Bangkok - Chiang Mai - Chiang Rai - Chiang Saen (L/D)

Pick up passengers from various major Bangkok hotels and transfer to Bangkok domestic airport.
Depart Bangkok by TG-100.
Arrive Chiang Mai Airport. Drive to Chiang Rai via Wiang Pa Pao on the way visit Karen village and short stop at Hot Spring. 
Lunch at a local restaurant. 
Continue to Chiang Saen, the former capital of the first Thai Lanna Kingdom, situated directly on the Mekong River at the border between Thailand and Laos. Visit Wat Phra Dhat Jom Kitti by climbing up 383 steps to the top of the hill. 
Continue by longtailed speedboat on the Mekong River towards the Golden Triangle where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos converge.
Check-in at IMPERIAL GOLDEN TRIANGLE RESORT. 
Dinner and accommodation.

Breakfast.
Depart from Chiang Saen to Mae Sai, the northern-most point of Thailand on the Thai - Bermese border. Visit the border town Mae Sai and including Jade Cutting Factory and there is an opportunity for shopping and looking around the local market. Then continue to Fish and Monkey Cave. 
Proceed to Doi Mae Salong passing through mountain scenery. The view from the top takes in a large part of Thailand Burma and the Mekong Valley which makes this trip very worthwhile. Lunch at Doi Mae Salong Villa. 
Continue to visit Akha, Yao and Lisu Tribes before returning to hotel in Chiang Rai. 
Check-in at WIANG INN HOTEL. 
Dinner and accommodation.

Breakfast.
Leave the hotel for the boat landing. Board on the simple longtailed motor boats for a three-hour journey up the Kok River, passing tiny hilltribe villages, bamboo huts and jungle scenery. Further upriver, visit to a Lahu hilltribe village. The last stop before arriving at Thatorn is made at the village of Ban Pha Tai. 
Lunch at Maekok River Village Resort. 
Proceed by bus to Mae Rim via Fang and Chiang Dao. Continue by pick-up truck to HMONG HILLTRIBE LODGE.
B.B.Q. dinner followed by presentation of Meo dances and overnight.
Accommodation at Hmong Hilltribe Lodge.

Drive to visit the elephant camp in Mae Saa to watch the elephants taking timber in the forest. Their strength and clever teamwork will amaze you. 
 
Recommended Optional:
Take a one-hour elephant riding into the jungle surroundings.
Extra: Baht 600. - per person.

Continue to visit the Orchid Farm. 
Lunch at a local restaurant. The afternoon visit to the Handicraft Villages to see the Gems Gallery and manufacturing of lacquer-ware, the spinning and weaving of Thai Silk and how paper umbrellas are made. Also visit a wellknown Thai wood carving factory with possibility to buy Burmese antiques. 
Kantoke Dinner. Enjoy a typical Thai Dinner with presentation of ancient dances from northern Thailand followed by a performance of dances and songs by various hilltribes. 
Accommodation at Chiang Mai Plaza Hotel
 
Optional: 
Opportunity to visit the city's night market in search of bargains.

City Tour. Visit the most interesting places in Chiang Mai such as Wat Phra Singh with its famous Buddha image, Hilltribe museum and Wat Doi Suthep, tucked away in the mountains at 1,056 metres above sea level. The temple is reached by a staircase with 290 steps, flanked by a NAGA balustrade on either side. The Monastery was built by King Gue-Na in 1383. The center is a big Chedi (spired pagoda) which contains partial of Lodge Buddha. 
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Transfer to Chiang Mai Airport.
Depart Chiang Mai by TG-113.
Arrive Bangkok and transfer to your Bangkok hotel.

ex Bangkok every Sunday in English/German speaking guides