Dawn of Siam: From Sukhothai to Chiang Rai

Start your morning with a hearty breakfast before setting off toward Sukhothai, Thailand’s first independent capital and a UNESCO World Heritage treasure. As you arrive, the serene atmosphere of the historical park welcomes you. You’ll explore iconic temples such as Wat Sra Sri, a graceful island temple surrounded by a tranquil lotus pond, and Wat Sri Chum, home to the famous towering seated Buddha that gazes down through a narrow slit in the enclosing walls—an image of quiet power and mystery.

After immersing yourself in the ancient splendour of Sukhothai, you’ll continue your journey northward into the mountainous landscapes of Chiang Rai. Upon arrival, you’ll stop for a delicious lunch featuring northern Thai specialties, such as khao soi (creamy coconut curry noodle soup) or spicy local sausages. Following lunch, you’ll check into your hotel, where you can unwind and prepare for the adventures awaiting you in Thailand’s northernmost city.

Overnight in Chiang Rai.

Highlands and Borders: Tribes, Golden Triangle, and the Mekong

Following breakfast, your day begins with a journey into the lush hills surrounding Chiang Rai. You’ll visit the Akha and Yao hill tribe villages, where centuries-old traditions endure amid breath-taking mountain scenery. Take time to immerse yourself in the local culture – exploring their distinctive embroidery, silver jewellery, and thatched-roof homes – while enjoying panoramic views of terraced rice fields and mist-covered valleys.

From the highlands, you’ll continue north to Mae Sai, Thailand’s northernmost town, bustling with cross-border markets and a gateway to Myanmar. A short drive brings you to the legendary Golden Triangle, the dramatic meeting point of three nations: Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar, separated by the mighty Mekong River. Here, you have the option to embark on a serene boat ride along the Mekong, drifting past jungle-clad shores and gaining a unique perspective of this historic drug-trade route turned tourist gem.

After the river experience, you’ll visit the Opium House, a museum that sheds light on the region’s complex opium trade history, from its cultivation to its eventual suppression. Finally, explore the ancient riverside city of Chiang Saen, where crumbling Buddhist stupas and old city walls stand as silent witnesses to centuries of Lanna Kingdom glory. As dusk settles, you’ll return to your hotel in Chiang Rai, filled with the day’s rich cultural and natural discoveries.

Overnight in Chiang Rai.

After breakfast, leave Chiang Rai behind and travel southwest toward Mae Ka Chan, a tranquil stop famous for its natural hot springs. Here, you can watch mineral-rich water bubble up from geothermal pools, fill your lungs with the faint scent of sulphur, and even try the local tradition of boiling eggs in the steaming streams – a perfect way to stretch your legs before continuing the journey.

Refreshed, you’ll press onward to Chiang Mai, the cultural heart of northern Thailand. Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy a leisurely lunch (own expenses) featuring regional dishes such as khao soi or sai ua (northern Thai sausage). Then, prepare for a climb – both spiritual and physical – up to Doi Suthep, one of Chiang Mai’s most revered temples. A flight of 306 serpent-lined steps (or a scenic tram ride) leads you to the glittering golden chedi of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, where monks’ chants and the scent of incense fill the air, and panoramic views of the entire Chiang Mai valley stretch out below.

As evening falls, you’ll be treated to a true Lanna cultural feast: a traditional Khantoke dinner. Seated on floor cushions around a low circular tray, you’ll savor an array of northern Thai delicacies – crispy pork rinds, Burmese-style curry, chili dips, and sticky rice – while graceful dancers and musicians perform classic Thai and hill tribe dances. It is a feast for both the palate and the soul, ending your day on a deeply memorable note.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Breakfast at your hotel or breakfast box

Today we will enjoy an amazing trip to the Top-end Elephant Parks in the North of Thailand. This is the only elephant breeding farm in Thailand.

• 08:00 – 08:30 | Pick-Up from Your Hotel We'll collect you from your accommodation in Chiang Mai.
• 08:30 – 10:00 | Drive to the SanctuaryAbout 1.5 hours through the countryside—rice fields, forest, and small villages along the way.
• 10:00 – 10:20 | Meet the Team & Get to Know the Elephants:Change into traditional Karen clothing and sit down with our team. Before you meet the elephants, you'll hear about who they are — their names, where they came from, and what makes each one different. By the time you walk out to meet them, they won't be strangers.
• 10:20 – 10:40 | First Meeting — Feed the ElephantsYour first moment face to face. You'll prepare fruit and feed them by hand and start to see for yourself whether their personality matches what you heard about them.
• 10:40 – 11:00 | Morning Health Check with the Vet Every morning our vet checks on the elephants you just met. You'll join in, help record observations, and ask questions directly. Short but one of the more eye-opening parts of the day.
• 11:00 – 11:20 | Prepare Herbal Supplements Now that you know what each elephant needs, you'll help prepare the natural supplements our vet recommends and understand exactly how what you're making connects to their health.
• 11:20 – 11:40  |  Make Khanom Krok Try making Thailand's traditional coconut pancakes with the team
• 12:00 – 13:00 | Lunch: Sit down to a fresh Thai meal. A good moment to slow down and take in everything from the morning.
• 13:00 – 13:20 | Mud Spa The most relaxed part of the morning. Mud protects elephant skin from sun and insects—and this is usually the part nobody wants to leave.
• 13:20 – 13:40 | River Bathing Walk with the elephants down to the river and help with their afternoon bath. By now you know them well enough that this feels less like an activity and more like just spending time together.
• 14:00 – 14:20 | Watch the Elephants Take a quiet moment to observe the herd from a distance — no feeding, no interaction, just elephants being themselves. Our team will help you read what you're seeing: how they move, how they communicate, and what their behavior tells you about how they're feeling. After a morning up close, this is a different kind of connection.
• 14:20 – 15:00 | Make Their Farewell Treat — Elephant CakeUsing banana, pumpkin, rice, and seasonal fruit, you'll put together a handcrafted treat for the elephants you've spent the day with. Then hand it to them yourself.
• 15:00 – 15:30 | Farewell A proper goodbye — to elephants you now know by name.
• 15:45 – 17:15 | Drive Back to Chiang Mai
• 17:15 – 17:30 | Drop-Off at Your Hotel

Suggestion to bring: T-shirt, long pants, extra clothes, sandals or slippers, sunblock lotion, insect spray, swimming suit.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

After breakfast, you will have free time to relax until it is time for your transfer by mini van or private car back to Chiang Mai airport for your departure flight. Please note that you should plan to arrive at the airport at least three hours before your scheduled departure.