Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai Overland Experience

Upon arrival, you will be met outside the baggage claim area by your guide who will escort you to a waiting vehicle for your transfer to downtown with a brief introduction en route.

Your guide will be holding a welcome signboard with the ASIA TOUR ADVISOR LOGO & your name. During the drive your guide will provide an introduction to Bangkok.

The journey begins with a visit to a Meo Hill tribe village. Since they originally migrated from South China, the physical features of the tribe are similar to Chinese. They prefer large families and average about 8 in a family. They practice shifting agriculture. Mostly planting upland rice, corn and soybeans. Generally you will find that the womenfolk's works harder than the men. A trait similar with most hill tribes. Their houses are not built on stilts rather directly on the ground.

Due to its proximity to Doi Suthep this particular village is slightly more commercial and less traditional. Doi Pui was once famous for opium cultivation. It is 1500 meters above the sea level. Trip continues on to Wat Doi Suthep Temple. Driving up offers a panoramic view of Chiang Mai city. Later on, embark to the San Kamphaeng district, heart of the silk and cotton home industries, to witness the fascinating process of making and weaving these popular fabrics. Continue on the Bor Sang, the umbrella village, where the delicate Thai paper umbrellas are produced and hand-painted. From here onwards to Thai Celadon, about 6kms north of Chiang Mai, where exquisite ceramics are produced. These are modeled on the Sawankhalok pottery that used to be made hundreds of years ago at Sukhothai and exported all over the region. With its deep, cracked glazed finish the style is very distinctive and some pieces are exceptionally beautiful. Last but not least, are stops to observe the intricacies of both lacquer ware and silverware craftsmen.

This day aims to explore Elephant Nature Park - a natural home and sanctuary for elephants, buffalos, dogs, cats, birds and many other rescued animals. Your visit starts with a picturesque drive through rural countryside. You will hear the personal stories of rescued and orphaned elephants. See how they became a proud herd and free from abuse for the first time in their lives. Many find their visit to Elephant Nature Park rewarding and very relaxing. Observe free roaming elephants (no riding), and other rescued animals enjoying the natural surroundings of our sanctuary. Your visit helps support our regional projects and offers an invaluable opportunity of helping elephant conservation. You will join various activities to cherish the elephants (unload, distribute fruit treats and feed the elephants from the viewing platform.

Enjoy a sumptuous and varied vegetarian buffet of Asian and International dishes in the beautiful nature of the park

Walk with our staff and the elephants to the river that skirts the park. Watch these gentle giants as they splash around and play while you stay dry on the river bank. After the visit, it`s time for goodbyes to the elephants and to Elephant Nature Park before the hour-long drive back to Chiang Mai where you will be dropped off at your accommodations.

*Park visits are all about spending quality time observing, being with the herd and be their friends (RIDING IS NOT ALLOWED). We do not adhere to a strict schedule; the best way to make the most of your visit is to relax, watch and learn from the elephants.

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Pai District. En-route at The Pa Pae Hot Spring where is located in the district of Mae Taeng approximately 40km from Chiang Mai City center along the route to the towns of Mae Malai and Pai. The hot springs are probably some of the nicest within Chiang Mai province - not at all over-commercialized and set within a well-maintained park in a very picturesque wooded valley.

Down stream from the bubbling geysers, the rock formations form dams and make shallow pools for a pleasant hot soak. The park also offers camping and walks to nearby hill tribe villages. After that, transfer to the hotel and free on own.

After breakfast, visit to the Hill tribe villages such as Lahu, Lisu and Karen before continue to Tam Lod Cave for excursion. Later on, embark to Tam Pla or Fish Cave for sightseeing. Lunch at a local restaurant before arriving in Mae Hong Son.

Visit at Phu Klone Country Club for shopping the infamous products such as Mineral water spray, Phu Klone Mud Cleansing Bar, Cream Bath, Mud Spa Powder and etc. After that, continue to the hotel for check in and free at leisure.

Start in the early morning to visit the morning market area, where you can buy apart from the usual household items and foodstuffs, an array of insect food such as crickets, worms and ant eggs. Next Visit to Baan Nai Soi the unspoiled Karen village where is located close Myanmar Border. Then, drive to the Burmese style temples Wat Jong Kham and Wat Jong Klang located next to a large pond in southern end of town.

Wat Jong Kham was build nearly 200 years ago by Shan people who make up about 50% of Mae Hong Sorn's population. Wat Jong Klang houses 100-year-old glass paintings and woodcarvings from Burma, depicting various lives of the Buddha. Then drive uphill to Wat Phra Dhat Doi Kong Moo, with its beautiful view over Mae Hong Sorn. After that, transfer to the airport for your flight to Chiang Mai. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and free on own after check in.

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Tha Ton Temple to see the biggest Lord Buddha Image in the sitting position on the summit of Tha Ton hill. Later, proceed to Mae Sai Border Market, one of the biggest border market where you can access to Tha Khi Lek Province, Myanmar. At the market, you will find a lot of goods, local products and many items which are imported from China & Myanmar such electronic devices, fruits, clothes, stones, jewelry, Jade and etc.

Lunch at a local restaurant before we continue to the infamous Golden Triangle renowned for centuries as the centre of the opium trade. From a hill top viewpoint, marvel at the splendor of the mighty Mekong joining with the Ruak and forming the actual “Triangle” with Laos Burma and Thailand

Doi Tung or Switzerland of Asia, to visit Doi Tung, look no further outstanding than the Mae Fah Luang Garden which is situated at an elevation of 950 meters above sea-level, the Mae Fah Luang Garden consists of flowerbeds planted with a dazzling variety of flowers and shrubs from all corners of the world; among these, over 70 species of cool climate and temperate ornamental and flowering plants that thrive at high altitude are planted in the midst of native plants, leafy shrubs and perennials.

A myriad of flowering plants come into bloom all year round and form a splendid hill-side tapestry that changes with the seasons. After that, transfer to Chiang Rai Airport for flight departure.

Finish unforgettable Thailand Tour with Asia Tour Advisor Co., Good bye & see you in the next time! AsiaTourAdvisor can arrange additional customized trips for you if the above itinerary does not match your expectations.