Soft Adventure Tour – River Landscapes & Northern Thailand Culture
Experience an unforgettable soft adventure in Northern Thailand — from Chiang Mai to the Burmese border and down the Mae Kok River. This 4-day tour combines light adventure, cultural discovery, and local encounters in one of Thailand’s most scenic regions. Float along the river on a bamboo raft, visit ethnic hill-tribe villages, and explore Chiang Rai’s stunning Blue and White Temples. End your journey at the peaceful freshwater lake of Phayao.
4-Day Private Tour Through Thailand | Daily Departures Available
Soft Adventure Tour – River Landscapes & Northern Thailand Culture
Chiang Mai – Thaton – Mae Kok River – Kaew Waaw Dam Village – Chiang Rai – Phayao – Chiang Mai
Vibes of Asia - What's Included (THA6307)
– Private tour in an air-conditioned vehicle with driver
– 2 nights in middle-class hotel
– 1 night in budget lodge
– Daily breakfast
– Additional meals as specified (3x L = Lunch, 1x D = Dinner)
– 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 670 €
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 € 670 – Tour with English-speaking guide
🔹 from € 710 – 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 | Limestone Cave & Mountain Wilderness
Your Northern Thailand journey begins with a scenic drive north from Chiang Mai. Along the way, stop at an orchid farm, a local market, or an elephant camp where you can watch the elephants bathing in the river.
Continue through the lush Ping River Valley to Chiang Dao to explore a mystical limestone cave temple with impressive stalactites and stalagmites — one of the most atmospheric sites in Northern Thailand.
Travel on through Fang to Thaton, a small border town near Myanmar. Before checking in, visit the hilltop temple Wat Thaton for panoramic views of the Kok River and the Burmese mountain landscape.
Day 2 | Rafting on the Mae Kok River
Today’s highlight is a relaxing bamboo rafting adventure on the Mae Kok River, which originates in Myanmar’s Shan State and flows into the Mekong near the Golden Triangle.
As you drift downstream, pass by remote Lahu hill-tribe villages and enjoy the peaceful rhythm of river life.
You’ll overnight in a charming riverside lodge in the Karen village of Kaew Waaw Dam — simple but full of character. (L/D)
Day 3 | Hot Springs & the Goddess of Mercy
After breakfast, stroll through the local village and cross a suspension bridge to a nearby Lahu settlement. Continue to the natural hot sulfur springs, where you can enjoy a refreshing bath.
In the village of Ruammit, visit a small elephant camp and help feed the elephants.
The route then leads to Wat Huay Pla Kang, famous for its towering statue of Kuan Im, the Chinese Goddess of Mercy, and a striking nine-tier pagoda framed by dragon stairways.
Optionally, visit Wat Rong Suea Ten — the Blue Temple — before continuing to Chiang Rai. Spend the afternoon relaxing or take a short hike to Khun Gorn Waterfall. In the evening, explore Chiang Rai’s night market and taste authentic Northern Thai street food. (L)
Day 4 | White Temple & Phayao Lake
Head south to the world-famous Wat Rong Khun (White Temple), one of Thailand’s most photographed landmarks. Its pure white color symbolizes Buddha’s enlightenment, while the bridge in front represents the path to Nirvana.
The journey continues through scenic mountains to Phayao, home to Northern Thailand’s largest freshwater lake. Covered in water hyacinths and rich in fish, the lake is surrounded by small lakeside restaurants offering a glimpse into provincial Thai life.
From Wat Analayo, perched on a hill, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the town and lake.
On your way back to Chiang Mai, stop for photos and visit the Mae Kachan hot springs and its small geyser before being dropped off at your hotel, airport, or train station. (L)
Selected Hotels for Your Journey
Maekok River Village 3*
Thaton
Laluna Resort 3*
Chiang Rai
My Dream Guesthouse 2*
Karen-Village