The Northern Loop – Self Drive - 5 Days / 4 Nights

Chiang Rai – Chiang Saen – Mae Sai – Doi Tung – Mae Salong – Thaton – Chiang Dao – Pai – Mae Hong Son – Nai Soi – Mae Hong Sorn – Mae Cham – Doi Inthanon – Chiang Mai

Take this unforgettable journey along the mountainous landscape and rivers of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son. Discover different towns around these Thailand's northern provinces from the ancient town Chiang Saen, shopping at Mae Sai, traveling to natural attractions at Doi Tung, Pai and Doi Inthanon National Park, meeting fascinating hill tribe at Mae Salong, and sightseeing to the splendid, spectacular mountains scenery of Khun Yuam and Mae Cham Districts.

Tour Highlights

• Visiting Chiang Saen, the former Lanna capital situated on the bank of the mighty Mekong River, enjoying the river view along the roadside
• Reaching the northernmost point of Thailand which meets Thailand- Myanmar border, having a short walk around the local market famous as an important jewelry centre, especially jade ornaments
• Visiting Doi Tung and the Royal Project, one of the major highlights of Chiang Rai, as the Royal Initiative works to eradicate opium supply, drug use and rural poverty
• Visiting Mae Salong, famous for its Chinese population, especially Chinese Kuomintang soldiers families who fled from the communists in 1949
• Enjoying rafting down the Mae Kok River in Thaton District
  Visiting Chiang Dao Elephant Training Centre and Chiang Dao Cave which consists of an extensive cave system housing an important Buddhist temple
• Enjoying the visits to different caves in Pai District in Mae Hong Sorn
• Getting to know the Karen ethnic group, the long-neck Padaung people, who moved to Thailand and make it their homeland
• Making a southwards drive back to Chiang Mai along which you will be all the way pleasant with spectacular mountain scenery of Khun Yuam and Mae Cham Districts
  

Detailed Tour Itinerary

Day 1 - Chiang Rai – Chiang Saen - Mae Sai – Doi Tung – Mae Salong
You can either pick up your car at Chiang Rai Airport or we will deliver to your hotel(additional charge apply for some areas, please see conditions below). Start your drive by heading north, following the road book provided, to Chiang Saen, a former Lanna principality on the banks of the mighty Mekong. Then drive to Mae Sai, the northernmost Thai town on the Myanmar border to enjoy a walk around the local market, and further to Doi Tung to visit Doi Tung Palace and the Royal Project. Arrive at the end of the afternoon in Mae Salong. Overnight in Mae Salong.

Day 2 - Mae Salong – Thaton - Chiang Dao – Pai (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. Visit of Mae Salong, famous for its Chinese populace as its inhabitants are mostly the families of Chinese Kuomintang soldiers who fled from the communists in 1949. Continue to Tha Ton where you can enjoy rafting down the river and Chiang Dao for the visit of the Chiang Dao Elephant Training Centre and Chiang Dao Cave then proceed towards Pai. Overnight in Pai.

Day 3 - Pai – Mae Hong Sorn (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Sop Pong and to the Tham Lot National Park (Lot Cave). Proceed to Tam Pla, the Fish Cave. Continue to Mae Hong Son in time to visit the impressive temples around the lake. Overnight in Mae Hong Sorn.

Day 4 - Mae Hong Sorn – Nai Soi – Mae Hong Sorn (B)
After breakfast, drive into the mountains to visit the Padaung people at Nai Soi refugee camp. Part of the Karen ethnic group the long-neck Padaung traditionally live in Kerreni province in Myanmar. As with many Karen tribes they have sought shelter in Thailand from the troubles in their homeland. Wander around the village and interact with the extraordinary people many of whom speak English and will chat amiably about their situation. Return to your hotel in Mae Hong Son for the night.

Day 5 - Mae Hong Sorn – Mae Cham – Doi Inthanon - Chiang Mai (B)
Breakfast at hotel. Drive southwards through spectacular mountain scenery to Khun Yuam and then towards Mae Cham. In the afternoon continue to Doi Inthanon. In late afternoon drive to Chiang Mai.

Note: Selfdrive tour includes car-hire, map, roadbook, accommodation. Entrance fees and additional tours are not included in the price.

Note: We can arrange additional customized trips for you if the above itineray does not match your expectations.