The area known as Northern Thailand is comprised of 17 provinces and is one of the country’s five regional groups. The territory is marked by a series of mountain ranges which makes for a cool climated when compared to cities like Bangkok and other parts of Central Thailand. A trip to Northern Thailand is one filled with ancient temples and ruins, tea and coffee plantations, authentic trading posts, excellent shopping opportunities and fascinating indigenous people. some of which will open their homes up to you. The entire experience will be one you’ll long remember.

Northern Thailand’s history is dominated by the Lanna Kingdom, which was founded in 1259 and stayed in power until the 16th century. The city of Chiang Mai was the Lanna capital during much of this time and it is a place where the past still lives on today. When exploring Chaing Mai, you can do so in a long-tail boat along the Mae Ping River or by taking a trishaw ride along the ancient city walls to famed temples like Wat Phra Singh. As you make your way up to the mountain temple Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, you’ll find yourself in a “songtaew,” a truck-like taxi that can usually be found on roads not accessible by buses.

Chiang Rai is the most northern province in Thailand and makes for a good place to explore the Golden Triangle - the area where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet. A major highlight in Chiang Rai is Wat Rong Khun, known for its stark white color and glass, symbols of the Lord Buddha’s purity and wisdom. It is also the home of the Doi Tung region, an area with strong ties to Thailand’s Princess Mother, Somdej Phra Srinagarindra. In 1987, the Doi Tung Development Project was established according to her initiative in order to protect the region, eradicate the cultivation of opium, and encourage farmers to use sustainable agricultural practices and her beautiful Mae Fah Luang Gardens is another essential stop in Doi Tung. These sites and the others you’ll discover on your journey through the north are among the most important and memorable ones that Thailand has to offer.

Upon arriving in Chiang Mai, you'll be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel for a night of rest and relaxation before starting your adventure.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Today you'll travel to a local farmhouse in Mae Rim before boarding a long-tail boat for a 30-minute cruise to a fresh food market along the Mae Ping River. There is time to absorb typical Chiang Mai atmosphere at the Waroros fresh food market. Then, enjoy a trishaw ride through the city to Wat Phra Singh temple. Later in the afternoon, explore old Chiang Mai, including its old city walls, gates, moat and markets. Drive up the mountain to sample some sweet robust coffee at the Chang Khien Coffee Research Project and end the day at the region's most revered temple, Doi Suthep, where a private monk blessing and peaceful viewing of the city awaits after the crowds have left.

Overnight in Rachmankha Chiang Mai.

Depart by minivan to the village of Mae Kampong, situated 1,300 meters above sea level, making a stop at a local market to select ingredients for evening's dinner along the way. Upon arriving at Mae Kampong, you'll be met by villagers to take a stroll through the forest, past tea and coffee fields to a waterfall for a picnic lunch. In the afternoon, return to the village to relax with a traditional Thai massage and join your host family to prepare (and later eat) your dinner.

Overnight in Mae Kampong.

This day will find you venturing towards Chiang Rai and Wat Rong Khun, the surprising "White Temple." Lunch will be served at a local restaurant and you'll continue along to Doi Mae Salong, to the Santi Kiri KMT Yunnan Chinese Refugee settlement. There you'll see tea and coffee plantations, and a store where homemade wines and other locally grown products are sold before he ading to your Chiang Rai accommodations.

Overnight in Chiang Rai

Today you'll depart for the Doi Tung region, 2000 meters/6500 feet above sea-level and home to the Mae Fah Luang Gardens and Wat Phrathad Doi Tung, a sacred hilltop shrine, regarded as the holiest sanctuary by the residents of Chiang Rai and nearby provinces. En-route you'll visit hill tribe villages and eat lunch at a local restaurant before heading out to explore the Golden Triangle area. The rest of the day will be spent in this region; including Mae Sai, a bustling trading town at the farther-most northern border between Thailand and Myanmar; and Chiang Saen, opposite of Laos where you will see ancient ruins and temples prior to embarking on a long-tailed boat trip along the mighty Mae Khong River.

Overnight in Chiang Rai 

Breakfast at your hotel. Transfer to Chiang Rai airport for your flight onwards.