DAY 1 CHIANG MAI

On arrival transfer to the hotel. Time to relax or take a stroll and explore the northern capital by yourself.

DAY 2 CHIANG MAI - PAI

After breakfast take a sightseeing tour in Chiang Mai, which includes an ancient temple in the old part of the city as well as Suthep mountain temple, the land- mark of Chiang Mai. Then leave Chiang Mai to the northwest. Have a brief stop at an orchid farm and a local countryside market. Then the tour continues on some steep, winding and scenic roads before you will reach Pai. On route you can do some side trips, such as to Mokfa waterfall (opportunity to take a bath) and later walk to some hot springs. Arrive Pai late afternoon for overnight.

DAY 3 PAI - MAE HONG SON

Leave Pai and travel along wonderful mountain scenery. Visit a Lisu hill tribe village. Then reach the village of Soppong and do a side trip to the spectacular Thum Lod cave. Continue on winding roads through the wilderness towards Mae Hong Son. On route pass various Lahu hill tribe villages and take a stop at one of them. A highlight will be the boat trip on the Pai River to one of the rare Paduang (better known as longnecks) village close to the Burmese border. Stay overnight in Mae Hong Son.

DAY 4 MAE HONG SON - MAE CHAEM

In the morning take a one hour ride on an elephant back through the surrounding jungle. Next visit two picturesque Shan temples, Wat Doi Kong Moo on a small hill top, which offers superb views and Wat Jong Klang at the picturesque city lake. Then leave Mae Hong Son in southern direction to Khun Yuam. From here you will travel once more through the mountains, passing Karen and Hmong hill tribe villages. Late afternoon arrive at the small town of Mae Chaem, situated at the foot of Doi Inthanon mountain. Overnight.

DAY 5 MAE CHAEM - CHIANG MAI

First drive up to Doi Inthanon National Park (Thailand's highest peak 2565 m) and see picturesque waterfalls, royal pagodas, another Hmong hill tribe village, this one with a royal farming project. Close to the peak opportunity for a short walks through some dense mountain forest. Then head down to the valley and finally you will be back in Chiang Mai in the afternoon. There is some time left to do more sightseeing or shopping in the northern capital, for example at the handicraft factories in Bosang, such as umbrella painting, silver making, lacquer ware, woodcarving etc. Overnight in Chiang Mai.

DAY 6 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

NOT INCLUDED:

Drinks, tips and personal expenses