North Thailand Highlights, Small Group Tour (English Only)
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Northern Thailand with this small group tour, exclusively in English. Discover the cultural richness of Chiang Rai, visiting the Hilltribe Museum and the stunning Wat Rong Khun temple. Experience the unique Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar converge. In Chiang Mai, explore tribal villages, enjoy a scenic river cruise, and marvel at the panoramic views from Wat Doi Suthep. This tour includes four nights of accommodation, daily breakfasts, and select lunches, with transportation in air-conditioned vehicles. Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture and history, guided by an English-speaking expert, and enjoy the flexibility of exploring at your own pace. This tour promises a blend of cultural insights and breathtaking landscapes, perfect for those seeking a short yet enriching break in Thailand. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : ARRIVAL CHIANG RAI
Location: Chiang Rai
Accommodation Name: Laluna or similar 4*
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, King Mangrai Monument, Golden Triangle, Chiang Saen, Wat Phra That Chom Kitti
Accommodation Name: Laluna or similar 4*
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 Rai, Wat Rong Khun, Chiang Mai, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Accommodation Name: Empress Chiang Mai or similar 4*
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, Elephant Poopoopaper Park, Wat Suan Dok, Wat Phra Sing, Wat Chedi Luang
Accommodation Name: Empress Chiang Mai or similar 4*
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
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Tour Guide
The tour is operated with an English-speaking guide. Different languages can be combined in our vehicles, with a separate guide for each language.
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Transport
Air-conditioned transportation and transfers as stated in the programme are included.
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Entrance Fees and Activities
All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary are included, such as 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/Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, farmhouse lunch, Wat Suan Dok, Wat Phra Sing, and Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai. ...more ...less
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenditures
Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks, and meals if not stated explicitly in the programme are not included.
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Departure Transfer
Departure transfer back to the airport in Chiang Mai is not included.
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Gratuities
Gratuity for the driver and guide is not included.
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Optional Tours
Optional tours are not included.
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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.
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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.
- Day 4: From November onwards, the Elephant POOPOOPAPER Park will be replaced by the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary at Grand Canyon
- 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, 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*
- 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 program. Enjoy seamless journeys between destinations, ensuring a hassle-free experience as you explore the highlights of Northern Thailand.
Accommodation
Enjoy 4 nights of comfortable accommodation in superior hotel categories. In Chiang Rai, choose between Laluna or Imperial River House Resort, offering 4* and 5* options. In Chiang Mai, stay at the Empress Chiang Mai, a 4* hotel, ensuring a relaxing and pleasant stay.
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
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What languages are available for the tour guide?
The tour is operated with an English-speaking guide. Different languages can be combined in the vehicles, with a separate guide for each language.
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What is included in the accommodation for this tour?
The tour includes 4 nights' accommodation. In Chiang Rai, you can stay in a Standard Room at Laluna or a Superior Room at Imperial River House Resort. In Chiang Mai, both Standard and Superior Rooms are available at Empress Chiang Mai.
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What meals are provided during the tour?
The tour includes 4 breakfasts and 3 lunches.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides air-conditioned transportation and transfers as stated in the programme.
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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, Wat Phra That Chom Kitti, Wat Rong Khun, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, River Ping cruise, Elephant Poopoopaper Park/Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, farmhouse lunch, Wat Suan Dok, Wat Phra Sing, and Wat Chedi Luang. ...more ...less
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What should I wear when visiting temples 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.
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What happens on the first day of the tour?
On the first day, you will arrive in Chiang Rai, meet with a representative, transfer to your selected hotel, and have the rest of the day free to explore the old town or the night bazaar.
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What activities are planned for the second day of the tour?
On the second day, you will visit the Hilltribe Museum, explore hill tribe villages, visit the Golden Triangle, and see Wat Phra That Chom Kitti. The day includes breakfast and lunch.
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What is the itinerary for the third day of the tour?
On the third day, you will visit Wat Rong Khun, travel to Chiang Mai, visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, and enjoy a River Ping cruise. The day includes breakfast and lunch.
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What can I expect on the fourth day of the tour?
On the fourth day, you will visit Elephant Poopoopaper Park, explore Chiang Mai's old town, and visit Wat Suan Dok, Wat Phra Sing, and Wat Chedi Luang. The day includes breakfast and lunch.
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What should I do on the last day of the tour?
On the last day, you will have breakfast and then check out of your hotel in Chiang Mai.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
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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.
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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.
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When are there specific hotel names confirmed?
Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client's arrival
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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.
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Are flights included in the tour?
No, they are not included
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Are Visa fees included in the price?
No, visa fees are not included
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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.
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Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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Terms and Conditions
North Thailand Highlights, Small Group Tour (English Only)
5 Days Starting in Chiang Rai, Thailand and ending in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Visiting: Chiang Rai, King Mangrai Monument, Golden Triangle, Chiang Saen, Wat Phra That Chom Kitti, Wat Rong Khun, Chiang Mai, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Elephant Poopoopaper Park, Wat Suan Dok, Wat Phra Sing, Wat Chedi Luang ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
38157
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 8
Age range:
10-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Meat
