Day 1: CHIANG RAI

On arrival transfer to the hotel and rest of the day at leisure. In the evening opportunity to visit Chiang Rai's little and colourful night market.

Day 2: CHIANG RAI - THATON

First drive to the former royal town of Chiang Saen. Here start for a short trip by speed boat on the Mekong River to the Golden Triangle. On the way stop at a Laotian river island. Go on to the border town of Mae Sai. An optional tour to see Burmese border town of Tachilek can be arranged (border pass available). Visit Thum Pla, a temple which is daily inhabited by monkeys from the nearby mountain wilderness. Continue through Maesalong mountain area, along many hill tribe villages such as Lisu, Akha and Yao. Arrival at the riverside resort in Thaton late afternoon.

Day 3: THATON - PAI

In the morning visit a remote Lahu hill tribe village and Wat Thaton with its giant Buddha images and great views to the valley of the Kok River. Further stops at one of the rare Palong hill tribe village and a local market. After lunch travel on some steep and winding roads along scenic mountainous landscapes to Pai. On the way take a short walk to some hot springs. Overnight at the resort, just outside the small town of Pai..

Day 4: PAI - MAE HONG SORN

Drive on along wonderful mountain scenery and small hill tribe villages (Lisu and Lahu). Passing the village of Soppong and there visit the spectacular Thum Lod Cave. Continue through the mountain wilderness, then head for a side trip to Phasua waterfall and a Paduang "longneck" village in the Burmese border area. Overnight at a resort just outside the small town of Mae Hong Son.

Day 5: MAE HONG SORN

In the morning start for a trip on the Pai River by long tail boat or bamboo raft (you have the choice!) and then enjoy a one hour ride on an elephant back through the surrounding jungle. After lunch take a tour in the town of Mae Hong Sorn and visit two picturesque Shan temples, Wat Jong Klang at the city lake and Wat Doi Kong Mu above the town. Late afternoon take a short flight to Chiang Mai and transfer to a hotel in the city center.

Day 6: CHIANG MAI

Tour in- and around the northern capital includes a tour in the old part of the city, beautiful Haripunchai temple in nearby Lamphun province as well as some of the well known handicraft factories, such as silver- and lacquer ware, sa paper umbrella making/painting etc (just visit the ones in which you are interested). Overnight again in Chiang Mai.

Day 7: CHIANG MAI

Day at leisure until transfer to the airport........or extend your stay.

Price includes:

Air-conditioned transportation during the tour, English speaking tour guide, all transfers and excursions as mentioned in the above itinerary, accommodation in middle- and upper class hotels/resorts, entrance fees, half board (daily breakfast, lunch during tours), air ticket Mae Hong Sorn - Chiang Mai

Not included:

All meals not mentioned in the above itinerary, drinks, tips and personal expenses

Flexibility:

This itinerary possible vice versa with start in Chiang Mai and finish in Chiang Rai. Also possible to spend one more night in Mae Hong Sorn. In that case one night less in Chiang Mai and less sightseeing there.