Must see and do
Handicrafts, silk and silverware at Chiang Mai's many markets - for a taste of real Thai life, try the lively night markets.
Parasol Village, where you'll be amazed by the rainbow colours of the silk and cotton umbrellas made by local women.
Taeng Dao Elephant Camp, where you can take a ride or do a jungle trek to nearby tribe settlements.
The Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Burma and Laos meet.
Mae Hong Son, home to Thailand’s most famous tribal group, the Padong.
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Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle (Full Day). An early morning drive through beautiful Northern scenery, with a stop at the Hot Springs at Mae Kajan. We drive on to visit the famous Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Burma and Laos meet at the confluence of the Ruak and Mekong Rivers. As an option, you have a chance to enjoy a boat ride to view the scenery and splendour of the mighty Mekong River, and also visit the very interesting Opium Museum, which gives some interesting background on the notorious past of this region. We continue onto to the border town of Mae Sai, where just across the bridge lies the Burmese town of Tachilek. Here we will have lunch, and there is time to shop for some Burmese souvenirs (such as sarongs, puppets, handicrafts and Burmese cheroots). On our way back to Chiang Mai, we will visit an Akha and a Yao hilltribe village using a 4x4 jeep.
Doi Suthep Temple with City Temples (Half Day). The city of Chiang Mai has a wealth of beautiful and historic Buddhist Wats (temples) and this tour includes a visit of/to one of the most fascinating examples, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. The 600 year old temple is located near the summit of Doi Suthep, a 1,600 meter peak named after the hermit Sudeva, who lived on the mountain's slopes for many years. After a drive up the mountain's winding road, the final climb to the site is via a magnificent Naga (dragon-headed serpent) staircase of 306 steps. On a clear day, there are incomparable views over the city of Chiang Mai. Other temple visits include Wat Suan Dowk whose large central stupa contains a Buddha relic which supposedly self-multiplied! Then, continue to Wat Jet Yot which dates back to the mid 15th century and whose seven spires represent the seven weeks Buddha spent in Bodhgaya after his enlightenment.