Chiang Mai & Golden Triangle

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~~$615~~

$598

Chiang Mai & Golden Triangle

3 Days Starting and ending in Chiang Mai

Visiting: Chiang Mai/Doi Mae Salong, Golden Triangle/Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

TTAG

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

Low, Low

Age range:

5-99 years

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

From:

$615

$598 (USD) The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$17

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Tour Overview

Experience the serenity of northern Thailand while exploring the notorious Golden Triangle region. Beginning and ending in the charismatic city of Chiang Mai, the trip takes you to explore the Chiang Dao Caves before arriving at a charming town of Doi Mae Salong. The region is famous for its Chinese tea traders and you can enjoy a cup of tea in a traditional Chinese tea house overlooking the mountains. Then, make tracks to the Golden Triangle and stand on the confluence of the Mekong and Ruak rivers. Uncover facts and fables about the region’s chequered history, visit the Opium Hall. Enjoy bold landscapes and tuck into mouth-watering regional dishes, before ending the adventure soaking in the hot-springs of Mae Ka Chan. This short break covers many highlights of the less-frequented northern reaches of Thailand, making it a must-do for travellers who want to dig beneath the surface of this enthralling country.

Highlights

Journey into the countryside north of Chiang Mai on this short trip and experience the Golden Triangle, the infamous area where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet
Discover rural village life with an overnight stay in Doi Mae Salong, a beautiful region up in the mountains where tea is grown and local hilltribe people come to sell their crafts in the town market
No trip to Chiang Rai would be complete without a visit to the funky White Temple. Check out the startling modern design, and see where traditional Thai art and murals are broken up with pop culture references
By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, EcoThailand Foundation. Donations help educate school children on important environmental issues like climate change, nature appreciation, conservation and sustainability.

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Itinerary

tourhub | Intrepid Travel | Chiang Mai & Golden Triangle | TTAG | Route Map

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Day 1: Chiang Mai/Doi Mae Salong

Location: Chiang Mai/Doi Mae Salong

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: lunch

This morning you’ll be picked up from the joining point hotel by your local guide between 8am-9am, along with other travellers in your group. If you prefer to be picked up from a different, centrally located Hotel in Chiang Mai, please advise your sale agent at least 14 days before your departure date. Set off by road to the Golden Triangle region, the area where Thailand meets Myanmar and Laos. Your private minivan/car (depending on numbers) will head first to Chiang Dao Caves (approximately 1.5 hours). Explore the set of five interconnected caves that make up Chiang Dao, thought to expand more than 12 kilometres into Doi Chiang Dao Mountain. The caves are among the most extensive in the county and are associated with Wat Chiang Dao, and so are a popular pilgrimage spot for both monks and ordinary Thais. The caverns contain hermit images, a reclining Buddha, rock formations, and also a royal coat of arms to mark the visit of the Thai Queen. You’ll then continue on to the charming small town of Doi Mae Salong (approximately 3 hours). The atmosphere here is reminiscent of a small southern Chinese village, and the region is famous for its Chinese tea traders – so enjoy a cup of tea in a traditional Chinese tea house overlooking the mountains and tea fields. In the late afternoon there is time to explore the interesting markets, where you may see produce and crafts made by hilltribe people like the Akha. Please note sometimes in the low season the markets will close early. You’ll stay overnight here in Doi Mae Salong.

Included Activities:
-Chiang Dao Caves - Entrance and Free Time

Day 2: Golden Triangle/Chiang Rai

Location: Golden Triangle/Chiang Rai

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

After breakfast, jump in a private minivan/car and visit the point of the Golden Triangle, where the Thailand, Myanmar and Laos borders meet. Enjoy lunch overlooking the mighty Mekong River and then pay a visit to the House of Opium Museum for a deeper insight into opium culture and this area’s problematic, drug-filled past. This afternoon climb on board a longtail boat and travel on the Mekong River to the old city of Chiang Saen, the ancient capital of the Lanna Kingdom. On the way there is a chance to step foot into Laos. Chiang Saen is surrounded on three sides by impressive ramparts, with the Mekong forming the fourth wall. Ruins lie around this charming one-street market town of quiet wooden shophouses. The town is also famous for the local rice whiskey sold from distilleries on the banks of river. From here you will travel south from the Golden Triangle to Chiang Rai (approximately 75 minutes), where you’ll spend the night.

Included Activities:
-Golden Triangle - Opium Hall
-Golden Triangle - Khong River boat trip

Day 3: Chiang Mai

Location: Chiang Mai

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

Chiang Rai boasts a relaxed atmosphere, a great night market, and a variety of good restaurants. This charming city has a small-town feel and is a great place to explore on foot. For many, the privately owned Wat Rong Khun, more commonly known as the White Temple, is a must-visit. Travel approximately 30 minutes out to this contemporary temple, started in 1997 and expected to be a work in progress for another 60 to 70 years. The temple is constantly being added to and its strange design features references to Buddhist mythology, human sin and pop culture icons such as Michael Jackson, Harry Potter and Superman. You will then journey 70 minutes to Mae Ka Chan Hot Springs, with a lunch stop along the way. Although oddly located in the 'car park', the springs offer an opportunity to take a relaxing soak, and/or enjoy a foot massage 'fish spa style', whilst munching on quail eggs which have been cooked in the heat of the waters. After enjoying the hot springs you’ll hop back on the bus and return to Chiang Mai, the journey taking about 1.5 hours and arriving back at around 5pm.

Notes: Please note no accommodation is included tonight.

Included Activities:
-Wat Rong Kun (white temple)
-Mae Ka Chan hot springs
-Mae Ka Chan Hot Spring Egg Boiling

What's Included

Mae Ka Chan Hot Spring Egg Boiling
Chiang Dao Caves - Entrance and Free Time
Golden Triangle - Opium Hall
Mae Ka Chan hot springs
Golden Triangle - Khong River boat trip
Wat Rong Kun (white temple)
Meals

2 breakfasts, 2 lunches
Accommodation

Hotel (2 nights)
Transport

Boat, Minibus

What's Not Included

International Travel
Tipping and Gratuities

Transport

Boat , Minibus

Included Activities

Chiang Dao Caves - Entrance and Free Time
Golden Triangle - Opium Hall
Golden Triangle - Khong River boat trip
Wat Rong Kun (white temple)
Mae Ka Chan hot springs
Mae Ka Chan Hot Spring Egg Boiling

Accommodation

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in your selected accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for your arrival, especially if you're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible, which means you won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, you can store your luggage and explore the new destination.
If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.

Important Information

1. This trip starts with a welcome meeting at 8 pm on Day 1 in Chiang Mai. This trip ends on Day 3 and you are free to leave at any time.
2. You will be picked up on Day 1 from the Joining Point Hotel listed in the Trip Note Information for this itinerary. Pick-up will take place between 8am and 9am in the Hotel foyer..
3. If you require pick up from another centrally-located hotel in Chiang Mai, please inform your booking agent at least 14 days prior to departure.
4. Age restrictions apply to this trip - minimum age 5.

Check out our Q&As

Are all entrance fees included in the price?

No
Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

No
Are international flights included in this tour?

No
Is this trip right for you

This trip starts early on Day 1 and finishes late on Day 3. Therefore we recommend you book pre and post accommodation in Chiang Mai in conjunction with this trip. Our sales team can assist with these extra nights.
Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

Yes if aged 15+ and accompanied by an adult

Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

Yes
Are airport transfers included in this tour?

No
What policies are in place for Covid-19?

Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
How long has the tour company been trading?

Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

Yes
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

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Dates & Availability

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May
2024 Jun
2024 Jul
2024 Aug
2024 Sep
2024 Oct
2024 Nov
2024 Dec
2024 Jan
2025 Feb
2025 Mar
2025 Apr
2025 May
2025 Jun
2025 Jul
2025 Aug
2025 Sep
2025 Oct
2025 Nov
2025 Dec
2025

Thursday - Saturday

May 02, 2024 - May 04, 2024

~~$615~~ $598 (USD)