Itinerary in brief

Day 1   : CHIANG MAI - PAI VALLEY
Day 2   : PAI - LAHU VILLAGE
Day 3   : LAHU VILLAGE - BAN SOPPONG
Day 4   : BAN SOPPONG - RIVER CAMP
Day 5   : RIVER CAMP - MAE HONG SON
Day 6   : MAE HONG SON - CHIANG MAI

A fascinating mix of cultures and spectacular mountain scenery is not to be missed. This adventurous trip takes us from the northern City of Chiang Mai right through the mountains to Pai Valley from where we enjoy walks, rafting journeys and elephant treks to make the experience complete.

Detail Itinerary

DAY 1: CHIANG MAI - PAI VALLEY
On arrival at Chiang Mai Airport you are met and transferred towards Mae Hong Son ( If you are already in Chiang Mai we will pick you up at your hotel). The winding roads lead us through the breathtaking mountain landscape to Pai Valley, our base for forthcoming adventure. This little town, snuggled in a picturesque valley between Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son in the North, has a peaceful atmosphere that soothes away the stresses of city life, as well as offering plenty of adventurous options like trekking and caving to satisfy restless urges. On arrival we have free time to explore the surrounding areas and pack for trekking days. O/N in Pai. (B)

DAY 2: PAI - LAHU VILLAGE
Heading out of the town we embark on a truck for a rough drive to the Lisu Hilltribe Village of Ban Nam Rin before we set off on a fall walking day, using the local path. We walk through the undulating hillsides to a Karen Hilltribe Village which is specialized in hand weaving of traditional colourful clothing. Here is chance for shoppers to try their hand at bargaining. After a picnic lunch we continue our expedition to a small village where we are guest of a Lahu family in a traditional house. The accommodation is very simple and dormitory style, no western facilities. O/N at Lahu Village. (B,L,D)

DAY 3: LAHU VILLAGE - BAN SOPPONG
The rousing trek of today begins as we depart our village of previous night and pass the breathtaking mountain scenery and many different villages. We are sure to attract attention as this part of the country receives very few visitors. The trek usually takes around 7 hours and is quite steep in places, but views of the scenery are fantastic. We finish our walking day when arriving at Soppong, the main Thai village in the area. After checking into the simple local guesthouse we have time to wander around this village, enabling us to understand a little more about their culture and lifestyle. O/N in Soppong village. (B,L,D)

DAY 4: BAN SOPPONG - RIVER CAMP
Upon leaving Soppong village we drive by truck to the Nam Khong River, a tributary of the Pai River. After briefing about the navigation skill and the security we start our thrilling river trip, rafting along the river to the Suza waterfalls. This true adventure will give us some opportunities to watch monkeys and birds playing along the riverside, shower in sparkling waterfalls, and discover the fun of "body rafting". We arrive at the camp site late afternoon and can enjoy swimming as well as relaxing near the camp. O/N at River Camp. (B,L,D)

DAY 5: RIVER CAMP - MAE HONG SON
Today we spend a half day rafting downstream to the Pai River. Along the way we make an enjoyable stop at the hot spring before we row through the gorges of Pai and the many challenging rapids. Afterwards we  travel by roads to Mea Hong Son and  check in a centrally located hotel. The remainder of the day will be free to enjoy a well earned rest or wander around to catch our first glimpse of the town. The Burmese influence is prevalent as this hill town is bordered by the Union of Myanmar to the north and the west O/N in Mae Hong Son (B,L)

DAY 6: MAE HONG SON - CHIANG MAI
The sightseeing tour of Mae Hong Son would not be complete without a visit to the famous Burmese style monasteries, Wat Jong Kham and Wat Jong Klang. The first structure was constructed around 200 year ago by the Shan people while Wat Jong Klang houses an old glass painting and many wood carvings depicting the various lives of Buddha. The next stop is Doi Kong Moo which dominates the town and therefore affords a wonderful view of surrounding mountains as well as valleys. The trip ends after transfer Mae Hong Son Airport for flight back to Chiang Mai. (B)

HOTELS USED ON THIS TRIP CITY/ AREA Standard Class Trekking  Home stay Mae Hong Son  Golden Pai hotel HOTEL NOTES The higher hotel category in Pai and Mae Hong Son will be arranged upon request.