Truly Northern Thailand 10 Days 9 Nights

After breakfast, we'll head to "Doi Tung Palace," nestled in a picturesque valley with a vast and diverse garden. Inside, you can pay your respects to the Princess Mother or the King's Mother in the main hall. Don't miss the silk embroidery showcasing flower names from the English alphabet and the captivating paintings that change color and lighting as you move around. Step out onto the palace balcony for a breathtaking view of the garden and the surrounding mountains. You'll also have the opportunity to stroll through the garden and snap photos of the "Continuity" statue at its center.

Next, our journey continues to Mae Sai, Thailand's northernmost point, where you'll witness the border between Thailand and Burma known as "Tha Khee Lek." This bustling trade hub serves Thai, Burmese, and Chinese communities, offering a wide range of products.

Lunch will be at your leisure. Following that, we'll explore the Golden Triangle area, once notorious for the opium trade. You'll have the chance to take a riverboat ride on the Mae Khong River, which borders Laos, providing stunning views of the landscape shared by the three countries. We'll then return to mainland Chiang Rai.

Overnight in Chiang Rai.

Start your day with breakfast in Chiang Rai, known for its stunning mountainous landscapes.

Explore the lively local market, where locals buy and sell fresh produce.

Visit Wat Phra Kaew temple and the impressive Mae Fah Luang Museum.

Don't miss the White Temple, Wat Rong Khun, a recent creation by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, featuring unique white architecture and a mural blending Buddhist symbolism with modern references.

Lunch at a local restaurant (on your own).

In the afternoon, head to Thaton Area to visit Thaton Temple, offering a breathtaking view of the Kok River winding 78 kilometers from Myanmar through Thailand.

Then check in and overnight at Thaton.

Check out from your hotel and head towards Chiang Dao Area. Visit Chiang Dao Temple cave, historically used as a resting place for Myanmar's soldiers before their 1500s attack on Chiang Mai. Explore the cave's fascinating stalactites and stalagmites formed from limestone.

After lunch (self-payment), continue your journey to Pai, a quaint town in Maehongson province. En route, pause at Mae Malai village, known for its market featuring a variety of Thailand's signature products.

Drive past Mork Fah Waterfall, a cascading waterfall with a 60-meter drop that flows year-round. Take a peaceful walk through the forest trail to the falls and witness the enchanting mist enveloping the surroundings.

Next, visit Pong Deuid, one of Chiang Mai province's most picturesque hot springs. This spa is relatively undeveloped commercially and is nestled in a beautifully maintained wooded valley park. Enjoy a relaxing swim in the shallow pools formed by bubbling geysers amidst the stunning rock formations.

Arrive in Pai in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Start with a hotel pickup and embark on a scenic Pai River cruise, offering picturesque views and a glimpse into local life. Visit the Long-Necked Karen village to learn about their unique culture.

In the afternoon, head to Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu, perched atop Kong Mu Hill. Reach it by road or a challenging staircase for panoramic town views surrounded by mountains.

Explore Jong Kham and Jong Klang temples nearby, both featuring beautiful Burmese-style architecture and revered Buddha images.

Overnight in Mae Hong Son.

In the morning, after breakfast, we'll head to Tham Lod Cave. This remarkable cave, known for its bat and swift populations, is adorned with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Upon arrival, you'll meet the raft man who will guide you through the cave on a bamboo raft.

In the afternoon, our journey takes us to the Lahu Hill Tribe village. Their primary livelihoods include agriculture, such as rice and corn farming, as well as animal husbandry for consumption. Additionally, the Lahu are renowned for their hunting skills, and visiting this village offers a glimpse into their traditional lifestyle.

Our next stop is the Lisu Hill Tribe village, famous for their skills in sewing, embroidery, and silverware craftsmanship. The Lisu women's attire is particularly striking, featuring vibrant colors that catch the eye and distinguish them among the various hill tribes in Mae Hong Son province.

Transfer back to your hotel for your overnight in Mae Hong Son.

After breakfast at around 7 a.m., you'll explore the local market before departing for Chiang Mai via Mae Chaem. En route, you'll journey through the stunning Doi Inthanon National Park, renowned for its diverse plant and animal life, including a variety of bird species.

Additionally, you'll encounter ethnic minority communities residing within the park.

Make stops to visit some of the most exquisite waterfalls in Chiang Mai province along the way.

Arrive in Chiang Mai in the evening. Overnight at Hotel.

After breakfast, take a captivating walking tour of Chiang Mai's old town, visiting key temples:

Wat Phra Singh: A sacred temple with Lanna-style architecture, known as "The temple of the Lion Buddha."

Wat Phan Tao: An ancient temple with a tranquil garden area beside Wat Chedi Luang in the historic center.

Wat Chedi Luang: Featuring one of the old city's tallest structures and hosting important Buddhist holidays.

Explore charming streets lined with traditional houses, enjoy a rickshaw tour, and meander through Warorot Central Market for an authentic Thai cultural experience.

In the afternoon, visit Doi Suthep hill. Drive through scenic mountain terrain, ascend over 300 stairs, and take an elevator to the summit for breathtaking panoramic views of Chiang Mai City.

Return to the hotel and you can relax or enjoy going to the night market by your own.

Here's a shortened schedule for your day at the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary:

08:00 – 08:30: Hotel pickup

08:30: 1.5-hour drive south of Chiang Mai, passing through hills and forests.

10:30: Arrive at the Sanctuary, change into traditional Karen clothing, and attend an introductory lesson about elephants.

11:00: Interact, feed, and play with the elephants while learning about their behavior and history.

12:00: Enjoy a traditional Thai lunch with fresh fruit.

13:00: Make herbal medicine balls, feed the elephants, and walk to the river for bathing and brushing.

14:00: Experience a mud spa and swim in the river with the elephants.

15:00: Change clothes and say goodbye to the elephants.

15:30: Depart from the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, heading back to Chiang Mai.

17:00-17:30: Drop off at your hotel or accommodation.

Today, time would be free at your own until we transfer to airport for your departure flight.

End of your North Thailand Tour.