As the place where Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet, the 350,000 square kilometre area known as the Golden Triangle has had a long and sordid history involving the production of opium. Those days may be a thing of the past, but the Golden Triangle is still a fascinating place to visit.

Chiang Rai is an excellent starting point for anyone interested in exploring the Golden Triangle. The city has many fine restaurants and a lively shopping scene. Exploring by rickshaw provides an opportunity to get a real feel for the place and its people. The Hill Tribe Museum is a good place to gather essential and interesting information about this group of people before visiting an actual hill tribe village. The King Meng Rai Monument, Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Rong Khun are some of the most important structures of their kind in northern Thailand.

Upon finally arriving at the Yao Hill Tribe Village, you will feel compelled by the unique combination of culture and customs contained there. Santi Kiri KMT Yunan Chinese Refugee settlement is the perfect place to enjoy fresh coffee, tea, or homemade wines. The Doi Tung Development Project is a special destination for the people of Thailand as it has strong ties to the royal family - the mother of King Rama IX founded the project as a way to protect the Doi Tung region and help stop the production of opium. A walk through her personal garden sanctuary is also a peaceful place to reflect on the natural beauty of the region.

A full day in the great outdoors is a great way to get a feel for the actual Golden Triangle. Travel by 4WD Jeep, long tail boat on the back of an elephant and on foot through hills, rivers and villages of the north. A lunch with a hilltribe family is a sure to be a highlight of your Thailand tour as you have the chance to experience first-hand the traditions and cultures of these people.

Ancient ruins and border towns, fascinating views and interesting people fill the four days of this Northern Thailand package tour. At the end of our Chiang Rai and the Far North journey you may have a whole new outlook on life in this particular region of Southeast Asia.

Welcome to Chiang Rai! After transferring to your hotel, you'll prepare for a unique way to enjoy a half day seeing the city's highlights - by a samlow (rickshaw). The main market area,  the King Meng Rai Monument, Wat Phra Kaew, the Hill Tribe Museum (operated by the Population and Community Development Association) and Wat Rong Khun are among the fascinating sites you'll visit during this eventful half-day tour.

Overnight in Chiang Rai

Depart for Mae Chan in the morning. You'll head higher and higher up into the sky to visit a hilltribe village and Doi Mae Salong, with a stop to a tea plantation along the way. Next destination is the Chinese influenced town of Mae Sa Long. Still hovering 2000 m above sea level, head to the Doi Tung region, home to more hilltribe villages. The area is also renowned for  the beautiful plants and flowers of Mae Fah Gardens. Continue to the border town of Mae Sai, a cultural melting pot of hilltribe minorities, Burmese, Thai and international travelers all crossing in and out between Myanmar and Thailand. Continue onto Chiang Rai.

Overnight in Chiang Rai

It's time to explore the Golden Triangle area, where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos convene, by 4WD Jeep. Drive through stunning scenery off the usual tourist trail to explore hidden caves. Embark on a boat ride to a Karen hilltribe village for a ride atop an elephant's back followed by lunch in a family home. A short trek then takes you to a picturesque waterfall for a swim before returning to Chiang Rai for the evening.

Overnight in Chiang Rai

Following breakfast at your hotel, you'll transfer to Chiang Rai airport for your onward flight and reflect on this interesting outing.