Tourcode CNX 011 - 4 days / 3 nights

Chiang Mai - Thaton - Mae Kok River - Kaew Waaw Dam (Karen village) - Chiang Rai - Phayao - Chiang Mai

Daily departure from/to Chiang Mai, minimum 2 persons, private tour

DAY 1 CHIANG MAI - THATON L

In the morning pick up in Chiang Mai from the hotel, airport or railway station. Then travel to the north. Some brief stops on route are possible, such as at an orchid farm, a local country side market, but also at a small elephant camp, where you can see these giants taking their bath in the river. Continue along the Ping Valley towards Chiang Dao to explore a mystic cave temple. After your lunch break go on and travel to Fang. Have a quick look to one of the traditional rice mills. A bit later arrive in Thaton. There drive up to the hill top temple of Wat Thaton with its giant Buddha statues. Here you can also enjoy some great views to the nearby Burmese mountain wilderness and the valley of the Kok River. Overnight at a riverside resort.

DAY 2 THATON - KAEW WAAW DAM (KAREN VILLAGE) B/L/D

After breakfast there is some time left for a stroll around this scenic village. Then transfer by pick up truck to the starting point of the rafting tour. Board the bamboo raft for a lazy trip down the river to enjoy nice landscapes and villages. On route stop at one of the Lahu hill tribe villages and chance for a stroll. Later in the afternoon arrive at the small Karen village of Kaew Waaw Dam, located on the banks of the river. Spend the night at a basic, but clean lodge. During dinner you get the opportunity to interact with some of the friendly people out here in the wilderness. Overnight.

DAY 3 KAEW WAAW DAM (KAREN VILLAGE) - CHIANG RAI B/L

In the morning you got time for a walk around the village or cross the suspension bridge to the nearby Lahu village. Then continue and stop briefly at the hot springs (chance to take a bath!) before arriving at the village of Ban Ruammit, which is also the location of another small elephant camp. Chance to feed them, if you wish to do so. Continue and next stop will be at the impressive Wat Huay Pla Kang with its 9-storey pagoda and the giant statue of the goddess of mercy. On route further stops are possible at Wat Rong Suea Ten (better known as the blue temple) or also at Baan Dam (the black house art work museum). Finally transfer to the hotel in downtown Chiang Rai and time to relax. If you wish to do more activities, then a short trek through the jungle to Khun Gorn Waterfall can be arranged. Our tour guide and driver is ready to serve you! In the evening we recommend to explore the little, but colorful night- and food market. Overnight in Chiang Rai.

DAY 4 CHIANG RAI - PHAYAO - CHIANG MAI B/L

After breakfast first visit picturesque and famous Wat Rong Khun (well known as the white temple). Then head towards Phayao. Here do a short side trip to Wat Analayo, one of the more interesting hill top temple, which does offer some good views to the city of Phayao and the lake. Then it is time for lunch and a walk along the promenade of Kwan Phayao, the largest freshwater lake here in the north. Later continue through the northern hills with brief stops at a small waterfall, as well as at the geyser and hot springs near Mae Kachan. Arrive in Chiang Mai by late afternoon. Transfer to the booked hotel, airport or railway station, depends on your further schedule.

REMARKS/FLEXIBILITY:

• This tour can also be shortened and finished in Chiang Rai on day 3 or 4.
• Accommodation in Chiang Mai before and/or after this package can be booked with us as well.

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 the basic lodge with daily breakfast, all other meals as shown in the program (L = lunch, D = dinner), entrance fees as per program

NOT INCLUDED:

Drinks, tips and personal expenses