Bangkok and Highlands Loop - 11 Days / 10 Nights

Average price for a Private Tour THB 46,100

Bangkok - Chiang Rai - Golden Triangle - Doi Tung - Mae Salong - Chiang Dao - Pai - Mae Hong Son - Doi Inthanon - Chiang Mai Experience Bangkok and the best of northern Thailand in this enlightening tour through one of Asia's most enchanting Buddhist kingdoms. In Bangkok, you will be enthralled by the alluring blend of old and new as you explore the royal palaces and gleaming temples in this bustling city dotted with modern buildings and edifices. Unearth and savor the traditional lifestyles hidden amongst narrow klongs (canals) and floating markets as you leisurely sail past on long-tailed boats. A flight northwards will bring you to Chiang Rai. Uncover the fascinating history of Golden Triangle, an area straddling Thailand, Laos and Burma that was once notorious for opium trading. Immerse yourself in the more provincial lifestyle and sights at various towns bordering Burma and Laos. The northern highlands also offer a bewildering array of ethnic hill tribes, which hail from Burma and China and have eked out an existence in the mountains. Cruise on long-tailed boats along Mekong River and ride on the backs of the elephants in the mountains and jungles of these far-flung provinces. At Pai and Mae Hong Son, revel in the many natural attractions such as limestone caverns and waterfalls and be awed by the Burmese architectural styles in this region. A drive through the mountains will lead you to Chiangmai, the ancient Lanna kingdom bestowed with the naming of ?Rose of the North?. The cultural stronghold of Thailand, enjoy the pleasure of staying in Manathai Village while you explore the city's holiest temples, trek amidst the rugged countryside or observe skilled artisans in traditional crafts and techniques. This tour is ideal for couples, small groups or makes a great family vacation.

Creating Unique Touring Experiences
All the touring itineraries on this website have been carefully crafted by our in-country management teams and represent a series of experiences we can certainly recommend. However, we understand that every travel experience should be as unique and individual as each traveller. Our consultants are waiting to hear from you so that we can tailor or custom design a tour to your individual specifications.

Day 1 - Arrival in Bangkok  

Upon arrival in Bangkok, you will be welcomed by your guide and taken to the elegant Siam Heritage.

Overnight at Siam Heritage Hotel in Bangkok.  

Day 2 - Bangkok (B,L)  

Today, get into the spiritual heart of Bangkok at Wat Po and admire the majestic reclining Buddha in the temple compounds. Be awed by the grandeur of the highly revered Emerald Buddha in Grand Palace, the cultural icon of Bangkok.

In the afternoon, experience a first-hand feel of 'old Bangkok' at Chinatown that is replete with interesting shops, markets and temples before visiting the Bangkok Folk Museum. Learn about the traditional riverine lifestyles of Thailand as you gently cruise along the bustling Chao Phraya River and quiet klongs (canals) on a long-tailed boat to Thonburi before stopping by the iconic Wat Arun or Temple of Dawn.

Overnight at Siam Heritage Hotel in Bangkok.  

Day 3 - Bangkok - Chiang Rai  

Spend time at your own leisure in Bangkok until your flight transfer to Chiang Rai. Transfer to Laluna Hotel and Resort upon arrival.

Overnight at Laluna Hotel and Resort in Golden Triangle.  

Day 4 - Chiang Rai - Golden Triangle (B,L)  

Today, capture the cultural highlights of Chiang Rai as you explore the town on a samlow (rickshaw) to King Meng Rai Monument, the market, Wat Phra Kaew and Hilltribe Museum. Bear testimony to the unique “kanok” architecture at Wat Rong Khun, a predominantly white contemporary Thai temple before departing for the Golden Triangle area. At Chiang Saen, we will take you to see the magnificent ruins and temples by the steep banks of Mekong River. Sail along the stately river on a long-tailed boat to the Hall of Opium where you can learn about the history of opium and its associated problems in the region.

Overnight at Laluna Hotel and Resort in Golden Triangle.

Transfer distance / duration: 60 km / 1h  

Day 5 - Golden Triangle - Mae Sai - Doi Tung - Mae Salong - Thaton (B,L)  

After breakfast, depart for the bustling trading town of Mae Sai at the northernmost borders between Thailand and Burma. Enjoy a panoramic drive up the mountains to Doi Tung region where you will be taken to several royalty-led initiatives such as Doi Tung Development Project, Mae Fah Luang Gardens and Doi Tung Temple, to discover the local crafts of making mulberry paper, pottery and weaving.

At Mae Salong, learn about the captivating and poignant history of the Kuomintang (anti-Communist) soldiers and their families who re-settled in Thailand from Yunnan. Nestled in the high mountains, the Chinese-influenced town is renowned for its coffee, tea and wine.

Overnight at Thaton Riverview Resort in Thaton.

Transfer distance / duration: 150 km/3h  

Day 6 - Thaton - Chiang Dao - Pai (B,L)  

Today, head out to the Chiang Dao Young Elephants Training Camp where you will experience elephant riding and trekking in a natural forest setting. Observe the merriment of these gentle giants as they frolic in water and witness their skilled displays of traditional prowess in the forest. Indulge in the natural beauty of Mok Fah Waterfall and Pong Duad Hotspring en route to Pai.

Overnight at Baan Krating Resort in Pai.

Transfer distance / duration: 200 km / 4-5h  

Day 7 - Pai - Tham Lod - Mae Hong Son (B,L)  

At Soppong, visit Tham Lod which houses some of the most impressive limestone caves in Southeast Asia. With your local guide, explore the dark caverns on foot and float on a bamboo raft as you listen and smell the bats overhead.

At Tam Pla, be fascinated by the Phluang fish that litter the creeks of the cave. Upon arrival in Mae Hong Son, revel in the Burmese architectural styles of Wat Chong Klang and Wat Chong Kham.

Overnight at Fern Resort in Mae Hong Son.

Transfer distance / duration: 130 km / 3h  

Day 8 - Mae Hong Son - Khun Yuam - Mae Chaem (B,L)  

In the morning, enjoy a pleasant drive through the mountains to Huai Dua before gently cruising along Pai River to Baan Nam Piang Din village at the Thai-Burma borders.

On your way back, gain an insight into the colorful hilltribe culture at the long-necked Karen village. Peek into history at the World War II Museum, which houses an assortment of historical items left behind by the Japanese soldiers during the war before observing the deft weaving skills of local artisans at Mae Chaem.

Overnight at Navasoung in Mae Chaem.

Transfer distance / duration: 200 km/4-5h  

Day 9 - Mae Chaem - Doi Inthanon - Chiang Mai (B,L)  

Today, we will lead you up to Doi Inthanon Park, which is home to Thailand's highest peak at 8514 feet and a treasure trove of bird species. At the summit, visit the shrine of Chao Inthawitchayanon, the former prince of Chiang Mai, before stopping at Wat Phrathad Chom Thong with its holy relic and ancient treasures. Embrace the invigorating mountain air as you embark on a short trek along Michael's Trail.

Overnight at Manathai Village in Chiang Mai.

Transfer distance / duration: 160 km/3-4h  

Day 10 - Chiang Mai (B)  

Experience the strong cultural personality of Chiang Mai as you visit temples such as Wat Suan Dok, Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang in an ancient city encircled by old crumbling walls and gates.

Gain an insight into the less privileged lives in Thailand at Baan Kingkaew Orphanage which offers a refuge for 50 orphans. At Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, revel in the stunning overview of the city from Chiangmai's iconic temple landmark in the mountains. Ramble along the mountain treks in a “songtaew”, a local mode of transport, to Chiang Khien Coffee Research Project followed by a visit to a white Hmong village.

Overnight at Manathai Village in Chiang Mai.  

Day 11 - Departure from Chiang Mai (B)  

Stroll and explore Chiang Mai city before transferring to the airport for your departure flight.  

As with all the tours listed on this website, this is simply a suggested itinerary, which can easily be customized to suit your schedule, budget, and interests. Please contact us to discuss your tailor-made travel requirements.

Tour Duration:     11 Days / 10 Nights Tour Operates:    Year Round / On Demand Tour Price:          THB 46,100 per person Please Note:         The price is a guideline and will vary according to travel dates and room availability. The price is based on two people travelling together during high season and sharing a twin or double room.
For an accurate quotation please send an inquiry
Our services include as follows: Accommodation at selected hotels Meals as indicated in itinerary (B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner) Services of an English speaking guide during all tours and transfers Services of a driver and private air-conditioned vehicles during all tours and transfers Admission fees for all sights visited	Our services do not include as follows: Alcoholic drinks and drinks at mealtimes Personal expenses such as telephone, laundry, etc Personal travel insurance Meals other than those mentioned above All airfares and airport taxes Other services not clearly indicated in the Inclusion Package above
Creating Unique Touring Experiences All the touring itineraries on this website have been carefully crafted by our in-country management teams and represent a series of experiences we can certainly recommend. However, we understand that every travel experience should be as unique and individual as each traveller. Our consultants are waiting to hear from you so that we can tailor or custom design a tour to your individual specifications.

 

Send us an inquiry for the 'Bangkok and Highlands Loop - 11 Days / 10 Nights': Click here if you prefer to send us a regular email.
Extend this tour with a stay at...	The Peninsula The Oriental Bangkok, Thailand
Combine this tour with	Ampawa Escape - 2 Days / 1 Night Thailand in Style
First Name*		Last Name*
Email*		Nationality*
Arrival Date*		Departure Date*
# of Travellers*
Will you travel with a child?	Yes   No	# of Children
		Child's Age
Room Type*	Room Type: Double/Twin (2 people) Single Triple Quad
Comments
Form of Payment*	Form of Payment: Bank Transfer Credit Card
Newsletter	Exotissimo Experiences
Word Verification*	Type the characters you see in the picture below.  Letters are case-sensitive.