Our local representative will meet you at Chiang Mai airport and transfer you to your accommodation for a 2-night stay on a bed and breakfast basis.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

After breakfast, you will be met by your guide for a morning visit of Chiang Mai including Suan Buak Hat, a lovely park full of flowers that lies just inside the moat. From here, you take a local rickshaw (three-wheeled bicycle taxi) to Wat Pan Tao. Wat Pan Tao is essentially built of wood and, although rarely visited, is certainly one of the most charming temples of Chiang Mai. Then, continue to Wat Phra Sing – the most famous temple in the old city centre. Afterwards, visit Warorot Market, Chiang Mai's biggest market and well known for its huge choice of flowers. Lunch is included at a typical local restaurant serving Northern Thai food.

In the late afternoon, take a journey of spiritual discovery in Chiang Mai. Start with a visit to the city's old town, venturing through the crumbling city walls and admiring a blend of old and new buildings. Catch glimpses of glittering pagoda spires illuminated by the late afternoon sun.

Then step into the secret jungle temple, Wat Phalad. As one of the most peaceful and enchanting crafted temples in Chiang Mai, the temple has got the fantastic history as it was built to enshrine a piece of bone said to be from the historical Buddha. Here, visit one of the monks and receive a blessing of good health and good fortune.

Continue on the spiritual trail, leaving the city centre, and taking a winding drive into the hills. Climb up the staircase of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, admiring the intricate naga carvings along the way. Upon reaching the top, explore the 14th-century pagoda and hear about its origins. Wander around the towering gilded stupa and take a moment to enjoy the views of Chiang Mai in the distance.

Before the sun sets, witness the magical evening chanting of the monks, a serene way to end the day's spiritual tour.

Check out after breakfast. You will be collected from the hotel lobby and transferred to Chiang Saen, en-route visit White Temple, a contemporary Buddhist temple and make a lunch stop in Chiang Rai town. After lunch, continue onwards to the Golden Triangle area of Sop Ruak. The Golden Triangle is one of Asia's two main illicit opium-producing areas. It is an area of around 350,000 square kilometers that overlaps the mountains of three countries of mainland Southeast Asia: Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand. It has been one of the most important opium-producing areas of Asia and of the world since the 1950s. See the viewpoint, and proceed to the Hall of Opium.

Transfer to Chiang Khong border to board your cruise at 16.00.

Distance and journey time:

Chiang Mai - Chiang Saen / Chiang Khong (281 km): 4.30 hrs.