Day 1: Chiang Mai – Mae Rim
Head along route number 108 to Hangdong and turn right to Samoeng. Visit the Toong Rueng Royal Project and Roses Garden and Pang Da Royal Project which encourage the development of sustainable farming practices, more efficient use of resources and higher crop yields, with many interesting exhibits that detail these agricultural development projects. Then, continue on route number 1096 to Mae Rim, with a visit to Mae Sa Waterfall, an eleven-tier waterfall with a small natural plunge pool for swimming. Proceed to Baan Pang Hai, a simple Thai village 850 metres above sea level. Hill tribe lodges in this area provide cool mountain air, local cuisine and Hmong cultural presentations.
Day 2: Mae Rim – Chiang Rai
Drive along route number 107 via Chiang Dao and Fang to Thatorn. En route, suggested attractions include a small village in Chiang Dao, Chiang Dao Cave and the Hill Tribe Development and Welfare Centre. Upon arrival at Thatorn, abundant riverside lunch venues exist. Then drive further uphill on route number 1130 to Doi Mae Salong, a Chinese village at an elevation of 1,350 metres. Short stops can be made to visit hill tribe villages en route. Leave Doi Mae Salong along route 1130 and turn left to route numbers 1089 and 1 to Chiang Rai.
Day 3: Day at Leisure / Chiang Rai
Drive along route numbers 110 and 1016 to Chiang Saen, the former capital of the first Thai Kingdom alongside the Mekong River and on the Laos’ border. Visit Wat Phra Dhat Jom Kitti and Wat Chedi Luang. Continue alongside the Mekong River to the Golden Triangle where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos converge. Then drive northwards to Mae Sai, the northern-most Thai town which has a lively local market. Then return to Chiang Rai.
Day 4: Chiang Rai – Lampang
Drive 98 km southwards on route number 1 to Phayao. Visit Wat Sri Kom Kam with its fine carved and guilded wood facade, and Kwan (Lake) Phayao where you can find several restaurants for lunch. Continue on route number 1 and drive 134 km to Lampang. En route take in the natural splendour of Tham Pha Thai Forest Park which has abundant greenery and caves.
Day 5: Lampang – Chiang Mai
A highlight attraction in this area is Wat Phra Keo Don Tao, an interesting Myanmar-style temple with a small museum. Also visit Wat Chedi Sao with its many small pagodas. Continue to Ko Kah and visit Phra That Lampang Luang, one of the most highly revered temples in Thailand. According to legend, Lord Buddha once visited the site 2,500 years ago and donated a hair, which is now enshrined in the temple’s large chedi. Drive along route number 11 to Lamphun and visit Wat Phra Dhat Haripoonchai and the museum. A restaurant behind the museum is a good option for lunch. Drive north to Chiang Mai along route number 106 and deliver your car to the car hire centre before 5pm.
