Chiang Mai & Golden Triangle
Chiang Mai & Golden Triangle
$625
Tour Overview
Get to know Thailand’s serene North on this Short Break Adventure from Chiang Mai to the Golden Triangle, stopping off to see natural wonders and learn about local history along the way. Walk around the Chiang Dao Caves with a local guide, sip tea in Doi Mae Salong and cruise along the Mekong River to Chiang Saen, the ancient capital of the Lanna Kingdom. Enjoy regional dishes, including a quail egg cooked in a hot spring (then complete the experience by soaking in the spring). This Short Break covers many highlights of the less-frequented northern reaches of Thailand, making it a must-do for travellers who want to dig beneath the surface of this much-loved country. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Chiang Mai/Doi Mae Salong
Location: Doi Mae Salong
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Lunch
Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Chiang Mai. Your Short Break Adventure starts at 8 am, when you’ll be picked up by a local guide from the joining point hotel. Head towards the Golden Triangle region by private minibus, stopping off first at Chiang Dao Cave. These interconnected caves expand more than 10 kms beneath Doi Chiang Dao, the third tallest mountain in Thailand – and you’ll get to explore them with your guide. Look out for hermit images, a reclining Buddha and a royal coat of arms to mark the visit of the Thai Queen. Then, continue to Doi Mae Salong, a hillside town with a large Chinese population. Famous for its Chinese tea traders, the region is the perfect spot to enjoy a cup of tea while admiring the surrounding mountains. Explore the local markets in the late afternoon, perhaps picking up a piece made by the Akha, a vibrant ethnic minority.Included Activities:-Chiang Dao Caves - Entrance and Free Time ...more ...less
Day 2: Golden Triangle/Chiang Rai
Location: Golden Triangle
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, jump in a private minivan/car and visit the point of the Golden Triangle, where the Thailand, Myanmar and Laos borders meet. Enjoy lunch overlooking the mighty Mekong River and then pay a visit to the House of Opium Museum for a deeper insight into opium culture and this area’s problematic, drug-filled past. This afternoon climb on board a longtail boat and travel on the Mekong River to the old city of Chiang Saen, the ancient capital of the Lanna Kingdom. On the way there is a chance to step foot into Laos. Chiang Saen is surrounded on three sides by impressive ramparts, with the Mekong forming the fourth wall. Ruins lie around this charming one-street market town of quiet wooden shophouses. The town is also famous for the local rice whiskey sold from distilleries on the banks of river. From here you will travel south from the Golden Triangle to Chiang Rai (approximately 75 minutes), where you’ll spend the night.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Chiang Mai
Location: Chiang Mai
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Chiang Rai boasts a relaxed atmosphere, a great night market, and a variety of good restaurants. This charming city has a small-town feel and is a great place to explore on foot. For many, the privately owned Wat Rong Khun, more commonly known as the White Temple, is a must-visit. Travel approximately 30 minutes out to this contemporary temple, started in 1997 and expected to be a work in progress for another 60 to 70 years. The temple is constantly being added to and its strange design features references to Buddhist mythology, human sin and pop culture icons such as Michael Jackson, Harry Potter and Superman. You will then journey 70 minutes to Mae Ka Chan Hot Springs, with a lunch stop along the way. Although oddly located in the 'car park', the springs offer an opportunity to take a relaxing soak, and/or enjoy a foot massage 'fish spa style', whilst munching on quail eggs which have been cooked in the heat of the waters. After enjoying the hot springs you’ll hop back on the bus and return to Chiang Mai, the journey taking about 1.5 hours and arriving back at around 5pm.
Notes: Please note no accommodation is included tonight.
Included Activities:
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What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotel (2 nights) -
Meals
2 breakfasts, 3 lunches -
Chiang Dao Caves - Entrance and Free Time
Entrance and free time at Chiang Dao Caves are included.
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Golden Triangle - Opium Hall
Visit to the Opium Hall in the Golden Triangle is included.
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Golden Triangle - Khong River boat trip
A boat trip on the Khong River in the Golden Triangle is included.
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Wat Rong Kun (white temple)
Visit to Wat Rong Kun, the White Temple, is included.
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Mae Ka Chan hot springs
Visit to Mae Ka Chan hot springs is included.
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Mae Ka Chan Hot Spring Egg Boiling
Experience of egg boiling at Mae Ka Chan Hot Spring is included.
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Transport
Transport by boat and minibus is included.
What's Not Included
Accommodation on the last nightAccommodation is not included on the last night of the tour.
Included Activities
- Chiang Dao Caves - Entrance and Free Time
- Golden Triangle - Opium Hall
- Golden Triangle - Khong River boat trip
- Wat Rong Kun (white temple)
- Mae Ka Chan hot springs
- Mae Ka Chan Hot Spring Egg Boiling
Transport
- Boat , Minibus
Accommodation
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in your selected accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
- Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for your arrival, especially if you're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible, which means you won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, you can store your luggage and explore the new destination.
- If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
Important Information
- 1. This trip ends on Day 3 and you are free to leave at any time.
- 2. You will be picked up on Day 1 from the Joining Point Hotel listed in the Trip Note Information for this itinerary. Pick-up will take place between 8am and 9am in the Hotel foyer.
- 3. If you require pick up from another centrally-located hotel in Chiang Mai, please inform your booking agent at least 14 days prior to departure.
- 4. Age restrictions apply to this trip - minimum age 5.
Mode of Transport
Transportation for this tour includes travel by boat and minibus, providing a comfortable and scenic journey through the beautiful landscapes of northern Thailand.
Accommodation
Accommodation throughout the tour is in hotels, with the possibility of alternative arrangements if rooms are unavailable. Early check-in may not always be possible, and luggage storage is available. Pre-trip or post-trip accommodation may require room changes.
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
On Short Breaks, you maintain a good level of independence and freedom, with the added bonus of having the details sorted out for you. You’ll have lots of free time and you won’t be accompanied by a Trip Leader. This means that all included activities and tours will be run by different local Intrepid partners, and these may operate independently from each other. The included activities and transfers will operate on a join-in basis, which means that you could have your Adventure all to yourself, or others may join you along the way. If you would prefer to travel in a group with a dedicated Trip Leader, just get in touch with your booking agent and they will take you through some alternatives.
This trip starts early on Day 1 and finishes late on Day 3. We therefore recommend you book pre-trip and post-trip accommodation in Chiang Mai – just reach out to your booking agent ahead of time to organise this. ...more ...less -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Chiang Mai & Golden Triangle
3 Days Starting and ending in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Visiting: Doi Mae Salong, Golden Triangle, Chiang Mai
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TTAG
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
5-99