5D/4N Mae Hong Son Loop Tour

• Pick up from your hotel – head north into the coutryside - passing through Mae Rim where many tourist activities are located, such as the Elephant Sanctuaries, Elephant Poo Poo Paper park, Bamboo Rafting and Siam Insect Zoo. Option to include these attractions or any others if you wish.
• Head to Pai, and our journey to the northern highlands begins. The road to Pai is famous for its tight curves that snake through the mountains, ultimately ending in the idyllic valley town of Pai. O/n at a local guesthouse in Pai (or if you prefer a less-touristic locale, you can stay overnight in the area of Soppong)

• We will continue on our journey through the heart of the moutains, traversing though lofty landscapes and some of the most iconic scenery in Thailand. We’ll stop at various viewpoints along the way, for photo opportunities and to explore local life along the way, such as hill tribe markets, where your guide can show you the exotic and local produce grown and sold.
• Visit to authentic Lisu and Lahu hill tribe villages. Learn about their unique culture and way of life in the mountains.
• Upon arrival at Mae Hong Son, there’s the chance to visit the famous Kayan Long Neck women. Located nearby the Thai-Myanmar border, we’ll take a local long-tail boat to reach the village. Enjoy the nature and scenery along the Pai River. We will disembark on the sandy banks at the entrance to the village.
• Our close relationships with the Kayan Long Neck women here, means that you’ll have your own personal Long Neck village guide to show you around. You’ll have the unique chance to chat one-on-one, with a Kayan Long Neck woman. She’ll be happy to share her culture and practice her English with you. Learn firsthand about the fascinating way of life for the Kayan Long Neck tribe and support the villagers directly through your visit.
• Chance to stay overnight in the village here , at a Kayan Long neck homestay*.

• We will visit the highlights of Mae Hong Son Town such as Wat Jong Kham (an ancient Shan temple) and Jong Kham Lake. Soak up the slow pace and way of life in this predominantly Shan (ethnic minority) town. The timelessness in Mae Hong Son town, makes it feel more like a town in Myanmar than Thailand.
• Visit Wat Doi Gong Mu - a hilltop temple perched on a hillside just next to Mae Hong Son town. This temple offers a clear view that depicts how unique the location of Mae Hong Son is. A small town and its golden-spired pagodas, encased by mountains that sits in a valley bordering Myanmar.

• We will depart Mae Hong Son town and head back on the road to continue on the Mae Hong Son Loop.
• We’ll stop to visit local gems such as Wat Tor Pae (Shan temple) and Su Tong Pae Bamboo bridge. This picturesque bamboo bridge on stilts, stretches as far as the eye can see over rice fields and streams. Set against a backdrop of mountains, it has become of the most iconic sights of Mae Hong Son
• We’ll pass through the traditional Shan town of Khun Yuam (famous for the Bua Tong Sunflower Festival during winter).
• We’ll arrive at Mae Chaem, famous for its Tai Lue (minority) textiles and we’ll visit a local weaving cooperative here. Watch and learn about how colourful and detailed Tai Lue handwoven fabrics are created on wooden looms, a testament to the traditions of Lanna culture (Northern Thai culture). O/n in Mae Chaem.

DAY 5) MAE CHAEM TO DOI INTHANON
• From Mae Chaem there’s the chance to head up to Doi Inthanon mountain (the highest point in Thailand). On the drive up to the summit point, we’ll visit the mighty Wachiratharn Waterfall and Royal pagodas. At the summit point there’s a short nature walk on the Angkha trail. The cooler temperatures and European-type ecology here make it popular with Thai tourists and birdwatchers.
• We’ll descend Doi Inthanon and head back to Chiang Mai (approx. 1 hr drive). Optional activities can be requested on the way back to Chiang Mai.


          

Sample Activities (optional)
• Ethical visit to the Kayan Long Neck Tribe (Huay Pu Keng Community-Based-Tourism Village)
• Stay overnight at a Kayan Long Neck Homestay, and support the Long neck women directly
• Visit a school
• Short trek
• Visit to an ethical Elephant Camp
• If you’re lucky you may catch a village celebration such as a spirit festival or wedding
   

• - This tour starts+ends in Chiang Mai. We can pick up+drop off at your hotel/airport/train station in Chiang Mai
• - Accommodation is at local guesthouses with 1 overnight at a hilltribe homestay in a village. This is optional, if you need more comfort there is alternative accommodation
• - The itinerary is an outline only. The details of each day are not fixed, this leaves opportunity to explore local life along the way
• - During the winter season (Nov-Jan), the 2nd night is spent at the Chinese village of 'Mae Aw/ Ban Rak Thai' , not Mae Hong Son town, unless otherwise requested.
• - This tour can be customised, please contact us to discuss

5-6 Day) Mae Hong Son Loop Pics

Click on each picture to enlarge

Bamboo Rafting - Chiang mai

La Oob temple - sunset

Thailand Family tour

Mae Hong Son Loop views

Buffalo riding

Mae Hong Son Loop road

Mae Hong Son Loop scenery

Thailand Hilltribe Holidays Homestay

Lawa Hilltribe Homestay - dinner

Sunset in Mae Hong Son

Mae Sariang

Lisu Hill tribe

Sunset Maehongson

Talking to a Karen Hilltribe villager

Mae la noi view

Karen hill tribe village school

La Oob temple

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