This morning your guide will collect you from your hotel in Chiang Mai to begin your northern Thailand adventure. Stop at Mae Malai Market where hill tribes meet and trade their goods. Continue by road to Mok Fah waterfall which emerges from the thick woods and separates into two streams as it falls from the stone cliff.

The journey continues along route 1095, famed for the ‘Mae Hong Son Loop’ with its 762 bends that  wind over hills and through valleys on its way to Pai. Just outside of Pai, visit Wat Phra That Mae, a large white Buddha which enjoys views over town followed by time to explore picturesque Pai Canyon  with its deep gullies and sharp ridges, dotted with pine trees.

Lunch is taken at a local restaurant. In the late afternoon check into your hotel with the rest of the day at leisure to enjoy this charming town with its laid back cafes and beautiful setting. A real highlight in the evening is to visit Pai’s walking street which is just a short walk from your hotel. Browse for souvenirs including original works of art from local artists, try some of the tasty street food, or simply hang out in one of the bars.

Pai Village Boutique Resort, Pai or similar

Lunch

This morning depart Pai to explore the fantastic Tham Lod cave system. You will be guided on foot into the cave by ‘lantern ladies’ illuminating a path through the darkness. Stop to observe interestingly shaped stalagmite and stalactite formations before boarding a bamboo raft. Floating along in the darkness, listen out for the bats overhead and feed the catfish that swim around. Archaeologists have discovered ancient clay pottery and teak wooden coffins carved by the Lawa tribe from over 1400 years ago.

After lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll make short stop at the “Tham Pla” fish cave which for reasons unknown, attracts thousands of coloured, sacred carps which can be seen in a small pond that leads its way out of the submerged cave.

Later as you approach Mae Hong Son, enjoy a walk across Thailand’s longest bamboo bridge. Su Tong Pae stretches for 500 meters across rice fields and the Mae Sa Nga River to link the temple with the village of Kung Mai Saak. Used daily by villagers and monks, the name of the bridge translates as ‘successful prayer’ in the Tai Yai language and is a source of pride amongst the local community. Write your wishes on a bamboo stick and hang them in the dedicated temple building nearby!

In the afternoon enjoy a rejuvenating 30 minute mud facial at Phu Klon Health and Mud Spa. The hot spring which produces the mineral rich mud was discovered by geologists in 1995 and is known for its positive effect on the skin.

Later, arrive at your hotel on the outskirts of Mae Hong Son where the rest of the day is at leisure. Known as the ‘City of Mists’, Mae Hong Son sits within one of the most beautiful provinces in Thailand.

Fern Resort, near Mae Hong Son

Breakfast and lunch

Today, drive to the pier to start a scenic boat ride on the Pai river to visit an authentic Padaung village not far from the Burmese border. The Padaung hill tribe commonly referred to as the “long-neck” are originally Karen refugees from Burma. Most of the women wear beautiful brass spirals around their neck and legs which are a sign of wealth in the old days. You will have the chance to meet the villagers to learn about their unique culture and buy some of the souvenirs if you choose.

After lunch the tour will visit the Burmese style temple of Wat Jong Kham. Built nearly 200 years ago by the Shan people, the temple’s brilliant white and gold chedis reflect in the lake. Afterwards drive to Wat Phra Dhat Doi Kong Moo, which on a clear day offers great views over Mae Hong Son town. The oldest structures of the temple are two large whitewashed stupas and through your guide, you may have the opportunity to chat with one of the Buddhist monks to learn about their life at the monastery. Watch the sunset over the mountains from the hilltop and return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Fern Resort, near Mae Hong Son

Breakfast and lunch

After breakfast bid a fond farewell to this fascinating region as you head back to Chiang Mai. Alternatively please ask your Travel Consultant about booking onward flights to Chiang Mai or Bangkok from Mae Hong Son.

Breakfast