Highlights - Cultural Immersion in Lawa & Karen Hilltribe Villages, Hilltribe Homestay, Scenery of Mae Hong Son  This 5d/4n tour of Mae Hong Son Province will allow you to explore the beauty of one of the most traditional and authentic places left in Thailand. Taking you through Doi Inthanon, Mae Sariang, Mae Hong Son and Pai across beautiful mountain landscapes that make up the most mountainous and forested province in the country. You will be immersed in the local way of life of the hill tribes and Thais, and experience the Shan and Burmese influence on this part of the country Day 1 Depart Chiang Mai for Mae Sariang    Pick up from Chiang Mai and depart for Doi Inthanon Mountain the highest point in Thailand 2,565m above sea level (approx 1hr drive).  Doi Inthanon Mountain and National Park is famous for its pristine nature and species of flora and fauna. The drive up is also very scenic with magnificent waterfalls along the way Stop off to visit waterfalls, the Royal Pagoda nearby the summit with good view point, and then a leisurely walk through the nature trails at the summit a popular spot for birdwatchers as there are over 300 different species of birds in this area Continue on the less travelled route to Mae Sariang a small and authentic northern Thai town (approx 3hrs drive). Arrive in the evening and check into local hotel/guesthouse             Day 2 Lawa & Karen Hilltribe Villages Depart Mae Sariang for a cultural and authentic tour of Lawa and Karen hilltribe villages (1hr) nestled in the mountains of Mae La Noi district 1,200m above sea level .  The drive up is very scenic with beautiful mountain vistas along the way Arrive at the first Lawa hilltribe village, meet and greet your homestay family. Your guide will take you to meet local villagers going about their day to day lives in the village.  Visit the local village school, sit in on lessons, play with the kids. After that visit the village silversmith family where they can demonstrate how traditional techniques and tools are used to make hilltribe silver jewellery. At the end you have the chance to purchase some of his handmade products * Drive to a neighbouring Lawa hilltribe village, visit the King’s Royal Agricultural Development Centre where they teach farmers organic farming methods. This is also the centre for the village’s women’s weaving cooperative where you will have the chance to purchase handwoven hilltribe cotton bags and scarves from the cooperative Drive to a Karen hilltribe village, famous for coffee cultivation and supplying its fresh Arabica coffee to Starbucks in Thailand. A chance to sample their delicious fresh coffee and buy it directly from the producers A few kilometres on is another Karen hilltribe village.  This is the oldest and most traditional of all villages. Walk around the village and learn about how the Karen hilltribe live, their customs, culture and costume  Visit the mountain temple where Pat’s mum is head nun. It's unique locations offers sweeping panoramic views of the mountains below. From the temple rooftop catch the evening sunset over the mountains. You will have the chance to learn about Vispasana and Theravada Buddhism, Buddhist precepts and life as a Buddhist monk/nun                           Head back to join your homestay family and enjoy cooking an evening meal together. Evening is free and easy, relax and get to know your homestay family  Overnight at the homestay, or at alternative nearby lodging  *Optional activity: Learn how to make your own silver ring from the village silversmith and get to keep the ring that you make.  This workshop takes a couple of hours and you pay the silversmith directly 1,000bt. Day 3   In and around Mae Hong Son Enjoy breakfast and last moments with your homestay family and the village, before heading onto Mae Hong Son via Khun Yuam (approx 3hrs drive) Arrive at Mae Hong Son town visit Wat Doi Kong Mu, a famous hilltop temple offering a wonderful view of Mae Hong Son encased by mountains.  Optional - visit neighbouring ‘Mae Aw’ a Chinese village on the border of Thailand and Myanmar (1hr drive), famous for its traditional earth houses and tea cultivation, here you can try various types of Chinese tea and Chinese Yunnanese cuisine  Overnight at Mae Hong Son town or continue on to Mae Aw Chinese village for overnight stay *          * Overnight stay in Mae Hong Son town or Mae Aw Chinese village will depend on season and traveller preference              Day 4   Mae Hong Son to Pai Optional - early start at 6am to visit the local morning market, where you will also have the chance to offer alms to monks on their daily alms procession through town Visit a traditional Shan village just outside Mae Hong Son town. Learn about how the locals still use buffaloes and traditional methods to produce sesame, if you are lucky you may have the chance to ride bareback on a buffalo   Depart Mae Hong Son for Soppong (approx 2hrs) this drive is considered the most scenic in the north, these winding mountain roads will reward you with beautiful landscape views and plenty of photo opportunities On the way optional stop offs at Fish Cave, Phu Klon Country Club (Thai massage, face and body treatment in their natural mud spa), and Lod Cave where you can take a bamboo raft through this limestone cave to see the remarkable stalactites and stalagmites Upon arrival in Soppong, optional visit to Tham Lod Cave/ Coffin Cave. Take a bamboo raft through the cave to experience the bats and remarkable stalactite formations  Onto Pai (45mins), dinner then free and easy time to discover the nightlife of Pai. Overnight in local guesthouse/hotel       Day 5 Return to Chiang Mai via Pai After breakfast, there will be time to see more of Pai town, optional elephant riding and visit to natural hot springs, before we head back to Chiang Mai (2hrs drive) enjoying the last of this scenic ride End of trip Useful Links about Mae Hong Son Click here for  Mae Hong Son Pictures   Click here for Mae Hong Son - Travel Destination Information Click here for The Mae Hong Son Loop Explained   Click here for 10 Facts about Mae Hong Son   Click here for Video clip of view from Wat Doi Gong Mu Temple in Mae Hong Son   Click here for  Video clip of giving alms to monks in Mae Hong Son