Itinerary in brief

Day 1   : ARRIVAL - CHIANG MAI
Day 2   : CHIANG MAI
Day 3   : CHIANG MAI - PAI - MAE HONG SON
Day 4   : MAE HONG SON
Day 5   : MAE HONG SON - CHIANG MAI
Day 6   : CHIANG MAI - CHIANG DAO
Day 7   : CHIANG DAO - THATORN - CHIANG RAI
Day 8   : CHIANG RAI - GOLDEN TRIANGLE - CHIANG MAI
Day 9   : CHIANG MAI - DEPARTURE

This itinerary offers an in-depth experience covering the whole northern regions of Thailand. We explore the beautiful Doi Suthep Temples, the handicraft workshops for which Chiang Mai is best known, the splendid mountain scenery, the wide array of minority hilltribe people, including the Karen, Lisu and Lahu as well as the infamous Golden Triangle.

Detail Itinerary

DAY 1: ARRIVAL - CHIANG MAI
On arrival at Chiang Mai Airport, you are met 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
Today we spend a full day seeing some major sights of Chiang Mai. After a short drive we embark on a walk to the famous Doi Suthep Mountain, leading us to the magnificent temple of Wat Prathat near the summit. At an elevation of over 1,000 m , the temple grounds affords a panoramic view over the surrounding countryside. We follow this with a visit to the old and new parts of the town featuring the great diversity. The "Rose of the North", Chiang Mai has been always noted for exquisite handicrafts whose the combination with the traditional wares of the hill tribe people offers fantastic shopping opportunities. Heading out of town we 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. 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)

DAY4: 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 change our transport when we take a short but exciting elephant ride 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 embark on our 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 MAI
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 Mai. (B)

DAY 6: CHIANG MAI - CHIANG DAO
Heading out of the town we begin our rough drive for an hour and half to the northern hill region around Chiang Dao, which is home to a wide array of hill tribe groups. The roads conditions are poor, however the breathtaking mountain scenery make for an interesting day. Along the way we stop at an elephant camp to see these huge animals bathing and handling timber before we enjoy an elephant ride through the forest to the hill tribe villages. We get well off the beaten track as we walk around the area, visiting the Red Lahu, Lisu, Karen and Akha people. These ethnic minorities still retain their age old cultural traditions, and are recognisably distinct from each other by their dress. O/N in Chiang Dao. (B,L,D)

DAY 7: CHIANG DAO - THATORN - CHIANG RAI
An early morning departure to the sleepy riverside town of Thaton on the banks of 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 many hill villages. After checking hotel in Chiang Rai we enjoy a short visit to the impressive Ethnologic Museum which is dedicated to the region's ethnic groups, some of which we have met on our excursion. O/N at Chiang Rai. (B)

DAY 8: 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 with a stopover at Ban Kiu Kaan , a white Hmong ethnic minority village close to Chieng Khong. Arriving in Chiang Saen we visit the town’s major sights, including Wat Phrathat Jom Kitti, Wat Chedi Luang and a nearby museum. Heading out of the town we drive through some verdant and rugged mountain scenery to the famous Golden Triangle in which powerful warlords have fought for control the opium trade. After exploring the border town of Mae Sai we return to Chiang Mai. The drive is long , but views are fantastic. O/N in Chiang Mai. (B)

DAY 9: 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)

HOTELS USED ON THIS TRIP
CITY/ AREA	Standard Class	First Class	Superior  Class
Mae Hong Son	Golden Pai hotel
Chiang Mai	Porn Ping Tower hotel or similar one	Surwongse  hotel or similar one	Royal Princess hotel or similar one
Chiang Dao	Mini hotel or Home stay
Chiang Rai	Inn Come hotel or similar one	Wang Come hotel or similar one	Rim Kok hotel or similar one
HOTEL NOTES	The deluxe class tour based on higher hotel category will be arranged upon request.