Package overview
This is the only itinerary in the programme built entirely around northern Thailand, with no beach or island component. Three nights in Chiang Mai anchor a half-day visit to Doi Suthep Temple and Doi Pui Hmong hill-tribe market, followed by a full-day run north to Chiang Rai for the White Temple, Blue Temple, Black House, hill-tribe villages and the Golden Triangle viewpoint.
Because it skips beach time entirely, this route works well as a short cultural add-on before or after a longer beach-based Thailand itinerary, or as a stand-alone break for clients drawn to temple architecture, hill scenery and cooler evening temperatures rather than nightlife or water activities.
Trip highlights
- Doi Suthep Temple and mountainside viewpoint over the Chiang Mai valley
- Doi Pui Hmong hill-tribe market for local handicrafts
- Full-day Chiang Rai excursion: White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) and Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten)
- Black House (Baan Dam) art museum and Akha / Long Neck Karen hill-tribe villages
- Golden Triangle viewpoint where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Chiang Mai
The tour begins with arrival at Chiang Mai International Airport and transfer to the hotel. Set in a valley ringed by mountains, Chiang Mai is northern Thailand's cultural capital, known for its walled old city, hundreds of Buddhist temples, night markets and noticeably cooler evenings than Bangkok or the southern islands. The rest of the day is free before sightseeing begins.
Day 2: Half-day Doi Suthep Temple and Doi Pui Hmong hill-tribe market tour
The morning tour heads up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of northern Thailand's most sacred temples, to see its gilded chedi, shrines and Buddha statues, along with mountainside views over the Chiang Mai valley. From there, the group continues to the nearby Doi Pui Hmong hill-tribe market, an open-air market selling handmade textiles and souvenirs from the local Hmong community.
Day 3: Full-day Chiang Rai and Golden Triangle tour
A scenic drive north through mountain and jungle-covered valleys leads to Chiang Rai, where the standout stop is Wat Rong Khun, the all-white 'White Temple' known for its intricate sculptural detail, followed by the striking blue-and-gold Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple).
The day also takes in Baan Dam (Black House), an unconventional art museum built from dark wood and animal motifs, along with Akha and Long Neck Karen hill-tribe villages, before finishing at a viewpoint over the Golden Triangle, the point where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet, ahead of the drive back to Chiang Mai.
Day 4: Transfer to Chiang Mai Airport for departure
The tour closes with checkout and transfer to Chiang Mai International Airport in time for the return or onward flight. Agents can pair this short northern loop with a beach-based itinerary elsewhere in Thailand for clients who want both a cultural stop and coastal time in one trip.
What's included
- INCLUSIONS
- ACCOMMODATION
- VISA
- PAYMENT TERMS
- CANCELLATION POLICY
- DO'S IN THAILAND
- DON'TS IN THAILAND
- EXCLUSIONS
- Accommodation with twin/ double/ triple sharing room basis with daily breakfast in the category chosen or similar (subject to availability).
- Meals as mentioned in the Tour Itinerary.
- Sightseeing & Transfers according to the above Tour Itinerary Details only.
- Transportation by vehicle with A/C
- Local English-speaking guide’s assistance.
- All Entrance fees for attractions included in the program
- All activities and cruises clearly mentioned in the program
- Government taxes & service charge
Not included
- Air Fare / Train fare.
- Personal Expenses such as Laundry, telephone calls, tips & gratuity, mineral water, soft & hard drinks, porterage, water sports.
- Early check-in, late check-out
- Additional sightseeing or extra usage of vehicle, other than mentioned in the itinerary.
- Room Up gradation Charges.
- Any cost arising due to natural calamities like, landslides, road blockage, political disturbances (strikes), etc (to be borne by the client, which is directly payable on the spot).
- Travel Insurance.
- Bank Charges
- National Park Fees (Compulsory)
- Airport Taxes
- Visa and Visa arrangement
- Anything which is not included in the inclusion.
Book this package
Visa requirements, payment terms and cancellation rules for this destination are set out on our [Thailand travel information page](thailand/travel-information).
Rates are quoted on request for your dates, party size and hotel category. Send us the itinerary reference and we will come back with a net B2B quotation.