Take a jeep and see the best that Northern Thailand has to offer. From the city of Chiang Mai we go into the mountains to Chiang Rai (golden triangle), cross the border into Burma if you wish, and then onto to Pai, the sleepy mountain town. Next we hit Mae Hong Son (home to many ethic minorities) and travel south down to camp at Doi Intannon national park. Off roading is possible on jungle trails! Fantastic family trip or for those who love driving adventures!
Trip Summary:
Area: Golden Triangle, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Doi Inthanon National Park | Fitness level *
Day 1 – Transfer into Chiang Mai. A sightseeing tour of this ancient city is included. The evening is free to wander the markets, sample some local food and just relax before our driving adventure.
Day 2 – Leave Chiang Mai at approximately 9.00. Next stop hot springs and then a wander around the unique and artistic Wat Rong Khun ‘white’ temple. After lunch we head to Chiang Rai and the more traditional Wat Phra Kaew, the original home of the emerald Buddha. Spend the late afternoon and evening exploring Chiang Rai.
Day 3 – Early start, hearty breakfast and three hour drive to Chiang Sen (the golden triangle), the meeting point of Thailand, Laos and Burma. Take a longtail boat across to Laos, try a Lao beer and sample the local delights. Back across the river to visit the History of Opium museum and then lunch. After lunch drive to Mai Sai, the most Northern most point in Thailand for some great discount shopping at the sprawling Burmese-Thai border market. You can even make a hop across the border to extend your visa or visit Burma if you like for a couple of hours. After that drive to Doi Mae Salong, a Chinese community that escaped the past communist regime, visit their tea plantations and stay overnight in the village.
Day 4 – Drive on to the local beauty spot of Chiang Dao. Have lunch in this serene setting and onto Mae Taeng. Here we can visit the local market and waterfall. We drive onto the sleepy mountain town of Pai. You have free time to explore in the late afternoon and enjoy your bungalow with a view.
Day 5 – Spend the day exploring the joys of Pai. Visit local shops, see local handicrafts, go to the hot springs or simply take a walk around the rice paddies. Plenty of chances to visit local temples and other sites. Drive on to Pang Mapla, a town famed as a meeting point for many of the regions ethnic minorities who come here to trade goods. We’ll also visit the fish caves before driving our way up through the mountains to arrive at Mae Hong Son, the city of three mists.
Day 6 – Make the best of the misty morning before we head off to Wat Phra Tat Doi Gong Moo, a Burmese style temple from which you can see the whole city spread out below. Drive onto a long neck Karen village and then drive to the peaceful town of Mae Jaem. Lunch and moonshine! Drive through to Doi Intanon National Park, the peak of Thailand with unique flora and fauna. Continue on to a Karen village and homestay there. Visit our projects school here.
Day 7 – This morning is spent in the village, helping out in the school if you’d like. After that we go on to visit the Thai King’s agricultural project, that helps local people find viable alternatives to slash and burn agriculture and earn an income from the high quality fruit and vegetables they produce. On the drive back we stop off at a couple of waterfalls, have lunch and then onto a small elephant camp and bamboo rafting. An energetic end to our trip! Back to Chiang Mai early evening to enjoy the night bazaar, local dinner and bars.
4 pers $780 pp | 3 pers $875 pp | 2 pers $1030 pp | 1 per $1,550
Includes: Accommodation, meals as mentioned in the itinerary, Local Guide, Jeep, gas, and driver, National Park tickets, Elephant Riding, Bamboo Rafting. 