5-6 Days Mae Hong Son Loop Tour
Discover the Ethnic Hill Tribes, Mountain Scenery and nature in the most remote and authentic part of Northern Thailand
HIGHLIGHTS
Thailand's most iconic mountain scenery, Ethnic Hill tribe cultures, Non-Touristic experiences with locals, Northern Thai cuisine, Local way of life, Hilltribe homestay (optional).
DESCRIPTION
Our Mae Hong Son Loop Tour, travels deep into the mountains of northern Thailand on an unforgettable journey through Pai, Mae Hong Son and remote ethnic minority villages rarely visited by mass tourism. We will journey across beautiful landscapes that form the most mountainous and forested province in Thailand. You will experience the local way of life of hilltribes and Thais, in the unique cultural setting of Mae Hong Son - influenced by Shan ethnic minority culture and neighbouring Myanmar.
We will meet hill tribe communities respectfully, discover Shan culture near the Myanmar border, and experience a slower, more traditional side of Thailand that most travellers never see.
Designed for travellers who want more than just sightseeing - this trip focuses on travelling further to get off-the-beaten path to discover northern Thailand's most remote and authentic province.
MAE HONG SON LOOP TOUR
MAE HONG SON LOOP TOUR ITINERARY
DAY 1) CHIANG MAI TO PAI
- Pick up from your hotel in Chiang Mai – head north into the countryside of Mae Rim, optional visit to an elephant sanctuary, bamboo rafting and Mok Fah waterfall.
- Our journey to the northern highlands continues as we head to Pai. This road is famous for its tight curves that snake through the mountains. We will stop along the way for rest breaks and to enjoy the views.
- In Pai we will visit the Grand Canyon, Pong Dueat Geyser and Memorial Bridge. Option to stay overnight in Pai (or if you prefer a less-touristic locale, you can stay overnight in Soppong / Phangmapha).
DAY 2) PAI TO BAN RAK THAI (CHINESE VILLAGE) + BAN RUAM THAI / PANG UNG
- Our journey through the heart of the mountains continues, with the option to visit Tham Lod Cave – a limestone karst cave with a beautiful formation of stalactites and stalagmites.
- Visit to authentic Lisu and Lahu hill tribe villages. Learn about their unique culture and way of life in the mountains.
- We will continue traversing through lofty landscapes and some of the most iconic scenery in Thailand. We’ll stop at various viewpoints along the way, for photo opportunities and to explore local life along the way, such as hill tribe markets, where your guide will introduce to the local produce grown and sold.
- Travel to the Chinese village of Ban Rak Thai, surrounded by hills and tea plantations on the edge of a reservoir. Visit the adobe (mud hut) style shops selling Chinese teas and produce.
- Head to the nearby village of Ban Ruam Thai/Pang Ung (nicknamed the ‘Switzerland of Thailand’) known for its pine tree forests surrounding the picturesque Pan Ung Lake. O/n at Pang Ung.
- Early morning walk around Pang Ung to witness the picturesque morning mist over the lake that Pang Ung is famous for.
- Head to Mae Hong Son, to visit Huay Pu Keng, Kayan Long Neck tribe Community-based-tourism village. Located nearby the Thai-Myanmar border, we will travel to the village by long-tail boat on the Pai river. Enjoy the nature and scenery along these remote river banks. We will disembark on the sandy banks at the entrance to the village.
- Our close relationships with the Kayan Long Neck villagers here, means that you’ll have your own personal Long Neck guide to show you around the village. You’ll have the unique opporunity to chat one-on-one with the Kayan Long Neck tribe, who will share their culture and welcome the chance to practice their English with you. Learn firsthand about the Kayan Long Neck tribe and their plight as refugees in Thailand.
- At this community-based-tourism village there is the option to engage in workshops with the villagers, such as learning to weave or make jewellery. Your visit here supports villagers directly.
- For a once-in-a-lifetime cultural immersion experience, there is the option to stay overnight at a homestay in this village (or overnight at a guesthouse in Mae Hong Son town).
- We will visit the highlights of Mae Hong Son Town such as Wat Jong Kham (an ancient Shan temple) and Jong Kham Lake. Soak up the slow pace and way of life in this predominantly Shan (ethnic minority) town.
- Visit Wat Doi Gong Mu - a hilltop temple perched on a hillside just next to Mae Hong Son town. This temple offers a clear view that depicts how unique the location of Mae Hong Son is. A small town and its golden-spired pagodas, encased by mountains that sits in a valley bordering Myanmar.
- Visit the morning market in Mae Hong Son town where your guide will introduce to you the speciality produce of Mae Hong Son, including many Shan (minority) and Burmese delicacies – option for local breakfast at the market.
- Depart Mae Hong Son town and continue south through peaceful mountain landscapes. We will pass through the quaint outpost town of Khun Yuam, we’ll stop to visit local sights such as Wat Tor Pae, a peaceful and traditional Shan temple located in the serene countryside.
- We’ll arrive at Mae Chaem, famous for the elaborate Tai Lue (minority) textiles. We will visit a local weaving cooperative, watch and learn about how colourful and detailed Tai Lue handwoven fabrics are created on wooden looms. O/n in Mae Chaem.
- From Mae Chaem. head up to Doi Inthanon mountain and national park. On the drive up to the summit, we will visit the mighty Wachiratharn waterfall and Royal Twin pagodas. At the summit (the highest point in Thailand) enjoy a gentle nature walk on the Angkha trail. The cooler temperatures and European-type ecology here make it a popular spot for birdwatchers.
- We’ll descend Doi Inthanon and head back to Chiang Mai, drop off at your hotel in Chiang Mai.
- Ethical visit to the Kayan Long Neck Tribe (Huay Pu Keng Community-Based-Tourism Village)
- Stay overnight at a Kayan Long Neck Homestay, and support the Long neck women directly
- Visit a school
- Short trek
- Visit to an ethical Elephant Camp
- If you’re lucky you may catch a village celebration such as a spirit festival or wedding
DAY 3) KAYAN LONG NECK TRIBE AT A COMMUNITY-BASED-TOURISM VILLAGE - MAE HONG SON TOWN
DAY 4) AROUND MAE HONG SON TOWN + SHAN CULTURE
DAY 5) MAE HONG SON - KHUN YUAM
DAY 6) MAE CHAEM - DOI INTHANON - CHIANG MAI
Sample Activities (optional)
Details
Extensions
- This tour can be extended to 6+ days. For families with children, spreading this itinerary over 6 days enables travel at a more family friendly pace
- This tour starts+ends in Chiang Mai. We can pick up+drop off at your hotel/airport/train station in Chiang Mai
- Accommodation is at local guesthouses with the option to spend 1 overnight at a hilltribe homestay in a village. This is optional, if you need more comfort there is alternative accommodation
- A list of accommodation options will be provided for you, this list is flexible and you are welcome to handle your own accommodation bookings.
- The itinerary is an outline only. The details of each day are not fixed, this leaves opportunity to explore local life along the way
- This tour can be customised, please contact us to discuss
Extensions
- This tour can be extended to 6+ days. For families with children, spreading this itinerary over 6 days enables travel at a more family friendly pace
Mae Hong Son Loop Tour Images
Click on each picture to enlarge
" We did the 5 nights 6 days Mae Hong Son Loop tour. Our expectations were really exceeded! Our guide Pat did not only open our eyes for the beauty of the country but also opened our hearts for the people. We saw many places and met many people we would never have encountered without him. Thank you very much! Thanks also to our driver Yan who always made us feel very safe even when the road suddenly became slippery due to the rain. "
By Wolfgang (2024)
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