The North of Thailand offers an authentic travel experience with off-the-beaten-path attractions and breath-taking countryside. Chiang Mai is the heart of this region and an enchanting city with a slow pace of life, charming local villages, hill tribes, markets, and elephant sanctuaries. Chiang Mai is surrounded by mountains and verdant landscapes, so the scenery is a reason to visit alone! Brightsun Travel offers great value Chiang Mai holidays, taking you to the heart of authentic Thailand.
Chiang Mai is famous for its glistening temples which are significant to the city’s culture and Buddhist heritage. Wat Chiang Man is the oldest existing temple here, located in the Old City with golden Buddhist stupas, meditation halls, and serene garden surrounds. Another impressive Chiang Mai temple is Wat Lok Moli, located outside of the city walls with a towering chedi believed to contain the ashes of ancient rulers.
Look forward to some exciting shopping experiences in Chiang Mai; the city’s traditional markets are well worth browsing. The Chiang Mai Gate market is one to note, considered to serve up the city’s best street snacks, including mango sticky rice. Then there’s the Sunday Walking Street which perfectly portrays the Northern Thailand charm with plenty of local stalls selling handmade items, plus live cultural performances.
Duration: 7 Nights
The 4-star Chiangmai Grandview Hotel & Convention Center has a beautiful location with views of the Wat Doi Suthep temple, just a stone’s throw from the shops, cafes, and restaurants of Nimman. This stylish property boasts 200 elegant rooms, all well-appointed with Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, a TV, bathrobe and slippers, and views of the city or mountain, to name a few. Chiangmai Grandview Hotel & Convention Center boasts an all-day dining buffet restaurant offering international cuisine, as well as a Japanese eatery, cocktail lounge offering live entertainment, and beer garden with Thai beer, pizzas, and other tasty snacks on offer. Chiang Mai’s international airport is located just 10 minutes from this property.
London Heathrow
Chiang Mai
London Heathrow
Chiang Mai
Duration: 7 Nights
Tour Highlights:-
Meet local hill tribe inhabitants
Walk along jungle trails
Discover a tea plantation
Opportunity to experience an ox-cart ride
Be entertained by a traditional Lisu dance show
First you have an amazing opportunity to explore Bangkok and experience this capital’s stunning palaces and temples, as well as many shopping opportunities and various sights, sounds and local foods that the city has to offer. Then prepare for a once in a life time trip to Northern Thailand as you trek through countryside around Chiang Mai and its picturesque surroundings. Wander through the jungles and mountains, admire some captivating scenery and meet local hill tribes. Stay at the friendly Lisu Lodge and enjoy a night in the wilderness. Travel onto Lahu Outpost, an authentic and fun accommodation away from the crowds. Bring some comfortable footwear and immerse in an abundance of adventures, including white-water rafting, ox-cart riding, biking and trekking through the Thai countryside. Prepare for an unforgettable experience on this tour and learn all about the hill tribes here in this blissful and tranquil region of Northern Thailand.Day 1: London Heathrow
Today your journey begins as you depart from London Heathrow airport and board your Thai Airways flight to Bangkok.
Day 2: Bangkok
On your arrival in Bangkok check-in to your trendy 4 star accommodation - The Furama Silom Bangkok for a two night stay.
Why not spend your first day relaxing at the hotel? After all, it does have a rooftop pool with spectacular city views. Make sure you witness the Bangkok sunset from up here - it’s a sight not to be missed!
The hotel is ideally located in the centre of Silom city and is only a 10 minute walk from Chong Nonsi BTS Station which has a variety of attractions on offer including shopping, historical sites, cultural places, fashion and outstanding Thai cuisine. Alternatively, you can speak to us about optional tours and excursions in Bangkok.
Day 3: Leisure day recommendations (excluded from the tour price)
Today is at your leisure, though we recommend a very popular Bangkok Jungle Bike Tour, which will involve a journey across the Chao Phraya River. Here you will become distant from the chaos of Bangkok city and discover the peaceful, beautiful wilderness of the local waterways and jungle taking you back in time. Starting in downtown Bangkok, we will cycle to the ferry, and after crossing the river, we will pass through picturesque temples, local schools and villages, not to mention the hidden tranquil pathways, walkways and roads. During the ride we will stop and visit a 250 year old period temple in Ayuttaya, and on weekends, this tour includes a visit to the famous floating market.
This optional tour will terminate back at your starting point. This 25km ride is easy and suits any ability as there are no hills to worry about. But one must take caution of the narrow elevated walkways during the tour.
Please Note: Height measurements are required to provide proper bike size at the time of booking!
Tour times are noted below:-Daily: 07:30am - 12:30pm * Tours begin between 08:30 am - 11:30 am
Meeting Point: 08:15am at Flow House between Sukhumvit Soi 24 and 26
Day 4: Chiang Mai
Today you will check out of your hotel and take a plane to Chiang Mai, the northern capital of Thailand, which is beautifully burrowed in the midst of the forested foothills. Nicknamed as a ‘Shopper’s Paradise’ and an ‘Adventurer’s Delight’, this land has a lot to offer. The contrast of contemporary buildings and ancient temples form this magnificent city.
Upon your arrival in Chiang Mai, check in at the 4 star Chiangmai Grandview Hotel & Convention Center. This accommodation boasts Lanna-inspired traditional rooms, a pool, massage services, a spa and also a fitness centre.
Day 5: Chiang Mai - Lahu Outpost (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
At around 07.30am, you will be picked up at your hotel by a local open air truck and travel to Lisu Lodge. (Journey takes approximately 1hr 30mins).
After arriving at the lodge, you will take a walk along the magnificent jungle trails to Hmong Pha Mieng Village (Journey takes 1hr 30 mins). Here you will have a fantastic opportunity to meet the inhabitants from this hill tribe village. Thereafter, you will enjoy a picnic at lunchtime in the forest.
After lunch take a trek to the top of the mountain where the Red Lahu Village of Pha Daeng is located (1 hr 30 mins). Afterwards continue your trek across a mountain ridge to the Lahu Village Kup Kap (1hr). Here you can simply sit back and take in the absolutely breath-taking views of Chiang Mai town and Mae Taeng district glittering at night in the distance. Beyond the mountain peaks to the west lies Myanmar (Burma).
Your dinner will be provided at the hilltop Lahu Outpost, situated in the Thai countryside. This accommodation resembles a traditional Lahu style house, offering comfort and simplicity. (Basics amenities are provided for your overnight stay here including a pillow, mattress, blankets, bed linen, mosquito nets, towels, two Western-style toilets and a communal shower).
Day 6: Lahu Outpost - Lisu Lodge (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
After your breakfast, you will be participating in a steep jungle path trek. En route, you will pass by the beautiful, well preserved Huay Sadhan Waterfall. Afterwards, you can go water rafting down the river (for about 45 mins), and then head back to Lisu Lodge.
During the journey back, stop by the Tea Plantation to learn and witness the process of tea harvesting and growing. Here you will indulge in a lovely picnic lunch and even get to try a cup of freshly brewed tea!
Upon your arrival at Lisu Lodge you will check in, receive a welcome drink and also a briefing to choose your activity for the next morning. Thereafter, you can take a walk starting from the Ton Lung Temple, (where locals supposedly go for some spiritual guidance) to the Herbal Garden which holds many medicinal plants used by villagers. After continuing your stroll through the village, you can enjoy a tea stop at the Village Shaman’s house. Here you have a fantastic opportunity to chat to the Village Shaman and really get an insight about his life, beliefs, curing rites and Lisu traditions.
Today’s visit will include:
Rice Paddies: A unique walk with our guide will take you through organic rice fields. Here you will work alongside the villagers to grow natural rice without any harmful pesticide and insecticide.
Himmapaan Nursery : Here you will be educated about the flora of Northern Thailand and how we restore the forest ecosystem at a tree nursery of the Himmapaan Foundation. Main aim is to support and implement environmental and social projects by working with local communities in areas affected by tourism.
Vegetable Garden: Here locals produce fertilizer from remaining organic waste to grow many fruits and vegetables including several dishes served at Lisu Lodge.
You will enjoy dinner this evening at the lodge and be treated with a classic Lisu dance show.
Accommodation at the Lisu Lodge. (Includes a private bedroom, with western style toilet, shower, hot water, mattress & blankets with mosquito nets.)
Day 7: Lisu Lodge - Chiang Mai (Breakfast/Lunch)
After your breakfast, you have a choice to take part in many activities, which include a guided cycling tour around the Lisu Lodge, a steam massage or bath, and an Ox-cart ride through the farmlands to Baan Pang Mai Daeng Village.
Another one hour activity is available to book at a small charge, or alternatively, you are free to go for a bike ride by yourself.
You will enjoy some lunch at the lodge then head back to Chiang Mai. At around 16.00hrs, you will arrive at the Chiangmai Grandview Hotel & Convention Center for an overnight stay.
Day 8: End of Tour - Departure
After checking out of your hotel, you will travel to the airport for your flight back to London on Thai Airways.
London Heathrow
Chiang Mai
London Heathrow
Chiang Mai
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