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Travel module - Thailand

From Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai - An excursion to the Golden Triangle

Highlights

  • Private guided tour through the north of Thailand

  • Visit the "White Temple", Wat Rong Khun

  • The Hall of Opium in Chiang Rai - A different kind of museum

  • Day trip to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary in Chiang Mai

  • Optional excursions: Chiang Mai Night Market & Orchid Cooking Class

Description

Thailand is so much more than the beautiful beaches in the south. On this trip, a private guide will take you on a discovery tour through the north of Thailand. At the Hall of Opium, you will learn all about the origins of the region and how it was named Golden Triangle. Marvel at the unique Wat Rong Khun (also known as the "White Temple") and make a detour to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary in Chiang Mai.

Destination

Asia

Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai

Welcome to the north of Thailand! Upon your arrival in Chiang Rai, your guide will be waiting for you. Come along on a short sightseeing tour of the "White Temple", Wat Rong Khun. As the name suggests, the Kanok-style construction is completely white - a sight to behold.

After this architectural treat, you will be transported to your hotel for check-in. Spend the afternoon as you wish. In the evening, your guide will take you to the night market.

Duration of trip from Chiang Rai Airport to Chiang Rai City: approx. 20 minutes / approx. 3 km (almost 2 miles)

1 night including breakfast in Chiang Rai, Thailand

PREMIUM travel option: 1 night at The Imperial River House Resort***** with breakfast and lunch in a Balcony Riverview Suite, Chiang Rai, Thailand

Today we will take you to the famous Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet. Afterwards, you will visit the Hall of Opium in Chiang Rai (closed on Mondays), the impressive and informative museum where you will learn about the exciting history of the area - closely connected to the opium trade.

Lunch will take place in a local restaurant. You will set off for Chiang Mai after the meal. After check-in at the hotel, spend the rest of the day as you wish.

Duration of trip from Chiang Rai to the Golden Triangle: about 1 hour / about 82 km (almost 51 miles)

Duration of trip from Golden Triangle to Chiang Mai: about 4 hours and 30 minutes / about 270 km (almost 168 miles)

1 night stay with breakfast and lunch in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Today you will have a great reason to get up early (check details with your guide). After breakfast, you will visit an elephant sanctuary. The journey to the reserve features hilly landscapes, dense jungle, and authentic farms.

Once there, you can explore the area and observe the gentle giants in their natural environment. First, you will receive an introduction to the history of these elephants and how to handle them properly. Then it is time to interact with the pachyderms: Feed them, go for a walk with them, and even take a mud bath with them if you like. Afterwards, you will walk to the water to bathe them.

After a traditional lunch, it is time to say goodbye to the elephants and drive back to Chiang Mai.

In the afternoon, you will discover both the old and the modern facets of Chiang Mai. Visit the historic crumbling city wall, gates, moats, exotic markets, government buildings, and much more. After the sightseeing tour, you will drive on to Doi Suthep Mountain - home to the most revered temple in northern Thailand. Inside you will find the most sacred stupas of the country; outside, you will have a panoramic view over the whole city. Take a deep breath and enjoy the tranquility of ancient Wat Jed Yod (“Temple of the Seven Spires”"). In Wat Suan Dok, you will find the ashes of members of Chiang Mai’s royal family. Afterwards, you will drive back to your hotel.

For this evening, we have an optional tour for you:

Explore Chiang Mai at night! (Approx. 5 PM-9 PM; +60,00 euros per person)

Chiang Mai truly comes to life at night. On this tour, you will have the opportunity to discover the social and spiritual sides of the city, which only reveal themselves after dark.

You will start at a local temple where the monks prepare for their evening devotions. Become part of this sacred ritual by lighting incense and candles. Dinner will be served at 137 Pillars House - where you will find a delightful combination of Lanna, Burmese, and Shan cuisine that will please even the most discerning palates.

To wrap up the evening, you will visit the colorful Waroros Market. This lively night market is the hub of local life in Chiang Mai. Freshly prepared street food and exotic flower stalls create a beguiling olfactory mix that you will only experience here.

1 night stay with breakfast in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Today your time in northern Thailand comes to an end. After breakfast, your guide will pick you up and take you to the airport for your flight.

Do you have some time left? If your departure time allows it, we will take you to a Thai Orchid Cooking Class. (Approx. 9 AM - 4 PM; +65,00 euros per person.)

Explore the world of Thai cuisine. The delicious blend of exotic herbs, sophisticated spices, and fresh ingredients, balanced with sweet, spicy, sour, and piquant tastes, results in one of the most colorful and interesting cuisines in the world. Your cooking lesson starts with a visit to the local market. You will get a short introduction to the variety of Thai ingredients. Together with your cooking instructor, you will prepare several dishes, which you can of course taste yourself afterwards. It’s a delicious way to learn a new skill that you can take home with you and inspire friends and family.

The Legend Chiang Rai Resort & Spa****, Chiang Rai, Thailand

The Legend was built in the middle of a breath-taking landscape directly at the Kok River. It offers an infinity pool and two restaurants. The Superior Studios are located in 1-2 story buildings and are equipped with a terrace or balcony with garden view in addition to the usual standards.

Siripanna Villa Resort & Spa****, Chiang Mai, Thailand

The resort is located directly in the city center, embedded in a well-kept garden. The famous night bazaar is about 2,5 km (or 1.5 miles) away. The resort offers three restaurants, an outdoor pool, an open-air lobby, and a wellness area. The rooms boast views of the old longan tree, the terrace, the rice field, or the mountain range in the distance.

The Imperial River House*****, Chiang Rai, Thailand

The Imperial River House offers its guests an excellent location directly on the banks of the Kok River. The luxurious rooms overlook the river or the outdoor pool and have white walls and wooden floors. A large outdoor pool, which also gives you a river of the river, is perfect for relaxing. The spa and wellness center offers cosmetic treatments and massages.

Anantara Resort & Spa*****, Chiang Mai, Thailand

At the Chiang Mai Anantara, you will be on the banks of the Mae Ping River, with a view of the famous Doi Suthep Mountain. The resort is designed in a minimalist Asian style and offers a wellness area surrounded by fragrant gardens and water features, as well as several sauna rooms. The rooms have teak floors and are decorated in soft colors. The restaurant serves typical specialties from the north of Thailand.

Duration of the trip: 4 days / 3 nights

Including

  • 3 nights in the aforementioned accommodations or similar:
    • 1 night at The Legend Chiang Rai Resort & Spa**** with breakfast in a superior studio, Chiang Rai
    • 2 nights at Siripanna Villa Resort & Spa**** with 2x breakfast and 1x lunch in a Deluxe Lanna, Chiang Mai
  • Tours & transfers with a local guide
  • Entrance fees during the tour
  • The starting price is valid in the travel period 04.01.21 - 10.31.21

Including - PREMIUM option

  • 3 nights in the aforementioned premium accommodations or similar:
    • 1 night at The Imperial River House***** with breakfast in a superior studio, Chiang Rai
    • 2 nights at Anantara Resort & Spa***** with 2x breakfast and 1x lunch in a Deluxe Room, Chiang Mai
  • Tours & Transfers with a local guide
  • Entrance fees during the tour
  • The starting price is valid in the travel period 04.01.21 - 10.31.21

Excluding

  • International & national flights
  • Meals and drinks not mentioned in the scope of services
  • Personal expenses, such as minibar and tips
  • Excursions and entrance fees not mentioned in the scope of services
  • Travel protection
  • Visa, entry and/or exit fees

Notes

  • Christmas and New Year surcharges
  • Please note that in the travel period 12.24 - 01.05, the excursion will only take place with PREMIUM accommodations.

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