DISCOVER SECRETS OF CHIANG DAO
Best places to visit: CHIANG DAO - KAREN VILLAGE - LAHU VILLAGE - SHAN VILLAGE - CHIANG MAI
4 days
Daily Tour
20 people
English, Cezch
Following the local trails you walk through the limestone scenery and lush plantations and see many different hill tribe groups such as Karen, Shan, Lahu. They still retain their age old cultural traditions and are recognisably distinct from each other by their dress. This trip give you a chance to enjoy elephant ride and rafting as well.
Itinerary :
Day 1: DISCOVER SECRETS OF CHIANG DAO : Chiang Mai – Chiang Dao (L/D)
The extremely beautiful mountain region around Chiang Dao is home of various hill tribe groups and elephant camps. We will include these on four day trek which also provides us some opportunities to live with local people. This morning we pick you up at your hotel in Chiang Mai and drive by truck to Mae Mana.
A rough drive through the forest will deliver us at the Hmong village from where we walk to explore the surrounding areas. Our final destination for this evening is the Karen hilltribe village. Here we are the guest of a Karen family in a traditional house. The accommodation is very simple and dormitory style, no western facilities.
O/N at Karen Village.
Day 2: DISCOVER SECRETS OF CHIANG DAO : Karen Village – Rafting camp (B/L/D)
Upon leaving the village of our previous night we set off on a full day trek past the verdant and rugged scenery of undulating terrains and rolling hill. We get off well the beaten track as we walk into this mountainous region. Along the way we stop to explore the Chiang Dao Cave, which houses various magnificent Buddha Statues. The pleasant climate inside caverns make for an ideal place to break the journey. We continue our trekking expedition towards the raft camp near Ban Pakhao Lam.
O/N at River Camp.
Day 3: DISCOVER SECRETS OF CHIANG DAO : Rafting Camp – Lahu Village (B/L/D)
The relaxing time begins as we get on an elephant for a two hour ride through the undulating terrain of forests and stream. We have a chance to rest our legs and let elephant do the walking towards a small river. The local guide gives us some instruction of rafting skill. We enjoy a bamboo raft along the river which gives a fantastic view of the mountain landscape and an interesting visit to the Karen and Lahu hilltribe villages.
These ethnic groups have settled there long time ago and make for the main local population. They are recognisably distinct from each other by their dress. We embark on a trek again and walk for few hours to Tung Yao where we spend the night, as guest of villagers. The facilities are very basic, but the experience is unique.
O/N at Lahu Village.
Day 4: DISCOVER SECRETS OF CHIANG DAO : Lahu village – Shan village – Chiang Mai (B/L)
Today we spend two hour walking to the Shan Hilltribe Village near Baan Sob Gai. A part of the pleasure of trekking in this region is the simple joy of seeing the breathtaking mountain scenery and exploring the interesting culture of the people. At this village we will up with our truck for a drive to Chiang Mai. The trip ends after arrival at your hotel in Chiang Mai.
INCLUSIONS:
- Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver, tourist bus and truck on bad road conditions
- + Meal as mentioned: B = breakfast, L = Lunch, D = dinner
Accommodation: homestay on trekking day - + English or French speaking guide
- + Entrance fee to indicated sights
- + Bamboo rafting
- + Elephant excursion
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
