Asia Brochure

55 Northern Thailand

Northern Thailand Discover the enchanting world of traditional Thailand when you visit temple filled Chiang Mai, sleepy Chiang Rai, and the hill tribe villages nestled in the mountainous jungle between. D ynamic cities and beautiful beaches might be what you picture when you think of Thailand, but they’re not all this country has to offer. Travel north to discover a calmer, more traditional region where modern life stands shoulder-to shoulder with stunning natural landscapes, tranquil temples, and ancient tribal cultures.

PRIVATE TOUR CULTURE EXPLORE

Essentials Duration: 5 days and 4 nights Highlights: • Taste Northern Thailand’s distinctive flavours on an evening food tour • Uncover the heritage of the Akha and Yao people through their preserved traditions • Visit the famous Blue and White temples of Chiang Rai • Climb the dragon-headed serpent staircase of six-century-old Wat Phra That Doi Suthep • Explore Chiang Mai through a choice of tailored excursions Includes: • 2 nights’ accommodation in Chiang Rai • 2 nights’ accommodation in Chiang Mai • 4 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and an evening food sampling tour • Excursions with English-speaking guides • Entrance fees • All transfers and return international flights

NORTHERN HIGHLIGHTS

Chiang Mai | Golden Triangle | Chiang Rai

Experience Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle on a private tour of Northern Thailand. Start in small but stunning Chiang Rai with night market bites and a lamplit trishaw ride. Meet the Akha, Yao, and Karen communities in villages where traditions from across Asia have been kept up for centuries. Journey to the Golden Triangle, the point at which the Ruak and Mekong rivers form borders between Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos. After stopping at Chiang Rai’s eye-catching Blue and White temples, the latter with quirky statues of 20th-century celebs, travel to Chiang Mai via the 600-year-old Doi Suthep mountain temple, climbing its 306-step Naga staircase for views over the city. Enjoy a final day exploring at leisure, or add a choice of extras. Prepare fruits for feeding at an ethical elephant sanctuary? See highlights from Chiang Mai’s more than 300 wats? Sample delicacies on a tuk-tuk food tour? Or cruise the Ping River in a wooden boat and explore in a three wheeled samlor bike? It’s up to you.

Chiang Mai, Thailand’s ‘second city’, is in sharp contrast to the buzz of Bangkok. Its low-rise landscape surrounds an Old City filled with incense scented stupas, wooden bridges, and open squares. Local restaurants and street food are everywhere, exhilarating events are held at the Muay Thai ring, and unique souvenirs are found every Sunday at the walking market. Looming over Chiang Mai is the golden stupa of Wat Phra That, at the summit of Doi Suthep mountain. Not only is it a striking temple, but the views from the top of its 309 steps are spectacular. Further north, close to the Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet, is Chiang Rai. Perched beside the forest trails and waterfalls of Lam Nam Kok National Park, Chiang Rai feels authentic. Witness the breathtaking architecture of the White Temple of Wat Rong Khun, the Blue Temple of Wat Rong Suea Ten, and the enormous Buddha of Wat Huay Pla Kung. See the rehabilitation and conservation work of the Thai Elephant Care Centre, ride a longtailed boat to Sop Ruak, or meet members of the Akha, Yao and Lisu tribes in the charming village of Doi Mae Salong. When your cultural adventures are finished, you can learn more about the region’s residents at the Hill Tribe Museum or pick up trinkets at the Night Bazaar. Both northern cities are easy to explore independently or, for a complete experience, join a 5-Day Golden Triangle Explorer tour.

GOLDEN BUDDHA, GOLDEN TRIANGLE

GOLDEN TRIANGLE

MAP HERE CHIANG MAI CHIANG RAI

GOLDEN TRIANGLE

Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort The

Riverie by Katathani

CHIANG RAI

MAE HONG SON

CHIANG MAI

The Bush Camp

MAE SARIANG

Tamarind Village

Wat Phra That

Meliá Chiang Mai

Anantara Chiang Mai

CHIANG MAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

White Temple, Chiang Rai

Elephant, Golden Triangle

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