Chiang Mai & Golden Triangle

3 days4.910 reviews
Short breaks
From
ZAR  10,093

Travel through northern Thailand’s Chiang Mai and the 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. 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.

Map of Chiang Mai & Golden Triangle including Thailand
Trip code: TTAG
Start
Chiang Mai, Thailand
End
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Destinations
Thailand
Meals
2 breakfasts, 3 lunches
Transport
Boat, Minibus
Accommodation
Hotel (2 nights)
Days
3
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Ages
Min 5
Theme
Every trip caters to specific interests and activities, such as wildlife or family.
Short breaks
Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time

Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time

Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities

Premium: 4+ star accommodation, exclusive premium inclusions, our most experienced leaders
Original
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
This trip generates 53.48 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip

Journey into the countryside north of Chiang Mai on this short trip and experience the Golden Triangle, the infamous area where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet

Discover rural village life with an overnight stay in Doi Mae Salong, a beautiful region up in the mountains where tea is grown and local hilltribe people come to sell their crafts in the town market

No trip to Chiang Rai would be complete without a visit to the funky White Temple. Check out the startling modern design, and see where traditional Thai art and murals are broken up with pop culture references

By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, World Animal Protection. Donations support them to promote better living conditions for elephants in captivity and help rescue elephants from inhumane conditions. Intrepid will double your impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2024 to 31 December 2024.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025

Itinerary

Map of Chiang Mai & Golden Triangle including Thailand

Inclusions and activities

Meals

2 breakfasts, 3 lunches

Transport

Boat, Minibus

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nights)

Included activities
  • Chiang Dao Caves - Entrance and Free Time
  • Golden Triangle - Opium Hall
  • Golden Triangle - Khong River boat trip
  • Wat Rong Kun (white temple)
  • Mae Ka Chan hot springs
  • Mae Ka Chan Hot Spring Egg Boiling

Is this trip right for you?

  • This trip starts early on Day 1 and finishes late on Day 3. Therefore we recommend you book pre and post accommodation in Chiang Mai in conjunction with this trip. Our sales team can assist with these extra nights.
  • On Short Breaks, you maintain a good level of independence and freedom, with the added bonus of having the details sorted out for you. You’ll have lots of free time and you won’t be accompanied by a Trip Leader. This means that all included activities and tours will be run by different local Intrepid partners, and these may operate independently from each other. The included activities and transfers will operate on a join-in basis, which means that you could have your Adventure all to yourself, or others may join you along the way. If you would prefer to travel in a group with a dedicated Trip Leader, just get in touch with your booking agent and they will take you through some alternatives.

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. The welcome meeting will be held by an Intrepid local representative on the day before your trip starts at 8 pm in your hotel lobby.This trip ends on Day 3 and you are free to leave at any time.
2. You will be picked up on Day 1 from the Joining Point Hotel listed in the Trip Note Information for this itinerary. Pick-up will take place between 8am and 9am in the Hotel foyer.
3. If you require pick up from another centrally-located hotel in Chiang Mai, please inform your booking agent at least 14 days prior to departure.
4. Age restrictions apply to this trip - minimum age 5.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 based on 10 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Samuel · Traveled September 2024
Review submitted 02 Oct 2024

Nicola · Traveled May 2024
Review submitted 09 May 2024

Ross · Traveled January 2024
Review submitted 27 Jan 2024

Gabe · Traveled July 2023
Review submitted 25 Jul 2023

Ryan · Traveled May 2023
Review submitted 15 May 2023
Chiang Mai & Golden Triangle
From
ZAR  10,093