Definitely not JUST for honeymooners but this itinerary would certainly be a very special way to relax but also enjoy a bit of adventure after your big day.
Equally well, such an itinerary is ideal for anyone looking to experience more of Thailand's unspoilt culture, taking you well off the beaten track and away from the more touristy beaches and cities of the south.
Thailand, is known for its stunning variety of people, nature and culture and this very special trip weaves an enchanting tapestry of inspiring experiences, from local to luxury.
Start your adventure with a couple of days in Bangkok before heading off to explore the northern cities and temples of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Then travel deeper into the beautiful green hills to visit the charming village of Ja Boo See where you'll have the opportunity to spend two days living with a friendly local family and learning more about their lives and their unique culture.
For the last few days of your visit, you'll stay in a very special hotel which manages to offer 5-star luxury along with authenticity, a genuine respect for the environment and the local people who work there.
Even committed beach lovers cannot fail to be enchanted by this itinerary which will show you some of the delights of Northern Thailand from the rich cultural heritage to the breathakingly lovely scenery of this often overlooked area... It's also easily customisable so if this isn't quite what you're looking for, just let us know!
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Day 1: Arrival in Bangkok
Arrival in Bangkok and make your way to your hotel in central Bangkok. We regularly use a comfortable, 3 star hotel with its own swimming pool, centrally located very close to the (in)famous Khao San Road - an ideal location if you only have limited time available and want to get a feel for the wonderful chaos that is Bangkok whilst also having a clean, safe, efficiently run base to which you can escape!
Chill out and relax or head out to get your first taste of this crazy, noisy, bustling, fascinating city.
Day 2: Exploring Bangkok
Today is free for you to explore on your own or we can book you an organised tour/guide if you prefer. Don't miss the Grand Palace and maybe take a long-tail boat ride to explore the backwaters (klongs) of the Chao Phraya river.
Day 3: Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Head to the airport and catch a short (one hour) flight to Chiang Mai - or if you're feeling more adventurous, take the overnight train (a highly recommended and unforgettable experience). Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, you will be met and escorted to your hotel. Time to relax and freshen up - maybe take a dip in the pool - before heading out to enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of Chiang Mai's fascinating Night Markets.
Day 4: Explore Chiang Mai
After a leisurely breakfast, take a short city tour before driving to visit the temple of Doi Suthep - situated on a hilltop just outside Chiang Mai - on a clear day the views are spectacular and the temple itself is a lovely place to spend a few hours exploring.
In the afternoon, either relax by the pool or we can arrange various visits to suit your interests including a nearby Butterfly Farm, Elephant Camp or a variety of craft workshops where you can watch local handicrafts being made.
Day 5: Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
After breakfast you'll be met and driven to Ban Thaton, stopping along the way to visit Chiang Dao cave before taking an afternoon's long tail boat down the river to Chiang Rai. As you drift down the river, witness life both on and along the waterway - children at play and local people at work will often stop to wave - don't forget to wave back!
Day 6: Hilltribe Homestay
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before heading out into the beautiful scenery of the hills north of Chiang Rai. Stop in Doi Mae Salong where 95% of the population are Yunnan Chinese creating a town which would not be out of place in Northern Vietnam, Laos or even China. Visit Doi Mae Salong Museum and a Chinese tea plantation before tucking into a traditional Yunanese lunch.
After lunch, head further into the hills until you arrive at Ja Boo See village where you'll receive a warm welcome from the villagers will be your hosts for the next two nights. After an introduction to the village and its unique culture, you will most likely be treated to a traditional Welcome Ceremony before joining in with handicraft workshop.
Dinner will be simple but delicious fare - with most of the produce being gathered from the woods and hills around the village. As light fades, enjoy exchanging life experiences with your hosts - your English-speaking guide will be on hand to assist with communication but you'll also be surprised at how much can be said even without a shared language! (Don't forget to bring some photos or postcards from home - always a good way to get the conversation flowing...)
Day 7: Hilltribe Homestay
No alarm clocks are needed here as you'll most likely awake to the crowing of the village cockerels! The day starts quite early but it's a lovely time to explore the village when the mists are still hanging over the surrounding hills, as each family starts to prepare for the day ahead.
Learn how to pound rice (takes more skill and accuracy than you might expect) before taking a gentle trek to a nearby waterfall. Then watch the children playing as you help to prepare an outdoor lunch in Lahu style.
As you trek, your guide will teach you about the flora and fauna you encounter along the way and the local people will be eager to show you how they make use of nature's abundance around them - for food and medicinal purposes but also for more leisurely pursuits such as making musical instruments.
Day 8: Hilltribe Homestay - Golden Triangle
Bid farewell to your host and head for Mae Sai (a faschinating market on the borders of Thailand and Burma). After some time to explore, take lunch in a local restaurant before driving on to the Golden Triangle where you can visit the Opium Museum to gain further insight into the trade which has had such strong influence over the people and the development of the area.
At the end of the day, you'll arrive in Chiang Saen to stay at gorgeous resort which sits on the hillside with stunning views (from your own balcony) overlooking the three countries which give this area its name - Thailand, Burma and Laos.
Days 9 - 11: Golden Triangle
Relax in the luxurious surroundings of the resort which also has its own Elephant Camp. Perhaps spend a day learning to be an elephant mahout, take a boat ride along the river or simply chill by the pool - it's your holiday after all.. and you've earned it.
Day 12: Return Bangkok
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before taking a taxi to the airport in order to catch your flight back to Bangkok.
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