05 Days Golden Triangle (From Bangkok)

Pick up passengers from various major Bangkok hotels and transfer to Bangkok domestic airport. Early morning flight to Chiang Mai, where your Diethelm Travel guide well meet and greet you. Drive to Chiang Rai via Wiang Pa Pao with an en route stop at a Karen village and the Hot Springs. Lunch at a local restaurant in Chiang Rai. Continue to Chiang Saen, the former capital of the first Thai Lanna Kingdom, situated on the Mekong River on the border between Thailand and Laos. Visit Wat Phra Dhat Jom Kitti by climbing 383 steps to the top of the hill. Continue by long-tailed speedboat on the Mekong River towards the Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos converge. Dinner and overnight at Imperial Golden Triangle Resort.

After Breakfast, depart from Chiang Saen to Mae Sai, the northern-most point of Thailand on the Thai - Burmese border. In the border town of Mae Sai visit a Jade Cutting Factory and the colorful market, where handicrafts and souvenirs are on sale. The next stop will be made at the Fish and Monkey Cave. Proceed to Doi Mae Salong, passing through mountain scenery. The view from the top takes in a large part of Thailand, Burma and the Mekong Valley, which makes this trip very worthwhile. Lunch at Doi Mae Salong Villa. Continue to visit Akha, Yao and Lisu Tribes before returning to your hotel in Chiang Rai. Dinner and overnight at Wiang Inn Hotel.

After Breakfast, transfer to the boat pier. Board simple long-tailed motorboats for a three-hour journey on the Kok River, passing tiny hill tribe villages, bamboo huts and jungle scenery. Further upriver, visit to a Lahu hill tribe village. The last stop before arriving at Thatorn is made at the village of Ban Pha Tai. Lunch at Maekok River Village Resort. Proceed to Mae Rim via Fang and Chiang Dao. Continue to the Hmong Hilltribe Lodge (for groups of 7 persons up, local pick up trucks or Land rovers will be provided). BBQ dinner followed by a presentation of Meo dances and songs. Overnight at Hmong Hilltribe Lodge.

• After Breakfast, visit the elephant camp in Mae Saa and watch the elephants at work. Their strength and clever teamwork will amaze you.
• Optional: A one-hour elephant ride into the jungle surroundings. Cost per person: If pre-booked & prepaid: 600,Baht , if paid on spot, 800,- Baht per person.
• Continue to visit an Orchid Farm. After lunch at a local restaurant, you will visit various Handicraft Villages, where you can watch the artisans at work: See, how lacquer-ware is made, the spinning and weaving of Thai Silk and how paper umbrellas are painted. You will also visit a well-known Thai wood carving factory with possibility to buy Burmese antiques and the reputable Gems Gallery. In the evening enjoy a typical Kantoke dinner with a presentation of traditional dances from Northern Thailand. Overnight at Empress Chiang Mai Hotel.

After breakfast, visit the most interesting places in Chiang Mai such as Wat Phra Singh with its famous Buddha image, the Hill tribe museum and Wat Doi Suthep, tucked away in the mountains at 1,056 meters above sea level. The temple is reached by climbing 290 steps, which are flanked by a NAGA balustrade on both sides. After lunch at a local restaurant, transfer to Chiang Mai Airport for the return flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel in Bangkok.