From Chiang Rai: Hill Tribes & Golden Triangle Full-Day Tour

Chiang Rai , Thailand

From Chiang Rai: Hill Tribes & Golden Triangle Full-Day Tour

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(4 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Our exploration takes us to breathtaking mountain landscapes: Mae Salong is a picturesque village founded by Kuomintang soldiers who fled China after Mao Tse Tung’s victory in 1949. The unique blend of hill tribes, southern Chinese–style houses, and pack horses evokes the charm of a small Yunnanese town. Visitors can stroll through the local market, famous for its fruit wines, herbs, and many other goods.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to the striking Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple), renowned for its vivid blue color and intricate artwork that set it apart from any other temple in Thailand.
The tour concludes in Mae Sai, Thailand’s northernmost town, located on the border with Myanmar. Here, travelers can browse bustling shops and street stalls offering a wide range of Chinese and Burmese handicrafts and antiques, the perfect ending to a culturally rich day in the far north. Return to hotel.

Available options

Private Tour (25-26) Season

Pickup included

What's included

All applicable taxes and service charges

Lunch at a local restaurant is included (food only)

All entrance and donation fees for visits as mentioned in the description

Transportation by private vehicle with professional driver.

A full day private tour with a professional English-speaking guide.

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Guests will have enough time to enjoy their breakfast at their Chiang Rai hotel before meeting your guide for the day. Together with a separate driver, we will leave approximately at around 08:30 hrs from Chiang Rai and into the Doi Mae Salong area, home to the various hill tribes still calling this part of northern Thailand their home. It may sound that Doi Mae Salong is only a mountain region in the Chiang Rai province, but it is an all-encompassing town with temples and churches, schools, factories and shops. The local eateries on Mae Salong are famous for the tasty Yunnan cuisine, prepared from farm-fresh vegetables and livestock raised there. Besides seeing all this passing by, your guide will bring you to one of the larger Akha, Yao and Lisu Hilltribe villages, explaining the differences in culture, origin and traditions. It is here where we too will enjoy a local lunch, freshly prepared at one of the leading restaurants in the area.

The town is also the official border crossing with Thakhilek in Myanmar and the daily stream of Burmese trading their goods in Thailand is a sight to behold. The thriving market is a paradise for gem collectors, and wandering up and down the main street gives you an insight into the large variety available for sales, originating from Myanmar. In all corners along with Mae Sai’s market, you will find various end products, cut, polished and ready to be sold to those interested in its value, shape and beauty.

It is time to head back to Chiang Rai after being close to 8 hours on the road, exploring the Chiang Rai region to the northern-most point. We’d expect to be back at your hotel at around 4.30 pm.

Is located in Mae Sai district, and formerly was known as Wat Mueang Daeng Noi. Inside the temple is the largest bamboo woven Buddha image in the world called “Phra Singh San Chana Mara”

What's not included

Tours, inclusions of any kind and other services that are not outlined in the tour description

Personal expenses such as meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping, portage fees and optional tours, unless otherwise stated

Hotel accommodation in the destination of commencement.

Any airline tickets, visa fees, additional transportation cost from and to the general meeting point

Transfers To/from any airport or resorts located outside the general pick-up and drop-off locations

Travel insurance coverage for customers (highly recommendable)

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.3

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

This tour is operated on full private basis with English-speaking guide. Other languages are on request / subject to availability and supplementary charges may apply

Transfers are only operated within the downtown Chiang Rai areas and restricted to main hotels only. Regions outside the central business district such as Fang, Thaton, Chiang Saen, Chiang Khong, Mae Sai, any surrounding mountain resort outside the Chiang Rai city borders and Chiang Rai International Airport are excluded and supplementary charges apply.

This excursion includes obstacles of various kinds that may not make this excursion suitable for wheelchair users. The obstacles comprise of unpaved roads, small boats and cruise embarkation and disembarkation and insufficient facilities to provide a comfortable sightseeing tour.

Guests are advised that some walking is required during this excursion; we always ensure that we take the most comfortable ways from the entrance of the sight to the sight itself.

We always will make efforts to confirm the exact pick-up time upon reservation. For any operational issues in which are not able to confirm the exact pick-up time in advance, we reserve the right to inform you the day before the departure of the tour.

Please note pickup and drop-off services may not be confirmed for customers staying at private residences, apartment complexes, or other non-registered tourism accommodations. Customers may be asked to meet at a nearby hotel for pick-up and drop off.

Sand and water have a destructive effect on electronic equipment. It the customer’s own responsibility to ensure that any camera, mobile telephone or other device is properly wrapped and protected against these elements. We cannot be held responsible in any way for negligence and/or not following suggestions for any damage related to this.

Please ensure that you bring sunglasses, a hat /cap and sunblock with a high SPF factor when traveling with us on this tour – even when it is cloudy, the sunrays still have an immense power.

We reserve the right to make necessary changes to the excursion in case of unfavourable weather conditions or situations where we are forced to make alterations to guarantee the safety of our guests.

It is the responsibility of the customer to provide us with the correct hotel information, should pick-up and drop-off services be included in the package. Any changes in accommodation outside 24 hours will be handled accordingly: changes within 24 hours may be on request.

During this full-day tour, due to time constraints, it is not possible to include a trip into Thakhilek, Myanmar.

Important notes

- Please contact Asian Trails at least 72 hours before your activity date to confirm your reservation and arrange transportation. Changes within 24 hours may be on request.
- Pick-up times for excursions will be reconfirmed one day prior to commencement of your booked excursion. As an indication, the pick-up time from your accommodation is scheduled 30-60 minutes prior to the confirmed starting time.
- Please be ready and waiting in your hotel lobby 15 minute prior to your scheduled pick up time.
- Upon pickup, please present your confirmation/voucher or photo ID in exchange for your activity.

In the event of no-show or change of accommodation without prior consent and confirmation from us within 24 hours may result in the applicable cancellation charges as outlined in the terms and conditions.

About Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai, a charming city in northern Thailand, is known for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful temples, and lush landscapes. It offers a more laid-back atmosphere compared to its neighbor, Chiang Mai, and is a gateway to some of Thailand's most stunning natural attractions.

Top Attractions

Wat Rong Khun (White Temple)

Wat Rong Khun is one of Chiang Rai's most iconic landmarks. This stunning white temple is a contemporary artistic interpretation of a traditional Thai temple, featuring intricate carvings and surrealistic elements.

Religious/Architecture 1-2 hours 100 THB

Wat Huay Pla Kang

This large temple complex is known for its impressive giant white Buddha statue and panoramic views of Chiang Rai. The temple is also a significant cultural and religious site.

Religious/Cultural 1-2 hours Free (donations welcome)

Singh Narai National Museum

Housed in a former palace, this museum offers insights into the history and culture of the Lanna Kingdom and the Chiang Rai region.

Historical/Museum 1-2 hours 100 THB

Doi Tung Royal Villa

This beautiful villa was once the residence of the late Princess Mother. It offers insights into her life and the region's history, as well as stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Historical/Cultural 2-3 hours 50 THB

Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten)

This striking blue temple is a contemporary interpretation of traditional Thai architecture. Its vibrant color and intricate designs make it a must-visit for photography enthusiasts.

Religious/Architecture 30 minutes to 1 hour Free (donations welcome)

Clock Tower Chiang Rai

This iconic clock tower is a symbol of Chiang Rai and a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists alike. The tower features a unique design and is a great place to people-watch and soak in the city's atmosphere.

Architecture/Cultural 15-30 minutes Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Khao Soi

A delicious coconut curry noodle soup with crispy fried noodles on top. It's a signature dish of Northern Thailand and a must-try in Chiang Rai.

Lunch/Dinner Contains fish sauce and shrimp paste, not suitable for vegans or those with shellfish allergies.

Sai Oua (Northern Thai Sausage)

A flavorful sausage made with minced pork, herbs, and spices, grilled and served with sticky rice. It's a popular street food in Northern Thailand.

Snack/Appetizer Contains pork, not suitable for vegetarians or those with pork allergies.

Larb (Spicy Meat Salad)

A spicy meat salad made with minced meat (usually pork, chicken, or fish), lime juice, fish sauce, and fresh herbs. It's a popular dish in Northern Thailand and can be found in many local restaurants and street food stalls.

Lunch/Dinner Contains fish sauce and raw meat, not suitable for vegetarians or those with shellfish allergies.

Gaeng Hang Lay (Northern Thai Curry)

A mild and slightly sweet curry made with pork, tamarind, and a blend of herbs and spices. It's a popular dish in Northern Thailand and can be found in many local restaurants.

Lunch/Dinner Contains pork, not suitable for vegetarians or those with pork allergies.

Popular Activities

Hiking in Doi Tung Boat tours on the Mekong River Zip-lining and adventure parks Visiting temples and cultural sites Enjoying a traditional Thai massage Exploring local markets and cafes Visiting temples and historic sites Sampling local food and street food

Best Time to Visit

November to February

The cool season is the most popular time to visit, with comfortable temperatures and clear skies. It's perfect for exploring outdoor attractions and enjoying the city's cultural sites.

15-30°C 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Thai
Widely spoken: English (limited), Northern Thai (Lanna)
English: Limited

Currency

Thai Baht (THB)

Time Zone

GMT+7

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Chiang Rai is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable tour operators and taxis
• Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings
• Be cautious of strangers offering help or invitations

Getting there

By air

Chiang Rai International Airport • 8 km from city center

By bus

Chiang Rai Arcade Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Songthaews are converted pick-up trucks that serve as shared taxis. They are the most common and affordable way to get around Chiang Rai. Routes are flexible, and you can flag them down along the way.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Grab

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

City Center Wat Phra Singh Mae Fa Luang Mae Chon

Day trips

Doi Tung

35 km from Chiang Rai • Half day to full day

Doi Tung is a beautiful mountain area known for its tea plantations, scenic views, and the historic Doi Tung Royal Villa. It's a great place for hiking, nature walks, and learning about the region's history and culture.

Mae Sai

50 km from Chiang Rai • Half day to full day

Mae Sai is a bustling border town on the Thai-Myanmar border, known for its markets, border crossing, and unique cultural mix. It's a great place for shopping, sampling local food, and experiencing the region's vibrant border culture.

Chiang Saen

60 km from Chiang Rai • Half day to full day

Chiang Saen is a historic town on the banks of the Mekong River, known for its ancient temples, historic sites, and scenic river views. It's a great place for history buffs, cultural enthusiasts, and those looking to experience the region's rich heritage.

Festivals

Yi Peng Lantern Festival • Full moon of the 12th lunar month (typically November) Songkran Festival • April 13-15 Loi Krathong Festival • Full moon of the 12th lunar month (typically November, same as Yi Peng)

Pro tips

Visit the famous White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and the midday heat
Try Khao Soi, a delicious coconut curry noodle soup that's a signature dish of Northern Thailand
Explore the city's many temples and cultural sites, including Wat Huay Pla Kang, Wat Phra Singh, and the Lanna Folklife Museum
Take a day trip to Doi Tung, a beautiful mountain area known for its tea plantations and scenic views, as well as the historic Doi Tung Royal Villa
Visit the Night Bazaar or Walking Street Market for a taste of local food, shopping, and nightlife