🚗 Self-Drive Tour in the Heart of Northern Thailand – Between Mountains, Craftsmanship and Northern Ethnic Groups

This morning, meet at the car rental agency to pick up your vehicle at 8:00 AM.

Head to Lampang, a charming small town in the north renowned for its ceramics.

Start your day at the Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, one of Thailand's best-preserved wooden temples. It stands out for its remarkable ancient architecture and its layout respecting the principles of Buddhist cosmology. A true gem of Thai heritage, this sacred site bears witness to a rich history and exceptional architectural expertise.

Along the river, treat yourself to a stroll to admire superb teak houses formerly inhabited by Burmese teak merchants.

The Lampang railway station, with its classic architectural style from the last century, is also worth a visit.

Then, head towards the magnificent temple Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao the former guardian of the Emerald Buddha.

Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao is, beyond its religious function, a historical and architectural icon from the 15th century of the city of Lampang.

Continue your exploration with a walk down the old Kad Kong Ta street, lined with teak houses, including the remarkable Moung Ngwe Zin house that you can observe.

Open only on Saturdays and Sundays.

In the afternoon, your Nordic epic continues towards Phrae, a small town still preserved from mass tourism.

Visit the music workshop in Phrae for a tour and a show!

Upon your arrival in Phrae, end the day with a visit to Vongbury house, an elegant colonial residence from the late 19th century.

Night at Hug Inn Phrae Hotel in a standard room.

Visit a local workshop specializing in indigo dyeing, iconic to the region. You will be introduced to the artisanal techniques of this natural dye.

You will be able to dye an accessory or garment of your choice on site (earrings, t-shirt, dress, hat, etc. – to be chosen on site, not included).

Continuation towards Nan province. On the road to Nan, a recommended stop (weather and heat permitting) at the geological site of Phae Muang Phi, nicknamed "the city of ghosts".

This mysterious place offers a striking setting of rock formations sculpted by erosion, evoking fairy chimneys.

About 15 km from Nan, a detour to this village recognized for its textile craftsmanship.

Discover traditional looms and patterns specific to this community. A wonderful encounter with local weavers.

In the city, discover local craftsmanship:

• Silver jewelry workshops and shops (notably at Lung Boon Chai)

• Superb old teak wood houses, elegant remnants of Nan's past

In the evening, (depending on weekend date) possibility to visit the night market in the city center.

Nan being a "trendy" destination for Thais (and little known to foreigners)

Night at Khum Muang Min Boutique in a deluxe room.

Start your day by visiting some of the most beautiful temples in the city, including the must-see Wat Phumin famous for its magnificent murals depicting daily life and local legends.

Bicycles are available for a leisurely city tour at your own pace.

Continue with the discovery of a traditional wooden house, formerly the residence of a noble family.

This elegant building now houses a small museum retracing the life of Nan's elite from the last century.

Take the road to reach the Tha Wang Pha valley and the Thai-Lue village of Baan Nong Bua, renowned for its textile craftsmanship.

• Observe traditional looms and the unique patterns of the region

• Admire the village's old houses, beautifully preserved

• Visit the Wat Nong Bua, a superb Thai-Lue style temple

The day continues along the mountain road leading to Pua, with a stop at the small town of Boklua, known for its artisanal salt extraction.

If the season permits, you will be able to observe this ancestral know-how in action.

Take advantage of the journey to admire superb landscapes of rice fields and lush valleys, offering total immersion in rural northern Thailand.

Night at the hotel Cocoa Valley Resort in a Cocoa Blue room with terrace view

Early morning wake-up to admire a magnificent sunrise from your resort, offering a panoramic view over the valley still wrapped in mist.

After breakfast, departure for the Chiang Kham region by taking a scenic mountain road, punctuated with viewpoints over the valleys you leave behind.

Visit to Wat Nantaram, a superb teak wood temple built in Shan (Burmese) style.

Its sculpted finishes and peaceful atmosphere make it one of the city's must-see sites.

In the afternoon, depart with your local English-speaking guide for a bike ride through the countryside of Chiang Kham, discovering the surrounding villages and landscapes.

Return to the resort for dinner (included).

Activity booked with the hotel (Rico Resort).

We settle in at Rico Resort.

Morning departure along the valley, at the foot of the hills of Phu Chi Fah, peaking between 1,700 and 2,000 m in altitude, forming the natural border with Laos.

Enjoy spectacular viewpoints over the mountain range that stretches to the northeast of the country.

In the afternoon or evening, head to the Mekong River and the Golden Triangle, the famous meeting point of Thai, Burmese and Laotian borders.

The scenic road along the riverbanks offers a journey between nature and history, in the heart of a region marked by river culture and cross-border exchanges.

Once back at the car, departure for a visit to the Opium Museum, beautifully integrated into the hillside overlooking the Mekong Valley.

This captivating museum traces the complex history of the opium trade in the Golden Triangle and the region's conversion efforts.

We will head to the city of Chiang Rai in the late afternoon.

Nights at Nak Nakara Hotel in a Lanna room.

Across from this hotel is the historic site where the great Emerald Buddha was discovered, now located in Bangkok. A historic place often forgotten, but which traces the mystery of the Emerald Buddha!

Early departure towards the heights of Doi Chang, famous for its coffee plantations nestled in the heart of the Chiang Rai mountains.

Discover the complete journey of Thai coffee, from grain cultivation to final tasting.

Accompanied by locals from the local tribal communities, you will walk through the fields, observe the artisanal methods of grain processing and share an authentic moment of exchange.

Then, we will return to the city to visit the iconic Wat Rong Khun, nicknamed the White Temple, a spectacular work by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat.

Beneath the appearance of a traditional temple, this place is actually an extraordinary artistic complex:

• Immaculate architecture

• Buddha statues, figures from pop culture (Michael Jackson, Superman…)

• Murals combining Buddhist spirituality and contemporary visions

Last cultural stop at Wat Rong Sua Ten, nicknamed the Blue Temple, a work by Chalermchai's disciple.

Admire its vibrant tones, Buddha sculptures in lotus position, nagas that are half-man half-serpent, as well as murals retracing the life of Gautama Buddha in a deeply immersive style.

Continuation towards the Doi Tung Royal Villa, former residence of the Princess Mother, built in 1987.

This superb building blends traditional Lanna architecture with the elegance of Swiss chalets.

Stroll through the Mae Fah Luang Gardens, a landscaped garden, rich in flowers, sculptures and panoramic mountain views.

Take your car for a splendid journey through the winding mountains of the north, to Mae Salong, a former Chinese refugee village that has become Thailand's tea capital.

Along the way:

• Visit the village of Santikiri, founded by former members of the Kuomintang (KMT), exiled after the Chinese civil war

• Stop at the famous Tea Plantation 101: tasting and a stroll through the fields

• Explore small local shops selling oolong tea, honey and handcrafted souvenirs

Night at Wata Khiri in deluxe room with mountain view. A magnificent hotel in the heart of the plantations.

Then take the mountain road to Tha Ton, a charming village located near the Burmese border which, with its hill tribes, picturesque guesthouses and its unique setting on the banks of the Kok River, has all the assets to seduce you.

The road to get there is equally sumptuous, with its valleys, hills and verdant rice paddies succeeding one another as far as the eye can see.

Upon your arrival, you will meet your local guide for a day of immersion in nature and Karen traditions.

On the program:

• Crossing isolated Karen villages

• Discovery of their culture, spirituality and architecture

• Preparation of a traditional meal in the heart of the forest, cooked in banana leaves or bamboo

• Stroll through plains and forest

Night at Maekok River Village Resort in a double room.

This morning, head towards Chiang Dao, a small jewel of the north nestled at the foot of a majestic mountain. Take time to visit the Wat Tham Chiang Dao, a unique spiritual complex combining:

• Sacred caves adorned with Buddha statues

• Small temples built against the rock

Arrival in Chiang Dao, we visit the village of Chiang Dao and its hot springs!

Enjoy the rest of your free day strolling through nature and visiting the surroundings of Chiang Dao, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and magnificent landscapes.

Night at DaraDao

In the morning, head to an elephant sanctuary nestled in the tropical forest, approximately 1 hour's drive north of Chiang Mai, in the Mae Taeng valley.

Upon arrival, a short walk will take you to the heart of the center, where you will prepare fruit to feed the pachyderms.

Respectful and ethical encounter with elephants:

• Hand feeding

• Free interaction time in a natural environment

• Observation of their behavior, with explanations from an English-speaking guide

• Participation in bathing in the river and brushing the elephants

Group activity accompanied by an English-speaking guide

Return of your rental vehicle upon your arrival in the city.

End of your self-drive tour – Thank you for your trust, and see you soon for a new adventure in Thailand!