Amazing Kok River

Amazing Kok River (4 days 3 nights)
The long tail boat traveling to Chiang Rai, is the highlight of their Thailand journey. On the famous Mae Kok Rive.


Day 1: Chiang Mai                                                             (L)               
Meet & Greet Chiang Mai Airport, welcome to Chiang Mai, the second largest city in Thailand, dubbed 'The Rose of the North' by the Thais for its beauty and the friendliness of the people, and has become the modern and cosmopolitan capital of the north. The friendliness of the people, the vibrant Night Bazaar, the interesting old town bounded by moats and the many glittering temples enthrall travelers from around the world.
After lunch, visit to Doi Suthep Temple, perched on top of the mountain which overlooking the city and also the most important landmark of Chiang Mai. The temple was built in 13 century, contains a golden pagoda that houses a part of the holy relics of the lord Buddha. After that transfer back to hotel for relax or enjoy shopping at the night bazaar.

Day 2: Chiang Dao Elephant Camp – Tha Ton Village     (B, L, D)          
Breakfast at hotel, Visit to Chiang Dao Elephant training Camp, located 56 kms, from Chiang Mai city. Guests leave in the morning and observe the elephants taking their morning baths in a stream before commencing their daily work routines such as pulling and pilling logs and performing many other interesting activities. Afterwards take an elephant ride for approx. 1½ hrs to a Lisu hill tribe village, the ride takes you through some of the lovely forest scenery and along the river. Lunch will serve at the elephant camp’s restaurant. After that, take a bamboo raft trip down the river for approx. 1 hr, admire the scenery and absorb the tranquility as you float down the river.
Continue the afternoon trip to Chiang Dao Cave at Wat Tham Chiang Dao. The cavern is full of sacred Buddha images and natural formations. The main cavern is illuminated by electric lights, while deepest recesses can be explored with oil lanterns. Then, drive a few kilometers further to a Padong "long neck" tribe village. The women of the tribe wear long brass coils around their neck which actually pushes the collarbone down, giving them the appearance of an extended neck. This tribe has come from Burma as refugees in recent years due to the persecution of the Burmese government. Spend some time in the village and then drive the resort in Tha Ton Village

Day 3: Boat Trip along Mae Kok River to Chiang Rai Province (B, L, D)
Breakfast at resort, start this day by taking a Boat Trip to Chiang Rai, Baan Tha Ton is the spot for take the long tail boat traveling to Chiang Rai, is the highlight of their Thailand journey. On the famous Mae Kok River, we will visit an elephant training village for take an elephant riding and travel to the Karen, the most popular hill tribe in Thailand, then process to a Lahu village, upstream to visit a less frequented tribe before continue cruise to Chiang Rai Province. Lunch will serve at local restaurant, then depart for the Doi Tung , an attractive mountain top destination of forests, visit Wat Phathat Doi Tung – a temple built one thousand years ago which is important place of pilgrimage for Buddhist from Thailand & Overseas. Doi Tung is also home to Doi Tung Development Project, an initiative of her highness the princess mother. And Visit The Mae Fah Garden filled with decorative and flowering plants covers 25 rai (hectares) is located on the hillside just below the Royal Villa. The Garden, opened since 1992, was created with the support of the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Throughout the year, flowers adorn this hillside, making the Mae Fah Luang Garden one of the brightest and most colorful sites in Thailand. After a long day, transfer to hotel in Chiang Rai for refresh and relax.

Day 4: Golden Triangle – Mae Khong River - Mae Sai Border (B, L, D)
Breakfast at hotel, Excursion trip to Golden Triangle, where the Maekhong and Ruak Rivers meet to from the border of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos, There are remains of many ancient places and structures attesting to the area having been settled by people in the past which is once well known as hub of opium trading. Spend time for 1-2 hours to learn about history of opium in this region at the Hall of Opium museum. The 5,600 square-meter Hall of Opium on a hill, it presents the history of opium from its natural properties to its use as long as 5000 years. The best display of history of museum in Thailand with great multimedia and systematic display. Lunch at local restaurant, continue trip to Mae Sai. This is the northern-most border trading town between Thailand and Myanmar and a place where you can shop for many interesting items from both countries. And transfer to Chiang Rai Airport for the return trip home or transfer back to Chiang Mai is Complementary

Tel. +66 53 449 560 Fax. +66 53 449561 e-mail: reservations@northernsmiletravel.com
Northern Smile Travel: 99/11 Rm.B3, Sridonchai Rd., Sridonchai, Muang, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand