DAY 1: CHIANG MAI  - MAE TAENG

The northern province of Chiang Mai has many ideal terrains for walking, some of which are Mae Taeng, Phrao and Chiang Dao. They have long been at the interface between the Thai dominated lowlands and the uplands, where a wide array of hill tribe groups live in. Heading out Chiang Mai this morning we travel by truck north towards Mae Malai. After a short stop at the small local market we continue to make our way by the winding roads to the Shan Village. We get well off the beaten track as we walk into this mountainous region, passing through the verdant and rugged landscape to the Lisu hilltribe village. O/N at Ban Huay Nam Dang Village. (L,D)

DAY 2: BAN HUAY NAM DANG - BAN MAE JOK VILLAGE

Today we spend a full day exploring this hidden mountainous region. The trekking will be difficult at times, with some steep uphill and downhill walking, however some physical preparation will allow you to maximize your enjoyment from the trip. Along the way we pass by a scenic waterfall, an ideal place to stop for picnic lunch and refreshing swim in the cool and clear water. At the end of day we arrive at Ban Mae Jok where we are toasted as honored guest of a Karen family, and sample some of their homemade foods. The accommodation is very simple and dormitory style, no western facilities. O/N at Ban Mae Jok Village. (B,L,D)

DAY 3: BAN MAE JOK - BAN PANGKHAO LAM VILLAGE

The scenery of the north is unequalled although conditions are very basic. We continue venturing into this beautiful region with the next stop being the Elephant Camp. After a half day walking we reach the camp and have a chance to rest our legs when we let elephant do the walk on our two hour elephant ride to the Rafting Camp near Ban Pangkhao Lam. This village is home to the Karen hill tribe people. On arrival we take a wander around this village, enabling us to understand a little more about their culture and lifestyle. O/N at Ban Pangkhao Lam Village. (B,L,D)

DAY 4: BAN PANGKHAO LAM - CHIANG MAI

Upon leaving the Rafting Camp, we embark on a bamboo raft for three hour trip along the Mae Teang River to the Lahu hilltribe village. The pace is very relaxed, a perfect way to explore the rural life close up. After an enjoyable stop, we resume our rafting trip, visiting the homeland of to the Shan ethnic minority. At this small village we board a truck for a rough drive back to Chiang Mai. The trip ends after arrival at your hotel in Chiang Mai. (B,L)

 

TRIP NOTE:
 

- THE ITINERARY IS CORRECTED AT THE TIME OF VIEWING. OCCASIONALLY, OUR ITINERARIES CHANGE AS WE MAKE IMPROVEMENT THAT STEM FROM OUR PAST TRAVELLERS' COMMENTS AND OUR OWN RESEARCH OR DUE TO LOCAL CONDITIONS OR CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND OUR CONTROL. THIS INCLUDES FESTIVAL, PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, WEATHER AND FLIGHT DELAY,.. THAT MAY EFFECT THE ITINERARY.

- THAILAND IS A DEVELOPING COUNTRY WHOSE INFRASTRUCTURE, VALUES, CUSTOMS, STANDARD MAY DIFFERENT FROM WHAT YOU EXPECT IN YOUR HOMELAND. ROAD CONDITIONS ARE POOR, ACCOMMODATION AND TRANSPORTATION MAY BE BASIC IN REMOTE AREA.

- DAILY BREAKFAST( B) IS INCLUDED ON THIS TRIP. OTHER MEALS ARE AT CLIENT'S EXPENSES HOWEVER OUR GUIDE WILL BE ON HAND TO ADVISE YOU AS FAR THE AVAILABLE RESTAURANTS WHERE YOU CAN ENJOY LOCAL FOOD. THE TRIP WITH FULL BOARD MEAL IS ARRANGED UPON REQUEST .

- THE DRESS STANDARDS ARE CONSERVATIVE THROUGHOUT ASIA. LOOSE , LIGHTWEIGHT, LONG CLOTHING ARE ALL RESPECTFUL AND COOL IN ASIAN HOT CLIMATE. IN ADDITION TO YOUR ITEMS OF PERSONAL CLOTHING, WE SUGGEST YOU TO BRING TRAINER OR SNEAKER SHOES, JACKET FOR COLD WEATHER, TORCH/FLASH LIGHT, HAT, RAIN COAT FOR WET SEASON, SUN CREAM, SUNGLASSES, DAYPACK, TOILETRIES AND SMALL TOWER, INSECT REPELLENT.

 

TRIP PRICE IN US$ PER PERSON

Group Size Standard Class 2 pax  US$ 160 3 - 5 pax  US$ 145 6 - 9 pax  US$ 121 10 - 14 pax  US$ 102 15 - 19 pax  US$ 92 20 pax & up  US$ 87 Single room sup.  US$  /pers.