BANGKOK, CHIANG RAI AND CHIANG MAI

Arrival at Bangkok airport where your Spanish-speaking guide will be waiting to transfer you to the hotel.

Free time until hotel check-in, subject to availability (rooms are usually available from 3:00 PM). Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast. Visit to three of the city's most popular Buddhist temples. We'll begin with Wat Traimit, located at the edge of Chinatown on Yaowarat Road, near Hualampong Railway Station. Wat Traimit houses the world's largest solid gold Buddha, measuring almost five meters tall and weighing five and a half tons. The tour continues to Wat Pho, Bangkok's largest temple. This temple, known for its enormous reclining Buddha and the Chedis of the Kings, is located behind the Temple of the Buddha. It is one of the city's largest temples and famous for its gigantic reclining Buddha, which measures 46 meters long and is covered in gold. Next, you'll visit the Grand Palace, undoubtedly the city's most famous landmark. Built in 1782, it served as the home of the King of Thailand, the royal court, and the administrative seat of government for 150 years. The Grand Palace is an ancient building that continues to impress visitors with its beautiful architecture and intricate details. Within the complex is Wat Phra Kaew, or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (officially known as Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram), considered the most important Buddhist temple in Thailand, enshrining the most revered Buddha carved from a single block of jade. Transfers included. Hotel accommodation.

Breakfast. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Chiang Rai.

Arrival in Chiang Rai is expected no later than 9:00 AM.

Proceed to Chui Fong, a beautiful tea-growing region. Surrounded by tea plantations on the slopes of small hills, you can enjoy various treats such as tea ice cream and tea cake (at your own expense), followed by lunch at a nearby local restaurant. Next, we will visit an opium museum before departing for the Mae Chan district north of Chiang Rai. We will then continue on foot, ascending the hills through narrow streets to visit a village of the Akha and Yao ethnic minorities. Our final destination of the day will be a Karen village, where we will meet this famous hill tribe – the largest ethnic minority group in Thailand. This tribe originally from Tibet migrated to what is now Myanmar approximately two thousand years ago. During the 18th century, political conflict and persecution are believed to have fueled their mass migration to northern Thailand, where they remain without an official state of residence to this day. The tribe is most recognized for its Kayan women—a subgroup of the Po (Red Karen)—whose necks are adorned with brass rings. Sometimes starting as young as five, the constant pressure pushes their collarbones and ribs down, giving the impression of an elongated neck; hence their nickname, "giraffe women"—a truly astonishing sight. Afterward, transfer back to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Breakfast at the hotel.

In the morning, we'll transfer to the pier for a leisurely longtail boat trip down the lower Kok River, passing Karen villages and other hill tribes. After exploring the small villages nestled in the dense jungle, we'll return to the pier to continue our excursion to Wat Rong Suea Ten, the Blue Temple, another unusual modern Buddhist temple distinguished by its intense blue color and elaborate statues. We'll then depart by road for Chiang Mai (approximately a 3-hour drive), stopping along the way at Wat Rong Khun (nicknamed the White Temple), which was designed by a famous Thai artist. Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, we'll have lunch at a local restaurant before our final stop of the day: Wat Doi Suthep. This magnificent temple is located at an elevation of 1,000 meters on the slopes of a forested mountain. Requiring a climb up 306 steps with Naga serpent handrails, this sacred temple offers a spectacular panoramic view of the city, as well as a wealth of images and frescoes for those willing to undertake the ascent.

Transfer to your Chiang Mai hotel for check-in. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Breakfast at the hotel.

This morning, we will visit some local handicraft workshops. We will also visit a wood carving workshop where you can purchase Burmese antiques.

Departure for the Mae Sa Valley, visiting an orchid farm along the way.

Lunch at a local restaurant, followed by a visit to the Elephant Sanctuary to learn about these magnificent creatures and participate in various activities, including feeding and bathing them – an unforgettable experience.

In the evening, you will enjoy a Khantoke dinner: the traditional style of dining in Northern Thailand. Seated on Mon Sam Lieung (traditional Thai triangular mats), the meal will be served at low tables while you enjoy a selection of Northern Thai cultural performances, including the enchanting Fon Lep (nail dance), Ram Dab (sword dance), Fon Thian (candle dance), and Ram Wong (circle dance). There will also be a special performance by members of the Yao, Lahu, Meo, Lisu, Karen, and other mountain tribes. Return transfer and hotel accommodation.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Chiang Mai airport to connect with your flight to your next destination.