon:

• Visit Mae Fah Luang Botanical Gardens, a royal project garden with spectacular floral displays.

• Continue to Chiang Saen, in the heart of the historic Golden Triangle.

• Take a boat ride on the Mekong River, where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet.

Overnight: Chiang Saen

 

Day 4: Chiang Saen – Thaton – Chiang Mai (B)

Morning:

• After breakfast, visit Padong Karen Village to meet the “long-neck” women, known for wearing brass rings around their necks.

• Stop at a Chinese traditional medicine pharmacy to learn about herbal remedies and ancient healing techniques.

Afternoon:

• Continue south to Chiang Dao, and explore the mysterious Chiang Dao Cave Complex, with underground paths and shrines.

• Drive onward to Chiang Mai and check in to your hotel.

Overnight: Chiang Mai

 

Day 5: Chiang Mai Old City & Doi Suthep Tour (B)

Morning:

• Breakfast at the hotel.

• Explore Chiang Mai’s Old City on foot:

  • Visit Wat Phra Singh, Wat Phan Tao, and Wat Chedi Luang temples.

  • Pass by the ancient moat and gates.

  • Enjoy a peaceful rickshaw ride through charming alleys and traditional neighborhoods.

Afternoon:

• Visit Warorot Market, the oldest and most vibrant market in Chiang Mai.

• Ascend Doi Suthep Mountain to see Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai’s most iconic temple with panoramic views.

Evening: Free time to browse the famous Chiang Mai Night Bazaar for local crafts and cuisine.

Overnight: Chiang Mai

 

Day 6: Chiang Mai - Cooking Class At Thai Farm Cooking (Join-in) & Mae Ping River Cruise (B/L)

Morning: Join a group cooking class with Thai Farm Cooking School (08:30–14:00):

• Visit a local market to buy fresh ingredients

• Explain and learn about herbs and spices grown at the organic farm

• Cooking jasmine rice and sticky rice

• Pound and make a curry paste from scratch

• Choose and make one curry paste, one curry and one soup

• Cook a noodle dish and sweet dessert according to the day

Afternoon: Embark on a 2-hour Mae Ping River cruise, passing by traditional teak houses and rural scenery.
Return to hotel for leisure.

Overnight: Chiang Mai

 

Day 7: Chiang Mai – Doi Inthanon – Chiang Mai  (B/L)

Morning:

• Travel to Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain in Thailand (2,565m above sea level).

• Begin a 2–3 hour trek through lush forest trails, passing hidden waterfalls, coffee farms, and terraced rice fields.

• Visit a Pagagayaw Karen hill tribe village, sample locally grown coffee, and learn about sustainable farming.

Afternoon:

• See the majestic Vachiratharn Waterfall.

• Stop at the twin Royal Chedis, built to honor King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit.

• Return to Chiang Mai in the late afternoon.

Overnight: Chiang Mai

 

Day 8: Chiang Mai – Departure (B)

Morning:

• Free time for shopping or relaxing depending on flight time.

• Private transfer to Chiang Mai International Airport for departure.

End of Services.

 

Notes:

• All ground transfers by private A/C vehicle

• 7 nights accommodation with daily breakfast

• Meals as mentioned: B (Breakfast), L (Lunch)

• Entrance fees and sightseeing per itinerary

• Boat cruises (Mae Kok River, Mekong River, Mae Ping River)

• English-speaking guide services throughout (except train segment)