Itinerary Details
This 7-day distinctive Lana culture journey will show you the appalling history of the golden triangle opium period and how people in Northern Thailand was saved from suffering from opium. You can also learn about the Northern Thai silver culture in Silver Temple.
Sawasdee ka!(Hello in Thai) Welcome to Thailand! On arrival in Chiang Mai, your private guide will be ready to welcome you at the arrival hall. Then you will be transferred to Chiang Rai with a private car and driver.
Accommodation option:
- The Legend Chiang Rai Boutique River Resort & Spa
- (4 Ratings)
breakfast and lunch
This morning, you will head to the Golden Triangle, the center of the opium trade in the second half of the 20th century. From the perspective of the top of the mountain, the magnificent Mekong River merges into the Rua River, forming the actual "triangle" between Laos, Myanmar and Thailand, which is amazing Golden Triangle. You will also visit Opium Museum nearby. The museum aims to educate people about the dangers of drugs through interesting exhibits that trace the history of opium, from the first use of opium 5,000 years ago to current drug abuse and addiction problems. It is regard it as one of the best museums in Thailand.
Chiang Rai is closest city to Laos in Thailand. Today, you can cross the Mekong River into Laos and have a visit of the local rural life. In the afternoon, head to the Indong Palace and Garden (Mae Phranang Garden). Indong was once a secluded area in the center of the Golden Triangle-a major area in the world for illegal opium production. Deforestation and burning cultivation deprived the watershed area, and opium cultivation further accelerated the watershed area. After the mother princess visited Doi for the first time, she announced: "I will plant Tutong." The princess decided to improve the conditions of Doi socially, economically and environmentally. She built her own home in Doi Tung, which is what we call Mae Fa Lu Garden, which proves her commitment.
Accommodation option:
- The Legend Chiang Rai Boutique River Resort & Spa
- (4 Ratings)
Golden Triangle
Opium Museum
breakfast and lunch
After breakfast, you will head to Chiang Mai! On the way, you will visit the Black House (Ban Dam) in Thai. ‘Baan Dam’ is an ingenious depiction of hell by Thawan Duchanee. Opaque decorations and dead animals adorn each room, making Duchanee's manor completely opposed to the white temple, which is a glimpse of heaven designed by his teacher Chalermchai Kositpipat. Although not off the beaten track, the black house cannot be ignored. Then continue to the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), which combines traditional Buddhist art with contemporary themes.
En route, stop at a hot spring for relaxation. The water has a high sulfur content and possesses curative and restorative properties. You can have a foot bath with hot spring water to relax muscles, relieve stress and improve circulation. Then continue to Chiang Mai.
Accommodation option:
- U Nimman Chiang Mai
- (4 Ratings)
Black House
White Temple
breakfast and lunch
This morning you will take a local infamous 'Tuk-tuk' to get around Chiang Mai old town, including Wat Pra Singh, an over 200 hundred years Buddhist temples, one of the most well-known examples of Lanna architecture; and Wat Chedi Luang, a temple is an enormous pagoda, originally 280 feet high, and partially destroyed by an earthquake in 1545. Then visit the Warorot Market, to experience the authentic life style of northern people.
After having lunch at a local restaurant, you will continue your trip the unique Silver Temple (Wat Sri Suphan). It is located in the south of the old town and was first constructed at the beginning of the 16th century. Almost everything in the temple is made of silver and aluminum. It has the first silver ordination hall in the world. (please note that women are not allowed to enter ordination hall). You can go to the workshop to learn how these silverworks are made. You can attempt to create a personalized silver piece with the help of the artists.
After the visit, you will visit a few Silversmith Shops along the Wualai Road to see how the craftsmen make their sliver works.
Accommodation option:
- U Nimman Chiang Mai
- (4 Ratings)
Chiang Mai Old Town
Siver Temple
breakfast and lunch
Enjoy your morning half-day eco-tour at the picturesque high-altitude Northern Thai village of Mae Kampong. It is nested on a hillside 1300 meters above sea level and 50 kilometers from Chiang Mai. Surrounded by pristine forest, Mae Kampong has a cool and pleasant climate. The villagers grow tea to make a living for generations and the surrounded area have been woven into a verdant natural landscape. Except enjoy the amazing scenery, visitors can experience the real villagers’ life by participating some activities. You will also pay a visit to the local villager's house to see how people use tea leaves to made pillows. Do slight trekking through the forest and waterfall, tea, coffee and herbal gardens, and learning how the community manages natural resources and harness hydropower.
Then, set apart to The Giant, a coffee house on the top of a tree. You will cross a rope bridge to access the coffee house. The house is surrounded by virgin rainforest and you will have a fantastic view from the house over the valley. Enjoy a cup of coffee on the tree!
Accommodation option:
- U Nimman Chiang Mai
- (4 Ratings)
Mae Kampong Village
The Giant
breakfast and lunch and dinner
A relaxing drive about 1hr to the Doi Suthep Mountain. Climb 309 steps (or for the less fitness-oriented, a tram is available for a small surcharge) to the top, enjoying a truly breathtaking scenery all along the way up to the top where you will find the most sacred Wat Phra That and have a panoramic view of the Chiang Mai city.
Next, take an adventurous ride on a public transfer - songthaew across the rugged roads toward the exotic Meo hill tribe villages 18 Kilometers from Wat Doi Suthep further into the mountains. You will visit a native household and discover the daily lives of the friendly villagers.
Enjoy evening Khan Toke dinner, a traditional Northern Thai food served on a small table with Thai style performance.
Accommodation option:
- U Nimman Chiang Mai
- (4 Ratings)
Doi Suthep Mountain
Meo hill tribe village
breakfast
After having breakfast, you will be transferred to Chiang Mai airport for your international flight home or to your next destination.