Golden Triangle

Day 1.

Arrival in Chiang Mai, one of Thailand’s most beautiful northern provinces.

City tour, including a visit to the mountaintop Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple built in 1373. The temple compound is dominated by a large golden pagoda, and the view provides a breathtaking panorama of the area.

Lunch in an authentic Thai restaurant.

Chiang Mai province is commonly known as the Kingdom’s major cultural hub. The locals have carefully preserved traditional crafts including wood carving, embroidery and batik. Tourists may also visit Bor Sang village, renowned for its handmade paper fans, umbrellas and parasols as well as silk-weaving workshops. At the end of the day, guests are invited to the night market to shop for wood, leather and fabric craftwork.

During dinner at a Khantoke restaurant, tourists may enjoy an impressive cultural show. Overnight in the hotel.

Day 2.

Early breakfast at the hotel.

Visit to an elephant village and elephant trekking. Though clumsy-looking, these huge animals are surprisingly delicate and gentle with their riders.

Lunch in an authentic Thai restaurant.

Transfer to Chiang Rai with a stop en route at a hot springs, where tourists may bathe.

Visit to Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple, where construction began in 1998. The sanctuary complex stands out for its sophisticated architecture and lavish snow-white decor enriched by tiny embedded mirrors.

Dinner in an authentic Thai restaurant.

Overnight in the hotel.

Day 3.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Journey to the Golden Triangle, with a stop en route at the sacred Monkey Cave. Cross the Thai-Burmese border and tour picturesque Tachileik, including a visit to the White Buddha Temple and souvenir markets.

Afterward, tourists board a tradition long-tail motorboat for a trip down the Mekong River to visit the near-border area of Laos, including a small local village and souvenir market.

Lunch in an authentic Thai restaurant.

Visit to the Hall of Opium, where numerous objects relating to opium poppy cultivation in the region are exhibited, including the world’s largest collection of ancient tools and devices used for opium production and use.

Then, tourists will have a chance to get acquainted with indigenous hill tribes, which have handed down their customs and traditions from generation to generation. The tour will include visits to the Padaung long-necked village as well as the settlements of the Akha, Meo and Yao folks.

Dinner and overnight in the hotel.

Day 4.

Breakfast at the hotel. Return to Chiang Mai.

Lunch at the hotel. Free time to prepare for the evening’s gala dinner at a traditional Thai restaurant, complete with music and cultural dancing. A disco party and fireworks can be organized upon request.

Day 5.

Early breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport.