Meet Akha People in Chiang Rai, Thailand

6-Day Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai Highlights Tour

 
 
  • 6 DAYS
  • First-Timers PERFECT FOR
  • US$1,508 p/p
    PRICE FROM
 

Unveiling Northern Thailand's Charms: A Journey through Enchanting Chiang Rai & Cultural Chiang Mai

This tour is crafted for travelers seeking an essential Northern Thailand adventure. Explore the finest offerings of Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai, including the enigmatic Golden Triangle, Hill Tribe Village, sacred Doi Suthep Mountain, temples, and unforgettable encounters with elephants.

Yeliz Wang, Southeast Asia Specialist
Yeliz Wang, Southeast Asia Specialist

"When most people think of the Golden Triangle, they picture a quick photo-op by the river. But to truly understand the soul and transformation of Chiang Rai, the Hall of Opium is an absolute must. Trust me, this is anything but a dry history lesson. Instead of just reading text on walls, you get to interactive with the exhibits, like hunting for hidden smuggler compartments."

Journey Highlights

Meeting a Longneck Karen Woman in Chiang Rai
Uncover the untold stories of the Golden Triangle, from opium history to a new chapter of local life.
Mae Fah Luang Garden and Royal Villa
Step into Chiang Mai's morning temple life and connect with a monk to discover the heart of Thai Buddhism.
White Temple, Chiang Rai
Explore the renowned temples in Chiang Rai.
Cooking Class in Chiang Mai
Learn how to cook authentic Thai dishes in a local household.
Bathing Elephants in Chiang Mai
Spend a pleasant time with amazing elephants at the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary.
 
 
 
 

Traveler Moments

The Mae Fah Luang Garden and Royal Villa
Elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai
Almsgiving experience
Hang out the local mall, Chiang Mai

An Itinerary for Inspiration

This day-by-day plan is a great starting point, crafted by our experts to showcase the best of Thailand at a pace that feels naturally comfortable.

6-Day Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai Highlights Tour map
Day 1

Chiang Rai Arrival

 

Welcome to Chiang Rai!

  • Upon arrival, your guide and driver will greet you at the airport and drive you to the hotel.
  • Take the rest of the day for jetlag adjustment or wander around your hotel.
Day 2

The Golden Triangle: What Came After Opium

 
  • Begin your Golden Triangle adventure at House of Opium, a private museum that reveals the region's complex history through fascinating stories and authentic artifacts. Step inside and discover a side of the Golden Triangle beyond its famous name.
  • Continue to the Golden Triangle viewpoint, where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet. Take in the Mekong River views and gain a deeper perspective on this legendary border region.
  • Journey into the mountains to experience the changing landscape of the Golden Triangle. Meet local people and discover how communities have transformed their relationship with the land through new opportunities and sustainable livelihoods.
  • Finally, we'll return you to your hotel in Chiang Rai, carrying with you a deeper understanding of the Golden Triangle's past and present.
the Golden Triangle
Day 3

Chiang Rai Temple Tour, Transfer to Chiang Mai

 
  • After breakfast, visit three notable temples in Chiang Rai: the White Temple, the Blue Temple, and the Black House Museum.
  • Hear local tales and capture breathtaking photos at these distinct sites.
  • The White Temple blends unconventional art with Buddhist tradition, while the Black House Museum presents shrines in a dark aesthetic. The Blue Temple, the newest addition, boasts a striking blue exterior and showcases modern Buddhist.
  • After the tour, it will take around a 3-hour drive to transfer you directly to your hotel in Chiang Mai.
three notable temples in Chiang Rai
Day 4

A Deeper Side of Chiang Mai: Buddhist Traditions & Elephant Care

 
  • Begin your morning at Wat Chiang Man, Chiang Mai's oldest temple, and discover the city's Buddhist heritage in the peaceful atmosphere of the early morning.
  • Continue to Wat Chedi Luang, where you'll witness morning chanting, take part in a traditional flower offering, and experience the rhythms of daily temple life.
  • Connect with a monk and gain a deeper understanding of Thai Buddhism through a personal conversation that goes beyond the temples themselves.
  • In the afternoon, visit the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary to get to know each of its remarkable elephants and gain a special understanding of their daily lives and behaviors.
  • Learn how to make herbal medicine balls, feed the elephants, and then walk with the elephants to the river, where you will have the opportunity to bathe and brush the elephants.
Take a rickshaw ride through Chiang Mai Old Town
Day 5

A Private Cooking Experience in an Organic Farm

 
  • In the morning, visit a local family where your hostess will warmly welcome you. She will guide you through her organic vegetable garden to gather various herbs and vegetables needed for preparing a range of traditional Thai dishes.
  • Learn to cook some of the finest home-cooked meals that you can easily recreate at home.
  • Throughout the class, in addition to cooking, you will have the opportunity to taste dishes representing the northern, northeastern, and central regions of Thailand.
Cook Thai dishes
Day 6

Chiang Mai Departure

 
  • Your joyful tour Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai tour ends. Your guide and drive will see you off at the airport.
  • Thanks for traveling with Thailand Highlights and we hope to help you again soon.

Expand All

Ideas for Making This Trip Uniquely Yours

Special experiences can be added to brighten a honeymoon trip, a family vacation, a birthday, or satisfy personal interests.

 
Visit Elephant Poopoo Paper Park
For families with children Visit Elephant Poopoo Paper Park
Explore Chiang Mai handicraft village
For culture fans Explore Chiang Mai handicraft village
Explore the Chiang Dao Cave
For adventurers Explore the Chiang Dao Cave
Release a Sky Lantern During Yi Peng Festival
For couples Release a Sky Lantern During Yi Peng Festival
Dive Into the Vibrant Songkran Splashdown With Locals
For cultural lovers Dive Into the Vibrant Songkran Splashdown With Locals
 
 
 
 

Hand-Picked Hotels

We select hotels with style and local features. Let us know your preferences and we'll find your ideal hotel.

 
Smile Lanna Hotel in Chiang Mai
Smile Lanna Hotel in Chiang Mai
Mora Boutique Hotel Chiang Rai
Mora Boutique Hotel Chiang Rai
 
 
 
 

What's Included

No surprises, no hidden fees. Our pricing is transparent and tailored to your final plan. Here's a clear look at what's typically included.

Price Guide

Price Guide

4-Star Journey
  • Comfort & Character
  • From US$1,508 per person

Your Inclusions

Your Inclusions

  • Modern, spacious A/C vehicle & driver
    Modern, spacious A/C vehicle & driver
  • Dedicated English-speaking local guide
    Dedicated English-speaking local guide
  • All entrance fees & listed activities
    All entrance fees & listed activities
  • All nights in handpicked hotels
    All nights in handpicked hotels
  • Daily breakfast & specified meals
    Daily breakfast & specified meals
  • 24/7 on-trip support
    24/7 on-trip support
  • ALL local taxes and fees (no hidden costs)
    ALL local taxes and fees (no hidden costs)

Good to Know

Good to Know

Pricing

  • Based on two people, low season travel.
  • Your final price is customized to your group, dates, and choices.
  • Mixing hotels? Absolute. We'll design a trip to fit your budget.

Exclusions

  • International flight (we can help book)
  • Most lunches & dinners (for flexibility)
  • Visas & travel insurances
  • Tips & personal spending

Booking

  • Discounts available for children under 8.
  • We accept USD, GBP, AUD, CAD, EUR, and more.

Tour code

  • ah-tl-4

Let's plan your journey, together.

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