Classic Northern Thailand in 9 Days

Upon arrival at Bangkok Airport, our driver will greet you and transfer you to the hotel for check-in. The remaining time is at your own leisure.

Bangkok, Thailand

Included: Airport pick up and accommodation.

You will begin your Bangkok City Tour with a visit to the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Phra Kaew. Before entering the main gate of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, you can stop at the Museum of Royal Regalia to admire the beauty of its decorative jewels, which were once the adornments of royal officials and consorts. You will continue to explore Wat Pho, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the oldest and largest temple, with the largest number of pagodas (95 in total).

Wat Arun at dusk

In the afternoon, you will take a long-tail boat along the Chao Phraya River to see local life in Bangkok. You will pass by the Grand Palace and make a brief visit to the Royal Barge Museum, which houses the King’s ceremonial barges decorated with multicolored glass, gilding, and stucco. You will disembark at Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, to visit the tallest prang in Thailand.

Included: Transportation, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Visit fees, Meals: breakfast, lunch.

You will have free time until our driver picks you up and transfers you to the airport for your flight to Chiang Mai. Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, you will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel.

Wat Phra Singh Temple

This afternoon, you will drive to visit Chiang Mai’s famous temples, including Wat Chiang Man, Wat Phra Singh, and Wat Suan Dok, which boasts the largest royal chapel in the north.

Included: Transportation, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Visit fees, Meals: breakfast, lunch.

Today, you will spend time exploring Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, which is a must-see attraction in Chiang Mai. The temple is perched high on Doi Suthep hill, 3,500 feet above sea level, with 360-degree views of the city. You will continue to Phu Ping Palace and Their Majesties’ Winter Palace.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

This afternoon, you will cycle along the Ping River on quiet, narrow roads, passing local fruit orchards, rice paddies, and small villages. You may stop occasionally to visit temples, markets, traditional northern Thai houses, and a local Thai school.

Included: Transportation, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Visit fees, Meals: breakfast, lunch.

After breakfast, you will set off on an excursion to visit an elephant working site located in Ta Yaak Village, Chiang Dao District, about 70 km from Chiang Mai. Along the way, you will observe the lifestyle of the locals around Chiang Mai and pass through Mae Rim, Mae Taeng, and many hill tribe villages, including the Long Neck Tribe.

Mae Ping River Cruise

Upon arrival in Chiang Dao, you will visit the elephant working camp on the banks of the Mae Ping River, then enjoy an exciting elephant trek around the camp, through the jungle, and along the river. Afterward, you will board bamboo rafts for a ride along a very scenic stretch of the Mae Ping River to admire the beautiful scenery. The rafting trip lasts about an hour, but it depends on the water depth and current speed.

After that, you will transfer back to the hotel and spend a night in Chiang Dao.

Included: Transportation, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Visit fees, Meals: breakfast, lunch.

Today, you will escape the busy city to the relaxing countryside and enjoy a cooking class with a local family. Upon arrival at the local home, you will be able to walk around the farm while the chef explains the herbs and ingredients. Then, you will learn how to cook the first three dishes of your choice and have lunch with what you have prepared on the terrace.

Cooking Class in Chiang Mai

After lunch, you are free to relax after returning to the hotel.

Included: Transportation, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Visit fees, Meals: breakfast, lunch.

You’ll begin a scenic 3-hour drive to Chiang Rai, stopping along the way to visit Wat Rong Khun Temple. This temple is unlike any other in Thailand, as it was built entirely in dazzling white color with shimmering reflections from the mirrored glass mosaics embedded in the white plaster. Along the way, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take photos and meet tribal people. Upon arrival, check into your hotel.

The White Temple, Chiang Mai

Included: Transportation, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Visit fees, Meals: breakfast, lunch.

In the morning, you will depart for an exciting excursion to Mae Sai, a Thai-Burmese border town, to visit Tha Chilek. After completing the formalities, you will cross the Sai River to arrive at Tha Chilek, where you can observe local Burmese life in a nearby village. You will explore Tha Chilek with its Shan-style temple by tricycle, then tour the town through the alleys and small streets, ending at the local market, famous for its products from southern China, Laos, and Burma.

The Golden Triangle

Next, you will head to the famous Golden Triangle, which connects Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar. You will have lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the Hall of Opium, an informative museum about the Golden Triangle and the opium trade.

Overnight in Chiang Rai.

Included: Transportation, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Visit fees, Meals: breakfast, lunch.

There are no activities planned for today, so you are free until our driver picks you up and transfers you to Chiang Rai Airport for your departure.

Included: Airport drop off and breakfast at the hotel.