Thailand Highlanders

Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Destination: Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Pai, Mae Hong Son
Category: Culture, History, Nature, Adventure
Class: 4 Stars
Description: Travel across the northern hills, ride elephants and visit hill tribal villages.

ITINERARY

DAY 1: ARRIVE CHIANG RAI (-)

Pick up from Chiang Rai Airport and transfer to the hotel for check-in. This afternoon take a long-tailed boat cruise along the Mae Kok River to visit the White Karen Village, the tribe from southwest China or Tibet.

DAY 2: CHIANG RAI - CHIANG MAI (B/L)

Begin the day with a visit to villages of the Akha and Yao tribe. The Akha originally from Tibet and the Yao from southern China, interestingly they are the only hill tribe to have a written language and a religion based on medieval Chinese Taoism. Drive to Mae Sai, the northern most point of Thailand on the Thai – Myanmar Border. Lunch will be at a local Restaurant. Continue to the Golden Triangle, here is where the borders of Laos, Myanmar and Thailand meet. Stop to visit Wat Chedi Luang in the ancient city of Chiang Saen before heading overland to Chiang Mai.

DAY 3: CHIANG MAI (B/D)

Drive uphill to visit the Meo Hilltribes living in simple huts and speaking their own language. Also visit Wat Doi Suthep, tucked away in the mountains at 3,280 feet (1,056 meters). The temple is reached by a staircase with 290 steps, flanked by a Naga balustrade on either side. The monastery was built by King Gue- Na in 1383. The center is a big Chedi (spired pagoda) which contains partial relics of Lord Buddha. Tonight enjoy a delicious Khantoke dinner – a symbol of northern Thai cuisine whilst being entertained by traditional dancers dating back to the Lanna Kingdom. Dinner is followed by cultural presentation of hill tribes people.

DAY 4: CHIANG MAI (B/L)

Pick-up from your hotel your Thai cooking class will begin with a morning activity such as shopping at the market, and introduction to Thai ingredients, paste making, vegetable carving, or selecting your own organic herbs from the herb garden. After the morning activity you will cook a 4 dishes, followed by eating the results of your labor. Continue after lunch make 2 more dishes and savor your accomplishments.

DAY 5: CHIANG MAI - PAI (B/L)

Depart Chiang Mai as we travel in a northwest direction, en route make a short stop to visit a jungle area north of Chiang Mai where there is an Elephant camp. You are shown how the elephants are trained from young age, the “pupils” will then demonstrate what they have learned. Afterwards a visit to an Orchid farm is on the program. Lunch will be provided at a local restaurant. Continue to a hotspring at Pong Dued, Baan Papae from here take mini trail around this area for 45 minutes. After check-in at your resort in Pai we will visit the local night market.

DAY 6: PAI - MAE HONG SON (B/L)

Depart Pai for Mae Hong Son, en route stopping at a Lisu village and Tam Lod, a large limestone cave with a wide stream running through. Tam Lod is one of the two local caves, there are three side chambers that can be reached by ladder; it takes two or three hours to explore all. Visit a Lahu village, one of the Tibeto-Burmese hill tribes and a Fish cave, where thousands of carps can be found residing in peace. Arrive in Mae Hong Son and pay respect to the three most important temples; Wat Doi Kong Moo, Wat Chong Kam and Wat Chong Klang, all of Burmese origin,

DAY 7: DEPART MAE HONG SON (B/L)

Early breakfast before heading to the Elephant camp to board your jumbo for a trip through the jungle, continue by a Long-tailed boat, cruising on the Pai River. Afterwards take a vehicle to visit the hill tribe village of the Long-necked women, the Padongs – here you'll find females of the tribe wear brass rings around their necks making them appear to have long necks.. Return to provincial town for lunch and afternoon transfer back to Mae Hong Son Airport.

TOUR PRICE IN THAI BAHT
On a per person basis

COMPULSORY GALA DINNERS

HOTEL ACCOMMODATION

INCLUDED

Accommodation as stated
Sightseeing tours and transfers as outlined
Meals as mentioned
English speaking tour guide
Air-conditioned private vehicles

NOT INCLUDED

Services not mentioned
Expenses of a personal nature
Tips and porterage
Domestic & international air tickets
Visa fee and handling services