4 days

About this activity

Day 1) Chiang Mai - Chiang Rai - Chiang Saen
- Pick up from Chiang Mai and depart for Chiang Rai (approx 3hrs)
- On the way, we will stop to visit a national park, local Lahu hilltribe market, and aspects of local life that arise along the way
- Visit the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) and Black House.
- O/n at local guesthouse in Chiang Saen nearby Mekong river
(meals and accommodation not included)
Day 2) Golden Triangle - Mae Salong - Karen hill tribe village
- Visit the Golden Triangle, the meeting point of 3 countries; Thailand, Laos and Myanmar.
Optional) Longtail boat trip on the Mekong river to visit a local market in Laos (ticket not included)
- Visit to Monkey cave, Mae Salong Chinese village and tea plantations
- Visit an Akha hill tribe village 'Ban Lorcha' (community based tourism village). A local Akha guide will demonstrate aspects of Akha life such as hunting, dancing, weaving, and traditional houses (ticket not included)
- O/n at local Karen homestay (optional) or local guesthouse. Enjoy traditional Karen dinner together with your host family
(meals and accommodation not included)
Day 3) Karen hill tribe village - Doi Angkhang Mountain
- Learn about Karen village life, optional short trek, visit to family farm
- Onto Doi Angkhang mountain (approx 2hrs), enjoy the landscapes as we drive up and through this sweeping mountain range that borders Myanmar. A cluster of peaks and valleys this is home to colourful minorities such as the Lahu and Palong hilltribe villages
- Enjoy the idyllic location, views, cool climate and fresh mountain air. O/n at local guesthouse in Doi Angkhang
(meals and accommodation not included)
Day 4) Back to Chiang Mai
- Visit an outlook point which overlooks the Thailand/Myanmar border
- Optional visit to King's Agricultural centre (ticket not included)
- Back to Chiang Mai (approx 2hrs). Optional activities on the way back to Chiang Mai (elephant riding, bamboo rafting, Tiger Kingdom etc) (tickets not included)
(meals and accommodation not included)

Read more Show less

Included

Local guide
Driver
Private 4x4 car
Hotel pickup and drop-off

Not included

Fuel (payable direct, along the way)
Accommodation (details can be provided)
Food+drinks (it is customary to pay for the guide+driver when eating together, they will take you to try local food)
Entrance fees for optional activities
Gratuities

Additional

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Requires a few hours of driving on average each day, through windy mountain roads
The itinerary is an outline only, we do not fix the details of the day, this flexibility gives us more opportunity to explore the local way of life
We visit non-intrusively, we follow the natural rhythms of village life, we do not ask village life to follow us. So we cannot guarantee what you will see/do in the village
Includes an overnight at a hilltribe homestay (optional). Conditions are basic, with electricity and simple hard bedding, no hot showers. Bedding and mosquito nets are provided, you are welcome to bring your own sleeping bag. Or you can stay at a local guesthouse instead.
Only short light walks are required, but we can include a short trek if requested
Your local guide has excellent knowledge and service but English is basic-intermediate
You pay for the homestay directly to the host family, so they benefit directly from your visit
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking