Drive north from Chiang Mai (or fly directly from Bangkok to Chiang Rai airport) and enjoy the lush green carpet of mountain forests, emerald valleys, and electric green rice fields. Big sky and clean air invigorate the senses. There are several beautiful National Parks here and if you enjoy hiking and wildlife, we can help weave them into your itinerary.

Just on the outskirts of Chiang Rai pay a visit to one of Thailand's most extraordinary modern temples, Wat Rongkhun, an ongoing project of artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. Decorated entirely in pure white with mirror accents, it is designed to be viewed best by moonlight. This is a unique chance to witness the birth of an entirely unique style of temple.

This afternoon, explore the border town of Mae Sai where you may cross over into Myanmar (bring your passport) to wander around the market in Tachileik where cheap goods from China and gems, jade and lacquerware from Burma are on offer. If you fancy a climb, there's a great view to be had from Wat Phra Tat Doi Wao. Spelunkers may also like to visit the limestone caves of Tham Luang, Tham Pum and Tham Pla (rent or bring a lantern).

Spend the rest of the afternoon at the famous Golden Triangle, the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Ruak rivers where Laos meets Myanmar and Thailand. Nearby is charming town of Chiang Saen, a former 14th century capital, where boats from China dock to unload goods. This quiet little town has grown up around the ancient city walls and red brick ruins, many in excellent shape. The ruins of Wat Pa Sak are in an impressive park setting of huge trees and moats. The chedi (stupa) at Wat Athi Ton Kaew has broken open to reveal a smaller, older stupa inside with its white stucco decoration preserved. The Chiang Saen Museum is open Wed to Sun. Head back to Chiang Rai in the late afternoon.

This evening, check out Chiang Rai's night bazaar, with a large outdoor food court and live entertainment. Our guide will be happy to point out the local gay hang-outs nearby.

Today you may choose between two different programs. The first option is a beautiful and easy drive up into the mountains to the Chinese-settled border town of Mae Salong (it can get chilly here November through February, so bring a light jacket or pullover). Here, tea plantations and farms perch dramatically on steep mountain faces. Take a walk through the winding town and try some of the local honey-flavored oolong teas at a shop. Hill tribes people (Hmong, Ahka, Lisu, Mien) wander past in colorful traditional costume. Home fronts are decorated with Chinese calligraphic banners and exotic flowers. From December to January you may see cherry trees in bloom.

Alternatively, take a trip up to to Doi Tung to visit the former royal villa of the Princess Mother (mother of the current King), now a museum, and the Mae Luang Botanical Garden. This royal project was introduced to encourage opium growers to switch to other crops including flowers. At the top of the mountain is Wat Phra Tat Doi Tung, housing important Buddha relics and offering a panoramic view of the Thai/Myanmar border. You may also visit The Hall of Opium, run by the Mae Fah Luang Foundation, for an informative exhibition on the history of poppy cultivation.

Time to stay longer? If you are not in a hurry to see the highlights of this remarkable region, why not spend a second night? Your car, driver and driver will remain with you to enjoy the places mentioned above at a more leisurely pace. And why not? It's your holiday, isn't it? We also have a two-night visit to Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle

PRICE PER PERSON FOR ALL INCLUSIVE PACKAGE in DOLLARS/EUROS/POUNDS/BAHT

One Night Superior: Wiang Inn Through October 08 Double 290 184 145 9,000 Single 573 363 287 17,775 Deluxe Hotel: Legend Chiang Rai resort & Spa May through October 08 Double 296 187 148 9,170 Single 585 370 292 18,130 VIP: Dusit Island Resort - Landmark Suite Through October 08 Double 341 216 170 10,570 Single 675 427 338 20,930 November 08 through March 09 Double 375 237 187 11,620 Single 743 470 371 23,030 April through October 09 Double 305 193 152 9,450 Single 603 381 301 18,690 Two Nights Superior: Wiang Inn Through October 08 Double 394 249 197 12,225 Single 781 494 391 24,225 Deluxe Hotel: Legend Chiang Rai resort & Spa 3 January through 30 April 08 Double 402 254 201 12,460 Single 797 504 399 24,710 May through October 08 Double 393 249 196 12,180 Single 779 493 390 24,150 VIP: Dusit Island Resort - Landmark Suite Through October 08 Double 438 277 219 13,580 Single 869 550 435 26,950 November 08 through March 09 Double 472 299 236 14,630 Single 937 593 469 29,050 April through October 09 Double 402 254 201 12,460 Single 797 504 399 24,710 Convert to Other Currencies

choose from these CHIANG RAI HOTELS Superior: Wiang Inn Deluxe: Legend Chiang Rai Resort & Spa   Where We Shine: Purple Dragon provides unique insight into Northern Thai culture and we survey the region personally throughout the year. We save our guests precious time by recommending the best, newest, and most popular attractions. Our regional manager and staff all speak excellent English. Your tour is private and you have the undivided attention of our guides. Our guests often remark that the highlight of their holiday was the charming company of our trained guides and their superlative insights into Thai culture. Prices are based on exchange rate of 15 May 2008 and may be subject to change