Tourcode CNX 001 - 6 days / 5 nights

Chiang Mai - Phayao - Nan - Phrae - Lampang - Lamphun - Chiang Mai

Daily departure from/to Chiang Mai, minimum 2 persons, private tour

DAY 1 CHIANG MAI

Arrival in Chiang Mai. Our driver will welcome you, followed by transfer to the hotel. Time at leisure. Chance to discover the northern capital by your own. Overnight in Chiang Mai.

DAY 2 CHIANG MAI - PHAYAO - NAN B/L

In the morning you are picked up from the hotel by our local tour guide and driver. Head to the boat pier of Wat Monkol. Leave the city by boat and drive for approx. 30 min. upriver to a small farm. After a short break continue by road in northern direction. On route take a brief stop at the hot springs and geyser near Mae Kachan. Around mid day reach the city of Phayao. Here take a walk along the lake promenade. An OPTIONAL short boat trip to the small island with the chedi of Wat Tilokaram can be arranged. Afterwards it is time for your lunch break at a local restaurant. Then in the afternoon head in eastern direction, passing paddy fields and hilly landscapes. Short breaks to take pictures are always possible. A bit later you will reach a small village of Mlabri people. The Mlabri are told to be the most interesting and least understood minority people here in Southeast Asia. Only approx. 200 Mlabri live now in Thailand at two villages, another approx. 50 Mlabris still live acculturated in Laos. They have been groups of nomadic hunter-gatherers, but today they live close to the Northern Thai and Hmong people. In the early evening arrive in the city of Nan and stay here for overnight.

DAY 3 NAN B/L

Start your day tour around Nan Province. First drive for approx. 1,5 hours towards the northeast through the mountain wilderness until you reach Bo Kluea, located in a scenic, remote valley and close to the Laotian border. The village has grown up around two natural saltwater wells, which have been exploited for centuries. Afterwards drive up to Doi Phuka Nationalpark, which stretches just shy of 2000 meter tall, a mountainous area with wooded and rugged mountain ranges. Doi Phuka is home to some very rare plant species, as well gives refuge to some small wildlife. Also some caves, waterfalls and remote hill tribe villages are located in the park area. Descent down to the valley and reach the small town of Pua. Here take your lunch break. Afterwards continue towards Nong Bua with some brief stops on route to take pictures. Nong Bua, the neat and tidy Tai Lue village is famous for the Lue-style Wat Nong Bua. There is a model Tai Lue house directly behind the temple, where weaving is done. After a walk around the village drive back to the city of Nan and spend another night here.

DAY 4 NAN - PHRAE - LAMPANG B/L

After breakfast there is some time left for sightseeing in the provincial town. Nan was once an independent kingdom. It is an ancient city steeped in history with its long association of the Lanna Thai Culture and Sukhothai Kingdom. You will see a picturesque old town with some simple old wooden houses and magnificent temples from different eras, such as Wat Phumin (probably the most famous one in town), but also Wat Ming Muan with the city pillar, as well as Wat Phra That Khao Noi on a small hill top with good views to Nan town and its surroundings. Then you will leave Nan in southern direction and drive towards the neighboring province of Phrae. On route take a side trip to the small, but picturesque Huai Rong Waterfall, situated in some dense tropical forest. Later you will reach Phae Muang Phi Foerst Park. Phae Muang Phi is originated from the soil landscape and natural erosion of sand stones into various strange shapes. Then it is time for your lunch break in Phrae, one of the older cities in Thailand and located on the banks of the Yom River. The old town of Phrae is surrounded by a city wall and features many old teak mansions, as well as historic temples, such as Wat Chom Sawang, built in Burmese style. The last part of today's journey will bring you to Lampang, the 2nd biggest city in the north. At the historical Wat Phra That Lampang Luang an OPTIONAL short ride by a horse drawn carriage can be arranged. Transfer to the hotel and overnight in Lampang.

DAY 5 LAMPANG - LAMPHUN - CHIANG MAI B/L

In the morning head first to the Thai Elephant Conservation Center & Hospital near Hang Chat, which has become home to approx. 50 elephants in a forest area. Although a popular tourist attraction, it is also an important facility for the elephant welfare here in Thailand. A camp which seems to look well after the animals and they are not overworked with tourist activities and got enough free time. It is also the location of the world famous Elephant Hospital. Sick and injured elephants are treated, which are brought here from all over the country. Continue further to the north until you reach the little provincial town of Lamphun, who's main attraction is Wat Haripunchai with it's 50 meters high, gilded chedi. Then it is time for your lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon you get the chance for an approx. 20 min. walk uphill to see the Golden Rock of Phra That In Kwaen and to enjoy the nice views. After another 30 minutes drive reach the northern capital of Chiang Mai. There is time left for some sightseeing, shopping or just to relax. Our tour guide and driver are ready to serve you. Spend the night in Chiang Mai.

DAY 6 CHIANG MAI B

Transfer to the airport or railway station...or extend your stay in Chiang Mai, depends on your further schedule.

REMARKS/FLEXIBILITY:

• It is possible with a slightly changed itinerary on the first day to start this round trip in Chiang Rai instead of Chiang Mai.

PRICE INCLUDES:

Air-conditioned transportation during the tour, English speaking tour guide, all transfers and excursions as mentioned in the above itinerary, accommodation at middle class hotels and resorts incl. daily breakfast, all other meals as shown in the program (L = lunch), entrance fees as per program

NOT INCLUDED:

Drinks, tips and personal expenses