Thai Northern Triangle

An early to start to meet your elephants. Pick up from your Chiang Mai hotel or the airport and a quick stop at Chantra Khiri to drop your bags before arriving at the Patara Elephant Farm where you will own an Elephant for a day. Patara Elephant Farm is dedicated to protecting and conserving the Thai Asian elephant. Raising money through its own an elephant for a day activities, all profits go towards the conservation work including the breeding program, the elephant ambulance, elephant clinic and working closely with local universities veterinary faculties to further the study of elephant care and husbandry. The program “own an elephant for a day” has been designed for everyone to learn and interact with elephants. Learn how to approach your elephant correctly, know its temperament, feed and check its health, bathe and wash it in the river, learn how to bare back ride in the traditional mahout style, and communicate with your elephant through different spoken commands. You will get a chance to trek with your elephant through the forest, visit waterfalls and possibly to swim with the elephants. A lunch of traditional Chiang Mai fare will be served at the center, before being transferred back to your hotel around 3pm.

A leisurely morning enjoying breakfast and relaxing by the pool enjoying the quiet atmosphere and views over the green hills of Doi Suthep before checking out at lunchtime to head to Pai. You can either take lunch at the hotel before heading off or leave a little earlier and take lunch along the way. The drive to Pai is through rural Thailand, forested hills, river valleys and agricultural scenes await you. The roads winds its way through valleys and hills, a journey of around 3hours including a few stops in the many coffee shops, or strawberry farms (seasonal) along the way, before reaching the country town of Pai, nestled in the Pai river valley. Home to many artists and musicians Pai in the evening has a very arty and bohemian atmosphere with a vibrant street market and some fun bars, coffee shops and restaurants to enjoy. Daytimes the town is known for its laid-back atmosphere and the natural beauty surrounding it, from Pai canyon to waterfalls, hot springs and caves. Not forgetting local temples set in the rice fields, tribal villages and Yunnan-style Chinese villages and tea plantations.
You will be checking in at Reverie Siam and settle down in your Deluxe room for 3 nights. The evening is yours to enjoy!

If you are an early riser (5.30am) you can start your day with sunrise views from the Yun Lai Chinese Tea House, perched a few hundred meters above the town and admire the tranquil view over the whole of the Pai river valley. Between December and February, you can expect to see a magical mist engulfing the surrounding mountains. After breakfast a chance to explore Pai’s natural wonders, we will drive you to your choice of Pai’s iconic landmarks - the canyon, the Mo Paeng or Pam Bok waterfalls, a walk on bamboo walkways over ricefields or visit some temples. Returning to the hotel in the early afternoon to take lunch and enjoy the afternoon at your leisure.

Enjoy a quiet morning at your speed, at Pai’s pace of life… and only around 4pm, we will bring you down the river on a slow bamboo raft to a secret picnic location, where you will enjoy some drinks (or you can upgrade to champagne if you prefer) and some canapes, with a sunset view over the valley. We will then drive you back to the restaurant Silhouette for a further 2-course set menu and the rest of the evening.

Departure from Pai after breakfast to drive through the hills on beautiful roads with stunning scenery to reach Mae Salong around mid-day. Welcome to Ahsa Farm, an eco-farm stay surrounded by acres of organic plantations and forest.
Check-in for 2 nights in Double Room. Once settled in a guide will be ready to escort you on a tour of the estate and farm. Join the activities at the firm, or simply relax and enjoy nature.
Dinner served at the farm

Breakfast at 7.30am in time to enjoy a morning walk through the plantation in the cool morning air. At 10am the chef will share some of his secrets with you in a cooking class where you will learn to prepare 3 dishes and then enjoy your gastronomic creations for lunch. The afternoon is at your leisure. Dinner will be served at 7pm with a choice between Thai or Western dishes.

Check out after breakfast in the morning depending on your flight time. The driver will drop you at Chiang Rai airport for your onward flight.

To end this trip smoothly, we suggest you to relax on a quiet beach at one of our seaside hotels on Koh Chang, Phuket, Krabi or around Samui (Spa Koh Chang, Le Passe-Temps, Koh Jum Beach Villas, Paresa Resort, Aava Resort, The Andamani, Baba Eco Lodge).
Ask Secret Retreats concierge for advice.