Day 1: Chiang Mai

On arrival transfer to a hotel in the city center and rest of the day at leisure. Relax at your hotel or explore the northern capital by your own.

Day 2: Chiang Mai

Sightseeing tour in Chiang Mai including a visit to an orchid farm outside the city, as well as two of its most famous temples, a drive through the old part of the town and finally a visit to different handicraft centers like silverware, sa-paper umbrella,  production, woodcarving, lacquerware etc. (just visit the ones in which you are interested). Today's accommodation again in the city center of Chiang Mai.

Day 3: Chiang Mai - Thaton

In the morning depart for an elephant camp north of the city. Watch the demonstration, how these giants take a bath and are educated for their job in the forests before starting for a ride on one of them, followed by a trip down the river on a bamboo raft. Go on and stop at one of the rare Palong hill tribe villages. Before arriving at the small town of Ban Thaton take another stop a one of the many rice mills in this area the late afternoon. Overnight at the resort on the river banks.

Day 4: Thaton - Chiang Rai

After breakfast visit Wat Thaton with its giant Buddha images and stunning views over the Burmese mountain wilderness as well to the valley of the Kok River. Then travel to a Shan village on the river banks. The women of this village are famous for their weaving. Then enjoy an approx. 3 hour boat ride down on the Kok River to Chiang Rai, passing scenic and remote hill tribe villages, most of them Lahu. Have some stops on the way. Arrive early afternoon in Chiang Rai. Time left to relax. Overnight in Chiang Rai.

Day 5: Chiang Rai

Travel further north to the former royal town of Chiang Saen. Take a short boat trip on the mighty Mekong River. On the way stop at a Laotian river island. Finally arrive at the Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar (Burma) meet. Go on to the market- and border town Mae Sai. Optional side trip to Burmese border town of Tachilek can be arranged (border pass available). Then travel on through the mountain wilderness of Doi Tung and Maesalong area, passing various hill tribe villages, as well as such ones of Chinese descendants. Late afternoon return back for another night in Chiang Rai

Day 6: Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai

In the morning short drive to Khun Gorn waterfall, which one you will finally reach after a walk (approx. 1 km) on a trail through nice jungle vegetation. Drive on, passing paddy fields and small villages. Visit a countryside market and some hot springs. In the early afternoon arrive in Chiang Mai. Time left for more sightseeing or shopping in the northern capital. Accommodation at a hotel in the city center.

Day 7: Chiang Mai

Day at leisure until transfer to the airport........or extend your stay.

Price includes:

Air-conditioned transportation during the tour, English speaking tour guide, all transfers and excursions as mentioned in the above itinerary, accommodation in middle- and upper middle class hotels, entrance fees, half board (daily breakfast and lunch during tours)

Not included:

All drinks, tips and personal expenses

Flexibility:

Tour can be shortened by 1-2 nights. End of tour also in Chiang Rai possible.