8d/7n North Thailand Loop Tour

This is a sample itinerary and can be customised

DAY 1) CHIANG MAI -CHIANG RAI - CHIANG SAEN

• Pick up from hotel in Chiang Mai, head north to Chiang Rai - stop to explore aspects of local life, such as roadside markets and hot springs.
• Visit a traditional Lahu hill tribe village. Learn about Lahu culture and way of life with a Lahu villager who will guide you around the village.
• Continue north to visit the highlights of Chiang Rai such as the White and Blue Temples
• Onto Chiang Saen, visit the Golden Triangle - stop for photos at the best viewpoint overlooking the meeting point of 3 countries (Thailand, Laos and Myanmar) on the Mekong River. O/n at local hotel in Chiang Saen by the Mekong river.

DAY 2) MAE SALONG CHINESE VILLAGE - HILL TRIBE HOMESTAY

• Depart Chiang Saen, optional visit to the Fish & Monkey Cave (Wat Tham Pla).
• Enjoy the scenic drive through the hills as we head up to Mae Salong Chinese village, characterised by its terraced tea plantations on the mountainsides, and rustic shops selling Chinese teas and wares. This Chinese settlement is home to descendents of the Kuomintang party that fled communist rule in China. Located nearby the Myanmar border, today it is known for its oolong tea production. You will have the chance to learn about tea production and sample local tea.
• Descend Mae Salong to the lowlands. On the way we will pass Akha hill tribe villages.
• In the lowlands, option for short walk with the Karen hill tribe. - A village guide will show you how the hill tribes forage for herbs and vegetables in the forest, and how these can be cooked and eaten - enjoy preparing a traditional dinner together. O/n at our Hill Tribe Homestay (optional) or local guesthouse.


















DAY 3) DOI ANGKHANG MOUNTAIN (LAHU AND PALONG HILL TRIBE)
• Head up to Doi Angkhang mountain. Enjoy the scenery as we drive up and through this sweeping mountain range that borders Myanmar. A cluster of peaks and valleys this is home to colourful minorities such as the Palong and Lahu hill tribe.
• Visit their traditional villages, where these ethnic groups still live in bamboo stilt houses and hold belief in the spirit world - We will have the chance to talk to them and learn about their culture and way of life - Visit an outlook point which overlooks the mountainous Thai-Myanmar border - Descend Doi Angkhang, option to visit Sri Sang Wang Waterfall (limestone terraced waterfall) where you can play in the waters - Visit the Lisu/Lau hill tribe - o/n at a hill tribe homestay or local guesthouse.

DAY 4) DOI ANGKHANG TO PAI
• Depart for Pai - optional activities along the way such as visiting an elephant sanctuary and/or bamboo rafting.
• Our journey into the northern highlands continues - the road to Pai 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.
• Optional visit to Pong Dueat Geyser, Pai Grand Canyon, Memorial Bridge. - option to stay overnight in Pai or Soppong.

DAY 5) BAN RAK THAI Chinese Village – BAN RUAM THAI /PANG OONG Lake
• After breakfast, optional visit to Pai Memorial Bridge, then we will continue on our journey through the mountains in Mae Hong Son, traversing through lofty landscapes and iconic mountain scenery in Thailand. We’ll stop at various viewpoints along the way for photo opportunities and to explore local life along the way.
• Optional visit to Tham Lod Cave
• 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.
• Visit to the Chinese village of Ban Rak Thai (Mae Ai). This Chinese village is known for its tea production and rustic mud hut buildings, selling local souvenirs such as Chinese tea and preserves.
• Head to the nearby village of Ban Ruam Thai/Pang Ung (nicknamed the ‘Switzerland of Thailand’) known for its towering pine tree forests that surround the picturesque Pan Ung Lake. O/n at Pang Ung.
DAY 6) HUAY PU KENG (Community-based-tourism Kayan Long Neck village) – MAE HONG SON
• Early morning walk around Pang Ung to witness the picturesque morning mist over the lake that Pang Ung is famous for.
• Depart for Huay Pu Keng, Kayan Long Neck tribe Community-based-tourism village located nearby the Thai-Myanmar border.
• We’ll take a local long-tail boat to reach the village. Enjoy the nature and scenery along the boat trip. We will disembark on the sandy banks at the entrance of the village where you will be greeted by a Kayan Long Neck guide who will personally show you around the village. You’ll have the unique chance to talk with her and learn firsthand about Kayan culture and way of life.
• Option for handicraft workshops with the villagers – learn how to weave or make handicrafts with the villagers. Your visit and activities here support the 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).



DAY 7) MAE HONG SON – KHUN YUAM - MAE CHAEM
• In the morning, we will visit the daily morning market in Mae Hong Son town where your guide will introduce you to the speciality produce of Mae Hong Son, including many Shan (minority) and Burmese delicacies – option for local breakfast at the market.
• 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.
• 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.
Day 8) DOI INTHANON - CHIANG MAI
• 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 point (the highest point in Thailand) enjoy a gentle walk on the Angkha Nature 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 hotel in Chiang Mai.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Flexible itinerary to explore local life along the way
• Get up close and personal to life in rural northern Thailand
• Every trip is personalised. Our guides tailor the trip along the way to suit your interests and travel style

• 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 -2 nights 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.
• The itinerary is an outline only. The details of each day are not fixed, this allows for greater opportunity to explore local life along the way.
• This tour can be customised, please contact us to discuss.
• This trip requires a minimum of 8 days/ 7 nights, but we recommend taking 9 days/8 nights to break up the driving distances.