Head out from Chiang Mai along winding roads through spectacular jungle clad mountains, via the Pai Valley to Mae Hong Son province. Stop en route at an orchid farm and after lunch in Pai, at the Fish Cave where many large freshwater fish live in a mountainside pool, before arriving at your hotel in the late afternoon.

The Imperial Resort, Mae Hong Son

Lunch

Today your guide will take you through the jungle to visit the “Long Neck” Karen Padaung Village. The Karen Padaung women wear numerous brass coils round their necks and legs and over time their necks become elongated. After lunch at a local restaurant take a scenic boat trip on the Pai River before returning to Mae Hong Son for dinner and an overnight stay.

The Imperial Resort, Mae Hong Son

Breakfast and lunch

After breakfast, visit the Burmese and Lanna style temple of Wat Jong Klang with its white and golden chedis and spires of the temple reflected in the lake. Wat Phrathat Doi Kong Mu offers great views over Mae Hong Son town and if you are lucky, you have the chance to chat with some Buddhist monks.

This is followed by an exploration of Pha Bong Hot Spring where you can soak yourself in the natural hot water or just have a wander around to enjoy the scenery. Driving along the highway to Khun Yuam district, there is a visit the Thai-Japan Friendship Memorial Hall, which has an impressive museum. Then, continue to Mae La Noi district, a quiet area away from the tourist tracks, where there are authentic hill tribe villages (Lawa and Karen) nestled in the mountains and lowlands of Mae La Noi.

After lunch at a local restaurant, stop at Kaeo Komon Cave which is considered one of the most beautiful calcite crystal caves in Thailand, one of only a few in the world found only in Australia, China, and Thailand. Later, transfer to your hotel in Mae Sariang.

The Riverhouse Resort, Mae Sariang

Breakfast and lunch

Drive to Ob Luang National Park, an amazing natural attraction whose main attraction is the 1,000 ft. long Op Luang Canyon.  On the way make a stop at Ban Huai Kung, a small Karen village, where around 10 households are dependent on the freshwater fish, paddy rice farming and gathering forest products for their livelihoods.

After lunch continue to Chiang Mai with a tour of the beautiful and historic Wat Phra That Doi Suthep at a time when temperatures are cooler and crowds are dispersed. After a short hike, you will be rewarded with incomparable night sky views over the city of Chiang Mai from the temple grounds at sunset. Afterwards transfer to your hotel in Chiang Mai.

The Empress, Chiang Mai

Breakfast and lunch

Travel north to Chiang Rai through breathtaking mountain scenery via Mae Ka Chan, famous for its hot springs. You will arrive in Chiang Rai in time for lunch and afterwards travel up the narrow mountain roads to visit the Akha and Yao Hill tribe villages. Enjoy the outstanding scenery and great views along the way. Then head back for dinner and an overnight stay in Chiang Rai.

Legend Boutique Resort, Chiang Rai

Breakfast and lunch

Start the day by travelling to Mae Sai, Thailand’s northernmost town on the Burma border. Explore a Jade factory and the vibrant market, where local vendors showcase a wide array of local goods.

Continue to along the route of the Mekong River to Chiang Saen, where evidence of the original 13th century city can still be seen. After lunch continue onto the renowned Golden Triangle where you can stand on the hilltop and enjoy views over Myanmar, Laos, Thailand and the mighty Mekong River.  Return to Chiang Rai in the late afternoon for an evening to relax or explore as you please.

Legend Boutique Resort, Chiang Rai

Breakfast and lunch

Transfer to Chiang Rai airport for your onward flight.

Breakfast