This tour leads over picturesque mountain roads along the Thai-Burmese border, combining the natural beauty of Thailand’s two northernmost provinces of Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai. The itinerary emphasizes visits to parks and gardens and provides the opportunity to visit the “Royal Flora” Flower Show in Chiang Mai, commemorating the 60th Anniversary the King’s Accession to the Throne

Day 1 Arrive Chiang Rai

Arrive at Chiang Rai airport and transfer to riverside hotel. In the afternoon enjoy a long-tail boat trip up the Kok River, which winds its way through beautiful countryside. Visit hill tribe settlements located on the riverbanks. Explore the village or take the opportunity for an elephant ride (not included). Return to Chiang Rai to visit Wat Phra Keo, Chiang Rai’s most beautiful temple, by local rickshaw. Evening is free for a stroll across the bustling night market.

Overnight: The Legend (4****) 
Meals: -

Day 2 Chiang Rai: Doi Tung and the Golden Triangle  

Enjoy a scenic ride over winding roads to Doi Tung where various crop substitution projects have been initiated by HRH the Princess Mother of Thailand. Once the expanse of opium fields, the mountainsides have been transformed into agricultural land where local people benefit of a remarkable turn-around in environment and lifestyle. Visit Doi Tung Villa and enjoy a stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens of Ma Fang Luang. Proceed to Mae Sai, Thailand’s northern-most town and continue to the Golden Triangle, marking the border between Thailand, Myanmar and Laos. Visit the “Hall of Opium” Museum and enjoy a short boat ride on the Mekong River before returning to Chiang Rai.

Overnight: The Legend (4****) 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3 Chiang Rai - Doi Angkhang

A steep and curvy mountain road leads to Mae Salong, a mountain village with an intriguing history. Founded by members of Chinese Kuomintang, the village has once been a stronghold of cross-border opium trading.  The Chinese character of the settlement has remained and Mandarin is still spoken, but tea plantations and herbal gardens have long since replaced the opium crops. Also visit Baan Lorcha, a community based development project offering insights into the life of the Akha hilltribe. In the afternoon continue over very scenic mountain roads to Doi Angkhang, dubbed the “Switzerland of Thailand” due to its altitude and mountain scenery. The area, close to the Burmese border, enjoys a cool climate year-round and supports the cultivation of flowers, fruits and vegetables.

Overnight: Angkhang Nature Resort (3*+)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 Doi Angkhang – Chiang Mai

In the morning visit the Royal Agricultural Research Station. Numerous varieties of plants and trees as well as cold-climate fruits and vegetables are grown here. Take a stroll through beautiful flower and bonsai gardens. Visit the Palong village of Nor Lae, situated near the Thai/Burmese border, and Luang Village, inhabited by Chinese descendants from Hunan, cultivating the growing of fruits. In the afternoon Continue to Chiang Mai. the largest city in the North of Thailand and a treasure trove of Buddhist temples and culture. Evening is free to explore the city on your own.

Overnight: Hotel in Chiang Mai at your choice
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5  Chiang Mai: “Royal Flora” Flower Show (01.11.2006 – 31.01.2007)

Full day visit to the “Rachaphrueck Royal Flower Show”, an International Horticulture exhibition to commemorate H.M. King Bhumipol‘s 60th anniversary of Accession to the Throne. Thailand and over 30 countries will feature unique and innovative landscaping and horticultural highlights from the participant’s homelands as well as exhibitions of over 2,200 species of tropical plants and flowers, cultural performances and entertainment activities. The expo site is situated on 80 hectares of land set amidst the lush landscape of the surrounding mountains. Evening is free to explore the city on your own.

Overnight: Hotel in Chiang Mai at your choice
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6  Depart Chiang Mai

After breakfast drive up to Wat Doi Suthep, one of the most revered temples of Northern Thailand. Its golden stupa, adorned with a 7-tier golden umbrella, is a popular pilgrimage site, its location at the end of a winding road, 1056 metres above sea level, offering splendid views over the city of Chiang Mai and its surroundings. Afternoon at leisure; or transfer to the airport for your departure flight/or extension of your programme.

Meals: Breakfast.