Thailand Golden Triangle

Welcome to book this private Thailand tour to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai! Upon your arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport’s arrival hall holding a sign with your name. Getting in a comfortable private car, you will be escorted by our guide and the driver to the hotel in downtown Bangkok and check-in. Spend the rest of the day on your own, as we won’t arrange any sightseeing to ensure you have enough time to get over the jet lag.

► Free Time Suggestion: Delve into History of Thai Silk
If you feel energetic after a short rest, take a 15-minute taxi ride from your hotel to Jim Thompson House Museum, whose bright red exterior stands out against the lush tropical surroundings. Entering it, you will have a chance to watch how a local worker extracts silk fibers from cocoons, glimpse how an American merchant helped revive the traditional Thai silk industry, and admire ceramics, furniture, paintings, and Buddha statues he collected from all around Asia. The museum is open from 10:00 to 17:00 and charges an entrance fee of THB 200 (USD 6), which can be paid on-site.

► Ride-hailing Tips:
Use the Grab app to hail a taxi during your free exploration, which shows the real-time route and approximate cost. But please check the bill when paying online, as some drivers may charge extra fares. Another brilliant way is to take a street taxi with the “TAXI METER” sign. Just prepare Thai Baht in different denominations for easier payment. 

After breakfast, we will first get to Wat Pho to experience the monks’ early morning chanting ritual at 9:00. Then walk around the temple and admire the famous 46-meter (151-foot) long reclining Buddha. Take a moment to appreciate the crafted 108 auspicious patterns on the Buddha’s feet. Afterward, continue our visit to the Grand Palace, a testament to Thai royal culture and Buddhist beliefs. Wat Phra Kaew, Thailand’s most valued temple housing the precious Emerald Buddha, stands proudly within this magnificent royal complex. 
► Tips: 
1. Be cautious of vendors who sell hats at the palace entrance, because they may put hats on your head to charge an exorbitant fee. 
2. From March to May, temperatures can rise as high as 40 ℃ (104 °F), so it is wise to keep cool and dry with prickly heat powder if you visit during this period.

Next, we’ll have a noon break at Supatra River House, a riverside restaurant specially arranged for you with a sumptuous Thai lunch. 

★ Explore One of the World’s Largest Chinatowns - Bangkok Chinatown
After lunch, head to Chinatown for an interesting walk of Bangkok’s old town. Our guide, who knows the old streets and local culture well, will lead you to stroll along the lively Yaowarat Road, and you can glimpse local lives with traditional Chinese medicine shops, gold shops, and trendy cafes. Our guide will also invite you to sip a cup of authentic Chinese tea before exploring spices and handicrafts in the narrow alleys of Trok Leng Moi Eia. Then walk to explore Bangkok’s oldest market, Talad Kao. Our last stop is Wat Mangkon Kamalawat (Wat Leng Noei Yi), the first Buddhist temple built by Chinese immigrants in Bangkok to express their nostalgia.

Finally, take our private car to the Ratchawong Pier, where you will embark on an elegant long-tail boat for a 1-hour cruise along the Chao Phraya River. Unveil a different side of Bangkok when you glide through the ancient waterways, with lush greenery lining the riverbank, giant lizards basking in the sunlight, and houseboats that reflect the local lifestyle. When arriving at Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), the guide will lead you off the boat to visit the towering white stupa in the setting sun. At the end, you will be escorted back to the hotel.

► Dinner Suggestion (at your own expense):
If spicy food is not your preference, Chicken Rice is an ideal dinner choice. The slightly spicy sauce drizzled over the tender chicken and aromatic rice will leave you craving more. You can savor it at Go-Ang Chicken Rice Pratunam, which has a reputation spanning over 60 years and has been recognized by the Michelin Bib Gourmand for two consecutive years. It is open from 15:00 to 20:00, a 15-minute taxi ride from your hotel. Although it is crowded with tourists, the restaurant may offer you food within 10 minutes due to the high table turnover rate.
Average Cost per Person: THB 100-200 (USD 3-6)
Address: 962 Phetchaburi Rd., Makkasan, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Mövenpick Hotel Sukhumvit 15 Bangkok (4 stars)

This morning we’ll drive for 1 hour to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand for more than 400 years. Over 300 temples and thousands of stupas were once dotted across this city, but they were almost destroyed after a war. Fortunately, some important relics like Wat Mahathat, Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, and Wat Lokaya Sutharam in Ayutthaya Historical Park have been reserved, allowing you to imagine the scenes of monks praying and believers worshipping during the heyday of Ayutthaya Kingdom (1351-1767). You can borrow a parasol at the entrance since these temples are exposed to the sun. One highlight is Wat Mahathat, where a Buddha’s head is entwined with the roots of a Bodhi tree. Please keep sitting to show your respect when taking photos.

★ Our Guest Privilege: Savor Ayutthaya’s Specialty-Roti Sai Mai
Next, we’ll stop at the Muslim Quarter and try one of the most popular local snacks – Roti Sai Mai. The candy flosses are wrapped into paper-thin pancakes, creating a rich and sweet flavor that dances on your palate.

After lunch, you will be escorted to Bangkok Airport for a 1-hour flight to Chiang Mai. Upon arrival, our local guide will accompany you to the hotel in the old city of Chiang Mai, an ideal location to explore nearby night markets.

► Free Time Suggestion: Khlong Mae Kha Night Market by the River
If you want to experience the captivating blend of culture and traditions in a less commercial night market in Chiang Mai, the Klong Mae Kha Night Market is recommended. It is open from 17:00 to 22:00, and you can take a 10-minute taxi ride to get there. This Japanese-themed night market offers a laid-back atmosphere, with lanterns adorning the walls and bridges. You can savor diverse local snacks like Coconut Milk Pancake and Chicken Satay for about THB 10-30 (USD 0.3-1) per serving, or enjoy a refreshing drink at coffee shops and Japanese beer bars. Then stroll along the riverside to appreciate a large bamboo-style jetty dotted with flowers and creative murals on local houses.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: The Rim Resort Chiang Mai (4 stars)

After breakfast, we will start to discover the highlights of Chiang Mai on foot. From the bank of the Mae Ping River, it’s a short walk to the busy Warorot Market, where you’ll get a taste of the real Thai life as people bargain for colorful fruits, a wide variety of rice, exotic species, and all sorts of interesting cooking utensils. Out of the market, hop on our specially arranged rickshaw ride, the most common local vehicle for short-distance travel, to admire the majestic ancient city walls, serene temples, and life scenes in hidden alleys. You would experience a brisk ride to the Tha Phae Gate, the main entrance to the old city of Chiang Mai, which comes alive with blocks of pigeons. Don’t hesitate to take photos with them assisted by our guide. Although some photographers offer service for about THB 100 (USD 3), politely decline them since they may scare off the pigeons into flight by throwing shoes to get a perfect shot.

Next, the guide will lead you to the Three Kings Monument, a tribute to three legendary kings who were pivotal in shaping Chiang Mai’s history. The square in front of the monument is a good place for mass gatherings. If you happen to visit during the Thai New Year, the Songkran Festival, you may encounter celebrations, large-scale almsgiving activities and dance performances. Then we will visit the city’s most significant temples – Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh.

Today’s sightseeing will come to an end at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Instead of climbing 306 steps, you can take a one-way cable car ride, which is included in the price, to visit the main hall. Legends abound regarding the temple’s origin, among which an interesting one is about a white elephant! To find the perfect location to enshrine the Buddhist relics, a monk entrusted a white elephant to lead the way. It headed towards Doi Suthep Mountain and finally trumpeted three times to select the current location before dying. The King thought it was a sacred place and then ordered to build the temple. You can appreciate the sculpture of this elephant on the west side of the main hall. What’s more, the viewing platform behind the main hall provides a panoramic view of Chiang Mai!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: The Rim Resort Chiang Mai (4 stars)

After breakfast, you will be picked up from the hotel and drive for about 1.5 hours through hilly and forested areas towards the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. Please pack mosquito repellents, and take some pills if you are prone to motion sickness before departure. Upon arrival, you and other animal lovers attending this Elephant Care Program will be greeted by a volunteer at the camp. Learn about the great work done by the sanctuary to protect elephants, as well as the daily life and habits of the elephants through the volunteer’s introduction. Even more fun, you can get your hands dirty preparing food for the elephants, feeding them, taking interactive photos with them, walking in the jungle where they live, and even helping them bathe in the river if you like. It’s a fulfilling experience that you can’t get anywhere else. At the end of the day, you will return to the hotel in Chiang Mai.

Note: Our original itinerary was to visit the Elephant Nature Park, the largest elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai. Due to current repairs from flooding, we offer this alternative experience that’s just as enriching. We’ll be sure to resume the visit when it reopens.

► Dinner Suggestion (at your own expense):
Thai-style Braised Pork Leg Rice, also known as Khao Kha Mu, is a must-try dish in Chiang Mai for any food lover. The braised pork leg, marinated with a salty or sweet sauce, offers a melt-in-your-mouth experience without being greasy. Locals often eat it with a soft-boiled egg. For an authentic flavor, take a 5-minute taxi ride from your hotel to Khao Kha Moo Chang Phueak, nestled in the night market by Chang Phuake Gate. The vendor is a lady wearing a cowboy hat. It attracts many tourists from 17:00 to 00:00, so it’s best to arrive early.
Average Cost per Person: THB 100 (USD 3)
Address: Manee Nop Parat, Sri Poom Sub District, Chiang Mai 50200

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: The Rim Resort Chiang Mai (4 stars)

After breakfast, we will drive out of Chiang Mai and head east for 1 hour to the Mae Kampong Village. En route, we’ll stop at a local market, where you can choose the ingredients for today’s lunch according to your preferences and the guide’s recommendations. Then we will continue to Mae Kampong, a small village with beautiful scenery and cool weather all year round deep in the mountains of northern Thailand, 1,300 meters (4,265 feet) above sea level. Hike with our guide through the forest while listening to the beautiful birdsongs, and a small waterfall invites you to enjoy the tranquil ambiance. Stepping into the village, you can admire traditional Thai bamboo houses, explore the handicrafts market, and listen to stories about cultivating tea and coffee from the villagers.

★ What Makes Us Different: Mae Kampong Home Cooking Experience
Our professional travel planners have designed a unique Mae Kampong home visit for you. At noon, we’ll visit a local family and have lunch there. You will have the opportunity to cook with the host or hostess and enjoy making traditional Thai food. 

After lunch, we will head to Chiang Rai for about a 2.5-hour drive, stopping at Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) for a visit along the way. At first sight, you will be struck by its intricate design, sharp angles, and dazzling white structure dotted with tiny mirrors. After crossing the symbolic bridge of rebirth to reach the main hall, you will discover many stunning murals and artistic creations that seamlessly blend Buddhist tales with contemporary pop culture icons like Spiderman. Then you will be escorted to a local hotel for a good rest.

► Free Time Suggestion: Explore Chiang Rai Night Market
Compared to its larger counterparts in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, the Chiang Rai Night Market attracts you with a more laid-back atmosphere. Can’t wait to satisfy your taste buds? Head straight to the food area, savoring Mango Sticky Rice and Jim Jum Hot Pot for about THB 100-150 (USD 3-4) per serving. Then visit different stalls to find your beloved cotton and linen clothing or exquisite handicrafts like elephant wood carvings, and ask for half the price. You can also admire performances by talented singers at the central square. It is open from 18:00 to 23:00, a 10-minute taxi ride from your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: The Legend Chiang Rai Boutique River Resort and Spa (4 stars)

Today we’re going to visit the mysterious Golden Triangle region on the border. In the morning, we will drive for 1 hour to Mae Sai to visit the bustling Burmese border market. Observe some unique ethnic attires and local lifestyles when wandering through stalls selling food and necessities. Although some jade products may be attractive, it’s advised to appreciate rather than purchase them because of their mixed quality. 

Then the guide will lead you to the highlight of the day, the Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet. Once infamous for poppy flowers, this region has transformed into a popular tourist attraction with serene landscapes where tea and coffee plantations thrive. Our guide will accompany you to visit the informative House of Opium, which shows the history of the area as a source of opium cultivation and a trading base. On the second floor, learn more about the traditional tribe of the region through the exhibits of their production tools and costumes. Besides, you can memorize this visit by stamping at different exhibition halls. After that, we’ll proceed to visit some ancient temples in Chiang Saen, where the Ruak and Mekong Rivers meet in the heart of the Golden Triangle.

Then we will take a boat cruising down the Mekong River for 45 minutes. Apart from immersing yourself in the lush greenery and tranquil landscapes at the riverbanks, take photos with the iconic golden Buddha statue, a revered symbol of peace in this region. In the late afternoon, the guide and the driver will escort you back to the hotel in Chiang Rai.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: The Legend Chiang Rai Boutique River Resort and Spa (4 stars)

After breakfast, our guide will pick you up for a short visit to Wat Phra Kaew of Chiang Rai if time permits, and then you’ll be escorted to Chiang Rai Airport for a 1-hour flight to Bangkok. Wish you a pleasant trip!

Please Note: If you need to book a flight home from Bangkok or to your next destination, be aware of which airport the plane departs from as Bangkok has two airports. You can catch a free shuttle bus ride to transfer between Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang International Airport. It will take about 50 minutes or more depending on the traffic, so you can book an evening flight to leave enough time for your transfer.

If you want to travel to other parts of Thailand like Phuket, Pai, and Mae Hong Son, or explore other countries like Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, please feel free to contact our travel consultants to customize the plan. 

Meals: Breakfast