Uncharted Thai Trails

Start with the exploration of Chiang Rai City today. First stop is at the Hilltribe Education Center and Museum to gain insights into the centuries-old history and culture of hill-tribe people. Then hop on a samlor (rickshaw), and start with a ride to the main market area then stop at Wat Phra Kaew with its beautiful brass and copper Buddha image. Next stop is at Wat Rong Khun for a look at its unique kanok-style architecture. This brings the close of Chiang Rai exploration. Next is the Chaing Saen.
After lunch start on the banks of Mekong River to explore the ancient Kingdom of Chiang Saen. Here, you can see ancient ruins of Wat Pasak. Then board a longtail boat to see the Golden Triangle area and visit the Hall of Opium, the museum is dedicated to the history of the opium which once proliferated in the area, and the problems caused by narcotics.

Dedicate the day to the peaceful Akha Tribe. After breakfast head to Doi Mae Salong to visit the Akha hill-tribe at Hloyo Village. Upon arrival, you will get warm greetings from the village headman and other villagers. The local host will provide insight about Akha people including their beliefs, religions, traditions, and ways of life. Visit the Akha Museum uniquely built in a mud house with recycled bottles as windows.
Then take a tour of the community to witness the charming and peaceful Akha lifestyle. Later, enjoy a cooking class of some signature Akha dishes. It's a fun experience where you can help the local kitchen while learning their methods. Then, enjoy a home-cooked lunch with the local host while exchanging stories. After bidding goodbye to Akha Tribe, drive to the town of Mae Salong, which was founded in the 1960s by former Kuo Mintang soldiers who had been expelled from Myanmar. Visit their tea and coffee plantations for amazing photo opportunities, before continuing to Thaton.

Have any of your friends enjoyed Hot Springs in Thailand? No? Well, today you can! After breakfast at the hotel head to the mountainous area of Chiang Dao. First stop is the spectacular Chiang Dao Caves after some easy exploration of its caverns and natural limestone formations enjoy a picnic lunch. Then head to Pai but stop en route at Mok Fah Waterfall and Pong Duad Hot Springs.

From Pai, after breakfast drive on to Soppong. The area has some incredible limestone caves that are said to be some of the largest in Southeast Asia. Follow a series of walkways and cross small creeks by bamboo raft to reach the cavern. In the darkness of the cavern, listen to the bats buzzing overhead. After the cave experience, head to Tham Pla, where you can find a splendid cave with creeks flowing out of it that are filled with unusually large fish. After checking out this unique area, continue to Mae Hong Son.
On arrival, drive around the central lake to visit Burmese-style temples Wat Chong Klang and Wat Chong Kham.

Today is about a scenic drive up to the nearby mountains to visit Pang Oung, located in Ban Ruam Thai. Being developed as part of Pang Tong Royal Development Project, Pang Oung is now called the ‘Switzerland of Thailand’. It is a beautiful place that can be visited all year round. Next stop is at Ban Rak Thai Village (Love Thailand Village), a small village with a Yunnan Chinese culture that lingers despite its inhabitants having immigrated to Thailand centuries ago. Here, sip tea at the village and mingle with locals before enjoying lunch. After lunch, drive back to Mae Hong Son.

Thailand has an interesting history, today we can explore some more. After breakfast, start the day with a 30-minute long tail boat ride from Baan Huai Dua Boat Landing along a scenic route with marvelous views of the Pai River. After the short ride, get back on land and then continue to Khun Yuam to visit the World War II Museum containing an assortment of weapons, uniforms, military equipment and personal possessions left behind by Japanese soldiers who took possession of the town in the closing weeks of the war in neighboring Myanmar. In the late afternoon, arrive in Mae Sariang and enjoy a short cycling trip in this charming city.

Start the day with Doi Inthanon National Park, home to Thailand’s highest peak - Doi Inthanon. At the mountain’s summit, you can see the shrine of Chao Inthawitchayanon, the former prince of Chiang Mai. After this, visit the Wat Phra That Chom Thong, where you can find holy relics and ancient treasures. Then head to Chiang Mai to depart for your flight home.