Smiling Albino

Intro

Total Trip - 6 days

The Kingdom's northernmost province deserves an intimate exploration. This unique adventure explores the many faces of Chiang Rai in a creative, cozy and immensely enjoyable manner. From life along the Myanmar and Laotian borders, to the delectable food and charming accommodations, you'll satiate your senses through the back roads of the far north, where getting there is half the fun. Using mountain bikes, motorscooters, sea-kayaks, foot power, boats, elephants and a private vehicle, each day allows you to challenge - or pamper - yourself as you wish. Using the best adventure ingredients, this is the finest experience in northern Thailand.

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Chiang Rai - soak in the northern vibe...

In the afternoon you'll board a flight from Bangkok to Chiang Rai city. Upon arrival you'll be escorted by your Smiling Albino host to a gorgeous villa along the Mae Kok River. Enjoy the rest of the day to get into the northern groove - perhaps enjoy the herbal spa, a dip in the infinity pool or a traditional Thai massage. If time permits your host will take you on a late afternoon cyclo trip around the city. You'll spend the first two nights of your odyssey at The Legend Chiang Rai, a stunning boutique riverside resort, sure to stimulate the senses.

Meals: D

Day 2: Bikes, Boats & Elephants

Hang on for a day you'll never forget. Using bicycles we'll ride through beautiful valleys, past mountain temples and visit a monk's cave en-route to a Karen hilltribe elephant camp. Mount your very own pachyderm, ride through the hills then enjoy a light lunch along the river. We'll journey back to Chiang Rai in a longtail boat, as postcard-like visuals fill the backdrop. Tonight celebrate with a dinner of champions at a traditional outdoor restaurant and top it all off with a visit to the Night Bazaar.

Biking: 20-40km (paved/dirt roads, depending on your preference)
Note: bicycles are well-maintained, high-performance bikes with front suspension, helmets, gloves and safety light provided
Meals: B,L,D

Day 3: Hilltribe Hiatus

For those who wish to summon their sense of adventure, strap on a helmet and learn how to ride a Thai motorscooter for the journey ahead. With our comfy van and scooters we'll embark on a picturesque drive through rolling valleys, passing hilltribe villages and water buffalo en-route to the tiny riverside town of Mae Salak. Here we're treated to superb bamboo and brick chalets with panoramic views over the Mae Kok River. After a tasty lunch you can either chill-out at the riverside pool or embark on a river kayaking expedition and jungle hike, passing quaint villages and lush forest along the way. A signature northern Thai experience.

Scooter/Drive: 85km (paved roads)
Note: Motorscooters are well-maintained 100+cc Honda bikes, equipped with safety helmets, gloves and comprehensive training program.
Hiking: 2 hours
Paddling: 1-2 hours slow river current
Meals: B,L,D

Day 4: To Chinatown

Today we'll ride up to one of the kingdom's most stunning destinations - Doi Mae Salong. Originally settled by indigenous hilltribe groups and more recently by Yunnanese settlers who fled China's Communist Revolution, this outpost was once opium country but is now home to Thailand's premier Oolong tea production. After sampling some tea and a local Thai-Chinese lunch, head into the hills for a great hike through terraced tea and rice plantations, coffee fields and several small hilltribe villages. We round out the day with a twisty drive over the hills to a renowned mountain resort, the Phu Chaisai. Today's journey will impart lasting visuals of the spectacular landscape and endearing faces of Chiang Rai's highlands.

Van/scootering: 75km (paved roads and thrilling turns)
Hiking: 1-3 hours
Meals: B,L,D

Day 5: Mountains to the Mekong

Mount your scooter or hop in the van and drive up to Doi Tung Royal Gardens, a renowned development center for hilltribe groups and a stop for a robust local coffee. From here a gorgeous ascending ridge brings you to one of the province's highest mountains, Doi Chaang Mub, then down one of the most spectacular roads on earth along the Thai-Myanmar border. With spaghetti-like turns and gorgeous backdrops these quiet mountain roads bring us out to Thailand's furthest frontiers. After lunch we'll pass the Golden Triangle's lush farmland towards a small resort on the banks of the Mekong River. After an awe-inspiring day, we're rewarded with deluxe cottages commanding grand views over the river with Laos facing us on the other side. Enjoy a beverage on your balcony and soak it all in.

Van/scootering: 125km (paved roads and thrilling turns)
Hiking: 1-3 hours
Meals: B,L,D

Day 6: The Golden Triangle

Your final day is a wild one! Board a rocket-boat for a thrilling, 60km/hr ride, up the Mekong into the Golden Triangle. En-route you'll visit a Laotian trading port then experience the impressive Hall of Opium, which chronicles the fascinating history of one of the world's most notorious crops and its role in the region. Enjoy lunch along the Mekong before shuttling back to Chiang Rai for your afternoon flight to Bangkok. You'll land about 17:00, giving you time to connect to your next destination. As we say goodbye you're bound to be thinking about your next Smiling Albino adventure! Krang na, pope gan mai na (see you again next time).

Boating: 65km
Meals: B,L

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FAQs

What is the hiking like?

During our optional hike, we'll walk for 2-4 hours, covering about 5km. Paths are dirt and steep in some sections, but rambling and gentle for the most part. A general level of fitness and appreciation of hiking will prepare you for these outings. Ample water and snacks will always be on hand.

What if I don't ride a bike?

No problem. Our trips are designed to be flexible. When others in your group are biking we can take you to see some other sites and activities. It's that simple!

What if I don't ride a motorscooter?

No problem. Roughly half our guests ride motorscooters on our adventures. Motorcycling or motorscootering is best-suited to those with some prior experience. If you have no experience but are very keen, we run a comprehensive training course prior to riding that you can try. If motorcycles aren't for you, enjoy the trip from the comfort of our van, with relaxing music, big windows and chilled beverages. You're also welcome to ride on the back of your guide's motorscooter to experience the wind in your face.

*Safety note*: while our Team is willing to train you on the motorscootering portion, it must be understood that in the interests of overall safety we can not guarantee that everyone interested will ride. The final decision must ultimately rest with your ground team. A safe, injury free vacation is a fun vacation!

What if it rains?

Our adventures run year-round, rain or shine. During the rainy season (July-Oct) it's a good idea to bring an umbrella and be prepared to get a bit wet. When it really pours we take shelter, enjoy a beverage and let it pass, which is usually quickly - then we'll continue exploring. It's a great experience to see a SE Asian rain shower up close!

Are mosquito nets provided during the trip?

Generally they are not necessary for our trips in South East Asia. Lodgings we use have sealed doors and windows. Should you wish to enjoy the extra peace-of-mind of a mosquito net, feel free to bring one along and we're always happy to help you put it up.

Our group includes a variety of ages, interests and abilities - will we enjoy the same trip?

Yes, our adventures are flexible. If one member of your group doesn't want to ride a bike, we'll have a van waiting while you enjoy a good pedal. You may not want to ride a motorscooter, so you can enjoy the comfort of our van or even try riding on the back of your guide's bike for a while. We are experienced in ensuring everyone has their own perfect holiday while traveling together.

Read our Testimonials to learn more about how flexible our trips are.

Have more questions?

We have lots more information in our Travel Tips section that will give you an idea of what it's like to travel with Smiling Albino. You can read more on food, weather, language, history and culture, see where you'll be travelling, and maybe find a book or two that you can read before your adventure.

Visit the Travel Tips area.

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Trip Gallery

Upgrade Options

Want to do Chiang Rai in a Five star?

Virtually all of our trips are modifiable, and there's no reason you can't enjoy the same activities with 5-star accommodations along the way.

Treat yourself to Pool Villa for two nights at The Legend Chiang Rai. Additional trip cost: $165US/pp (double) or $330US/pp (single).

Also you can enjoy a Pool Villa for one night at The Phu Chaisai. Additional trip cost: $75US/pp (double) or $145US/pp (single).

Need time on the beach when you're done? Our Thailand beach escapes are second to none.

Smiling Albino has an extensive selection of amazing beach resorts and destinations. Check out our options and let us know if we can add a beach escape to your trip.

Flights to & from Bangkok can be arranged.

Need a hotel in Bangkok before or after the trip?

Either downtown or at the airport we can accomodate you.

Downtown: Majestic Grande $115US/night or the Four Seasons $300US/pp/night (double) or $600US/pp/night (single).
Airport: Novotel Suvarnabhumi $220US/night.

Like to customize this adventure as a private trip?

Any of our trips can be changed up and moved around to give you the perfect experience. Take a look at one of our custom trip examples and let us know what we can do for you.

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