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North Thailand Highlights, Small Group Tour (English Only)

North Thailand Highlights, Small Group Tour (English Only)

tourhub | Destination Services Thailand | North Thailand Highlights, Small Group Tour (English Only) | 38157 | Map

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5 Days From

~~$841~~

$801

North Thailand Highlights, Small Group Tour (English Only)

5 Days Starting in Chiang Rai, Thailand and ending in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Visiting: Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai

Tour operator:

Destination Services Thailand

Tour code:

38157

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

VERY_EASY

Age range:

10-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Meat

Tour operated in:

English

From: $841 $801 Travel Club discount: -$40

NB: Prices correct on 09-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Discover the cultural and natural wonders of Northern Thailand on this immersive small group tour. Begin your journey in Chiang Rai, where you'll explore the Hilltribe Museum, visit remote tribal villages, and marvel at the stunning Wat Rong Khun temple. Experience the Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar converge. In Chiang Mai, visit the revered Wat Doi Suthep temple, enjoy a scenic river cruise, and delve into the local culture at Elephant Poopoopaper Park. With comfortable accommodations, guided tours, and included meals, this tour offers a comprehensive and enriching experience of Northern Thailand's highlights.

Highlights

Chiang Rai: Learn about local cultures at the Hilltribe Museum, explore remote tribal villages in the highlands, and discover the dazzling Wat Rong Khun temple
Golden Triangle: See three countries from one spot in Sop Ruak at the confluence of the Ruak and the Mekong rivers
Chiang Mai: Visit a tribal village, cruise a river on a longtail boat, take in the views from the hilltop Wat Doi Suthep temple
Visit the historic Wat Suan Dok and admire its 48-metre-high Sri Lankan-style chedi
Explore the ancient city of Chiang Mai, including Wat Phra Sing and Wat Chedi Luang
Experience the unique process of making paper products from elephant poop fibres at Elephant Poopoopaper Park
Enjoy a scenic cruise along the River Ping and visit a local farm for a delicious khao soi noodle curry and dance performance

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Arrival Chiang Rai

Location: Chiang Rai

Accommodation Name: Laluna or Imperial River House Resort

Arrive in Chiang Rai and meet with our representative. Then, transfer and check in at the selected hotel, enjoying the rest of the day free at leisure. Maybe explore the heart of the old town, which dates from the reign of King Mangrai in the 13th century, or wander around the bustling night bazaar to catch a glimpse of the spirit of this beautiful area.

Overnight in Chiang Rai.

Day 2 : Chiang Rai – Golden Triangle – Chiang Rai (270Km – 6 Hrs)

Location: Chiang Rai

Accommodation Name: Laluna or Imperial River House Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, before heading to the centre to admire the iconic monument of King Mangrai, en route to the Hilltribe Museum and Education Centre. Learn all about the dozens of hill tribes who, for centuries, have lived in the highlands around the city and how they have survived the spread of globalisation. Continue to the Mae Chan district to explore the remote hill tribe villages of Yao and Akha people, and experience their way of life first-hand. Head towards Mae Sai, a small border town with a busy market, before going into the heart of the infamous Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet. This natural wilderness gained an unwanted notoriety in the Sixties because of the abundant opium cultivation in the area. After lunch, continue to Chiang Saen to visit the hilltop Wat Phra That Chom Kitti, which is reached via a 350-step staircase. Return to Chiang Rai and have the rest of the day free at leisure.

Overnight in hotel in Chiang Rai. Breakfast and lunch included.

Day 3 : Chiang Rai – Chiang Mai (260Km – 4 Hrs)

Location: Chiang Mai

Accommodation Name: Empress Chiang Mai

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Begin your journey after breakfast at the hotel, heading towards Chiang Mai. On the southern outskirts of Chiang Rai, stop at the magnificent Wat Rong Khun, a dazzling temple built in the 1990s. Its ornate all-white exterior, with embedded pieces of mirror makes it one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand. Continue to Chiang Mai and, on arrival, visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of the most revered temples in the country. This sacred location is at the top of a mountain from where you can appreciate stunning panoramic views of the city. To reach the temple you must climb up a 309-step naga staircase. Alternatively, you can use the cable car to reach the temple. Afterwards, head to the riverbank and hop on a boat for a cruise along the scenic River Ping. Relax, enjoy the cruise, and then visit a farm to savour a delicious khao soi noodle curry and watch a fascinating dance performance. After a walk through the local flower and fresh produce market, return to the hotel. The cable car ride is included.

Overnight in hotel in Chiang Mai. Breakfast and lunch included.

Day 4 : Chiang Mai City & Surroundings (40 Kms – 1Hrs)

Location: Chiang Mai

Accommodation Name: Empress Chiang Mai

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading to Elephant Poopoopaper Park, an eco-friendly, naturally built outdoor museum park that introduces and explains the unique steps involved in making our much talked about paper products from elephant poop fibres! The interpretive walking tour through our lush gardens brings visitors through eight different pavilions explaining each stage of our fascinating process from poo collection to rinsing to final product assembly. Visitors are encouraged to pull up a stool, roll up their sleeves and join with our talented artisans and guides and participate in our head-turning process! Complemented by the presence of rich graphics and signage, visitors will also be introduced to Chiang Mai's long and rich history of traditional papermaking and handicrafts production. After lunch you will explore this ancient city. Chiang Mai’s old town is still surrounded by remnants of the old defensive walls and a moat. Visit the historic Wat Suan Dok and admire its 48- metre-high Sri Lankan-style chedi, which overlooks the Royal Cemetery. Continue to Wat Phra Sing in the old town and appreciate the beauty of this large complex of more than 60 buildings before visiting 14th century Wat Chedi Luang in the very heart of the old city. In the evening, you can enjoy an optional khantoke dinner (not included).

Overnight in hotel in Chiang Mai. Breakfast and lunch included.

Day 5 : Depart Chiang Mai

Location: Chiang Mai

Meals Included: Breakfast

Start your last day in Chiang Mai with a delicious breakfast, before checking out of your selected hotel.

Breakfast included.

What's Included

Tour Guide

Operated with an English-speaking guide. Different languages can be combined in our vehicles with a separate guide for each language.
Accommodation

4 nights' accommodation in selected hotels: Laluna or similar 4* in Chiang Rai, Imperial River House Resort or similar 5* in Chiang Rai, Empress Chiang Mai or similar 4* in Chiang Mai.
Meals

4 breakfasts and 3 lunches are included.
Transport

Air-conditioned transportation and transfers as stated in the programme.
Entrance Fees and Activities

All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: Hilltribe Museum and Education Centre, Wat Phra That Chom Kitti, Wat Rong Khun in Chiang Rai; Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, River Ping cruise, Elephant Poopoopaper Park, farmhouse lunch, Wat Suan Dok, Wat Phra Sing, and Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai.

What's Not Included

Personal Expenditures

Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks, and meals if not stated explicitly in the programme.
Departure Transfer

Departure transfer back to the airport in Chiang Mai.
Gratuity

Gratuity for driver and guide.
Optional Tours

Optional tours are not included.
Flights and Visa Fees

International or domestic flight tickets, airport taxes, and visa fees are not included.

Requirements

Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Thailand. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Shoes should be removed before entering a temple or private house. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.

Please Note

On arrival at Chiang Rai Airport please collect your luggage and proceed to the exit of the Customs Hall. You will be met by a representative who will be holding a sign with your name on it.
Please note that local conditions prevalent at the time of travel may result in modifications to the tour contents.
Early check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms in the hotel are subject to availability and not guaranteed
In many hotels in Thailand, the triple rooms are a double room with an additional bed or sofa bed. Their comfort conditions are lower than the international standards of the triple room
No refund for unused services. Splitting of the package is not allowed

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1-2 Chiang Rai:

Standard Room | Superior Hotel Category = Laluna or similar 4*
Superior Room | Superior Hotel Category = Imperial River House Resort or similar 5*

Day 3-4 Chian Mai:

Standard Room | Superior Hotel Category = Empress Chiang Mai or similar 4*
Superior Room | Superior Hotel Category = Empress Chiang Mai or similar 4*

Mode of Transport

Travel in comfort with air-conditioned transportation and transfers as stated in the programme, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey throughout the tour.

Accommodation

Enjoy 4 nights' accommodation in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai, with options ranging from 4-star hotels like Laluna and Empress Chiang Mai to 5-star resorts like Imperial River House Resort.

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1-2 Chiang Rai:

Standard Room | Superior Hotel Category = Laluna or similar 4*
Superior Room | Superior Hotel Category = Imperial River House Resort or similar 5*

Day 3-4 Chian Mai:

Standard Room | Superior Hotel Category = Empress Chiang Mai or similar 4*
Superior Room | Superior Hotel Category = Empress Chiang Mai or similar 4*

Check out our Q&As

What kind of guide will be provided during the tour?

The tour will be operated with an English-speaking guide. Different languages can be combined in the vehicles, with a separate guide for each language.
What types of accommodation are available during the tour?

Accommodation options include:

- Day 1-2 in Chiang Rai: Standard Room at Laluna or similar 4* hotel, or Superior Room at Imperial River House Resort or similar 5* hotel.
- Day 3-4 in Chiang Mai: Standard Room or Superior Room at Empress Chiang Mai or similar 4* hotel.
What meals are included in the tour package?

The tour package includes 4 breakfasts and 3 lunches.
What kind of transportation will be provided during the tour?

Air-conditioned transportation and transfers as stated in the programme will be provided.
Are entrance fees and activities included in the tour package?

Yes, all entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary are included. This includes visits to the Hilltribe Museum and Education Centre, Wat Phra That Chom Kitti, Wat Rong Khun in Chiang Rai, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, River Ping cruise, Elephant Poopoopaper Park, farmhouse lunch, Wat Suan Dok, Wat Phra Sing, and Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai.

What should I wear when visiting temples or religious sites during the tour?

Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts, or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious, or official buildings. Shoes should be removed before entering a temple or private house.
Is the departure transfer back to the airport included in the tour package?

No, the departure transfer back to the airport in Chiang Mai is not included in the tour package.
Are there any optional tours available during the trip?

Yes, optional tours are available but are not included in the tour package.
What should I do upon arrival at Chiang Rai Airport?

Upon arrival at Chiang Rai Airport, collect your luggage and proceed to the exit of the Customs Hall. You will be met by a representative holding a sign with your name on it.
What documents will I receive before I travel?

Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
Is there any option for solo traveller?

Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.
When are there specific hotel names confirmed?

Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client's arrival
What does the price include?

What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.
Are flights included in the tour?

No, they are not included
Are Visa fees included in the price?

No, visa fees are not included
Do you offer any travel insurance?

We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure.

Reviews of this operator

Emma

Super!!

04-Oct-2022

Tour guide war super nett! Hotels wurden aufsteigend immer besser. Hätten uns über mehr ortstypisches essen gefreut und nicht nur touristische restaurants mit an europäer angepassten speisen. Alles in allem war es eine schöne reise mit toller route :)

Lucas

Fabolous company and staff

15-Dec-2022

Fabulous company and English-speaking guide. Great Tour minibus. Your every wish is considered.

Gabrielle

Shear pleasure

18-Nov-2022

Taking this tour with Destination Services Thailand was a shear pleasure. The response time before and during our trip was phenomenal. Our request of having two single beds and German speaking tour guides throughout was met without any problems. One minor hiccup in Bangkok was remedied immediately after our arrival in Chiang Mai.(Our included transportation from the hotel to the airport in Bangkok didn't show up on time. Therefore, we had to take a taxi and paid ourselves for the fare. Upon our arrival in Chiang Mai, our local tour guide reimbursed us immediately). Again, excellent service! Except for this one, all the pick ups occurred on time. The included meals were always freshly prepared, delicious and plentiful and the hotels met the 4* standard. To sum it all up: my brother and I had a memorable, wonderful experience and would recommend Destination Services Thailand to anyone without hesitation. Thank you to all that contributed to our marvelous trip.

Pavel R.

Awesome experience

26-Nov-2022

Grear tour. Our guide was very knowledgeable, had great English and was very helpful at every stage of the tour. Having AC on the bus, cold water and cool towels by our driver was super comfortable.

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Nov 29, 2024 - Dec 03, 2024

~~$841~~ $801