Arrive from your Pandaw ship at Chiang Khong border and be transferred to Chiang Rai via Golden Triangle where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos converge. Learn about the area's infamous past, when it was at the centre of Asia's opium trade. Visit Chiang Saen, the site of a former Thai kingdom. Explore the sleepy riverside town and its magnificent ancient ruins.

Lunch at Banrai Sabaidee, located in the Golden Triangle area.

Continue to Chiang Rai, heading towards your accommodation in Doi Mae Salong. Dinner at the hotel.

Overnight: Chiang Rai

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive higher into the hills at Doi Mae Salong to the Santikhiri Kuo Min Tang village. Hear how this village was founded in the 1960s as a refugee camp for Chinese soldiers who had been expelled from Myanmar. See how, 50 years later, the residents retain the traditions of their ancestors, speaking their own language and practicing ancient beliefs. These days the Kuo Min Tang descendants are successful farmers, growing tea and other produce. They also make their own wine from the village’s fruits.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

Return to the hotel, and free afternoon at leisure. Dinner at the hotel.

Overnight: Chiang Rai

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and begin the morning sightseeing with a visit to Wat Phra Kaew temple, home to a beautiful brass and copper Buddha. Next, head onwards to the Hilltribe Museum, which is operated by the Population & Community Development Association. Explore the impressive displays and gain valuable insight into the colorful ethnic communities that live in the hills surrounding Chiang Rai. Following this, continue by road for a visit to the stunning white temple of Wat Rong Khun with its unusual and controversial kanok architecture.

Lunch at a local restaurant

Continue to Chiang Mai in the afternoon.

Arrive in Chiang Mai, check in and have dinner at the hotel.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for a day out of Chiang Mai to the region of Doi Inthanon National Park where you will spend a day exploring nature, local life and culture of hilltribe people.

The full-day excursion begins at the Royal Agricultural Station Doi Inthanon, one of the royal projects initiated by King Rama IX. Wander through a beautiful garden with a wide variety of flowers and plants, as well as an agricultural farm, and learn about the entire process, from planting seeds to harvesting.

Next, arrive at Ban Phamon Village, where you’ll meet your Pga K'nyau guide, who will take you to explore an authentic taste of nature, culture, and local lifestyle. First, visit a traditional house to learn how to cook traditional food using organic ingredients. Then, enjoy a delicious lunch. After lunch, get a hands-on experience of roasting JorPa coffee the traditional way. Try grinding the coffee for the freshest and best flavor. Here, learn from a local coffee expert who was born in the area and has returned to work for his community. Enjoy a local coffee before proceeding to observe locals weaving traditional cloth.

Optional: After the coffee experience, you may have an option to embark on a hike to Dok Seaw Waterfall, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the national park. Walk along the 3.5 km trail, passing several layers of waterfalls and seeing locals working on farms. Then return to the village and enjoy a local coffee break before making your final stop to observe locals weaving traditional cloth.

After this full day of experiences, return to your hotel in Chiang Mai.

Overnight: Chiang Mai

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to Chiang Mai airport for your onward flight.