Chiang Mai & Golden Triangle
Experience Overview
Get to know Thailand’s serene North on this Short Break Adventure from Chiang Mai to the Golden Triangle, stopping off to see natural wonders and learn about local history along the way. Walk around the Chiang Dao Caves with a local guide, sip tea in Doi Mae Salong and cruise along the Mekong River to Chiang Saen, the ancient capital of the Lanna Kingdom. Enjoy regional dishes, including a quail egg cooked in a hot spring (then complete the experience by soaking in the spring). This Short Break covers many highlights of the less-frequented northern reaches of Thailand, making it a must-do for travellers who want to dig beneath the surface of this much-loved country.
Highlights
- Journey into the countryside north of Chiang Mai on this Short Break Adventure and experience the Golden Triangle, the famous spot where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet.
- Glide along the Mekong River on a longtail boat and explore Chiang Saen, the ancient capital of the Lanna Kingdom.
- Discover rural village life with an overnight stay in Doi Mae Salong, a mountainous region where tea is grown and local hilltribe people sell their crafts in the town market.
- Check out the startling modern design of the White Temple, a piece of architecture that pays homage to pop culture icons like Harry Potter, Michael Jackson and Superman.
- Soak your feet in the Mae Ka Chan Hot Springs and enjoy a foot massage ‘fish spa style’ – a foot massage while munching on quail eggs that have been cooked with the heat of the spring waters.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2763
Tour Type:
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Boat,Minibus
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: TTAG
Starts: Chiang Mai/Doi Mae Salong, Thailand
Finishes: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Duration: 3 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (2), Lunch (3),Accommodation: Hotel (2 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1,385 ($462 /day)
Itinerary
Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Chiang Mai. Your Short Break Adventure starts at 8 am, when you’ll be picked up by a local guide from the joining point hotel. Head towards the Golden Triangle region by private minibus, stopping off first at Chiang Dao Cave. These interconnected caves expand more than 10 kms beneath Doi Chiang Dao, the third tallest mountain in Thailand – and you’ll get to explore them with your guide. Look out for hermit images, a reclining Buddha and a royal coat of arms to mark the visit of the Thai Queen. Then, continue to Doi Mae Salong, a hillside town with a large Chinese population. Famous for its Chinese tea traders, the region is the perfect spot to enjoy a cup of tea while admiring the surrounding mountains. Explore the local markets in the late afternoon, perhaps picking up a piece made by the Akha.
Included Activities:
- Chiang Dao Caves - Entrance and Free Time
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, drive to the Golden Triangle, where the Thailand, Myanmar and Laos borders meet. Enjoy lunch overlooking the Mekong River before visiting the House of Opium Museum. This local history museum offers an insight into the opium trade and the region’s troubled past. After, climb on board a longtail boat and travel along the Mekong River to Chiang Saen, the ancient capital of the Lanna Kingdom – and maybe even step foot in Laos on the way. Chiang Saen is surrounded on three sides by impressive ramparts, with the Mekong forming the fourth wall. The town is famous for the local rice whiskey sold from distilleries on the banks of river. After exploring, you’ll head south to Chiang Rai, where you’ll spend the night.
Included Activities:
- Golden Triangle - Opium Hall
- Golden Triangle - Khong River boat trip
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Get to know Chiang Rai this morning with a temple visit. Wat Rong Khun – more commonly known as the White Temple – remains a work in progress since construction started in 1997. With its strange design references to pop culture icons like Michael Jackson, Harry Potter and Superman (yes, really), it’s definitely one temple worth visiting in Thailand. Then, grab lunch on the way to Mae Ka Chan Hot Springs. Located just off the main road, these simple springs offer an opportunity to soak your feet or enjoy a foot massage ‘fish spa style’ – a foot massage while munching on quail eggs that have been cooked with the heat of the spring waters. Head back to Chiang Mai after, where your Short Break Adventure will come to an end.
Included Activities:
- Wat Rong Kun (white temple)
- Mae Ka Chan hot springs
- Mae Ka Chan Hot Spring Egg Boiling
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Ross - Traveled, January 2024
Excellent trip. Very interesting and with great sites. Was great for the kids and the tour guide. Katie was Fantastic. Well organised and safe.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/27/2024
David - Traveled, December 2023
The golden triangle tour is a fascinating, beautiful and generous tour. The days were busy and interesting, the food great, c and the hotels atmospheric and comfortable. Or tour leader Rit was fantastic and made a great tour even better.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/12/2023
Daisy - Traveled, October 2022
If you want to see the best of what Northern Thailand has to offer but with guidance and comfort then this one’s for you. Expert local guide, jam packed itinerary and free time too. A fanatic all rounder.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/26/2022
Michael - Traveled, October 2022
Amazing trip full of good information, great food & excellent locations. Highly recommended.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/15/2022
Vanessa - Traveled, October 2022
This is a tour that I think is unmissable for Northern Thailand. You get a unique perspective on a beautiful and less busy part of the country. We did things that we wouldn't have booked ourselves and it was all really enjoyable. Highly recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/17/2022
Gabe - Traveled, July 2023
Visiting North Thailand was a delightful adventure! From the vibrant markets to the enchanting temples, every moment was captivating. The warm hospitality of the locals made the trip even more memorable. The lush landscapes and cultural richness added to the charm. An unforgettable experience that left me eager to return!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/25/2023
Ryan - Traveled, May 2023
The best overseas tour we have ever been on! Hands down
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/15/2023
Gayle - Traveled, February 2023
Very good trip around Northern Thailand with an excellent local guide, Ning, who shared her knowledge about temples, local customs and food.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/23/2023
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