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

After checking in and freshening up, head out for a tour of Chiang Rai’s incredibly unique attractions. Visit contrasting temples designed by two of Thailand’s most famous artists.  Start with Baan Dam or ‘Black’ Temple, which was designed to represent hell. Although the temple is, as the name indicates, black and the decorations a bit on the dark side, most are immediately struck by its inarguable beauty.  Then pay a visit to Wat Rong Khun or the ‘White Temple’, which represents heaven and has more than enough bizarre eye-candy to keep even the most modestly motivated art connoisseur interested for hours.  Combined, these two temples are perfectly matched and make for fascinating visits that are equal parts spiritual and artistic.

Afterwards, continue with a visit to the ArtBridge, an art gallery and restaurant which is a non-government funded community-based artist collective that seeks to nurture and support arts within Thailand. Also, have an opportunity to meet with a local art expert and receive deep insight about local arts. Dinner at the ArtBridge Restaurant.

Overnight in Chiang Rai

After breakfast, depart from the hotel for a visit to the Doi Tung region to see and learn about the area’s fascinating history. The Doi Tung Development Project was established to eradicate the cultivation of opium that was once rampant in the area, and to encourage farmers to use sustainable agricultural practices instead. Visit Mae Fah Luang Gardens and Doi Tung Temple. Then, continue to the Royal Handicraft Center to learn about mulberry paper making, pottery and weaving. Lunch is served at a local restaurant.

After lunch, drive to Mae Sai for a  visit to a unique market on the Thai-Burmese border. From here, drive to the Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet. Reach Chiang Saen on the steep banks of Mekong River, and visit its magnificent ancient ruins and temples.

Overnight in Chiang Rai

After breakfast at the hotel, drive up a hill to explore an authentic tribal lifestyle on the top of Mae Salong Hill. From there, head towards a unique hilltribe village, “Hloyo Village”, a small community of Akha hilltribe people.

Upon arrival at Hloyo Village, receive a warm greeting from the village headman and villagers. A local host will then provide a background story regarding the beliefs, religion, traditions and way of life of Akha people. With a solid foundation of knowledge regarding Akha people, visit the Akha Museum which is uniquely built in a mud house. Upon entering, get an intimate feel for their way of life and learn more their history.  

Following this, take a tour exploring the community itself with the local guide. See traditional bamboo houses built in Akha style. Then, enjoy a hands-on tribal crafts session with locals and kids. Later, partake in cooking class to learn how to create some signature Akha dishes. Be sure to get involved and help out in the kitchen for an experience that’s as informative as it is culturally fascinating. Afterwards, enjoy a delicious home-cooked local lunch with the host while exchanging stories.

After lunch, trek in the forest to see some of the pristine stretches of nature that can be found in the area. Visit local farms and speak with locals along the way. Learn how to make use of natural resources in the forest and appreciate how humans, animals, and the environment can co-exist. Finally, say goodbye to the host family, the community and new friends and depart Hloyo Village. Then, return back to the hotel.

Overnight in Chiang Rai

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

After breakfast at  the hotel, transfer to Chiang Rai Airport for an onwards flight.