Day 1: Chiang Dao Cave & Thaton Temple

We will pick you up from your hotel at 8:30 a.m. Our first stop will be the Sticky Waterfall (Bua Thong Waterfall), a charming natural attraction in Chiang Mai. Thanks to its unique limestone surface, you can enjoy climbing up and down the rocks without slipping.

Next, we continue to Chiang Dao Cave. Before exploring inside, we will take part in a Buddhist blessing ceremony with a monk, offering luck and mental protection. Inside the cave, you will see impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and sculptures, including Burmese-style Buddha statues carved into the rock. For local Buddhists, Chiang Dao Cave is an important meditation retreat, and inside you can also find a revered statue of a meditating monk and a holy reclining Burmese Buddha image. An experienced local village guide will lead us through the cave, sharing fascinating details along the way.

After lunch, we drive to Thaton town, where we will visit the largest orange plantation in Thailand. You’ll enjoy tasting different varieties of oranges and learning about local farming life. We finish the day by watching a beautiful sunset from the temple on the mountain. Overnight stay will be in a cozy bungalow, with dinner by the Mae Kok River.

Day 2:  Thaton – Bamboo Rafting to Chiang Rai (Rainy & Winter Season)

After breakfast, we start the day with a bamboo rafting adventure along the scenic Mae Kok River, floating for about 2–3 hours through Chiang Rai province. Relax on a bamboo raft, enjoy the views, and watch the daily life of the hill-tribe communities along the river.

After lunch, we take a forest walk through bamboo groves to reach a beautiful waterfall, where you can swim, relax, and even boil eggs in the nearby natural hot spring. If time permits, we can also enjoy kayaking on the Mae Kok River in the evening.

Day 3: Chiang Rai – The Famous Art Temples

After breakfast, we visit Chiang Rai’s most iconic temples:

• The White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), an extraordinary piece of art and architecture.

• The Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten), known for its striking indigo interior and mystical design.

• The Black House (Baan Dam Museum), a unique collection of traditional northern Thai and contemporary art.

After lunch, we drive up into the mountains to Doi Mae Salong, a picturesque village at 1,500 meters above sea level, famous for its tea plantations and hill-tribe culture. We’ll enjoy a stunning sunset view from the mountain, followed by dinner at a traditional restaurant and an overnight stay in a charming bungalow overlooking the valley.

Day 4: Mountain Market, Tea Farm & Chiang Rai Highlights

Early in the morning (5:30–7:30 a.m.), you can visit the lively hill-tribe market in the village, where locals sell fresh produce, fruits, and handmade goods. The market is within walking distance from our accommodation.

After breakfast, we visit Thailand’s largest tea plantation. You’ll taste a variety of teas, walk through the scenic valley, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

In the afternoon, we will visit, the Monkey Temple or the Fish Cave, And the busy Mae Sai Market, located at the Thai–Myanmar border.

Tonight’s accommodation is at Gin’s Greenery View Resort, beautifully located next to the Mekong River, where we’ll enjoy a local-style dinner.

Day 5: Golden Triangle & Return to Chiang Mai

After breakfast, we visit the impressive Hall of Opium Museum, learning about the history of the opium trade and its impact on the region. Next, we take a Mekong River cruise to a local market in Laos, where you can see how the three neighboring countries—Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar connect in this historically significant area, known as the Golden Triangle. After lunch, we drive back to Chiang Mai and drop you off at the hotel, concluding our journey.

Day 6: Relax Day – Massage & Thai Cooking Course

Enjoy a relaxing morning by the swimming pool before your 3-hour massage treatment in the afternoon.

At 4:30 p.m., your Thai cooking course begins. Cooking is an important part of everyday life in Thailand, including for our family at Joy’s House. We will take you to a local village market, where you’ll experience authentic Thai culture and buy fresh herbs, vegetables, and other ingredients for three dishes.

After returning to Joy’s House, you will learn how to cook real Thai food and enjoy a lovely evening dining on your own creations.

Day 7: Say Goodbye

After breakfast, you’ll have some free time to relax by the pool or take a walk through the village. When it’s time to leave, we will transfer you to Chiang Mai Airport — saying goodbye with warm memories of your stay with us. 

Preparing for Your Trip

• Clothing: Bring long trousers for trekking and a light jacket, as mountain temperatures range from 15–25°C.

• Footwear: Wear sneakers and bring flip-flops for changing.

• Passport: Please carry your passport with you.

•   Swimwear: You may also bring swimming clothes.

• Electronics: Prepare a portable battery charger for your mobile phone and make sure your camera batteries are fully charged.

• Essentials: Don’t forget sunscreen and mosquito repellent.

• Seasonal note: From July to October, the program may be adjusted depending on the weather forecast.

Day 1: Chiang Mai - Chiang Rai

Our trip to Chiang Rai begins at 8:30 a.m. We will depart from your hotel and head north from Chiang Mai toward Chiang Rai city. Along the way, we will pass hill-tribe villages and their crop farms.

Our first stop is the Hot Spring, where you can boil chicken or bird eggs, or simply relax by soaking your feet in the natural hot water. Local people often use this hot spring for boiling bamboo shoots or for bathing during the winter season.

After this refreshing break, we continue to visit two of Chiang Rai’s most iconic attractions. The first is the spectacular White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), an extraordinary piece of art created by Thailand’s renowned artist, Chalermchai Kositpipat. Next, we explore the Black House (Baan Dam), where you’ll find striking Lanna-style buildings decorated with buffalo horns, animal bones, and fossils. The entire complex is presented in dramatic black tones, creating a mysterious atmosphere.

In the late afternoon, we drive up to Mae Salong, a picturesque mountain village. If time allows, we will end the day watching a stunning sunset over the mountain landscape. Dinner will be at a local restaurant, and we will spend the night in a cozy bungalow on the mountain.

Day 2: Tea Plantation - Bolder Thai and Burma 

Early in the morning, we will visit the local farmer’s market, where hill-tribe people sell their fresh produce, seeds, and local foods. After breakfast, we head to the region’s largest Tea Plantation, where you can enjoy tasting different varieties of tea. The highlight here is the famous Oolong Tea, widely grown in Mae Salong.

We then continue to Fish Cave Temple (Wat Tham Pla) before visiting Mae Sai Market, located at the Thai–Myanmar border. It is one of the biggest markets in Chiang Rai, perfect for shopping and exploring local goods. We will enjoy lunch at the market before heading to our guesthouse, which is beautifully located next to the Mekong River. Dinner will be served in a restaurant with a charming riverside atmosphere.

Day 3: Golden Triangle - Laos - Chiang Mai. 

After breakfast, we drive to the Golden Triangle, the historic area where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet. Here, we take a boat trip along the Mekong River to visit the Laos Market. Before leaving, we will stop at the fascinating Hall of Opium Museum, established by the Royal Family to educate visitors about the negative impacts of opium and drug use. In the afternoon, we drive back to Chiang Mai.

What to Bring

•  T-shirt or scarf to cover your shoulders

•  Trousers or skirt below the knee

• Comfortable sneakers or slippers

• Swimsuit (the guesthouse has a swimming pool)

• Sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and jacket (the mountain weather can be cool)

Day 1: Chiang Mai – Pai (Mork Fah Waterfall – Memorial Bridge – Pai Canyon)

We start at 8:30 a.m. from your hotel in Chiang Mai and drive about 2 hours toward Pai. Our first stop is the Mork Fah Waterfall, a beautiful natural site surrounded by lush forest. You can enjoy a short nature walk and, if you wish, swim in the refreshing waterfall pool.

We then continue to the historic Memorial Bridge, before visiting the Pai Canyon an impressive natural landmark with scenic walking trails and panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.

After checking in at your riverside bungalow guesthouse, we’ll visit Santichol Village, a small Chinese community that still preserves its traditional way of life. In the evening, we head to Mae Yen Temple for a breathtaking sunset view over Pai, followed by dinner at the lively Walking Street Market. Overnight stay in Pai.

Day 2: Pai – Mae Hong Son (Sai Ngam Hot Spring – Lod Cave – Fish Cave – Phu Klon Mud Spa)

After breakfast, we continue our journey to Mae Hong Son province. On the way, we stop at Sai Ngam Hot Spring, a natural hot spring flowing like a small river where you can soak and relax in the warm mineral waters.

Next, we explore the famous Lod Cave, which has three fascinating chambers Pillar Cave, Dolls Cave, and Coffin Cave. Inside, you’ll see remarkable stalagmites and stalactites. To enter the cave, we take a bamboo raft along the underground river, where schools of Soro Brook Carp swim alongside. We then visit the Fish Cave (Tham Pla), home to hundreds of sacred Soro Brook Carp living in crystal-clear waters. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we head to Phu Klon Country Club Health Mud Spa, celebrated as “Unseen Thailand” and a true Spa in Paradise. Here, mineral-rich black mud (naturally heated 60–140°C) is used in therapeutic treatments. The program includes a facial mask, and additional spa services are available at extra cost. Afterwards, we drive to Mae Hong Son town and check in at your guesthouse.

Day 3: Mae Hong Son – Chiang Mai (Su Tong Pae Bridge – Long Neck Village – Salawin River)

Early in the morning, we visit Su Tong Pae Bridge, a bamboo walkway built by local villagers and monks across rice fields and the Mae Sa Nga River. Here, you will have the chance to offer food to the monks—a serene and memorable cultural experience. After walking around and enjoying the views, we’ll have breakfast together.

Next, we visit a Long Neck Karen Village, traveling by long-tail boat along the Salawin River to Ban Nam Piang Din, near the Thailand–Myanmar border. The boat ride offers stunning river scenery and a glimpse of local riverside life.

At the village, you will meet the famous Long Neck women, known for wearing brass rings around their necks as a symbol of beauty and tradition. You can even try the rings yourself to feel their weight—some women carry up to 5 kg on their shoulders and additional rings on their legs. In the afternoon, we drive back to Chiang Mai.

What to Bring

• T-shirt or scarf to cover your shoulders

• Trousers or skirt below the knee

• Comfortable sneakers or slippers

• Swimsuit (for hot springs)

• Sunscreen and mosquito repellent

• Jacket (especially November – February, when the weather can be chilly)

Day 1: Chiang Mai – Sukhothai (Local Market – Lampang Temple – Farmer’s Village)

We depart from your hotel at 8:30 a.m. for a scenic 5-hour drive from Chiang Mai to Sukhothai. Don’t worry about the distance you won’t be bored, as the journey offers plenty to see along the way. 

Our first stop is Kad Tong Kwian Market in Lampang province, a lively local market filled with jungle foods, seasonal fruits, snacks, and even edible insects. Before leaving, we’ll pick up some local treats to enjoy on the road. Next, we visit the iconic Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, one of the most important temples in Lampang city. 

Afterward, we continue to Sukhothai, the first kingdom of Thailand. Founded in 1278 by King Ramkhamhaeng, Sukhothai flourished in prosperity and happiness, as famously inscribed in stone: “In the time of King Ramkhamhaeng, this land of Sukhothai is thriving. There are fish in the water and rice in the fields.” For lunch, we enjoy the famous Sukhothai noodle soup called Khao Poep, a local specialty. 

In the afternoon, we visit a farmer’s village to experience traditional rural life. You’ll get hands-on with seasonal farming activities such as harvesting rice, fruit, or vegetables, while learning about sustainable organic living. Dinner will be with a local family, and we’ll stay overnight at a farmer’s homestay.

Day 2: Farmer’s Life – Si Satchanalai Historical Park – Sukhothai Sunset

After breakfast, we join more farmer activities, such as traditional mud fermentation for cloth dyeing, before taking a relaxing bicycle ride around the village. 

Following lunch, we drive to Si Satchanalai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once the residence of the Crown Prince and the second center of the Sukhothai Kingdom. The best way to explore this peaceful historical park is by cycling among ancient ruins and giant shady trees, accompanied by the sounds of birds and nature. 

In the late afternoon, we head into Sukhothai city. If time permits, we will visit Sukhothai Historical Park to catch the golden glow of the sunset among the ancient temples. Overnight stay in a guesthouse in Sukhothai.

Day 3: Sukhothai Historical Park – Wat Sri Chum – Celadon Museum – Return to Chiang Mai

After breakfast, we visit Wat Sri Chum (Temple of the Bodhi Tree), home to the impressive giant seated Buddha image. We then cycle around the Sukhothai Historical Park, exploring the birthplace of Thai art and architecture. The Sukhothai style, influenced by Khmer and Singhalese designs, reflects elegance, simplicity, and spiritual beauty. 

Next, we stop at the Celadon & Sangkhalok Ceramics Museum, where you can learn about the traditional ceramic techniques that flourished from the 14th–16th centuries. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to paint your own Sangkhalok pottery, such as the famous Sukhothai fish design, and bring your handmade souvenir home. In the afternoon, we drive back to Chiang Mai (or continue your onward journey).

What to Bring

• T-shirt or scarf to cover shoulders (for temple visits)

• Trousers or skirt below the knee

• Comfortable sneakers or slippers

• Swimsuit (guesthouse has a swimming pool)

• Sunscreen and mosquito repellent