DAY 1 CHIANG RAI

On arrival transfer to the hotel. Day at leisure. In the evening opportunity to visit Chiang Rai's little, but colourful night- and food market.

DAY 2 CHIANG RAI - GOLDEN TRIANGLE - THATON

First drive to the former royal town of Chiang Saen on the banks of the mighty Mekong River. Take a short trip to the Golden Triangle. On route stop at the Laotian river island of Don Sao. Later have a look in to the small Opium Museum. Go on to the border- and market town Mae Sai. Here an optional visit to the Burmese border town of Tachilek can be arranged (a one day border pass is available). Next stop will be at Thum Pla, a temple daily inhabited by monkeys from the nearby mountain wilderness. Travel on along Maesalong mountain area, passing many hill tribe villages, such as Akha, Yao and Lisu. Stop at some of them. Arrival in Thaton late afternoon. Overnight.

DAY 3 THATON - PAI

In the morning visit Wat Thaton with its giant Buddha images and great views to the valley of the Kok River. Further up the hill take a look to a remote Lahu hill tribe village. Go on and take some more stops, for example at a traditional rice mill, but also at a local countryside market. After lunch continue on some steep and winding roads along scenic mountainous landscapes to Pai. On route you can do some sidetrips, such as to Mokfa waterfall (opportunity to take a bath) or take a walk to some hot springs. Overnight in Pai.

DAY 4 PAI - MAE HONG SON

Continue along some nice mountain wilderness, passing Lisu- and Lahu hill tribe villages. Stop at some of them. In Soppong go for a side trip and visit the spectacular Thum Lod cave. You can cross the cave on a bamboo raft. Go on to Phasua waterfall. Later take a boat trip on the Pai River to the Burmese border area and visit a Paduang (longneck) village. Overnight in Mae Hong Son.

DAY 5 MAE HONG SON - CHIANG MAI

After breakfast enjoy a one hour ride on an elephant back through the surrounding jungle. After lunch take a tour in the town of Mae Hong Son and visit two picturesque Shan temples, Wat Jong Klang at the city lake and Wat Doi Kong Moo on a small hill top which offers great views. In the afternoon take a short (25 min.) flight to Chiang Mai. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight in the northern capital.

DAY 6 CHIANG MAI

Sightseeing in- and around the northern capital, which includes a tour in the old part of the city with a visit to an ancient temple. Go on to see fanous Suthep mountain temple, the landmark of Chiang Mai. Another stop will be at Wiang Khum Kam, the former Mon city from the 12th century with its ruins. Finally take a look to some of the well known handicraft factories, such as woodcarving, silver- and lacquer ware, sa paper umbrella painting etc. Spend another night in Chiang Mai.

DAY 7 CHIANG MAI

Transfer to the airport or railway station, depends on your further schedule.

PRICE INCLUDES:

Air-conditioned transportation during the tour, English speaking tour guide, all transfers and excursions as mentioned in the above itinerary, accommodation at good middle class hotels/resorts incl. breakfast, half board (lunch during tours), entrance fees, air ticket Mae Hong Son - Chiang Mai

NOT INCLUDED:

Drinks, tips and personal expenses

REMARKS/FLEXIBILITY:

This program is also availbale v. v. with begin in Chiang Mai and end in Chiang Rai. But also the option with begin and and end both in Chiang Mai is possible
Instead to fly from Mae Hong Son to Chiang Mai on Day 5 it is possible to travel overland to Chiang Mai. This on the southern route via Mae Chaem and Doi Inthanon Nationalpark. In that case you need an additional day/night. If you wish to do so, please let us know at the time of booking.