Northern Thailand Discovery
Overview
Uncover the hidden treasures and cultural heart of Thailand on our 8-day Northern Thailand Discovery tour. This private, meticulously crafted itinerary takes you on a magnificent journey from the serene landscapes of Chiang Rai to the mountainous beauty of Mae Salong, and the vibrant cultural center of Chiang Mai. You will explore ancient temples, trek through stunning national parks, visit traditional hill tribe villages, and cruise along the Mae Kok River, all while experiencing the rich history and unique traditions of the north. While our program is expertly curated, we specialize in tailor-made travel, so we'll customize any aspect to create your perfect journey.
Trip map
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Highlight
- Explore Chiang Rai & the Golden Triangle – Visit the iconic White Temple, Blue Temple, and the historic region where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet.
- Elephant Trekking & Mae Kok River Cruise – Enjoy a unique elephant experience and a scenic river cruise through lush landscapes.
- Mae Salong & Chiang Saen – Discover the Chinese-influenced tea plantations of Mae Salong and the ancient ruins of Chiang Saen.
- Cultural Immersion in Chiang Mai – Explore the historic Old City, visit Doi Suthep Temple, and engage in a hands-on Thai cooking class.
- Mae Ping River Cruise – A relaxing boat ride through Chiang Mai’s scenic countryside, offering glimpses of local life along the riverbanks.
- Doi Inthanon National Park – Trek to Thailand’s highest peak, explore stunning waterfalls, and visit the famous twin pagodas.
- Diverse Landscapes & Local Traditions – Experience the beauty of Thailand’s northern countryside, interact with ethnic hill tribes, and savor authentic Northern Thai cuisine.
Detailed Itinerary
Welcome to Chiang Rai, Thailand.
Get picked up and transferred to the hotel for check-in.
Spend the remainder of your day to relax or strolling around the surroundings to have a taste of the city.
Overnight in Chiang Rai
Inclusions: Private airport pick-up/ Tour guide/ Hotel accommodation
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Start the day with a visit to a local market and have an overview of Chiang Rai's local products and specialties. After that, take go to visit the world famous Wat Phra Kaew where the Emerald Buddha image was once enshrined. Move on to Wat Phra Singh where one of Thailand’s most beautiful Buddha images is now enshrined. A short drive take you to the Black House. Baan Dam (Black House) is the unique creation of national artist, Thawan Duchanee. Part art studio, part museum, part home, Baan Dam is an eclectic mix of traditional northern Thai buildings interspersed with some outlandish modern designs. Lunch on your own and afternoon we will take on our boat cruise on Mae Kok river from Chiang Rai to Karen village where you can watch elephants or feed them. Transfer back to Chiang Rai to end the day.
Overnight in Chiang Rai
Inclusions: Breakfast, lunch/ Private vehicle/ Entrance fees/ Boat ride/ Tour guide/ Hotel accommodation
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After breakfast, take the morning drive further north to Mae Salong. The scenery along the drive is beautiful. In Mae Salong, take climb up and down the green hills, covered with tea plantations. You will taste the delicious tea produced by one of the many plantations of the region. From Doi Mae Salong, you will visit two villages of ethnic minorities: the village Akah of Loyo, and the village Lisu of Ban Hanygo. Afterwards, continue to visit the Mae Fah Luang botanical garden. On arrival in Golden Triangle, take boat trip on Mekong River to see Thailand, Burma & Laos triangle. At the end of the day check-in your hotel in Chiang Saen.
Overnight in Chiang Saen
Inclusions: Breakfast, lunch/ Private vehicle/ Entrance fees/ Boat ride/Tour guide/ Hotel accommodation
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After breakfast, you will leave the hotel for Thaton. You will make a stop on the way to the village of Patai to meet the tribe of Padong Karen, famous for its women "giraffes" who wear copper rings around their neck to lengthen it. You will then discover a traditional Chinese medicine pharmacy where an expert will explain the use of herbs, roots, plants and ointments.
In the afternoon, take the road to Chiang Mai, the capital of the North, and stop for a walk in the maze of underground galleries in Chiang Dao. Arrive in Chiang Mai, check-in and stay for the night.
Overnight in Chiang Mai
Inclusions: Breakfast, lunch/ Private vehicle/ Entrance fees/ Tour guide/ Hotel accommodation
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Today morning, after breakfast, embark on a walking tour to the old town with a stop at the old wall, the moat and a door of the old town. You will see the most beautiful temples of Chiang Mai: Wat Phra Singh temple. Built in Lanna style architecture. Known as “The Monastery of the Lion Buddha’. The next is Wat Phan Tao and followed by Wat Chedi Luang. Then you will stroll along small streets lined with traditional houses, where you will take a rickshaw tour. After that, you will take a walk through the central market of Warorot, which is a great spot for travelers wanting to experience the true Thai culture and daily life.
In the afternoon, visit the Doi Suthep hill. The mountain's temple is one of the most historically and spiritually significant places in Thailand.
Overnight in Chiang Mai
Inclusions: Breakfast, lunch/ Private vehicle/ Entrance fees/ Tour guide/ Hotel accommodation
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This morning, after breakfast, pick up and transfer you to Asian Scenic cooking class where you will learn how to cook 5 dishes of Thai foods. You may cook curry paste, curry, spring rolls, and 2 more dishes from 2 categories that you have to agree with the people in the class. In the Afternoon, take two-hour boat trip along the Mae Ping River. The cruise is an excellent way to spend today's afternoon watching the scenery along the cruise. You will also get to see many beautiful traditional teak houses as well as a lot of rural greenery along the way. Picked up and get back to the hotel. The remainder of the day is yours.
Overnight in Chiang Mai
Inclusions: Breakfast, lunch/ Private vehicle/ Entrance fees/ Boat ride/Tour guide/ Hotel accommodation
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It will take approximately 2 hours to the highest peak of Thailand – Doi Inthanon National Park from Chiang Mai. On arrival, spend 2-3 hours trekking through the jungle following a narrow mountain trail which leads you to a stunning hidden waterfall in the middle of lush jungle. Before reaching the Pagagayaw Karen hill tribe village, you will pass through the farmland where you are able to see the coffee plantation, flower farm and the beautiful rice terraces. Discover the Pagagayaw Karen hill tribe village and taste a cup of locally grown coffee then move on to Vachiratharn Waterfall, a 70 meters high thunderous waterfall. Enjoy the cool fresh air at the waterfall before continuing back to the ground. Afterward you will visit the beautiful architecture of Napamaytanidol Chidi and Phra Mahathat Napaphon Bhumisiri which build to honor the 60th birthday of King Bhumipol and Queen Sirikit. Then transfer back to Chiang Mai.
Overnight in Chiang Mai
Inclusions: Breakfast, lunch/ Private vehicle/ Entrance fees/ Tour guide/ Hotel accommodation
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Having your breakfast at the hotel as usual. Today's last visit take you to Elephant Poo poo paper farm which is an eco-friendly, naturally built, outdoor museum park that introduces and explains the unique steps involved in making our much talked about paper products from elephant poop fibers! Eight pavilions in Elephant Poopoo Park Chiang Mai will introduce you to know the procedure from elephant poo to final paper product. Additionally, you will have chance to practice making poopoo paper. Exciting!
In the afternoon, get transferred to the airport for your international flight home or continuing your trip with other interesting Custom Asia Travel's destinations.
Inclusions: Breakfast/ Airport transfers/ Tour guide/ Hotel accommodation
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FAQS
Absolutely! This itinerary is a suggested travel idea designed to inspire your journey. It serves as a starting point and can be fully customized to match your interests, schedule, and preferences. Whether you'd like to adjust the activities, include additional destinations, or tailor the pace of the trip, we're here to create a personalized experience just for you. Let us know what you're looking for, and we’ll craft an itinerary that perfectly fits your vision.
A private tour means your journey is exclusively yours. You'll have your own professional guide and private vehicle, giving you the freedom to travel at your own pace. You can linger longer at spots you love, make spontaneous stops for photos, and enjoy an experience built entirely around your interests, not a fixed group schedule.
Yes, absolutely! We specialize in creating personalized journeys for solo travelers, couples, families, and small groups of friends. As a solo traveler, your itinerary is tailored completely to you. A single supplement fee may apply for accommodation, but we will always work to find the best options for your needs.
We offer a wide range of accommodations to suit your style, from charming boutique hotels and eco-lodges to luxury resorts. To ensure maximum flexibility, we don't specify hotels in our sample itineraries. Your travel expert will suggest carefully selected options in your proposal, and we are happy to adjust them based on your preferences.