BEST THAILAND NORTHERN ADVENTURE TOUR

Day 1: Arrival – Chiang Mai Sightseeing Tours
Day 2: Chiang Mai Sightseeing Tours to Doi Suthep Mountain and Wat Prathat Temple
Day 3: Chiang Mai Adventure and Sightseeing Tours to Pai and Mae Hong Son – Mae Hong Son Sightseeing Tours
Day 4: Mae Hong Son Adventure Tours to the Karen hill tribe village of Baan Nai Soi
Day 5: Mae Hong Son Adventure and Sightseeing Tours to Chiang Dao
Day 6: Chiang Dao Adventure and Sightseeing Tours to Thaton – Elephant Riding – Cruise Trip to Chiang Rai
Day 7: Chiang Rai Adventure and Sightseeing Tours to Golden Triangle – Travel Overland back to Chiang Mai
Day 8: Chiang Mai – Departure

Day 1: Thailand Northern Adventure Tours: Arrival – Chiang Mai Sightseeing Tours

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: Thailand Northern Adventure Tours: Chiang Mai Sightseeing Tours to Doi Suthep Mountain and Wat Phrathat Temple (B/-/-)

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.

Day 3: Thailand Northern Adventure Tours: Chiang Mai Adventure and Sightseeing Tours to Pai and Mae Hong Son – Mae Hong Son Sightseeing Tours (B/-/-)

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. 

Day 4: Thailand Northern Adventure Tours: Mae Hong Son Adventure Tours to the Karen hill tribe village of Baan Nai Soi( B/L/-)

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. 

Day 5: Thailand Northern Adventure Tours: Mae Hong Son Adventure and Sightseeing Tours to Chiang Dao (B/-/-)

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

Day 6: Thailand Northern Adventure Tours: Chiang Dao Adventure and Sightseeing Tours to Thaton – Elephant Riding – Cruise Trip to Chiang Rai  (B/-/-)

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.

Day 7: Thailand Northern Adventure Tours: Chiang Rai Adventure and Sightseeing Tours to Golden Triangle – Travel Overland back to Chiang Mai  (B/-/-)

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. 

Day 8: Thailand Northern Adventure tours: Chiang Mai – Departure (B/-/-)

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. 

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