Overview
Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Intrepid's 3 Day Chiang Mai & Golden Triangle. Experience the serenity of northern Thailand while exploring the notorious Golden Triangle region. Beginning and ending in the charismatic city of Chiang Mai, the trip takes you to explore the Chiang Dao Caves before arriving at a charming town of Doi Mae Salong. The region is famous for its Chinese tea traders and you can enjoy a cup of tea in a traditional Chinese tea house overlooking the mountains.
Then, make tracks to the Golden Triangle and stand on the confluence of the Mekong and Ruak rivers. read more Uncover facts and fables about the region’s chequered history, visit the Opium Hall. Enjoy bold landscapes and tuck into mouth-watering regional dishes, before ending the adventure soaking in the hot-springs of Mae Ka Chan. This short break covers many highlights of the less-frequented northern reaches of Thailand, making it a must-do for travellers who want to dig beneath the surface of this enthralling country.
Then, make tracks to the Golden Triangle and stand on the confluence of the Mekong and Ruak rivers. read more Uncover facts and fables about the region’s chequered history, visit the Opium Hall. Enjoy bold landscapes and tuck into mouth-watering regional dishes, before ending the adventure soaking in the hot-springs of Mae Ka Chan. This short break covers many highlights of the less-frequented northern reaches of Thailand, making it a must-do for travellers who want to dig beneath the surface of this enthralling country.
Sold Out
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either the season has ended and new dates will be released soon, or the itinerary has been updated and isn’t operating this season.
Operator
Intrepid
Trip Style
Original
Budget
Affordable
Age Range
18-99 Years
Max. Group Size
12
Pace
Leisurely
Guide Style
Fully Guided
Tour Code
TTAG
Itinerary
Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Chiang Mai. Your Short Break Adventure starts at 8 am, when you’ll be picked up by a local guide from the joining point hotel. Head towards the Golden Triangle region by private minibus, stopping off first at Chiang Dao Cave. These interconnected caves expand more than 10 kms beneath Doi Chiang Dao, the third tallest mountain in Thailand – and you’ll get to explore them with your guide. Look out for hermit images, a reclining Buddha and a royal coat of arms to mark the visit of the Thai Queen. Then, continue to Doi Mae Salong, a hillside town with a large Chinese population. Famous for its Chinese tea traders, the region is the perfect spot to enjoy a cup of tea while admiring the surrounding mountains. Explore the local markets in the late afternoon, perhaps picking up a piece made by the Akha, a vibrant ethnic minority. (L)
After breakfast, drive to the Golden Triangle, where the Thailand, Myanmar and Laos borders meet. Enjoy lunch overlooking the Mekong River before visiting the House of Opium Museum. This local history museum offers an insight into the opium trade and the region’s troubled past. After, climb on board a longtail boat and travel along the Mekong River to Chiang Saen, the ancient capital of the Lanna Kingdom. Chiang Saen is surrounded on three sides by impressive ramparts, with the Mekong forming the fourth wall. The town is famous for the local rice whiskey sold from distilleries on the banks of river. After exploring, you’ll head south to Chiang Rai, where you’ll spend the night. (B/L)
Get to know Chiang Rai this morning with a temple visit. Wat Rong Khun – more commonly known as the White Temple – remains a work in progress since construction started in 1997. With its strange design references to pop culture icons like Michael Jackson, Harry Potter and Superman (yes, really), it’s definitely one temple worth visiting in Thailand. Then, grab lunch on the way to Mae Ka Chan Hot Springs. Located just off the main road, these simple springs offer an opportunity to soak your feet or enjoy a foot massage ‘fish spa style’ – a foot massage while munching on quail eggs that have been cooked with the heat of the spring waters. Head back to Chiang Mai after, where your Short Break Adventure will come to an end. (B/L)
Trip Inclusions
- Journey into the countryside north of Chiang Mai on this Short Break Adventure and experience the Golden Triangle, the famous spot where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet.
- Glide along the Mekong River on a longtail boat and explore Chiang Saen, the ancient capital of the Lanna Kingdom.
- Discover rural village life with an overnight stay in Doi Mae Salong, a mountainous region where tea is grown and local hilltribe people sell their crafts in the town market.
- Check out the startling modern design of the White Temple, a piece of architecture that pays homage to pop culture icons like Harry Potter, Michael Jackson and Superman.
- Soak your feet in the Mae Ka Chan Hot Springs and enjoy a foot massage ‘fish spa style’ – a foot massage while munching on quail eggs that have been cooked with the heat of the spring waters.
- Hotel (2 nights)
- 2 Breakfasts included
- 3 Lunches included
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
- Intrepid regularly update their itineraries throughout the year based on feedback and local conditions. Therefore the itinerary you see now may differ from when you booked. Global Journeys will provide you with detailed trip notes at the time of quoting, along with a finalised itinerary and trip notes before your trip departs.
Operator
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers off the beaten track to discover the world's most amazing places for 30 years. Every trip is designed to truly experience local culture - to meet local people, try local food, take local transport and stay in local accommodation. Led by a local leader, our small group tours offer more a sustainable way to travel off the beaten track, while giving back to the places and people that travellers visit.
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Intrepid Worldwide (2025-26)
Since 1989, Intrepid has been taking travellers beyond the ordinary to discover the real and remarkable. With small groups, passionate local leaders, and a commitment to responsible travel, every journey is crafted to connect you deeply with the people and places you visit. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Intrepid combines comfort, culture, and more curiosity for adventures that truly matter, all backed by a global network and guaranteed departures for peace of mind.
Prices & Dates
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and is not operating this season. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view general release dates for all destinations.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Intrepid. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Intrepid. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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