DAY 1 CHIANG MAI - THATON

In the morning pick up from the hotel, airport or railway station. Travel to the north and take a first stop at a local countryside market. Go on passing Chiang Dao mountain range and visit one of the rare Palong hill tribe villages. Continue to exlore a mystic cave temple. Reach the Fang Valley to have a brief stop at a traditional rice mill. In Thaton drive up to the hill top temple of Wat Thaton to see the giant Buddha images and enjoy great views to the Burmese mountain wilderness and the Kok River. Overnight at a riverside resort.

DAY 2 THATON - MAE KOK RIVER

In the morning some time at leisure. Take a stroll around the village or relax at the resort. Then short transfer to Lahu village, which is also the starting point of the river trip. Board the bamboo raft for a lazy trip down river to enjoy idyllic sceneries and villages. And you will have the chance to stop at some of them (mostly Lahu hill tribe villages) and take short walks. Late afternoon arrive at the small Karen village for overnight. Stay at a simple, but clean bungalow on the river banks. Spend the evening in the village and get in touch with the friendly people here in the wilderness.

DAY 3 MAE KOK RIVER - CHIANG RAI

Opportunity for a short walk to the nearby Lahu hill tribe village. Then continue down river and stop briefly at some hot springs (chance to take a bath) before arriving at a small riverside elephant camp. After lunch take a 1,5 hour elephant safari in to the mountain wilderness. A waterfall invites for a cool bath. From here transfer on the road to the city of Chiang Rai for overnight. Explore the little, but colourful night- and food market.

DAY 4 CHIANG RAI - GOLDEN TRIANGLE - CHIANG MAI

Early morning drive for about one hour to the former royal town of Chiang Saen. From here take a short ride by speedboat on the Mekong River to the well known Golden Triangle. On route have a brief stop at the Laotian river island of Don Sao. Then visit the small Opium Museum. Go on to the border- and market town of Mae Sai and explore the bustling market. Opportunity to cross in to Burmese border town of Tachilek (optional). In the afternoon return back to Chiang Mai with some stops on route, such as at Wat Rong Khun (white temple) etc. Arrive Chiang Mai early evening. 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 good middle class hotels/resorts and 1 night at the simple, but clean lodge in the village incl. breakfast, half board (lunch during tours), 1x dinner at the lodge, entrance fees

NOT INCLUDED:

Drinks, tips and personal expenses

FLEXIBILITY:

This program can be finished already on day 3 with- or without accommodation in Chiang Rai. Also it is possible to do the river trip with a motorized longtail boat instead on the bamboo raft. If you wish to do so, then please let us know at the time of booking.
Accommodation in Chiang Mai before and/or after this package can be booked with us as well.