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 bareback 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 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 3 pm.

A leisurely morning enjoying breakfast and relaxing by the pool with views over the green hills of Samoeng Chiang Mai 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. The road winds its way through valleys and hills, a journey of around 3 hours, including a few stops at coffee shops or strawberry farms (seasonal) along the way, before reaching the country town of Pai, nestled in the Pai river valley.
This drive is part of the Chiang Mai to Pai tour, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination. Home to many artists and musicians, Pai in the evening has a very arty and bohemian atmosphere with a vibrant street market and fun bars, coffee shops, and restaurants to enjoy. The town is also known for its laid-back atmosphere and natural beauty, including Pai Canyon, waterfalls, hot springs, and caves. Don’t miss local temples set in the rice fields or the Yunnan-style Chinese villages with tea plantations.
Settle into your Deluxe room at Reverie Siam, where you’ll enjoy a comfortable three-night stay. The evening is yours to enjoy!

If you are an early riser (5:30 am), 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, explore Pai’s natural wonders as part of your Pai tour from Chiang Mai. Choose from iconic landmarks like Pai Canyon, the Mo Paeng or Pam Bok waterfalls, bamboo walkways over rice fields, or visit local temples. Return to the hotel early afternoon to take lunch and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Enjoy a quiet morning at your own pace, soaking in Pai’s unique charm. Around 4 pm, embark on a slow bamboo raft ride down the river to a secret picnic location, where you can enjoy drinks (with an upgrade to champagne available) and canapes while watching the sunset over the valley. This serene moment captures the spirit of the Chiang Mai to Pai tour. Return to the Silhouette restaurant for a two-course set menu dinner.

After breakfast, leave Pai for the scenic drive to Mae Salong. This segment of the Chiang Mai to Pai tour offers stunning views of hills and valleys. By midday, you’ll arrive at Ahsa Farm, an eco-farm stay surrounded by organic plantations and forest.
Check-in for 2 nights in a Double Room. Once settled in, a guide will escort you on a tour of the estate and farm. Join activities on the farm or simply relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.
Dinner will be served at the farm.

Breakfast at 7.30am in time to enjoy a morning walk through the plantation in the cool morning air. At 10 am, the chef will host a cooking class where you’ll learn to prepare three dishes before enjoying your culinary creations for lunch. The afternoon is free for you to relax. Dinner will be served with a choice of 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 relaxing 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 the Secret Retreats concierge for advice.