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During the late 13th century, as the Mongol hordes swept down from their homelands and across the Asian landmass, various T'ai tribes made their way south out of their vunerable lands in present-day southwest China into the lands that were to become Thailand and Laos. Chiang Rai was one of the early capitals of these relocated T'ai, the basis of a kingdom that was to be known as Lanna, a million rice-fields. Visit Wat Phra Kaew, where the image that was to become the national palladium was discovered after lightning struck the temple in 1434. A recent copy of the Emerald Buddha is housed in the temple. Also visit Wat Phra Singh, another elegant and ancient temple constructed in Lanna style. See the monument to Por Khun Mengrai the founding father of Chiang Rai (1262) and the Lanna kingdom, and visit the local market to mull over handicrafts before returning to your hotel.

The mountain peak of Mae Salong was settled by the remnants of the Kuomintang (defeated Chinese Nationalist Army) in 1962. They were permitted to stay by the Thai authorities and helped to suppress communist insurgencies in the area. For many years the area was considered out of bounds due to the trade in opium and border clashes with rival warlords from the Myanmar side of the border. The image was largely cleaned up through the 1980's and the town and hill have a new name of Santikhiri (Mount of Peace). Doi Mae Salong now sports a distinctive new temple near the 3950 foot summit, with views across the surrounding countryside over hill tribe villages. The opium has been replaced with cash crops such as Chinese herbs and medicines, tea and vegetables. The market sports some real eye-openers such as gigantic centipedes and snakes preserved in 'wine'.

Begin by ascending Doi Mae Salong, followed by a visit to the market town of Mae Sai and ancient Chiang Saen.

Transfer to the Mae Kok river that winds it way through 80 unspoilt kilometres of the Chiang Rai countryside. Board a long-tail boat and watch the beautiful scenery pass by on both banks. Arrive at a Karen tribal village and elephant camp. The Karen have developed skills in capturing and training elephants for transport and logging in their remote and hilly jungle villages along the Thai-Burma border. Ride the pachyderm through the woods and clearings for rice paddies until reaching a Yao village for lunch. Visit the Yao and Akha tribes in the afternoon. Yao women can be distinguished by their turban-like headwear, whilst the Akha women wear a very elaborate head-dress featuring beads, feathers and beaten silver. If in a hiking mood a waterfall may be visited for a quick dip. A stop is made at the Chiang Rai Handicraft centre on the return journey to the city.

This full day trip takes you to the far north of Thailand into Chiangrai province . Chiang Rai ciity is the older sister of Chiang Nai , Founded in 1262 by King Mengrai. Meng rai resettled his capital at Chiang Mai in 1296. This smaller town is home to several handsome temples,including Wat Phra Kaew where the emerald Bhudda ( now in Bangkok ) was first discovered in 1436, and the 14 th century wooden structure of Wat Phra Singh. The tour continues into Golden Triangle territory ,visiting Sop Ruak , where the Ruap river converges with the mighty Mekong and the borders of Myanmar , Thailand and Laos converge . This is the apex of the Thai portion of notorious Golden Triangle , but nowadays this side of the border is less wild .Continue on to the ancient town of Chiangsean , which features many temple ruins haphazardly scattered about town , The ChiangSeaen Buddha images with their fine oval faces are said to be the earliest expression of a purely Siamese sculptural style .

Firstly we ascend Doi Tung Mountain, sharing the border with Burma. Visit the Royal Villa and gardens that were once home to the late mother of the present King, remembered by the local hilltribe people as 'Mae Fa Luang' (princess from
the sky). At an elevation of 1800 metres visit the Wat Phra That Doi Tung, a temple constructed around two chedis said to have been erected in the early tenth century. Descend to the busy border market town of Mae Sai, at the northernmost point in Thailand, facing the Burmese town of Tachilek across the Sai river. Continue to Sop Ruak where the borders of three countries (Thailand, Burma and Laos) converge at the point where the Ruak river joins the mighty Mekhong. Then on to Chiang Saen, a small town, which is one of the earlies Thai kingdoms on present day Thai soil. See the remains of its
many temples scattered around the town.

Firstly ascend Doi Mae Salong, also known as Santikhiri. Several hilltribes inhabit its slopes, as well as the remnants of the Chinese Nationalist Army (Kuomintang 93rd regiment) and their descendants who fled China post World War II. The markets sell some real eye-opening goods such as giant centipedes and snakes preserved in 'wine'. Descend to the busy border market town of Mae Sai, at the northernmost point in Thailand, facing the Burmese town of Tachilek
across the Sai river. Continue to Sop Ruak where the borders of three countries (Thailand, Burma and Laos) converge at the point where the Ruak river joins the mighty Mekong. Continue to Chiang Saen, a small town, which is one of the earliest Thai kingdoms on present day Thai soil. See the remains of many temples scattered around the town. The tour terminates in Chiang Rai. Lunch is included in this tour.