Experience historic Chiang Rai on this official tour. Visit the sacred White and Black Temples. Learn about the local culture and visit the Golden Triangle.
An early morning 3-hour drive through beautiful scenery to Chiang Rai, with a brief stop at the Hot Springs at Maekajan for a break and some fresh air.
Next stop will be made at Wat Rongkhun (White Chapel), a unique temple, designed by Thailand's most prominent artist, Mr. Chalermchai Kositpipat.
Followed by visit to the Black House, Covering over 100 rai, it comprises more than 25 buildings of pure and applied northern architectural styles. Belonging to the Thai National Visual Artist Thawan Duchanee, Baandam Museum exhibits folk art of local artists from the past to the present together with a large collection of rare folk appliances from the old days.
Lunch will be provided at a local restaurant, before continue to the Golden Triangle area. There are magnificent views over the Mekong River here. This is where a triangle is made as Myanmar (Burma), Laos and Thailand come together at the confluence of the Ruak and Mekong rivers.
You may wish to take advantage of one of the Optional extras available during this tour.
1- For just a small fee you will enjoy a boat ride across the mighty Mae Khong River to Don Sao Island. There are no permanent buildings here (just a few stalls selling souveniers, etc), however, you will be able to say that you have set foot in the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Laos).
OR
2- You may prefer to make a roadside stop in Mae Chan District to see some of the famed Padong Long-necked hilltribe people. A subgroup of the Karen tribe, they are refugees from Myanmar who are proud of their traditions, proud of their women's beauty due to the golden rings worn around their necks and proud to be self-sufficient because of tourist revenue and therefore not in need of government financial assistance.
The return drive back to Chiang Mai will have you back at your hotel by about 7.00pm.
The tour starts at