01-03-2011 CHIANG RAI - THATON Khun Mai Baan Suan Resort (riverside bungalow)
In the morning at time 09.00 pick up from the hotel. First drive to the former royal town of Chiang Saen. Here start for a boat trip on the Mekong River to the Golden Triangle. On route stop at a Laotian river island. Quick look to the small Opium Museum. Reach the border town of Mae Sai take a walk over the buzzling market. Visit Thum Pla, which is inhabited by monkeys from the nearby mountain wilderness. Go on to Maesalong mountain, passing Akha, Yao and Lisu hill tribe villages and stop at some of them. Arrive in Thaton by late afternoon. Overnight on the banks of the Kok River.
02-03-2011 THATON - PAI Muang Pai Resort
In the morning visit Wat Thaton with its giant Buddha images and great views. Further up the hill you can see a remote Lahu hill tribe village. Continue and stop at various sights, such as at a traditional rice mill and a local countryside market. Then go on some steep and winding roads along scenic mountainous landscapes to Pai. An optional side trip combined with a walk to some hot springs can be arranged. Overnight in Pai.
03-03-2011 PAI - MAE HONG SORN Golden Pai & Suites Resort (standard golden pai)
Continue along some nice mountain wilderness, passing Lisu- and Lahu hill tribe villages. Stop at one of them. In Soppong go for a side trip and visit the spectacular Thum Lod cave. You can cross the cave by bamboo raft. Finally arrive Mae Hong Sorn. Take a boat trip on the Pai River to the Burmeses border area and visit a Paduang (longneck) village. Overnight in Mae Hong Sorn.
04-03-2011 MAE HONG SORN - MAE CHAEM Chaem Muang House
After breakfast enjoy a one hour ride on an elephant back through the surrounding jungle. Then tour in the town of Mae Hong Sorn. Visit two picturesque Shan temples, Wat Jong Klang at the city lake and Wat Doi Kong Moo above the town. After lunch leave Mae Hong Sorn ande drive through the mountains via Khun Yuam to Mae Chaem, located at the foot of Doi Inthanon. Overnight.
05-03-2011 MAE CHAEM - CHIANG MAI
Drive up to Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest peak (2565 m). See the royal pagodas, a Hmong hill tribe village with a royal farming project, picturesque waterfall, but also do some short walks. Then drive on and
Reach Chiang Mai early afternoon. Last but not least visit Suthep mountain temple, which is the landmark of the northern capital.
