Best of Chiang Rai

📍 Chiang Rai Airport – Chiang Rai Hotel (9.1 km): 10 min

Upon arrival in Chiang Rai in the morning, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel.

In the afternoon, enjoy sightseeing focused on the “Art Scene” of Chiang Rai town, exploring the contrast between heaven and hell. The famous Thai artist Thawan Duchanee, who was appointed National Artist in 2001, opened his house, “Baan Dam” (The Black House), to the public. In contrast, the renowned “Wat Rong Khun” (The White Temple), created by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, represents heaven.

Born in Chiang Rai, Thawan Duchanee is a Thai artist recognized internationally, with a career spanning over 40 years. He has been invited to share his expertise at international art conferences, and some of his works are on permanent display in modern art museums and prominent public and private institutions in Asia, Europe, and the United States. He spent more than 25 years establishing a folk art museum at Baan Dam in Nang Lae, Chiang Rai Province, to exhibit folk art from the past to the present for the education of younger generations.

Next, visit the Tai Yuan Hall of Arts, which showcases paintings created using the tip of a ballpoint pen, exploring themes of changes in Thai lifestyle, society, and time. The gallery also features a series of Buddha images from different periods, wood carvings, and books on northern local art, all works of Thai artist Chalong Pinijsuwan.

Dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Chiang Rai

Inclusions:

🍗 Dinner

📍 Chiang Rai Hotel – Doi Tung (53.8 km): 52 min / Doi Tung – Mae Sai (30.1 km): 32 min / Mae Sai – Golden Triangle (28.5 km): 33 min / Golden Triangle – Chiang Rai (70.3 km): 1.09 hr

After breakfast, depart your hotel and head to the Doi Tung region, 2,000 meters above sea level. The Doi Tung Development Project was established to eradicate opium cultivation and encourage farmers to adopt sustainable agricultural practices. Visit the Mae Fah Luang Gardens and Doi Tung Temple. Lunch is served at a local restaurant.

After lunch, drive to Mae Sai to visit the market on the Thai-Burmese border. From there, continue to the Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet. Arrive in Chiang Saen on the steep banks of the Mekong River and explore its magnificent ancient ruins and temples.

Overnight in Chiang Rai

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

After breakfast at the hotel, drive up the hill to explore the authentic tribal lifestyle on Mae Salong Hill. Visit a unique hilltribe community, Hloyo Village, a small Akha hilltribe village, to experience its traditional way of life and surrounding nature.

Upon arrival at Hloyo Village, receive a warm welcome from the village headman and villagers. A local host will provide insights into the Akha people, including their beliefs, religions, traditions, and ways of life.

Next, take a guided tour of the village to explore the local lifestyle. See traditional bamboo houses built in Akha style, showcasing the villagers’ wisdom and craftsmanship. Enjoy hands-on tribal crafts with locals and children. Later, participate in a cooking class to prepare some signature Akha dishes—get involved and help out in the kitchen! Share a home-cooked local lunch with your hosts while exchanging stories.

After lunch, embark on a forest trek to admire beautiful landscapes and pristine natural formations. Visit local farms and interact with villagers along the way. Learn how natural resources are utilized in the forest and gain an appreciation for the harmonious coexistence of humans, animals, and the environment.

Finally, bid farewell to your host family, the community, and new friends. Depart Hloyo Village and return to the hotel.

Overnight in Chiang Rai

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Chiang Rai Airport – Chiang Rai Hotel (9.1 km): 10 min

After breakfast at your hotel, transfer to Chiang Rai Airport for your onward flight.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast