Bangkok and Highlands Loop 11 Days / 10 Nights

Experience Bangkok and the best of northern Thailand in this enlightening tour through one of the Asia's most enchanting Buddhist kingdoms.

Duration: 11 days/10 nights

Tour Code: MTHL05

Tour Valid: Until December 30th, 2013

Highlights: Bangkok - Chiang Rai - Golden Triangle - Doi Tung - Mae Salong - Chiang Dao - Pai - Mae Hong Son - Doi Inthanon - Chiang Mai

• Day 1 - Arrival in Bangkok

  Place Transport: Airplane->Car
  Meals:

  Upon arrival in Bangkok, you will be welcomed by your guide and taken to the elegant Siam Heritage.
  Stay overnight in Bangkok.

  Day 2 - Bangkok

  Place Transport: Car->Boat
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

  Today, get into the spiritual heart of Bangkok at Wat Po and admire the majestic reclining Buddha in the temple compounds. Be awed by the grandeur of the highly revered Emerald Buddha in Grand Palace, the cultural icon of Bangkok.
  In the afternoon, experience a first-hand feel of 'old Bangkok' at Chinatown that is replete with interesting shops, markets and temples before visiting the Bangkok Folk Museum. Learn about the traditional riverine lifestyles of Thailand as you gently cruise along the bustling Chao Phraya River and quiet klongs (canals) on a long-tailed boat to Thonburi before stopping by the iconic Wat Arun or Temple of Dawn.
  Stay overnight in Bangkok.

  Day 3 - Bangkok - Chiang Rai

  Place Transport: Airplane->Car->Boat
  Meals: Breakfast

  Spend time at your own leisure in Bangkok until your flight transfer to Chiang Rai. Transfer to Laluna Hotel and Resort upon arrival.
  Stay overnight in Golden Triangle.

  Day 4 - Chiang Rai - Golden Triangle

  Place Transport: Car->Boat
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

  Today, capture the cultural highlights of Chiang Rai as you explore the town on a samlow (rickshaw) to King Meng Rai Monument, the market, Wat Phra Kaew and Hilltribe Museum. Bear testimony to the unique “kanok” architecture at Wat Rong Khun, a predominantly white contemporary Thai temple before departing for the Golden Triangle area. At Chiang Saen, we will take you to see the magnificent ruins and temples by the steep banks of Mekong River. Sail along the stately river on a long-tailed boat to the Hall of Opium where you can learn about the history of opium and its associated problems in the region. Stay overnight in Golden Triangle.
  Transfer distance / duration: 60 km / 1h

  Day 5 - Golden Triangle - Mae Sai - Doi Tung - Mae Salong - Thaton

  Place Transport: Car
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

  After breakfast, depart for the bustling trading town of Mae Sai at the northernmost borders between Thailand and Burma. Enjoy a panoramic drive up the mountains to Doi Tung region where you will be taken to several royalty-led initiatives such as Doi Tung Development Project, Mae Fah Luang Gardens and Doi Tung Temple, to discover the local crafts of making mulberry paper, pottery and weaving.
  At Mae Salong, learn about the captivating and poignant history of the Kuomintang (anti-Communist) soldiers and their families who re-settled in Thailand from Yunnan. Nestled in the high mountains, the Chinese-influenced town is renowned for its coffee, tea and wine.
  Stay overnight in Thaton.
  Transfer distance / duration: 150 km/3h

  Day 6 - Thaton - Chiang Dao - Pai

  Place Transport: Car->Elephant
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

  Today, head out to the Chiang Dao Young Elephants Training Camp where you will experience elephant riding and trekking in a natural forest setting. Observe the merriment of these gentle giants as they frolic in water and witness their skilled displays of traditional prowess in the forest. Indulge in the natural beauty of Mok Fah Waterfall and Pong Duad Hotspring en route to Pai.
  Stay overnight in Pai.
  Transfer distance / duration: 200 km / 4-5h

  Day 7 - Pai - Tham Lod - Mae Hong Son

  Place Transport: Car
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

  At Soppong, visit Tham Lod which houses some of the most impressive limestone caves in Southeast Asia. With your local guide, explore the dark caverns on foot and float on a bamboo raft as you listen and smell the bats overhead.
  At Tam Pla, be fascinated by the Phluang fish that litter the creeks of the cave. Upon arrival in Mae Hong Son, revel in the Burmese architectural styles of Wat Chong Klang and Wat Chong Kham.
  Stay overnight in Mae Hong Son.
  Transfer distance / duration: 130 km / 3h

  Day 8 - Mae Hong Son - Khun Yuam - Mae Chaem

  Place Transport: Car->Boat
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

  In the morning, enjoy a pleasant drive through the mountains to Huai Dua before gently cruising along Pai River to Baan Nam Piang Din village at the Thai-Burma borders.
  On your way back, gain an insight into the colorful hill tribe culture at the long-necked Karen village. Peek into history at the World War II Museum, which houses an assortment of historical items left behind by the Japanese soldiers during the war before observing the deft weaving skills of local artisans at Mae Chaem.
  Stay overnight in Mae Chaem.
  Transfer distance / duration: 200 km/4-5h

  Day 9 - Mae Chaem - Doi Inthanon - Chiang Mai

  Place Transport: Car
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

  Today, we will lead you up to Doi Inthanon Park, which is home to Thailand's highest peak at 8514 feet and a treasure trove of bird species. At the summit, visit the shrine of Chao Inthawitchayanon, the former prince of Chiang Mai before stopping at Wat Phrathad Chom Thong with its holy relic and ancient treasures. Embrace the invigorating mountain air as you embark on a short trek along Michael's Trail.
  Stay overnight in Chiang Mai.
  Transfer distance / duration: 160 km/3-4h

  Day 10 - Chiang Mai

  Place Transport: Car
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

  Experience the strong cultural personality of Chiang Mai as you visit temples such as Wat Suan Dok, Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang in an ancient city encircled by old crumbling walls and gates.
  Gain an insight into the less privileged lives in Thailand at Baan Kingkaew Orphanage which offers a refuge for 50 orphans. At Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, revel in the stunning overview of the city from Chiangmai's iconic temple landmark in the mountains. Ramble along the mountain treks in a “songtaew”, a local mode of transport, to Chiang Khien Coffee Research Project followed by a visit to a white Hmong village.
  Stay overnight in Chiang Mai.

  Day 11 - Chiang Mai Depature

  Place Transport: Car->Airplane
  Meals: Breakfast

  Stroll and explore Chiang Mai city before transferring to the airport for your departure flight.

  The Tour Inclusion:

  - 10 Nights Accommodation in deluxe twin / double room view with daily BKF.

  - Pick-ups and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle as specified in the itinerary above.
  
  - Boat as indicated in the itinerary.
  
  - Domestic flight tickets as indicated in the itinerary.
  
  - The services of experienced English-speaking guides as indicated in the itinerary.

  - Where necessary, entry fees for all visits as mentioned in the program.

  - Lunches and dinners (as specified in the itinerary) in the best local restaurants, or picnics where no suitable restaurant is available.

  The Tour Exclusion:

  - Visas on arrival

  - International flight tickets and airport tax.

  - Dinners, except as specified above.

  - Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses.

  
  

  
  

  - Travel insurance 

  
  

  - Surcharge for peak season (if any) & other not mentioned in the above detail program.

  Additional Information

  Importance note
  - The itinerary is just a sample of our Thailand tours; we'll be pleased to design similar programs with dates and itinerary customized to your personal preferences in Tailor Made Tours section. Rates may vary frequently. Please contact us to get the best possible price based upon your travel period and specific touring needs.
  
  What to bring?
  - Sun Block, Wide brim hat, Camera + Film, Comfortable shoes, Rain gear, Warm clothes, original Passport...
  
  How to start?
  - MinMax Travel is a fully escorted tour and best-available all year round; the only thing you need to prepare in advance is the international air-ticket from/to your country.
  - If you don’t have enough time to complete visa before your departure, we will help you to obtain Thailand Visa on arrival easily (getting visa at the airport, on your arrival).