DAY 1 CHIANG MAI - MAE SARIANG

In the morning pick up from the hotel in Chiang Mai. Then leave the northern capital to Doi Inthanon National Park, which is Thailand's highest peak (2565 m) as well. On route see picturesque waterfalls, as well as Hmong and Karen hill tribe villages. Travel on to Mae Chaem and have lunch on route. Continue on some scenic roads through the mountains to Mae Sariang, the little town on the banks of the Yuam River. Overnight.

DAY 2 MAE SARIANG - MAE HONG SORN

After breakfast take a side trip (approx. 50 km) to the Salaween River. Have a stroll through the remote border village of Mae Sam Laep. An optional boat ride can be arraged. Then drive back to Mae Sariang. After lunch go on to Mae La Noi and visit the crystal cave (Thum Kaew Komol). Continue on some winding roads via Khun Yuam to Mae Hong Sorn. There you will see two picturesque Shan temples, Wat Doi Kong Moo on a hill top with great views and Wat Jong Klang at the city lake. Overnight in Mae Hong Sorn.

DAY 3 MAE HONG SORN - PAI - WAT CHAN

First drive up in to the mountain wilderness close to the Burmese border and passing some rural villages until you reach a village of the Paduang (longnecks). Continue to Soppong on some steep and winding roads where you enjoy magnificent mountain scenery, impressive forest, as well as Lahu and Lisu hill tribe villages. Do a side trip and visit Thum Lot, a large and spectacular limestone cave. You can cross the cave on a bamboo raft. Drive on via Pai to Wat Chan. From here the last 14 km you will travel on a dirt road until you reach the Karen village of Hauy Ya Tai. Have dinner and spend the night at the simple but clean lodge in the middle of the mountain wilderness.

DAY 4 WAT CHAN - CHIANG MAI

In the morning you got two choices. Just relax and observe the daily life in the Karen village or for the more active ones there is an opportunity for a short trek to a waterfall (possible to take a bath as well). An optional elephant ride can be arranged. Then today's journey will bring you back on more winding and scenic mountain roads via Mae Malai to Chiang Mai incl. some brief stops on route, such as at the hot springs of Pong Deut and at a local countryside market etc. During the dry season it is possible to travel the more remote route (partly dirt and rough road) via Samoeng and Mae Sa Valley. Arrival in Chiang Mai will be in the late afternoon. Transfer to the hotel, airport or railway station, depends on your further schedule. End of the tour.

PRICE INCLUDES:

Air-conditioned transportation during the tour, English speaking tour guide, all excursions and transfers as mentioned in the above itinerary, accommodation for 2 nights at middle class hotels/resorts and 1 night at a simple lodge in the Karen hill tribe village incl. breakfast, half board (lunch during tours and 1 dinner at the lodge), entrance fees

NOT INCLUDED:

Drinks, tips and personal expenses

REMARKS/FLEXIBILITY:

Instead of spending the third night at the Karen hill tribe village it is also possible to stay that night at a resort in Pai. If you wish to do so, then please let us know at the time ob request/booking.
Accommodation in Chiang Mai before and/or after this package can be booked with us as well.