3 days/2 nights Tour around Golden Triangle in Northern Thailand

The trip is designed with a good balance between relaxation and activity. You will experience a lot in the three days, but there is still plenty of time to relax, to enjoy a swim in the pool and enjoy wonderful Northern Thailand – an area that by many is considered one of the most beautuful areas in South East Asia. This is a tour that the whole family will enjoy

Itinerary

Day 1: Chiang Mai – Tha Ton

In the morning the guide will pick you up by minivan at your hotel in Chiang Mai. We head north and after an hours drive we arrive at an elephant camp in Chiang Dao. You have the opportunity to ride through the jungle on one of the giant animals. The length of the trip is approximately an hour and a half. Next, we will leisurely sail on a raft down the Ping river – back to square one. An unforgettable experience.

After having dinner at a good nearby Thai restaurant, the next stop is “The Caves of Chiang Dao”, one of Thailand’s largest cave areas. It is said that the caves reach 12 kilometers into the mountains. Even for those not wanting to enter the fascinating caves, the short trip there is still worth taking.

A long drive later we arrive to the resort in the afternoon.

Day 2: Tha Ton – Chiang Saen

After a nice breakfast and maybe a morning dip in the pool, we get onboard a long-tailed boat on the Kok River. The luggage is brought by minivan and will meet us later.

First we sail a bit west towards the the Burmese border, which is marked with a rope hung across the river. Then we sail east towards Chiang Rai. An extremely nice and calm boat ride with a constant view of the mountains in the horizon. Within a few hours we arrive at one of the Karen villages, halfway to Chiang Rai. The minivan picks us up here.

While we slowly drive north one spectacular view is being replaced by another.

The mountain drive is absolutely stunning and we make small breaks whenever the view is most beautiful. We also stop at some of the Karen villages en route.

When we stop next, we have reached Thailand’s northernmost point, Mae Sai. Mae Sai is a melting pot of different tribes; Thai, Karen and Burmese. It is a border city, where everything imaginable is being sold.

It might be more unusual than beautiful here. We offer a quick trip into Burma for about one hour. In Burma the poverty is obvious compared to the more developed Thailand.

In the afternoon we drive towards Laos and soon we arrive at the mighty Mekong River and the Golden Triangle. We drive along the Mekong River and end up in the town of Chiang Saen, where the lovely resort is waiting.

The resort consists of nice spacious rooms and a great view of the Mekong River and Laos on the other side.

Day 3 Chiang Saen – Chiang Rai

After breakfast at Serene we make a short drive to the area where Thailand, Burma and Laos meet. The area is called the “Golden Triangle” and it originates from the lively trade of opium which took place in the region. Do not expect to find opium dens, because the production and trade have since moved west to Afghanistan and Pakistan. We settle with a visit to the Hall of Opium – a museum that tells the story.

We then drive further to even more beautiful sights along the Mekong River. We follow this scenery for a long time along the river to the city of Chiang Khong. We have a good local lunch before we head towards Chiang Rai, arriving early afternoon.

We are going to experience the beautiful temple, Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple. There will also be time to get an impression of Chiang Rai before heading to the airport, where the plane will bring you to new adventures in Bangkok.

The trip includes:

• Private transport by car/van/bus
• English speaking guide
• Elephant trekking (additional charge)
• Opportunity to visit Burma or a Laotian Market
• Local hill tribe visits – Karen
• Overnight stay by the Mekong River
• Long-tailed boat ride on the Kok River – one of Thailand’s most beautiful stretches
• Visit the Hall of Opium – a great museum
• The White Temple in Chiang Rai
• 1 night at the Maekok River Resort or similar quality accommodation
• 1 night at Serene Chiang Rai or similar quality accommodation
• 3 x lunches
• 2 x dinner
• 2 x breakfast

Not included in the price:

• International and domestic flights
• Beverages
• Tips for the driver and guide (we recommend min. 300-500 THB per person for both guide and driver)
• Personal expenses such as laundry, souvenirs, tips, camera/video fees, etc.
• Any services not listed in the program

Remember:

• Light clothing with long sleeves and legs for the evening (mosquitoes)
• Mosquito repellent and personal medication
• Swimwear and hat/cap
• Towel, toiletries and waterproof sunscreen
• Money (remember it is accustomed to tip the guides after the trip)
• An inflatable pillow and motion sickness pills (optional)