Tour overview

This 3-day short break explores the far north of Thailand from Chiang Mai, with transport and a driver arranged. There is no tour leader travelling with you. You stay two nights in hotels, with breakfast and lunch on most days.

You are picked up in Chiang Mai and drive into the hills to Doi Mae Salong, a village founded by Chinese settlers and surrounded by tea plantations.

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The next day you visit the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet on the Mekong, with lunch overlooking the river, and stay in Chiang Rai. On the last morning you visit Wat Rong Khun, the extraordinary White Temple, before returning to Chiang Mai.

The physical rating is low. This break suits independent travellers who want to see northern Thailand in a few days.

Trip highlights

  • Doi Mae Salong (Day 1)
  • Tea plantations (Day 1)
  • The Golden Triangle (Day 2)
  • Lunch by the Mekong (Day 2)
  • The White Temple (Day 3)

Your route

8 stops from Chiang Mai to Chiang Mai

3-day route: Chiang Mai – Doi Mae Salong – Golden Triangle – Chiang Rai – Chiang Mai
  1. Chiang Mai Day 1
  2. Chiang Dao Cave Day 1
  3. Doi Mae Salong Day 1
  4. Golden Triangle Day 2
  5. Chiang Saen Day 2
  6. Chiang Rai Day 2
  7. Wat Rong Khun Day 3
  8. Chiang Mai Day 3

Why choose this tour

The far north in three days. Departs almost every day.

Best suited to

  • Independent travellers
  • Culture lovers
  • Families
  • Short-break seekers
Wat Rong Khun, the White Temple, in Chiang Rai

Day-by-day itinerary

3 days from Chiang Mai, Thailand to Chiang Mai, Thailand

  1. Day 1 · Chiang Mai, Doi Mae Salong Doi Mae Salong

    Into the hills.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Lunch
  2. Day 2 · Golden Triangle, Chiang Rai Golden Triangle

    Three countries meet.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch
  3. Day 3 · Wat Rong Khun, Chiang Mai Chiang Mai

    The White Temple.

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch
Sunset over the Mekong River

Where you stay

  • Doi Mae Salong (1 night) Hotel
  • Chiang Rai (1 night) Hotel

Hotel names are indicative and may be replaced with a property of similar standard and location.

What's included

Included

  • Accommodation 2 nights in hotels
  • Meals 2 breakfasts and 3 lunches
  • Private minibus with driver
  • Pick-up from the joining hotel in Chiang Mai
  • Golden Triangle visit
  • Lunch overlooking the Mekong

Not included

  • Flights and airport transfers
  • Meals not included 2 dinners
  • Dinners
  • Entrance fees
  • Travel insurance and personal spending
Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai

This trip might not be for you if…

Honest disclaimer — please read

  • You want a tour leader
  • You want dinners included
  • You want a long holiday
  • You want flights included — they are not

Good to know

Meals by day Breakfast: Days 2–3 · Lunch: Days 1–3 · Dinner: none included
FCDO advice UK FCDO travel advice for Thailand
The White Temple in Chiang Rai reflected in its pond

In pictures

Departures & prices

From £473 per person, twin share, tour only. 361 upcoming departures.

Frequently asked questions

How do I book this tour?

Tap any "Enquire" button on the page and one of our travel specialists will be in touch within 24 hours (often same day). We'll confirm availability on your preferred date, run through anything you need to know, and only ask for the deposit once you've decided.

What financial protection do I get?

Every Travelisto booking is 100% financially protected. Your money is held in a ring-fenced Trust account until you return from your trip, and we are members of the Protected Trust Services scheme (PTS 6035). Most tours also include ATOL protection where flights are part of the package.

Is there a tour leader?

No, a driver takes you between the included sights.

Do I need a visa for Thailand?

UK citizens can currently visit Thailand visa-free for short stays, but must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card before travel.

Is it suitable for children?

Yes, for ages 5 and over.

Are airport transfers included?

No, the trip starts from a joining hotel in Chiang Mai.

Which meals are included?

Breakfast and lunch on most days.

How often does it depart?

Almost every day of the year.

Can you tailor the trip?

Yes — every escorted tour can be modified into a private tailor-made version with your own dates, adjusted pace, upgraded hotels and add-on extensions. Tell us what you'd like changed when you enquire and we'll quote it both ways so you can compare.

What if my flight is delayed or cancelled?

If your international flight is part of your booking through us, we re-book at no cost. If you've booked flights separately, the tour's local team holds your transfer slot until you arrive. We strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes delay and cancellation cover.

ATOL protected 100% financially protected in a Trust bank account PTS 6035 4.7 on Trustpilot
Tailor-made option

Not quite the right fit? Make it tailor-made.

If this group tour doesn't match your ideal trip, our specialists will turn it into a private tailor-made journey — your own dates, your own pace, upgraded hotels where you want them, and the parts you don't love swapped out. Same destinations, just rebuilt around you.

Contact us for a tailor-made version of this itinerary

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