Chiang Mai & Golden Triangle

Chiang Mai & Golden Triangle

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3 Days From

$625

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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

  • Journey into the countryside north of Chiang Mai on this Short Break Adventure and experience the Golden Triangle, the famous spot where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet.

  • Glide along the Mekong River on a longtail boat and explore Chiang Saen, the ancient capital of the Lanna Kingdom.

  • Discover rural village life with an overnight stay in Doi Mae Salong, a mountainous region where tea is grown and local hilltribe people sell their crafts in the town market.

  • Check out the startling modern design of the White Temple, a piece of architecture that pays homage to pop culture icons like Harry Potter, Michael Jackson and Superman.

  • Soak your feet in the Mae Ka Chan Hot Springs and enjoy a foot massage ‘fish spa style’ – a foot massage while munching on quail eggs that have been cooked with the heat of the spring waters.

Itinerary

Expand All

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:
-Golden Triangle - Opium Hall
-Golden Triangle - Khong River boat trip

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:
-Wat Rong Kun (white temple)
-Mae Ka Chan hot springs
-Mae Ka Chan Hot Spring Egg Boiling

What's Included

  • 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.

  • Golden Triangle - Opium Hall

    Visit to the Opium Hall in the Golden Triangle is included.

  • Golden Triangle - Khong River boat trip

    A boat trip on the Khong River in the Golden Triangle is included.

  • Wat Rong Kun (white temple)

    Visit to Wat Rong Kun, the White Temple, is included.

  • Mae Ka Chan hot springs

    Visit to Mae Ka Chan hot springs is included.

  • Mae Ka Chan Hot Spring Egg Boiling

    Experience of egg boiling at Mae Ka Chan Hot Spring is included.

  • 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

  • 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

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • 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.

  • 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

Reviews of this operator

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

Just leaving a review to...

24-Aug-2023

Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍 ...more ...less

LivvyGrace 4 (Google Reviewer)  

I just completed my first...

15-Jul-2024

I just completed my first Intrepid tour which was 33 days travelling around Central America - I had the time of my life! It was great to have the benefit of a guide (Fluffy was amazing!) and be able to ask questions at any point, but I also liked the freedom that you were permitted throughout. The group tour made boarder crossings seamless and the whole process felt easy - there was never one hiccup. As a solo female traveller, I felt safe throughout, and I cannot recommend Central America enough - the people, the food, the sun and the activities were just amazing :) Can't wait to book my next adventure soon! ...more ...less

V Open (Google Reviewer)  

I have just come back...

26-Oct-2022

I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic. ...more ...less

Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

03-Jun-2024

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong ...more ...less

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X ...more ...less

Nicole  

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12-Oct-2021

This was my first international solo trip, but I never felt “alone” - there was always someone to go shopping, hike, or grab a quick bite with. The itinerary was a great balance between organized activities, while still allowing free time for exploring. Each location was unique and charming in its own way. Spending the night in the holy city of Moulay Idriss and wandering the winding streets of Chefchaouen were especially memorable. Thank you Mustapha and Intrepid for an incredible adventure! ...more ...less

Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

I have just completed a...

29-Feb-2024

I have just completed a 12 day food tour of Vietnam, and had an amazing time. Our tour leader was great, knowledgeable and kind, who helped throughout the trip with recommendations for places on our free days, and spas. All the food we tried was delicious. It is a very fast paced tour, and Bon tried to maximise our experiences for the best. ...more ...less

Lisa Hosking (Google Reviewer)  

Just got back from Southern...

06-Feb-2025

Just got back from Southern India and I have to say our guide was great! Greeted by Sebi’s lovely smile each morning. His knowledge was great and his interpersonal skills were amazing! Managed the group well and took great care of us all! Thank you!

Henry Guy Robinson   United Kingdom

Cambodia Discovery

22-Jan-2024

The overall experience was fantastic. V good tour leader. All places visited had something special to do or see. I would book a tour with this company again. Only one negative tour hub is not I repeat not available to contact direct by phone.

D' ARTICULATE (Google Reviewer)  

They offer some great deals...

11-Jan-2025

They offer some great deals and group travel itineraries without the flights but will include them if needed by the traveller ; leaving one to choose a more personal holiday stance or exploration & time schedule too. Neat!

1 Select your preferred date

Tuesday - Thursday

Feb 18, 2025 - Feb 20, 2025
$625 (USD)

Thursday - Saturday

Feb 20, 2025 - Feb 22, 2025
$625 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Chiang Mai & Golden Triangle

3 Days Starting and ending in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Visiting: Doi Mae Salong, Golden Triangle, Chiang Mai

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

TTAG

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

5-99

Tour operated in:

English
From: $625 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 12-Feb-2025 but subject to change.

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