04 Days Golden Triangle Express

Pick up at Chiang Mai airport or hotel and drive to Chiang Rai via Wiang Pa Pao. On the way short stop at the Hot Springs. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to Chiang Saen, the former capital of the first Thai Lanna Kingdom, situated directly on the Mekong River on the border between Thailand and Laos. Visit Wat Phra Dhat Jom Kitti by climbing up 383 steps to the top of the hill. Also visit Wat Chedi Luang. 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 hotel.

After breakfast, depart from Chiang Saen to the northern-most point of Thailand at the Thai- Burmese border and visit the border town Mae Sai. Opportunity to shop and look around the local market and to visit a Jade cutting manufactory. Continue to Fish and Monkey Cave. Proceed to Doi Mae Salong, passing through beautiful mountain scenery. The view from the top takes in a large part of Thailand, Burma and the Mekhong Valley, which makes this trip very worthwhile. Lunch at Doi Mae Salong Villa. On the way to Chiang Rai visit Akha, Yao and Lisu tribes. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

After breakfast, board a simple long-tailed motor boat for a three-hour journey up the Kok River, passing tiny hill tribe villages, bamboo huts and jungle scenery. Further upriver, visit a Lahu hill tribe village. Disembark at Pathai Village and continue by van to Thatorn. Lunch at Maekok River Village Resort. Continue by van to Chiang Mai via Fang and Chiang Dao. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

After breakfast, visit the elephant camp at Mae Saa Elephant Camp to watch the elephants take timber in the forest. Their strength and clever teamwork will amaze you. Continue to an Orchid Farm and lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, tour of a Gems cutting factory and handicraft workshops: See the manufacturing of lacquer ware, the spinning and weaving of Thai Silk and how paper umbrellas are made. Continue to Wat Doi Suthep, tucked away in the mountain at an elevation of 1,056 meters above sea level. The temple is reached by a staircase with 290 steps, flanked by a NAGA balustrade on both sides. The monastery was built by King Gue-Na in 1383. The center is a big Chedi (spired pagoda), which contains partial relics of Lodge Buddha. Evening, transfer to Chiang Mai airport for your onward flight.