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. 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. Continue to Maesalong mountain area with many hill tribe villages on route, such as Akha, Yao and Lisu. Stop at some of them. Arrival in Thaton by 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 you can see a remote Lahu hill tribe village. Travel 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 an optional side trip combined with a walk to some hot springs can be arranged. Overnight in Pai.

DAY 4 PAI - MAE HONG SORN

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

DAY 5 MAE HONG SORN - CHIANG MAI

After breakfast start for a scenic trip on the Pai River by a longtail boat or bamboo raft (it's your choice).Then enjoy a one hour ride on an elephant back through the surrounding jungle. After lunch take a tour in the town of Mae Hong Sorn 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. Late afternoon take a short flight to Chiang Mai. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight.

DAY 6 CHIANG MAI

Tour in- and around the northern capital 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. (visit just the ones in which you are interested). Overnight 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 Sorn - Chiang Mai

NOT INCLUDED:

Drinks, tips and personal expenses

REMARKS/FLEXIBILITY:

This program is also availbale v. v., start in Chiang Mai and finish in Chiang Rai, but also both, start and finish in Chiang Mai is possible
Instead to fly from Mae Hong Sorn to Chiang Mai on Day 5 it is possible to travel overland to Chiang Mai, this via the southern route Mae Sariang or Mae Chaem/Doi Inthanon. In that case an extra day/night is recommended. If you wish to do so, please let us know at the time of booking.