On arrival in Chiang Rai you will enjoy the lush green carpet of mountain forests, emerald valleys, and electric green rice fields. Natural beauty and clean air invigorate the senses.

Wat Rongkhun, on the outskirts of Chiang Rai, is a stunning temple which is both modern and reflects Lanna style ( Northern Thai Style) in pure white with mirror accents. If you are lucky you might meet Chalermchai Kositpipat, the artist who created it.

Next, you will visit the Wat Pra Keaw, the former home of the Emerald Buddha now on display at the Grand palace in Bangkok. Later you will take a long tail boat on the Mae Kok river to Kareng Ruammit Village, where you will see a many different hill tribe people, and have the opportunity to ride an elephant around the village.

This evening, check Chiang Rai’s Night bazaar, with a large outdoor food court and live entertainment. Our guide will be happy to introduce you to the local gay hang-outs nearby.

This morning you will visit stunning Royal Villa of the Princess Mother (Mother of current King), Doi Tung, which was her home until her death. The villa has some of the loveliest gardens in the Kingdom.

After lunch you drive to the border town of Mea Sai, where you may cross over into Myanmar (bring your passport!!) to visit the Tachileik Market, where you can buy cheap goods from China, gems, jade and lacquer from Burma.

You will also see the famous Golden Triangle, at the confluence of the Mekong and the Nam Ruak rivers. From the banks on the Thai side of the Mekong you can see Laos, Myanmar. Next we visit the nearby Opium Museum, which give a history of the drug and the social consequences of its use.

Today we will go to charming town of Chiang Saen, a former 14th century capital of the Kindom of Lanna, 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.

This afternoon, explore the border town near Chiang Khong pier once of the most popular border to Laos. After that we head back to Chiang Rai Airport.
 

Through April 07 Double 420 308 213 13,875 Single 818 600 415 27,000 November 07 through February 08 Double 439 223 223 14,475 Single 855 434 434 28,200 March through October 08 Double 423 423 215 13,950 Single 823 823 418 27,150 Where We Shine: With Purple Dragon you'll never be herded around on a bus with 40 strangers. Your tour is private and you have the undivided attention of our guides, all of whom speak excellent English. Our guests often remark that the highlight of their holiday was the charming company of our trained guides and their friendly introduction to Lao life and culture.

Your Hotels Wiang Inn, Chiang Rai Imperial Golden Triangle Resort Prices based on exchange rates of 1 October 2007 and may be subject to fluctuation

Includes
two nights hotel accommodation, including tax, service and breakfast starting on day 2, three days of touring with private car, driver and English speaking guide, boat trip, cost of admission to places visited, and the legendary service of our incomparable customer care staff.