5D/4N Mae Hong Son Loop Tour: Chiang Mai - Doi Inthanon - Mae Sariang - Mae Hong Son - Pai

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 stunning mountain landscapes that make up the most mountainous province in the country. You will also experience the local way of life of the hilltribes and Thais, and the influence of Shan and Burmese culture on this part of the country. Day 1 Depart Chiang Mai for Mae Sariang    Drive to Mae Sariang via Doi Inthanon Mountain the highest point in Thailand 2,565m above sea level.  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. Arrive at Mae Sariang town in the evening and check into guesthouse             Day 2 Lawa & Karen Hilltribe Villages Depart Mae Sariang for a cultural and authentic tour of Lawa and Karen hilltribe villages. The villages are nestled in mountains in Mae La Noi district 1,200m above sea level .  The drive up is very scenic with stunning panoramic vistas of the mountains along the way Arrive at the first village – La Up (Lawa Hilltribe). Meet and greet the locals. Tour the village;  visit the local school, sit in on lessons, play with the kids. After that visit the village silversmith family where they can demonstrate how they use traditional techniques and tools to make silver jewellery. At the end you have the chance to purchase some of his handmade products * Drive to the 2nd village- Ban Dong village (Lawa hilltribe) to 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 can learn about how they make and weave cotton. You may also try weaving yourself and purchase products from the cooperative Visit La Up temple where Pat’s mum is head nun.  This temple is also home to 8 hilltribe children who are taken care of at the temple. It’s unique location offers stunning panoramic views of the mountains below  especially at sunrise and sunset.  Walk through the picturesque temple grounds where the children, nuns and monks cultivate all varieties of vegetables and fruits such as passion fruit, banana trees, lychee, long beans and even coffee. Learn about Vispasana and Theravada Buddhism, Buddhist precepts and life as a Buddhist monk/nun  Walk to the top storey of the temple to catch the sunset over the mountains                           Go back to La Up village where everybody can cook the evening meal with their homestay families  Evening is free and easy.  Sit around a campfire, relax and chat with homestay family  Sleep either with homestay family or at lodging in the King’s Agricultural Development Centre *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 800bt. Day 3   In and around Mae Hong Son In the morning visit  ‘Huai Hom’ village (Karen Hilltribe) great for coffee lovers as this village is renowned for its coffee cultivation and is the main supplier to Starbucks in Thailand. Sample their coffee for free with the chance to buy it at wholesale price A few kilometers on is ‘Huai Ha’ village (Karen hilltribe). This is the oldest and most traditional of all villages. Walk around the village and learn about how the Karen live, their customs, culture and costume Leave the villages and head onto Mae Hong Son via Khun Yuam Arrive at Mae Hong Son town.  Visit Wat Doi Kong Mu, the main temple in the middle of town.  Located at the top of a hill it offers great aerial views of Mae Hong Son encased by mountains.  In the evening soak  up the atmosphere of this pretty little town by strolling around Jong Kam Lake, and the local evening markets Visit the Karen village of ‘Ban Ruam Thai’ often called the ‘Switzerland of Thailand’ due to its charming panoramic views of mountains and evergreen trees that surround Ruam Thai Lake Visit neighbouring ‘Mae Aw’ a Chinese village on the border of Thailand and Myanmar, famous for its traditional earth houses and tea cultivation, here you can try various types of Chinese tea and Chinese Yunnanese cuisine Stay overnight in either 'Mae Aw' or Mae Hong Son town              Day 4   Mae Hong Son to Pai Depart Mae Hong Son for Pai the drive from Mae Hong Son to Chiang Mai is considered the most scenic in the north, these winding mountain roads will reward you with some of the best landscape views in the country where you can stop to take photos On the way stop off at Pang Tong King’s Palace, Pha Sua waterfall, Phu Klon Country Club (for optional 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      Day 5 Return to Chiang Mai via Pai In the morning optional elephant riding in Pai then sightseeing. Lunch in Pai before departing back to Chiang Mai 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