Thailand Independent Short Break: Chiang Mai & Golden Triangle

(10 reviews)

From:

CAD $1625

3 Days

Best Rate: Guarantee

Trip Type:

Activity Level: Light

Get to know Thailand’s serene North on this Independent Short Break from Chiang Mai to the Golden Triangle, stopping off to see natural wonders and learn about local history along the way.

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Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 07 May 2026

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Experience Overview

Get to know Thailand’s serene North on this Independent Short Break 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 Independent 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 Independent Short Break 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.

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Trip Details

Product Code: 39986

Tour Type:

Accommodation: Moderate

Transport: Boat, Minibus

Guide Language: English

Travel Styles: Budget

Tour Operator: Intrepid Travel

Supplier Code: TTAG-O

Starts: Chiang Mai to Doi Mae Salong, Thailand

Finishes: Chiang Mai, Thailand

Duration: 3 days

Departures: Not Guaranteed

Physical Rating: Light

Includes

Meals: Breakfasts (2), Lunch (3),
Accommodation: Hotel (2 nights)

Price

Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1625 ($542 /day)

Itinerary

Day 1: Chiang Mai to Doi Mae Salong

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, a vibrant ethnic minority.

Included Activities:

Chiang Dao Caves - Entrance and Free Time

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Chiang Rai

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. 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)

Day 3: Chiang Mai

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

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Reviews

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: 02/17/2023

David - Traveled, January 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: 01/19/2023

Casey - Traveled, January 2026

This short trip included various destination that showed beautiful Northern Thailand. Recommend for anyone.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/29/2026

Ben - Traveled, January 2026

An incredible trip with intrepid learning the rich history of Thailand. Our tour guide Be was amazing! Loved every minute of it.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/23/2026

Jamy - Traveled, January 2026

Incredible trip, perfect amount of time spent in the North. Learnt so much about the hillside culture and tribes. Tour guide Be was amazing.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/22/2026

Matthew - Traveled, August 2025

The most amazing trip I have ever taken. The destinations and the hotels were great. By far, our tour guide, Kwanhathai Wiang-in, or "M" as we called her, made our trip unforgettable because she was so knowledgeable and friendly. I hope to return to Thailand to have her as our guide, but in a different Thai location.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/20/2025

Samuel - Traveled, September 2025

Excellent, well-organised and diverse tour of Northern Thailand. Saw parts of Thailand a little off the beaten track. Beautiful landscapes, lovely people and lots of history, culture and food to experience and enjoy.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/18/2025

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: 01/22/2024

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: 07/20/2023

Ryan - Traveled, May 2023

The best overseas tour we have ever been on! Hands down

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/25/2023