Insider's Thailand

Arrive Chiang Mai, evening street food tour

On arrival in Chiang Mai, Thailand, you'll be met by your private guide, who will accompany you to your hotel. Your day is at leisure until early evening, when your guide will meet you for an evening spent sampling Chiang Mai’s streetfood in a local market. The variety on offer can be overwhelming, and you’ll be navigating some incredibly tempting smells! Our favourite dishes include Pad Thai, deep fried taro & noodle soup, khao soi (a popular northern Thai curry), kanom krok (coconut pudding) and sweet mango with sticky rice, but you guide will introduce you to many local dishes, and teach you how to order. Once you’ve made your selection, pick a seat and sit back to savour the flavours, not to mention the atmosphere.

Cycling tour of Wiang Khum Kham & Ban Tawai

Hop on two wheels this morning for a leisurely cycle ride to explore the ruins of the former Lanna capital. Dating back to the 13th century, Wiang Khum Kham was only discovered and excavated in the 1980s, having been completely buried after years of flooding from the nearby Ping River. So far the unearthed sites include sections of the old city walls, inscribed stone slabs, and several brick temples, but archaeologists believe there could well be more sites lying buried under the gardens and houses of this residential suburb. The ancient city covered a vast area, and the sites are quite spread out, hence the bicycles. Explore the ruins before heading out to cycle through a rural landscape of traditional teak houses and rice plantations on the way to Ban Tawai, one of the largest handicraft markets in Thailand. Whether or not you're in the mood to shop, it's an interesting place to wander around, with an incredible range of handicrafts and artisanal creations on show. Cycle back along the Ping River to your driver, who’ll take you back to town.

Relax & explore

Your day will be at leisure to explore Chiang Mai's temples, visit the town's eateries or simply relax.

Drive to Fang via Chiang Dao Caves & Hot Springs

Head north from Chiang Mai towards the Myanmar border, stopping en route at the impressive Chiang Dao cave complex to explore its dark tunnels, and at Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park for a dip (if you wish) in its famous hot springs, which bubble up from the granite far below. In Fang, you'll be staying at the charming Phumanee Lahu Hotel, family-run property with a fascinating history, where you can learn about the family’s inspirational endeavours, which have won the support of the King of Thailand himself.

Immerse yourself in Lahu village life

Head for the hills - and Thailand’s northernmost national park - in a 4WD vehicle, which will carry you steadily uphill and deep into the forest. The final part of your journey will be on foot, following a jungle trail which looks out over lush green surroundings. Your destination is a remote Lahu village, 1,300 metres above sea level. Its fascinating back story involves several visits from the Thai King, and the eradication of opium - but we’ll leave that one to the guide to explain! Meet one of the friendly village residents, and learn how the villagers make a living through the organic cultivation of tea (a far cry from the opium crops they were previously involved in). Try your hand at tea-picking, before sharing a traditional home-cooked lunch in one of the houses. This is an ideal opportunity to chat with your host, with your guide translating as you learn more about life in the village. Complete your visit with a demonstration of bamboo basket weaving; you can try it if you wish, but be warned - it's harder than it looks! After a short trek through the jungle to see a spectacular waterfall, drive back into town in time to freshen up before dinner.

Longtail boat cruise, then drive to Chiang Rai

Leave Fang for Chiang Rai, stopping en route at Tha Ton, a small town with a relaxed vibe on the banks of the Kok River. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before boarding a longtail boat for a gentle cruise along the wonderfully scenic river, stopping to visit a couple of thatched-hut villages on the riverbanks. Disembark for the final drive to Chiang Rai, through typically picturesque Northern Thailand scenery. Just north of the city, pause at Baan Dam: also known as the Black House, this unusual art installation showcases the unique work of local artist Thawan Duchanee. Expect sculptures made from cow horn, buffalo bones, rock and stone, alongside African masks and Lanna woodcraft, all housed in Lanna-style pavilions made from black wood. Once you reach Chiang Rai, the remainder of your day will be at leisure.

Explore the Golden Triangle region

Head deep into the Golden Triangle to visit Doi Tung, close to the Myanmar border, for a fascinating insight into life in this remote area, whilst enjoying spectacular scenery of paddy fields ranged against a mountainous backdrop. Spend the morning learning about the Doi Tung Development Project, established to help eradicate the cultivation of opium in the area, and to encourage local farmers in their use of sustainable agriculture. Pause to view the beautifully landscaped Mae Fah Luang Gardens, before walking up the winding road to a beautiful hilltop temple, for outstanding views of the valley below. Head on to the Royal Handicraft Centre, which creates opportunities for farming families to earn additional income, by preserving traditional Thai crafts. Swing by Mae Sai, the northernmost point of Thailand, en route to an ancient riverside town with views into Laos, where you’ll board a local boat for the short ride to where the Mekong and Ruak Rivers form the 'triangle' for which this region is named.

Elephant Valley Project

Spend a fantastic day at Elephant Valley, Chiang Rai’s first elephant sanctuary. Spread over 40 acres of prime elephant habitat, the project is (currently) home to four former Mae Sot elephant ‘loggers’. Closely modelled on the practises and ideas of the renowned Elephant Valley Project in Cambodia, the sanctuary puts elephant care and conservation at the heart of its ethos. There's no riding, tricks or shows; the elephants are free to wander and graze, break down trees, and play in the mud. It’s a unique chance to experience these amazing animals up close. You'll meet the elephants, and spend the morning learning about each individual by observing them in their natural habitat. After a local-style lunch, it’s all hands on deck! Because the main focus of Elephant Valley is to establish a natural habitat for the elephants, a major part of the project is to recreate this setting. It’s a large task, and the assistance of volunteers is much appreciated. You'll help to plant and harvest crops for the elephants' meals, and tidy up the site. As thanks for mucking in, you will have the opportunity to feed the elephants before heading back to Chiang Rai.

Drive to Chiang Kham, Countryside Cycle

Journey to Chiang Kham through the paddies and forested hills, where you'll be served lunch overlooking the rice fields before stretching your legs on a scenic cycle ride through the surrounding countryside. Pause at a Thai Lue weaving house to observe weavers at work, and pay a visit to Wat Nantalam, a beautiful Burmese style temple built entirely of teak wood. At Wat Phra That Doi Kham you can climb the Naga stairs to the temple for beautiful views, before swapping two wheels for four for the drive to Pha Daeng Bat Cave in nearby Phu Sang National Park, in time to enjoy an atmospheric sunset.

Two wheel exploration

Take to the bikes again for a day of exploration, heading out through the surrounding rice fields to Wat Phra Kaew, one of the oldest temples in the area, and Wat Don Chai – location of the (allegedly) biggest Bodhi tree in northern Thailand. Continue through the outskirts of Chiang Kham until you arrive at the Community Jungle, an eco-zone designed to preserve the local environment, and offer a learning experience for visitors. Your guide will lead you on an easy 2km trek, pointing out interesting flora as you walk. Back on your bike, peddle past rubber plantations and vegetable fields to a local restaurant for lunch, before visiting Wat Phra Nang Din, where the temple’s main Buddha image is uniquely seated on the ground, the afternoon vegetable market, and a picturesque waterfall - the only one in Thailand with a warm water cascade, which originates from a hot spring high in the hills.

Return to Chiang Rai, via Phayao

Drive back to Chiang Rai, stopping en-route at the scenic town of Phayao and the temples of Wat Si Khom Kham and Wat Analayo. On arrival in Chiang Rai the remainder of your day will be at leisure.

Depart Chiang Rai

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.