This itinerary offers an in-depth experience covering the whole northern regions of Thailand. You explore the beautiful Doi Suthep Temples, the handicraft workshops and drive along the scenic roads to the hill town of Mae Hong Son. You visit a wide array of minority hilltribe people, including the Karen, Lisu and Lahu as well as catch a look at the infamous Golden Triangle.

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival - Chiang Mai
On arrival at Chiang Mai Airport, you are met by our guide and transferred to hotel. In spite of Chiang Mai being the second largest city in Thailand and the modern capital of the north, the friendliness of the people, the vibrant night bazaar, the interesting old town and the international feel never seems to fail to captivate travellers. No activities planned for this afternoon , however our guide is on hand to advise some available options. O/N in Chiang Mai.

Day 2: Chiang Mai
The capital of the north, Chiang Mai has rich historical and cultural heritage which is still evident in the architecture with over 300 temples spreading in and around. Today we visit the most famous one set on Doi Suthep Mountain and embark on a walk leading us to Wat Prathat Temple near the summit. At an elevation of over 1,000 m, the temple grounds affords a panoramic view over the surrounding countryside. The tranquil town of Chiang Mai has been always noted for the exquisite handicrafts made of the hill tribe people's traditional wares. Upon leaving Doi Suthep we set off on a short drive to the neighbouring villages of Sankampaeng and Borsarng to see the various cottages industries including silk weaving, wood carving, silver ware and umbrellas making. We follow this with a visit to the old and new parts of the town featuring the great diversity. As a highlight of this evening , we visit the vibrant night market which is full of local treasures. O/N in Chiang Mai. (B)

Day 3: Chiang Mai - Pai - Mae Hong Son
The exciting adventure begins as we depart the town and drive through the breathtaking mountain landscape to Mae Hong Son. Along the way we make stop over at a hot stream nearby Ban Papae before we head towards Pai. There is plenty to see in this beautiful area , some of which are the Lisu Hilltribe Village, the Tam Lod Cave, the Lahu Hilltribe Village. We follow this with a trip to the Fish Cave, where thousands of carps live an undisturbed life. On arrival in Mae Hong Son we stroll around the town to soak up the pleasant climate and catch our first glimpse. The Burmese influence is prevalent as this town is bordered by the Union of Myanmar to the north and the west. O/N in Mae Hong Son. (B)

Day 4: Mae Hong Son
Upon leaving the town we set off on a rough drive by pick-up truck to the Karen hill tribe village of Baan Nai Soi. At this small village we enjoy a short walk through the unspoiled forest to the Padong hilltribe village. This ethnic group still retains their old age cultural traditions as most of women attempt to have long neck by wearing numerous brass rings around their neck from an early age. We board a truck again for a short drive to Sop Soi and enjoy a longtail boat for a leisurely trip downstream on the Pai River which also provides us a taste of the tranquil countryside and an interesting view of rural life close up. O/N in Mae Hong Son. (B,L)

Day 5: Mae Hong Son - Chiang Dao
The sightseeing tour of Mae Hong Son would not be complete without a visit to Wat Jong Kham and Wat Jong Klang, just some of the town's most famous Burmese style monastaries. The first structure was constructed around 200 year ago by the Shan people whilst Wat Jong Klang houses an old glass painting and many wood carvings which depict the various lives of Buddha. A next stop is Doi Kong Moo, which dominates the town and therefore affords a wonderful view of surrounding areas. We then travel by roads back to Chiang Mai. The journey is long , but we can make stop as we please, to stretch our legs and shoot some wonderful pictures. O/N in Chiang Dao. (B)

Day 6: Chiang Dao - Thaton - Chiang Rai
Today we have plenty of time exploring the hidden region of Chiang Dao. The first stop is an elephant camp set in lush green jungle area. Here, we have a chance to see the many colossal animals performing their amazing feats of strength and skill at the command of the mahouts. The impressive journey continues to Thaton, a sleepy riverside hamlet by the Mae Kok River. At this small village we board a longtail cruising downstream to Chiang Rai. This river trip takes anything from three to five hour depending the season. No matter how long it will take us, it is still a memorable experience as we pass by the breathtaking mountain landscapes and see some hill villages of the Lahu and Karen People. We cross few rapids along the way before arriving in Chiang Rai. This tranquil town is our base for exploration on our forthcoming day. O/N at Chiang Rai. (B)

Day 7: Chiang Rai - Golden Triangle - Chiang Mai
The royal capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Saen is nestled on the Mekong riverbank which is now the border between Thailand and Laos. Today we travel by roads to Chiang Saen and visit some major sights including Wat Phrathat Jom Kitti, Wat Chedi Luang and a nearby museum. The journey continues towards the famous Golden Triangle in which powerful warlords have fought for control the opium trade. Here we have time to stroll around and make a stop at the opium museum. The display of pictures and documents feature the opium story dating back to the early last century onwards. Afterwards we make our way through the verdant and rugged mountain scenery to Mae Sai Town which now becomes a trading hub of Thailand and Burma. There is not much to see in this town but it is till very interesting to catch a look of Burma side. We travel by roads back to Chiang Mai. The drive is long , but views are fantastic. O/N in Chiang Mai. (B)

Day 8: Chiang Mai - Departure
There is a free time for your own exploration of the town and catching up on some shopping areas. The trip ends after transfer to airport for departure. (B)

INCLUSIONS: Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver and tourist bus + Meal as mentioned: B = breakfast, L = Lunch, D = dinner + Accommodation: twin sharing room at the below mentioned hotels or similar one + English or French speaking guide + Entrance fee to indicated sights + Boat trip in Mae Hong Son and Thatorn + Elephant excursion in Chiang Dao

EXCLUSIONS: Other meals, tip, drinks, airport tax, single room supplement, personal expenses, travel insurance, visa, flight in / out of Thailand, any optional additional tours or activities during free time, surcharge for peak season, local holiday days and gala dinner

TRIP NOTES

• THAILAND IS A DEVELOPPING COUNTRY WHOSE INFRASTRUCTURE MAY DIFFER FROM WHAT YOU EXPECT FROM YOUR HOME LAND. THE ROAD CONDITIONS ARE POOR AND THE ACCOMMODATION MAY BE BASIC IN REMOTE AREAS.
  
   
• THE ITINERARY IS CORRECTED AT THE TIME OF VIEWING. OCCASIONALLY, THE PROGRAMME CHANGES AS WE MAKE IMPROVEMENT STEMING FROM OUR PAST TRAVELLERS' COMMENTS AND OUR OWN RESEARCH OR DUE TO LOCAL CONDITIONS OR CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND OUR CONTROL. THIS INCLUDES FESTIVAL, PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, WEATHER AND FLIGHT DELAY,.. THAT MAY EFFECT THE ITINERARY.
  
   
• THE TRIP INCLUDES SOME MEALS AS MENTIONED AT THE ITINERARY HOWEVER OUR GUIDE WILL BE ON HAND TO ADVISE YOU AS FAR THE AVAILABLE RESTAURANTS WHERE YOU CAN ENJOY LOCAL FOOD AT YOUR OWN BUDGET. THE MEAL COST IS ALL DEPENDING ON YOUR CHOICE OF EATING PLACE. THE PACKAGE TOUR WITH FULL BOARD MEAL IS ARRANGED UPON REQUEST .
  
   
• THE DRESS STANDARDS ARE CONSERVATIVE THROUGHOUT ASIA. LOOSE , LIGHTWEIGHT, LONG CLOTHING ARE ALL RESPECTFUL AND COOL IN ASIAN HOT CLIMATE. IN ADDITION TO YOUR ITEMS OF PERSONAL CLOTHING, WE SUGGEST YOU TO BRING TRAINER OR SNEAKER SHOES, JACKET FOR COLD WEATHER, TORCH/FLASH LIGHT, HAT, RAIN COAT FOR WET SEASON, SUN CREAM, SUNGLASSES, DAYPACK, TOILETRIES AND SMALL TOWER, INSECT REPELLENT.

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