Tourcode CEI 003 - 7 days / 6 nights

Chiang Rai - Golden Triangle - Thaton - Pai - Mae Hong Son - Mae Chaem - Doi Inthanon - Chiang Mai

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

DAY 1 CHIANG RAI

On arrival in Chiang Rai transfer to the hotel. Day at leisure. In the evening we do recommend a stroll over the colorful night- and food market.

DAY 2 CHIANG RAI - GOLDEN TRIANGLE - THATON B/L

After breakfast you will be picked up from the hotel by your local tour guide. First visit picturesque Wat Rong Khun (better known as the white temple) in the outskirts of the city. Then heading to the the north and reach the former royal town of Chiang Saen. Continue along the mighty Mekong River to the famous Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet. Take a look in to the small Opium Museum, where you will learn more about the history of Opium in this region. An OPTIONAL short boat trip on the mighty Mekong River can be booked right on the spot. In Mae Sai, border town to Myanmar you can take a stroll along the bustling border market. Lunch break will be on route at a local restaurant. In the afternoon travel up to Doi Maesalong, passing hill tribe villages, such as Akha, Yao and Lisu. Possible to stop at one or more of them. On the hill top take another break at the village of the Chinese Kuomingtang, which is surrounded by countless tea plantations. You got the chance to taste some fresh green tea. Descent down to the Kok Valley to Thaton and spend the night at a resort on the banks of the Kok River.

DAY 3 THATON - PAI B/L

In the morning first visit Wat Thaton, located on a small hill top, dominated by its giant Buddha statues overlooking the valley of the Kok River and the nearby Burmese mountain wilderness. Go on and take a look at one of the many traditional rice mills near Fang. In the area of Mae Taeng you will enjoy an approx. one hour lazy trip on a bamboo raft down the river. After your lunch break  continue on some steep and winding roads along scenic mountainous landscapes to Pai. Take a short walk at Pai Canyon. You can do another side trip to Wat Phra That Mae Yen, a hill top temple. You will reach it by a 353 steps long staircase and the award for the effort are some great views to the Pai Valley. In the evening take the chance for a stroll over the Walking Street. Overnight in Pai.

DAY 4 PAI - MAE HONG SON B/L

If you wish to do so, then in the morning an OPTIONAL trip to the hot springs with chance to take a bath can be done. Leave Pai and travel along wonderful mountain scenery. First visit a Lisu hill tribe village. Then reach Ban Soppong and do a side trip to the spectacular Thum Lot Cave. Depend on the water level in the small river you will cross the cave on a bamboo raft, followed by a short walk back. Continue on winding roads through the wilderness towards Mae Hong Son. On route pass various Lahu hill tribe villages and chance to stop at one of them. Shortly before reaching Mae Hong Son take a walk over the unique bamboo bridge of Su Tong Pae through the rice fields. Last but not least another highlight will be the scenic boat trip on the Pai River to one of the rare Paduang villages close to the Burmese border. Some of the women wear brass neck coils (that's why they are better known as longnecks). They belong to the Kayan, a sub group of the Red Karen and due to conflicts with the military regime in Myanmar they fled to the Thai border area some time ago. Then it is time to check in at the resort. Stay overnight in Mae Hong Son.

DAY 5 MAE HONG SON - CHIANG MAI B/L

After breakfast take a tour in the small town of Mae Hong Son and visit two colorful Shan temples. First Wat Jong Klang at the city lake and then Wat Doi Kong Moo on a small hill top, which does offer great panorama views. Afterwards you will leave Mae Hong Son for your full day journey to Chiang Mai on the southern route via Khun Yuam, Mae Chaem and finally passing Doi Inthanon National Park. Various brief stops on route are possible, such as at the Shan Cultural Center and 2nd World War Museum in Khun Yuam, at Hmong- and Karen hill tribe villages, but also at some picturesque waterfalls in the national park. Finally reach the northern capital of Chiang Mai by early evening and spend the night here.

DAY 6 CHIANG MAI B/L

Today enjoy a sightseeing tour in the northern capital. First drive around the old city part of Chiang Mai, which is surrounded by a moat and does host innumerable historical temples. The oldest one of all is Wat Chiang Man, built in 1296. Just outside the city moat stop at Wat Lokmolee, a 14th-century temple that does differ from most other temples primarily in terms of its architecture and woodwork. Then heading up to Suthep mountain temple, which is also a kind of landmark of the city. The temple complex is located just 1000 meters above sea level. If the weather is clear you can enjoy great views towards the city and surrounding areas. After your lunch break head to downtown on the banks of the Ping River and you will first take a stroll over Warorot Market (the largest and most important market for the locals in the province of Chiang Mai) and later at the neighboring Ton Lanyai market with its fragrant flowers, vegetables and also some tasty fruits. Then if you wish to do so, there is time left to visit some of the well known handicraft factories in Bosang, first and foremost the famous umbrella painters, as well as the silver processing, lacquer ware manufacture and wood carvings etc. (only what does interest you and discuss it with the tour guide!). Then it is back to the hotel. Spend another night in Chiang Mai.

DAY 7 CHIANG MAI B

Transfer to the airport, railway station or extend your stay in Chiang Mai, depends on your further schedule.

REMARKS/FLEXIBILITY:

• This program is also available v. v. with start in Chiang Mai and end in Chiang Rai, as well you got the option to start and finish the tour in Chiang Mai.
• If your schedule and time does allow, then we suggest an additional night in Mae Chaem, a small town at the foothills of Doi Inthanon. Recommended for people who would like to spend a bit more time at Doi Inthanon National Park.

PRICE INCLUDES:

Air-conditioned transportation during the tour, English speaking tour guide, all transfers and excursions as mentioned in the above itinerary, accommodation at middle class hotels/resorts incl. daily breakfast, all other meals as shown in the program (L = lunch), entrance fees as per program

NOT INCLUDED:

Drinks, tips and personal expenses