Chiang Mai Mini Trip 12: Mysterious Northern Thailand

5 days / 4 nights - private tour

Discover the country's most impressive waterfalls, the mysterious world of the "Giraffe Women" in Mae Hong Son and one of the country's most famous cave systems in scenic Pai. Via the valley of the Kok River and the vast hills of Doi Mae Salong you drive to the 'famous' Golden Triangle, enclosed by Myanmar (Burma) and Laos and the mighty Mekong River. Through the beautiful mountain world along the border with Laos you drive to the atmospheric town of Chiang Rai and return to Chiang Mai.

Included Highlights:

*Doi Inthanon National Park *Long Neck Women of the Kayan People *Tham Lod Caves *Golden Triangle *Doi Pha Tang & Phu Chi Fah

Day 1: Chiang Mai - Mae Hong Son (approx. 240km)

You will be picked up from your hotel in Chiang Mai. In Doi Inthanon National Park, visit the beautiful Mae Klang and Vachiratharn waterfalls and stop at the hill tribe market. After lunch in Mae Chaem, drive through a beautiful landscape to Mae Hong Son. In this mountain town, you will visit the Burmese-style temples of Doi Kong Mu and Chong Kham. You will stay 1 night in Mae Hong Son in a beautiful resort.

Day 2: Mae Hong Son - Pai (approx. 110 km)

Today you will meet one of the most spectacular hill tribes in the world, the Karen Paduang, better known as 'Long-necks'. The necks of "chosen" women of this hill tribe are "extended" from childhood with brass rings. After lunch, drive through a spur of the mighty Himalayas and explore the Tham Lod Caves, a subterranean canyon through which a river flows. You will stay 1 night in the picturesque region of the town of Pai.

Day 3: Pai - Golden Triangle (about 280 km)

You will visit the local market in Mae Malai where you can eat grilled insects, a delicacy for the locals. In Thaton you can enjoy the view over the valley of the Mae Kok river. After lunch you will visit a village of the Yao hill tribe in the Mae Salong Mountains. You will stay 1 night in the Golden Triangle.

Day 4: Golden Triangle - Chiang Rai (approx. 180 km)

In Chiang Saen you will visit the ruins of the 800-year-old Wat Chedi Luang. You follow the border with Laos and the Mekong River and you can enjoy beautiful views. After a visit to Chiang Khong, drive on to Doi Pha Tang. This spectacular mountain region is home to many ethnic minorities including the Hmong, Yao and Chinese Haw. You will visit some authentic villages here. After lunch, drive to Phu Chi Fa. This famous cliff face is located at 1400 m above sea level on Thailand's border with Laos. A short walk will take you to the viewpoint. You will stay 1 night in the pleasant town of Chiang Rai.

Day 5: Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai (approx. 190 km)

Today you will visit Rong Khun 'Snow Temple', a true work of art and one of the most photographed temples in Thailand. You will drive the Doi Saket mountain route and stop at the Mae Ka Chan hot springs. Arriving in Chiang Mai you will be transferred to your chosen hotel, station or airport for your next tropical destination and this tour will come to an end

Included with us:

-4 nights accommodation

-meals: daily breakfast; lunch on day 1, 2, 3 and 4

-all described excursions with associated entrance fees (unless stated otherwise)

- transport by air-conditioned car or minivan with an expert driver

-Guidance during the trip by expert English-speaking local guide

Overnight Hotels

Place - Accommodations

1 x Mae Hong Son - Imperial Mae Hong Son Resort - 3.5 Stars (3.5/5)

1 x Pai - Ban Krating Pai Resort - 3 Stars (3/5)

1 x Golden Triangle - Imperial Golden Triangle Resort - 3.5 Stars (3.5/5)

1 x Chiang Rai - La Luna Resort - 3.5 Stars (3.5/5)

Prices are per person and on request.