Off the Beaten Track – Mystical Trails Through Northern Thailand
Embark on a journey through the lesser-known regions of Northern Thailand. The province of Nan, bordering Laos to the east, is a serene and picturesque destination known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning mountain landscapes, and warm-hearted locals. Nan offers an authentic Thai experience that allows you to dive deep into the history of the ancient Lanna Kingdom. In the remote highlands, you’ll visit a Mlabri hill tribe that has preserved much of its distinctive culture. One of the highlights of the trip is also a visit to the Thai Elephant Conservation Center & Hospital, where sick and injured elephants are lovingly cared for.
6-Day Private Tour Through Thailand | Daily Departures Available
Off the Beaten Track – Mystical Trails Through Northern Thailand
Chiang Mai – Phayao – Nan – Phrae – Lampang – Lamphun – Chiang Mai
Vibes of Asia - What's Included (THA6306)
– Private tour in an air-conditioned vehicle with driver
– 5 nights in budget and middle-class hotels
– Daily breakfast
– Additional meals as specified (4x L = Lunch)
– English-speaking guide
– All listed entrance fees and attractions
– Detailed day-by-day itinerary
– High-quality dark grey polo shirt with Vibes of Asia logo provided at the first hotel
– Accident insurance coverage for the duration of the program
Experience Thailand – entirely your way
from 730 €
Price per person based on two travelers sharing a double room – valid until October 31, 2026
Choose between three comfortable travel options:
🔹 not available on this route – Car & Driver Package (without guide)
Ideal for travelers who are familiar with Thailand or prefer to explore with greater independence.
🔹 from € 730 – Tour with English-speaking guide
🔹 from € 770 – Tour with multilingual guide (French, Spanish, Italian; other languages on request)
We are happy to create a customized proposal for you—tailored to your preferred route, hotel category, and travel duration.
👉 Additional costs may apply during festival periods or for special services such as gala dinners.
👉 Family, children’s and group rates available on request.
📩 Contact us anytime – we will be pleased to advise you personally and without obligation.
Day 1 | Arrival in Chiang Mai
Upon arrival at the airport or train station, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, take the opportunity to explore the surrounding area.
Expert Tip: Discover the old town, local markets, and temples on foot – and in the evening, don’t miss the lively Night Bazaar along the Ping River, with its fantastic atmosphere and live music.
Day 2 | Freshwater Lake & Unique Hill Tribe
In the morning, enjoy a half-hour boat ride on the Ping River to a small farm, followed by a stop at the Mae Kachan hot springs and its small natural geyser.
The journey continues through scenic mountain roads to Phayao, a charming provincial town home to Northern Thailand’s largest freshwater lake. The lake is dotted with water hyacinths and teems with fish and small crustaceans. Local eateries around the lake invite you to relax and enjoy a taste of provincial life.
Later, travel through rice fields and rolling hills before reaching a Mlabri village – one of Thailand’s most unique indigenous communities. With fewer than 3,000 people, the Mlabri have remarkably preserved their traditional customs and language, rooted in the ancient Mon-Khmer peoples of Southeast Asia. Their isolated lifestyle in the forests of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai has shaped a rich cultural identity that remains intact today. Continue on to Nan, where you’ll stay overnight. (L)
Day 3 | Mountain Wilderness Toward Laos
Today’s route takes you deep into the mountains toward Bo Kluea, a remote and picturesque village nestled in a small valley near the Lao border. The village was built around two natural saltwater wells that have been used for centuries.
You’ll pass through Doi Phu Kha National Park, a true hidden gem covering over 1,000 square kilometers, famous for its pristine landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and cultural richness.
Continue through Pua to Nong Bua, a traditional Tai Lue village known for its weaving traditions and century-old temple murals. The Tai Lue people are renowned artisans who produce stunning handwoven textiles with geometric patterns and vibrant colors – you can often watch the women weaving in front of their homes. Return to Nan for another overnight stay. (L)
Day 4 | Winding Roads, Nature & Culture
Start the day with a walk through Nan’s charming old town, filled with teakwood houses and over 100 ancient temples. Highlights include Wat Phumin, with its famous murals, Wat Ming Muang, housing the three-meter-high city pillar, and Wat Phra That Khao Noi, perched on a hilltop overlooking the valley with its iconic nine-meter golden Buddha statue.
The road south winds through unspoiled mountain landscapes to the Huai Rong Waterfall, hidden deep in the forest. Near Phrae, stop at Phae Mueang Phi Park, where erosion has carved bizarre sandstone formations up to 20 meters high.
End the day in Lampang, Northern Thailand’s second-largest city. (L)
Day 5 | Elephant Hospital & Ancient Mon Kingdom
This morning, visit Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, one of Northern Thailand’s oldest and most revered temples, surrounded by thick walls and raised on a small hill.
Continue to the Thai Elephant Conservation Center & Hospital, established in 1993, where orphaned, sick, and injured elephants receive world-class medical care and rehabilitation.
Then travel onward to Lamphun, once the capital of the Mon Kingdom of Hariphunchai. The highlight here is Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, a magnificent 11th-century temple featuring intricate wood carvings and a 50-meter-high golden chedi.
In the afternoon, take a short hike to the “Golden Rock”, a local sacred site resembling the famous Golden Rock in Myanmar, offering splendid views of the surrounding hills.
The day ends with a scenic drive back to Chiang Mai via the Old Rubber Tree Road, a majestic avenue lined with over 2,000 ancient rubber trees. (L)
Day 6 | End of Tour or Extension Program
After a memorable journey through Northern Thailand, you’ll be transferred to Chiang Mai Airport for your flight or optional train journey back to Bangkok (not included).
Would you like to extend your trip? We’ll be happy to arrange a relaxing beach stay in Southern Thailand to perfectly round off your adventure.
Selected Hotels for Your Journey
Banthai Village 3.5*
Chiang Mai
Lampang River Lodge 3*
Lampang
Nan Boutique Hotel 3*
Nan
Banthai Village 3.5
Chiang Mai