6-Nights Spiritual Thailand: Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai from $1,296

This 7-day Thai vacation takes you to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. It features deluxe accommodations and private tours and is a great add-on to a stay in Bangkok.

Your journey begins in Chiang Mai, the nation’s unofficial northern capital, known for its good food, quiet atmosphere, and wealth of beautiful temples leftover from the days of the Lanna Kingdom. Tap into the city’s religious history with a morning spent among the monks at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and Wat Umong, witnessing their morning alms collecting before enjoying the unbeatable views from the temple. The next day, head to Wat Suan Dok for a meditation session. Learn how to control your breath and calm your mind. Afterwards, chat with one of the temple’s monks and learn about Thai spiritual life.

Connect onwards to Chiang Rai, passing through the scenic landscape of rice paddies and mountains to reach one of Thailand’s hidden gems. Start off the day with a visit to Wat Rong Kun, the dragon-scaled, whitewashed temple known as the White Temple. Then settle into your mountain resort. While based in Chiang Rai, you’ll spend half a day exploring the countryside and hilltribe villages. Start at Wat Tham Pa Acha Thong, where monks gather to collect alms on horseback. Then venture into the hills around Mae Salong to meet with Yao and Akha villagers, learning about these fascinating hilltribes in remote parts of the country. Close out the day with a visit to Santi Kiri, where Kuomintang refugees settled after fleeing to Thailand in the mid-20th century. The rest of your time in Chiang Rai is at leisure to see more of the city’s temples or venture to the Golden Triangle area that marks the borders with Myanmar and Laos.

At the end of your stay, head to the airport for onward travels.