 This
wonderful tour to the North departs from Chiang Mai and for seven fun filled
days, you will travel through this exciting region before returning back to
Chiang Rai. Explore the highlights of Thailand, including Chiang Mai, Chiang
Rai and The Golden Triangle.
See ancient Buddha statues, temples and monasteries plus a ride through
the countryside on the back of an elephant. Visit the Long Neck Karens and
other hill tribe villagers while accommodated in a mix of Superior and
Deluxe hotels. The flight between Mae Hong Sorn and Chiang Mai is included
and have the chance to experience traveling by land to conclude in Chiang
Rai.
Itinerary:
Day 1 (Monday): CHIANG MAI-MAE HONG SORN (L,D)
The tour begins at approximately 10:00am today from Chiang Mai. You will
drive through spectacular jungle-clad mountains, stopping at Mae Rim to
visit at an orchid and butterfly farm before continuing to Mae Hong Sorn
province. Picnic lunch will be provided.
Before arriving Mae Hong Sorn, we will stop on the way to visit Fish Cave
where villagers leave large fresh water fish undisturbed in a mountainside
pool. The local people believe that the fish are protected by the mountain
spirit and to catch them would bring bad luck. Rumor has it that there is a
long cave under the mountain hiding lost treasures.
Mae Hong Sorn itself is more a sleepy village than a town, boasting just
one set of traffic lights! It is home to many Shan people, originally from
Burma, and you can see Hill tribes selling their produce in the Mae Hong
Sorn market.
Accommodation: Imperial Tara Hotel, Mae Hong Sorn or similar
Day 2 (Tuesday): MAE HONG SORN-LONG NECK KAREN VILLAGE (B,L,D)
A full day to enjoy the picturesque landscape of Mae Hong Sorn, with its
surrounding mist shrouded mountains. In season, the valleys are carpeted
with brightly colored flowers while numerous rich shades of green can be
enjoyed at any time of the year. (The end of October/beginning of November
is particularly spectacular when the countryside is a glorious sea of yellow
with an abundance of sunflowers in full bloom!).
Today you will experience an unforgettable ride through the jungle on
elephant back! We will drive into the countryside in 'pick-up' vans which
can negotiate narrow roads. A ride through the jungle will bring you to one
of the most colorful hill tribe villages, home to the Long Neck Karens. The
women wear numerous brass coils round their necks and legs, making them look
'stretched' - their photographs have graced explorer journals worldwide. The
coils are considered beautiful and are a sign of wealth (each one costs
about 2,000 Baht). A coil is added to little girls’ necks, arms and legs
every few years after they are four years old. Lunch is included before
taking a boat trip on River Pai, and then heading back to Mae Hong Sorn.
Accommodation :Imperial Tara Hotel, Mae Hong Sorn or similar
Day 3 (Wednesday): MAE HONG SORN-CHIANG MAI (B,L,D)
Today, we will visit the early morning fresh market and to witness the
traditional Buddhist offering. Afterwards, sightseeing of Burmese temples on
the lakeside, Wat Jong Kam and Wat Jong Klang and a drive up to visit Wat
Phra Dhat Doi Kongmoo on the mountain top with breathtaking views of this
sleepy town. We will take a noon flight from Mae Hong Sorn to Chiang Mai.
Tonight, you will be treated to the ceremonial northern Thai dinner,
known as Kantoke. Traditional dishes will be served while you watch elegant
dancers performing a series of folk stories. Colorfully dressed Hill tribes
will perform their own traditional dances after dinner.
Accommodation: Empress, Chiang Mai or similar
Day 4 (Thursday): CHIANG MAI (B,L,D)
A full day to enjoy the delights of Chiang Mai and in the morning it will be
your turn to work! Climb 290 steps to visit the hill top temple of Wat
Phrathat Doi Suthep which offers spectacular views of the Chiang Mai area
(the less energetic will be pleased to know that there is a cable car that
brings you up the hill).
Lunch will be a local restaurant before continuing to the district of
Sankampaeng, home to Chiang Mai’s famous cottage industries. Watch how
artisans continue to make their products by hand and you will of course have
the opportunity to hunt for that perfect souvenir! See silkworms and the
process of spinning silk and the art of using handlooms to make intricate
patterned silk fabrics. Marvel at transformation of bamboo, silk and paper
into painted multi-colored umbrellas. Skilled potters create distinctive
Thai celedon. Woodcarvers chip away by hand at teakwood and produce elegant
ornaments and furniture. The process of making lacquerware is fascinating to
watch and they even use egg shells to create unusual designs. And of course,
there are silver items - plenty to tempt even the cautious shopper!
Accommodation: Empress, Chiang Mai or similar
Day 5 (Friday): CHIANG MAI-GOLDEN TRIANGLE (B,L,D)
North Thailand is famous for its colorful hill tribes and this morning, you
will drive north towards Chiang Rai through splendid mountain scenery and
tropical jungle. On the way, we stop at Mae Ka Chan, famous for a hot spring
which is a favorite bathing place for local people who believe it relieves
their aches and pains. We arrive Chiang Rai around noon and have your lunch.
After lunch, transfer to 'pick-up' vans which can climb the narrow
mountain roads and visit several villages. The scenery is magnificent and
you will enjoy mountain views from Doi Mae Salong, a Chinese settlement
founded by Kuomintang soldiers who fled China after Mao Tse Tung’s victory
in 1949. Some interesting Chinese herbal medicines are on sale here! Stops
are included at Akha and Yao Hill tribe villages, where the people continue
to wear their fascinating traditional costumes and follow a very simple way
of village life.
Accommodation: Imperial Golden Triangle or similar
Day 6 (Saturday): GOLDEN TRIANGLE-MAE SAI (B,L,D)
We begin today by driving to Mae Sai, Thailand’s northernmost town on the
Burma border. You can watch Thai and Burmese people walking across the
bridge separating the two countries. There are excellent opportunities to
buy Burmese handicrafts at reasonable prices.
There is possibility for optional Burma Border crossing for approximately
one hour walk to explore inside Burma (SUBJECT TO BORDER SITUATION) or take
a rickshaw ride around the market place. (Note: Two photocopies of your
passport are required along with border pass fee if we can cross into
Burma).
Next visit will be to Chiang Saen, where evidence of the original 13th
century city can still be seen. We will enjoy this lovely setting on the
banks of the Mekong River; a tranquil spot with charming old temples and
finely carved figurines. Lunch will be at a local restaurant.
Next visit will be to the heart of the renowned Golden Triangle where the
Ruak and Mekong Rivers meet. You can stand on the hilltop and enjoy views
over Burma, Laos, Thailand and the mighty Mekong River. An optional boat
trip will be available for those who want to get closer to Laos and Burma !
Accommodation: Imperial Golden Triangle or similar
Day 7 (Sunday): DEPART CHIANG RAI (B)
After breakfast, your tour concludes. Make your own way back to Bangkok by
air or rail, or decide to continue on in Chiang Rai for additional days
(air, rail or additional cost of accommodation not included).
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