Mae Hong Son Loop
Tourcode CNX 013 - 4 days / 3 nights
Chiang Mai - Doi Inthanon - Mae Sariang - Mae Hong Son - Pai - Chiang Mai
Daily departure from/to Chiang Mai, minimum 2 persons, private tour
DAY 1 CHIANG MAI - MAE SARIANG L
In the morning pick up from the hotel in Chiang Mai. Then leave the northern capital in southern direction. After about one hour you reach Doi Inthanon National Park, which is also the location of Thailand's highest peak with 2565 meter about sea level. Here you can see picturesque waterfalls, a Karen hill tribe village, a street market of the Hmong hill tribe people and the two royal pagodas near the mountain peak. In between you always get the chance for some nature walks as well. Then drive on via Mae Chaem and some small villages along nice landscapes until you reach the charming little town of Mae Sariang, located on the banks of the Yuan River. Overnight in Mae Sariang. OPTION: Instead of travelling via Doi Inthanon you can also choose the direct route via Chomthong and Ob Luang Gorge to Mae Sariang. In that case there is some time left in the afternoon for a side trip on partly rough road to Mae Sam Laep, the border town to Myanmar at the Salween River. If you wish to do so, then please let us know at the time of booking!
DAY 2 MAE SARIANG - MAE HONG SON B/L
After breakfast first drive up to the hill top temple of Wat Phra That Chom Thong to enjoy the great views over the valley and Mae Sariang. Travel on to Mae La Noi and further to Khun Yuam with some brief stops on route. Here a quick look to the Shan Culture- and 2nd World War Museum is possible. Continue on another scenic and winding road towards Mae Hong Son. Then after the lunch break you will enjoy an interesting boat trip on the Pai River to the Burmese border area and visit a Paduang village (better known as longnecks) village. Last but not least see two picturesque Shan temples, Wat Doi Kong Moo on a hill top, which offers a great panorama of Mae Hong Son and Wat Jong Klang at the city lake. Overnight in Mae Hong Son.
DAY 3 MAE HONG SON - PAI B/L
In the morning enjoy a stroll over the busy local market in the town. A bit outside of Mae Hong Son take a stop at the little village of Ban Kong Mai. Here take a walk over the bamboo bridge of Su Tong Pae through the rice fields to the Shan temple of Wat Tham Phu Sa Ma. Continue to Soppong along magnificent mountain scenery, impressive forest, as well as some Lahu and Lisu hill tribe villages (possible to stop at some of them). In Soppong you do another side trip and visit Thum Lot, a large and spectacular limestone cave. Depends on the water level in the small river you will cross the cave on a bamboo raft. Then go on to Pai and have some time to explore the trendy little town by your own. In the evening take the chance for a walk over the night market (known also as walking street) with many small shops and restaurants. Overnight in Pai. OPTION: Instead to spend the night in Pai it is also possible to stay at a very basic lodge in a Karen hill tribe village near Wat Chan.
DAY 4 PAI - CHIANG MAI B/L
After breakfast it is time for some sights in- and around Pai, such as Pai Canyon, the Land Crack (Land Split) or the White Buddha of Wat Phra That Mae Yen (it is only 353 steps to the top!), which offers great views of the Pai Valley. Then leave Pai and drive on more steep and winding roads towards Chiang Mai. On route an OPTIONAL side trip to the hot springs of Pong Deut can be arranged (chance to take bath). Arrival in the northern capital will be early afternoon. Transfer to the booked hotel, airport or railway station, depends on your further schedule. End of the tour.
REMARKS/FLEXIBILITY:
- Instead to spend the third night in Pai it is also possible to stay at a very basic lodge in a Karen hill tribe village near Wat Chan (with slight changes to the itinerary). If you wish to do so, then please let us know at the time of request/booking.
- Accommodation in Chiang Mai before and/or after this package can be booked with us.
PRICE INCLUDES:
Air-conditioned transportation during the tour, English speaking tour guide, all excursions and transfers as mentioned in the above itinerary, accommodation at middle class hotels/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