Day 1, Chiang Rai – Doi Tung
08.30 Pick up at your hotel in Chiang Rai (or at the Chiang Rai Airport). Transfer to Doi Tung (about 1 hr. drive), Briefing about the Royal Project in Doi Tung. Then visit the royal project and see the beautiful Mae Fah Luang botanical gardens.
12.00 Lunch at Doi Tung Restaurant in Doi Tung.
13.00 Travel to visit Wat Rong Kun, the amazing white temple (about 1 hr. drive). Then, travel to the township of Chiang Rai (about 30 minutes drive), check in at Legend Chiang Rai Boutique Resort & Spa. Take time to survey and explore.
16.30 Take a tricycle from the resort for about 30 minutes, then walk to observe the lively market (sells cooked foods, fruits, fresh vegetables and many kinds of fried insects) until reaching Wat Phra Kaew at about 17.30 hrs. See the beautiful Ho Phra Kaew and temple, and listen to the monks chanting in the temple (there are many novices residing in this temple).
18.00 Take a tricycle back to the resort, past beautiful trees lining the road.
19.00 Dinner and overnight at Legend Chiang Rai Boutique Resort & Spa.
Day 2, Huay Kee Lek Community Based Tourism
07.00 Breakfast at the resort
08.00 After breakfast, travel to Baan Huay Kee Lek Akha village by air-conditioned Van and a local truck (about 1 ½ hrs. drive), perched on the top of a mountain with fantastic views of Chiang Rai province.
10.00 Welcome by Baan Huay Kee Lek community-based tourism group, who will introduce guests to their community, local culture and way of life. Explore Baan Huay Kee Lek with local guides, visit the village school
11.00 Soft nature trek in the community forest led by Akha guide for about 1 hr. Learn about the relationship between the Akha people and the forest.
12.00 Finish trekking, take leisure at the host home
12.30 lunch in the village, Akha style
13.30 Travel to Suanthip Wana Resort (about 1 hrs. drive) an amazing Green resort. right in the heart of the forest and mountains.
Check in at the resort, at leisure to survey and explore.
16.00 Ayuravedic massage with homemade heated herbal Compact for about 1 hrs
18.00 Start to prepare for a Thai cooking class - 2 dishes: spring roll and fried Thai noodle (Kuai-Teo-Pad-Thai)
Day 3, Chiang Mai–Bangkok (or…)
08.30 Breakfast at the resort
09.30 After breakfast, check out and travel to Chiang Mai
11.00 Arrival in Chiang Mai, visit Wat Phrasing, observe the most beautiful mural painting in the Northern style of arts.
12:00 Lunch at “Just Khao Soy” restaurant in Chiang Mai
13.00 Travel to Chiang
Mai Airport
(about 1 hr) for return flight to Bangkok
Or drop off at hotel in Chiang Mai.
Highlights… Service and Sustainability in Chiang Rai:
Doi Tung Royal Project
- Nationally admired project, initiated by the King’s Mother;
- In the past, this area was cleared to plant opium. Doi Tung Royal Project worked with the community towards reforestation and sustainable livelihoods;
- Local villagers plant coffee and macadamia which they sell to the Royal Project;
- Visit the beautiful botanic gardens, including rare orchid species;
- Enjoy a delicious Thai meal at the organic restaurant;