Northern Thailand Active Adventure

ยินดีต้อนรับ (Welcome) to Chiang Mai!

Your Northern Thailand Active Adventure begins! Welcome to Chiang Mai, Thailand’s cultural heart and gateway to the North.
Today is your chance to refresh, reset, and settle in before meeting your Wild Women travel group — women explorers ready to share this unforgettable journey.

We’ll gather for a trip briefing and welcome drink at 4 p.m. in the serene lobby of Rachamankha Boutique Hotel (you’re going to love this place!), our elegant home for the next two nights. This luxury Chiang Mai hotel is inspired by 11th-century Lanna architecture, blending Zen-like simplicity with intricate Thai design. It’s a place where calm meets culture.

After a short break to unwind and recharge, we’ll come together for a welcome dinner at The House by Ginger — a vibrant Michelin Guide–featured restaurant in Chiang Mai. Expect modern Thai cuisine, artisanal cocktails, and a playful atmosphere that fuses old-world charm with fresh, creative energy.

It’s the perfect first evening to connect, savour, and celebrate the beginning of your Thailand adventure — Wild Women style.

Included Meals

Dinner

Accommodations

Rachamankha Boutique Hotel

Connection and Culture

After an early breakfast, we set out at 8 a.m. for a short drive to the trailhead leading to Wat Pha Lat. Hidden deep in the forest, this Chiang Mai temple is one of the city’s most serene and surprising spiritual sites.

From here, we follow the historic Monk’s Trail — a peaceful one-hour hike through Doi Suthep-Pui National Park — to Pa Lad Temple, a sacred sanctuary tucked amid waterfalls and banyan trees. Here, we’ll take part in a lotus offering ceremony, a quiet moment of gratitude and reflection.

Lunch awaits at Khaomao-Khaofang Restaurant, a Michelin-recommended Chiang Mai favourite known for its lush jungle garden, cascading waterfall, and ambient soundtrack. It’s an experience as magical as the food — and a true Wild Women favourite.

In the afternoon, we melt into relaxation mode with a healing Thai massage at Fah Lanna Spa, one of Chiang Mai’s most beloved wellness sanctuaries. This massage is otherworldly, trust us!

Afterwards, we’ll visit Mr. Prapat and his family, whose organic gardens overflow with fruits, herbs, and spices. As we stroll, Mr. Prapat will share stories about rural Thai life, local architecture, and timeless traditions — including a glimpse into the ancient art of basket weaving. Next, aprons on! We’ll join the family in their kitchen for a hands-on Thai cooking class.

Satiated and inspired, we return to our hotel for a restful evening, dreaming of tomorrow’s adventure.

Included Meals

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodations

Rachamankha Boutique Hotel

The Hike

1 hour

From Sticky Waterfalls to Still Waters

After breakfast, we head north to Sri Lanna National Park to explore its natural wonder — the Bua Tong “Sticky Waterfalls.” These unique limestone falls are famous for their mineral-rich surface that makes the rock grippy instead of slippery. The texture feels like hardened sponge, allowing you to climb the waterfall barefoot — like Spiderwoman! (There are ropes and steps alongside for anyone who prefers a gentler route.)

We’ll pause to enjoy the peaceful surroundings before continuing to the bamboo floating houses of Mae Ngat Lake Reservoir. Here, we’ll board a traditional longtail boat for an exhilarating ride across the lake’s calm, glassy waters to our lunch stop — one of the floating houses nestled amid the mountains.

After lunch, take time to swim, kayak, or simply float in the stillness of this serene landscape before a 45-minute transfer to our next destination.

Tonight, we’re embraced by the wild beauty of Chiang Dao at Azalea Village Resort, a peaceful rural retreat surrounded by forested hills. Settle in, take a dip in the pool, and breathe in the mountain air — tomorrow’s adventure awaits.

Included Meals

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodations

Azalea Village

Travel 

2 hours of driving

Moving through Mountains

After an early breakfast, we depart the resort and drive toward the small mountain village of Ban Yang Pu Toh, nestled at the base of the dramatic, cone-shaped Doi Luang Chiang Dao.

Bordering the evergreen forests of the Doi Chiang Dao Wildlife Research Station, the village marks the start of our San Kang Jong – Huay Mae Mad trail. Guided by a local female hill-tribe guide, we’ll hike two to three hours (depending on group pace) beneath towering forest canopies alive with birdsong and filtered light. If luck is on our side, we may even spot rare or endangered species protected within this sanctuary.

We complete our Chiang Dao loop back in Ban Yang Pu Toh, where local hosts invite us to soak in the village-run hot spring — a communal project that sustains the community.

After a delicious local lunch, we transfer north (about three hours) to Chiang Rai, where our “slice of heaven” awaits at the Phu Chaisai Mountain Resort. Think misty hills, bamboo groves, and panoramic views — a serene close to a day of wild beauty and cultural connection.

Included Meals

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodations

Phu Chaisai Resort & Spa

The Hike

The San Kang Jong–Huay Mae Mad trail is a moderate hike that takes approximately 2 to 3 hours (depending on group pace).

Travel

3 hours (driving)

Flora and Fire

We begin the day in Chiang Rai with a slow, soul-nourishing morning at Phu Chaisai Mountain Resort. Join a complimentary yoga class overlooking the hills, wander the resort’s scenic forest trails, stand in awe of the flowers and views ( we guarentee you will!) or simply lounge by the pool surrounded by misty mountain air. Take your time — lunch is independent today, giving you space to savour the calm.

In the afternoon, we venture to Mae Fa Luang Botanical Garden in Doi Tung, a lush sanctuary founded by the Princess Mother, Somdet Phra Srinagarindra. Created as a model for sustainable agriculture and community development, these gardens are a living tapestry of orchids, rainforest plants, and tropical flowers — all celebrating the biodiversity of Northern Thailand.

We’ll also visit the Doi Tung Royal Villa, the Princess Mother’s former residence. Its elegant teakwood design and sweeping mountain views reflect her deep connection to nature and her vision for a thriving, sustainable future.

As the sun dips behind the hills, we gather for dinner and a fire at Khon Phu Khao, a local favourite known for its authentic Thai menu and panoramic views of the rolling landscapes that stretch across Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar. It’s the perfect ending to a day of reflection, renewal, and quiet beauty.

Included Meals

Breakfast and dinner

Accommodations

Phu Chaisai Resort & Spa

Travel

2–3 hours (driving) to Chiang Rai and 50 minutes from Hloyo village to Phu Chaisai Mountain Resort

Connection in an Akha Village

After breakfast, we depart Phu Chaisai Mountain Resort making tracks for Mae Salong, home to several of Northern Thailand’s most vibrant hill tribe communities. In Hloyo Village, we’re welcomed by the headman and residents of the Akha hill tribe, whose traditions and spirit are deeply rooted in the surrounding mountains.

Here, we’ll learn about Akha beliefs, customs, and traditional ways of life, including a visit to a Yohan Akha family home. The village’s mud-house museum offers an intimate look at Akha history, featuring displays on bamboo house construction, clothing, and community heritage.

Under the guidance of local artisans, we’ll roll up our sleeves for a hands-on craft workshop using natural, locally sourced materials. Then, step into the kitchen for a cooking demonstration led by the mother of the house, who will share generational techniques for preparing classic Akha dishes.

We’ll exchange stories and compare tasting notes over a homemade lunch with our hosts — an unforgettable window into Akha hospitality. Afterwards, we stroll through the pastoral fields and forests, observing how the villagers live in harmony with the land, animals, and forest that sustain them.

Tonight’s dinner is independent and you get to explore more Phu Chaisai. The restaurant offers an inviting menu of Northern Thai, Burmese, and Akha regional cuisine, along with vegetarian dishes, freshwater fish, and wood-fired pizza for those craving a taste of home.

Included Meals

Breakfast and lunch

Accommodations

Phu Chaisai Resort & Spa

The White Temple

After breakfast, we depart at for a one-hour drive to Wat Rong Khun, better known as the White Temple. This ornate contemporary masterpiece is one of Thailand’s most iconic landmarks — instantly recognizable for its brilliant white plaster, symbolizing the purity of Buddha, and its surreal sculptures and murals that blur the line between traditional and modern art.

We’ll spend time exploring the artwork that fills the temple complex before continuing on for lunch and an afternoon transfer to our next stay.

Tonight’s accommodation is at the Kaomai Lanna Hotel and Resort in the Sanpatong district, a UNESCO World Heritage–designated property that pays homage to Northern Thailand’s tobacco-farming heritage. Once a working tobacco farm, the estate’s 18 brick curing barns have been lovingly transformed into boutique guest rooms with colonial-style furnishings, surrounded by towering old-growth trees.

Upon arrival, an architecture expert from Kaomai will guide us on a walking tour, sharing the story of the site’s transformation and how it continues to preserve an important part of Chiang Mai’s cultural landscape.

After the tour, take a moment to unwind: relax poolside, wander through the gardens, or stop by Tao Cah Café for a cup of house-blended herbal tea, made with herbs grown right on the estate. Dinner is served at the resort tonight.

Included Meals

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodations

Khao Mai Lanna Hotel & Resort

Travel

4–5 hours of driving

Meet the Elephants of Changchill

Today’s the day! We visit ChangChill, an ethical elephant sanctuary where elephants roam free, live naturally, and are never made to perform. It’s a rare opportunity to connect with these gentle giants in a way that’s respectful, meaningful, and unforgettable.

At ChangChill, the elephants wander through forest and fields, bathe in the river, and graze peacefully together—exactly as they should. You’ll help prepare their food, make herbal medicine balls, and observe them from a distance as they splash, play, and simply be elephants.

This inspiring sanctuary is endorsed by World Animal Protection, and every visit directly supports the elephants’ freedom, health, and well-being.

In the late afternoon, we travel to the Karen hill-tribe community of Baan Mae Sapok, where we’ll enjoy a slow village walk, a traditional dinner, and a warm homestay offering a meaningful glimpse into Karen culture and daily life.

Included Meals

Breakfast, lunch and dinner 

Accommodations

Karen Hill Tribe Community Village (Single-day private upgrade not available)

A Day to Flow

After breakfast, we lace up for one final adventure in Mae Wang National Park. We’ll hike a two-hour trail across Mae Wang Mountain to the village of Mae Win, crossing forest paths and pausing for a quick splash under a waterfall or two along the way.

We’ll climb aboard bamboo rafts, gliding down the Mae Wang River. Depending on the water levels, we may encounter a few gentle rapids during our one-hour float before stopping for a riverside lunch surrounded by nature.

In the early afternoon, we return to the Rachamankha Boutique Hotel for some well-earned downtime — perfect for journaling, napping, or AirDropping elephant selfies and waterfall shots.

As the sun sets, our guide leads us through the lively Chiang Mai Night Market and Bazaar, where color, scent, and sound collide in the most captivating way. Your guide will offer a brief orientation and point out some of the best authentic street food stalls to try.
Note: Dinner is not included tonight — you’re free to follow your cravings and discover your own feast.

Expect the unexpected — it’s all here. If you’re searching for handwoven textiles, natural-dyed fabrics, or sterling silver jewelry, this is the place to find treasures that carry the spirit of Thailand home with you.

Included Meals

Breakfast and lunch

Accommodations

Rachamankha Boutique Hotel

The Hike

2 hours

Travel 

1.5 hours of driving

Hands-on Handicrafts

We make our way to Ban Pong Huai Lan, a small agricultural village where we’ll learn about Thailand’s Royal Initiative Project and the Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy — a sustainable way of living centered on growing enough to eat and sharing or selling the surplus.

We’ll visit Grandma Som’s Farm for a glimpse of daily rural life and enjoy a simple, home-cooked lunch prepared by the community. Afterwards, we’ll dive into traditional handloom weaving.

In the mid-afternoon, we’ll transfer to Baan Kang Wat, a charming Chiang Mai crafts village filled with creative studios, artisan workshops, and cozy cafes. You can join a craft class, browse handmade goods, or simply sip a smoothie and soak in the cool atmosphere.

Tonight, we gather for our farewell dinner at Lamour Café and Restaurant in Chiang Mai. Its lush garden setting, art-filled interiors, and fusion of northern and southern Thai flavors set the stage for a fun and vibrant evening of celebration!

Included Meals

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodations

Rachamankha Boutique Hotel

Travel

2 hours of driving

Thailand’s Spirit Stays With You

Your Northern Thailand Active Adventure may end here, but its powerful imprint will remain stitched into our stories — for years to come.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel and one last cup of Chiang Rai coffee. It’s time to say goodbye to your Wild Women group, swap contact info, and dream up your next adventure together. Where to next?

Departures can be scheduled anytime today. Please note: it’s about a 25-minute transfer to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX).

Included Meals

Breakfast