The Northern Loop

Welcome to Chiang Mai Airport or Train Station with transfer to your hotel where you can drop off your belongings before the start of the tour.

We then head to the outskirts of the city to discover the magnificent temple of Doi Suthep, located in the mountains at 1200m altitude. On the way, a stop at Wat Phalat temple. Day accompanied by a local English-speaking guide.

We settle for the night at De Lanna Hotel in a Deluxe room

In the company of your guide, you take a detour through the Warorot market, where you can find all sorts of specialties from northern Thailand, such as Sai Ua (northern sausage), Moo Yo (traditional Vietnamese pork sausage), Nam Phrik Num (northern green chili paste) and dried fruits, among other delights. In addition to local food, the market also offers clothing, ceramics, fabrics, embroidery tools, flowers, and much more.

Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, you head to the outskirts of the city to discover the magnificent Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, located in the mountains at 1200m altitude.

This superb Buddhist temple invites you to devout meditation in an atmosphere steeped in silence and mysticism, where every stone, every statue, every step reveals an aspect of Buddhism. Along the way, stop at the temple Wat Pha Lat.

This morning, heading to Lampang, a small town in the north renowned for its ceramics.

At the destination, we visit the Baan Sao Nak House, dating from the late 19th century. With a Thai-Burmese style, this structure entirely made of teak wood rests on 116 pillars. Its museum displays various objects from daily life in the north of the country. A real journey through time

And if it interests us, along the river a few beautiful teak mansions that belonged to Burmese merchants who traded teak last century. There is notably the Lampang station with very classic 19th century architecture.

Walking tour in the old Kad Kong Ta street where we have beautiful teak houses and notably the Moung Ngwe Zin house. Visit of the magnificent temple Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao, from the 15th century.

We continue this northern epic heading towards Phrae, a small town still little known to tourists. On the way, a stop at Khun Bom's, where we will be initiated into traditional instruments of northern Thailand, with the making of a bamboo flute. At destination, visit of the Vongbury house, colonial style dating from the late 19th century.

Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide. Night at the Hug Inn Phrae Hotel in a standard room.

In the morning, we head to a traditional indigo dyeing workshop, typical of the "Mo Hom" region. Assisted by Khun Paniam, we will get our hands dirty (possibility to dye of your choice earrings, T-shirt, dress, hat... to be chosen on site, not included).

15km from Nan, we make a detour through the village of weavers Ban Sao Luang, observation of the weaving craft, and the patterns representative of the locality.

In Nan, visit local craftsmanship: Shops and traditional silver jewelry workshop (Lung Boon Chai and others) Textile shops And a good number of magnificent old houses made of teak wood.

In the evening, (depending on weekend date) possibility to go to 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 hotel in deluxe room.

This morning, at 09:00 if not done the day before, visit of a few temples, notably such as Wat Phumin, which is enhanced by its murals. Possibility to take the bicycles made available, and visit the city in cruise mode. Also, a detour to a traditional wooden house, which once belonged to Thai nobility. Visit of its associated museum.

Then drive (30 km) in the valley in the Tha Wang Pah region for the Thai-lue weaver village of Ban Nong Bua; some of the village's old houses are magnificently preserved; the Wat Nong Bua temple is a superb ancient temple of Thai-lue style as well.

We continue our journey towards Pua, via the small town of Boklua, specialized in salt extraction. (if the season allows us, we will be able to witness this activity) We take a mountain road. View of the rice paddies. Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide.

Night at the Cocoa Valley Resort in Cocoa Blue room on the terrace side

Early morning wake-up to observe the magnificent sunrise from the resort. Then, after breakfast, at 08:30 departure for the Chiang Kham region. We take a mountain road, with beautiful viewpoints over the valley we leave behind. Upon arrival, visit of the Nantaram temple of Shan (Burmese) style in teak wood.

We plan a relatively early lunch, to arrive at the hotel around noon. At 13:00, we depart with our "local guide" for an afternoon of cycling to discover the surroundings of the locality. Vehicle assistance if needed. Return to the resort for dinner (included). Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide. We stay at the Rico Resort.

Departure at 09h30 following the valley, at the foot of the Phu Chi Fa hills and the entire mountain range between 1700 and 2000m altitude, which form the border with Laos along the entire North-east part of the country. It is essential to arrive at the resort in the middle of the afternoon in order to enjoy the place and settle in before nightfall (around 18h): sunset over the Mekong, breathtaking views.

Then, drive towards the Mekong River and the Golden Triangle, the point of convergence of Thai, Burmese and Laotian borders, drive along the banks of the Mekong. Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide

We resume our journey at 09:00.

Return to Chiang Rai, with a stop at the residence of painter Tawan Dachanee (also called ''black house''), the most famous (contemporary) painter of Thailand. Then, visit the extraordinary Wat Rong Khun "white temple", a contemporary creation by one of the most famous Thai artists in the country: Chalermchai Kositpipat. In reality, while the site imitates the appearance of a religious complex, its purpose is quite different: the nine buildings house extraordinary works of art, from statues of Buddha in meditation to pop culture idols like Michael Jackson, passing through murals that celebrate the doctrines of Theravada Buddhism. Its immaculate white color gives the building a unique and surprising charm..

Continuation to Wat Rong Sua Ten, known as the "blue temple", a work by the disciple of architect Chalermchai. You will observe sculptures of Buddha in lotus position as well as figures of demons, legendary nagas half man and half serpent, paintings illustrating events from the earthly life of Gautama. Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide. 3 nights at Laluna Hotel & Resort.

Visit to the remarkable Opium Museum a modern museum built on a hillside overlooking the Mekong Valley. Through immersive and documented exhibitions, the site traces the history of the opium trade in Asia, the influence of the Golden Triangle and the economic and social consequences linked to this cultivation. A fascinating visit that allows you to better understand the complex history of this border region.

From the small local port, we board a water taxi for approximately one hour of navigation on the Mekong waters, offering beautiful panoramas of the villages and landscapes bordering the river.

We then continue our journey along the banks to a viewpoint overlooking the Mekong and the impressive casino complex with Sino-Roman style built on the Laotian bank.

We return to Chiang Rai, with a stop at the Tawan Dachanee Residence (also called ''Black House''), the most famous (contemporary) painter in Thailand.

Upon arriving in Chiang Rai, discover the extraordinary Wat Rong Khun, better known as the "White Temple". Created by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, this site blends Buddhist architecture and contemporary art through surprising frescoes and numerous symbols inspired by Buddhism and popular culture. Its dazzling white color gives it an almost surreal atmosphere.

Continuation towards the Wat Rong Sua Ten, the famous "blue temple", designed by a disciple of Chalermchai. Its deep blue hues, its naga sculptures and its immense Buddha give it an atmosphere that is both mystical and modern.

Early morning departure to a village in Mae Chan district to discover rural life.

You will be welcomed by the lady of the house who will offer you tea and introduce you to her veritable Noah's ark of all the animals she and her husband have been able to rescue for over twenty years.

Among them are 3 elephants who have found here an ideal refuge to live in complete peace. You will learn more about their lives, and will be able to feed them before setting off in their company and that of their Mahout for a walk in the surrounding jungle where the pachyderms will continue to feed.

Lunch of Karen specialties by a small lake, with the possibility of a short bamboo raft ride on the water.

Back at the camp, we finally witness the bathing of the elephants.

Your driver takes you to the airport for your return flight to Bangkok or the islands.

We wish you a wonderful rest of your stay.