North Thailand radiates both charm and mystery, the exuberant green mountains smothered in magic and fresh experiences. Elegant ancient ruins, hill tribe villages, pristine jungle, enchanting towns, effervescent nature; this handcrafted vacation offers a compelling blend of highlights, each epitomizing the endless enchantment of an evocative region. And it always comes with the omnipresent feeling of serenity and a beguiling rhythm of life.
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Chiang Rai – Relaxing Welcome to Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai provides an idyllic first stop, nestled in luxuriantly green mountains and imbued with a long intriguing history. Gaze from the plane window at the thick coatings of jungle, admiring the untamed landscape you’re about to explore. Your private driver is waiting in arrivals, his huge smile synonymous with the region and his calm professionalism reflecting Thailand’s commitment to luxury travel. You’ll be traveling in a spacious modern saloon vehicle; keep the windows up for the air-conditioning or wind then down for first photos of the mesmeric natural surroundings. Mountain peaks dot the horizon, valleys seem to roll on forever, and everything bursts with dazzling vibrancy. The green of Northern Thailand is unlike any green you may have seen before.
The rest of the day is deliberately left free, giving you time to relax and recuperate at the sumptuous hotel. The driver is at your disposal and can give many suggestions for great local restaurants and interesting places to explore.
What's Included:
Day 2
Golden Triangle – The Beauty of the Golden Triangle
Day 3
Thaton – The Indelible Delights of Far Northern Thailand
Day 4
Mae Hong Son – Lost in Thailand’s Natural Wonders
Day 5
Mae Chaem – Serene River Journeys and Thailand’s Charming Mystery
Day 6
Chiang Mai – Standing on Thailand’s Highest Peak
Day 7
Chiang Mai – Exploring Chiang Mai and Fond Farewells to Northern Thailand
Trip Highlights
- Explore some of Thailand’s finest ancient temples, the glorious architecture either in evocative states of ruin, or fastidiously restored to its original beauty
- Discover village markets and indigenous hill tribes in the very far north of Thailand, these rural delights offering an immersive journey back in time
- Experience the relatively unknown beauty of two of Thailand’s finest natural wonders, the mystical Tham Lod Caves and the panorama covered Doi Inthanon National Park
- Visit some of Asia’s most enchanting small towns, each engulfed by breathtaking surroundings; picturesque Pai and serene Mae Hong Son are just two of the highlights
- Relive the history of the region with poignant visits to old Burmese style temples, towns integral to WWII, and the Hilltribe Museum
- Enjoy a relaxed pace that suits the tranquility of the region and ensures absolute submersion in the ubiquitous natural splendor
Detailed Description
This handcrafted itinerary carefully blends the diverse highlights of Northern Thailand, elevating every mood as the magic of a region comes alive. At its heart, this vacation is indelibly tranquil and laid-back. The gentle rhythm of life always delights visitors, and it’s always complemented by thick coatings of untamed nature and immersive cultural journeys. This 8-day vacation unveils Northern Thailand in the most luxurious of manners, effortlessly blending natural wonder, ancient architecture, charming towns, and indigenous culture. Start in Chiang Rai and end in Chiang Mai, with your own luxury vehicle and driver making a loop through the meandering green mountains of this mesmeric region. Each day moves at an easy pace, with the journeys always interspersed with hidden highlights well off the tourist radar. This is the version of Thailand that time forgot, achingly intimate and bursting with authenticity. And it’s effortlessly elevated by the world class luxury touches that the country is becoming famous for.
Begin your vacation in Chiang Rai, a historic town covered in elegant sights and intriguing narratives. Feel the spirituality of its old temples and explore the vibrant market before journeying to the Golden Triangle and the ancient kingdom of Chiang Saen. Nestled on the Mekong River, with Myanmar visible in the distance, you’re engulfed in forest clad mountains and vividly green valleys. On day three you head to the very northeast of Thailand, ascending to 2,000 meters above sea level and exploring hill tribe villages unchanged for millennia. It’s not so much a look at history but a journey back in time, the vivacious colors and ebullient smiles a lasting reminder of this special corner of the world.
After three days of culture you then delve deeper into nature. Like everywhere on this trip, Pai showcases an indelible sense of calm and harmony with nature. Wonders are hidden in the jungle and day five picks a path through the trees; explore the eerie yet beautiful Tham Lod Caves and spend the night beside the charming Burmese temples of Mae Hong Son.
Highlights keep cascading from this unique vacation, every day offering a new angle and panorama. On day six your graceful long-tail boat ride along the cataracts of the Pai River will reveal the quaint delights of the riverside as memorable as the green mountain peaks. Discover a throbbing rural market then explore the intriguing WWII history of Khun Yuam. After exploring Northern Thailand in rich personal detail it’s time to admire it all from the sky, day seven taking you to Thailand’s highest peak and impossibly beautiful panoramas. Finish the journey in Chiang Mai, thoroughly rested yet filled with unique vacation memories.
Starting Price
$2,600 per person (excluding international flights)
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
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