Step off the tourist trail and into one of Southeast Asia's most undiscovered areas with our Chiang Mai to Kengtung tour. Travel from the ancient Lanna kingdom of north Thailand into Myanmar's eastern Shan State on this 5-day tour. Short treks, jeep excursions and boat journeys unveil the wonder and beauty of this region.

Your Thailand to Myanmar tour sets off from Chiang Mai with a spectacular drive to the Golden Triangle. Colorful encounters with Akha and Yao hilltribes and exploration of limestone caves highlight the day's travel as you make your way northwards.

Diverse cultures and rich history are unveiled with a full day excursion around the Golden Triangle. Admire the stunning views as you travel by boat along the Mekong where Laos, Thailand and Myanmar converge and revel in the impressive displays at the Hall of Opium museum.

As you cross into Myanmar, the scenery remains the same but the difference in the people and their lifestyles is immediately apparent. Spend time browsing the bustling border market and meeting friendly local vendors before journeying northeast to Kengtung. A short evening stroll through the small town unveils a tranquil, serene atmosphere typical of Burmese towns.

On the next day of your Thailand Myanmar tour delve into the culture of the Shan State. An easy trek takes you to villages inhabited by various hilltribes, such as the Lawa and Wa. The modern world has yet to touch these people and their way of life as is evidenced by their wooden longhouses, ancient temples and unique customs.

Every day on this Thailand to Myanmar tour is as diverse as the people who inhabit the lands. Whether it is your first or fiftieth trip to Southeast Asia, this program is sure to unveil new landscapes and cultures.

Depart from Chiang Mai, driving along winding roads as you make your way to Doi Mae Salong, a mountain 1800 meters above sea level. Visit hilltribe villages of the Akha and Yao people and colorful markets with a distinctly Chinese atmosphere due to the region's past. Continue through spectacular scenery to the Golden Triangle area, arriving early this evening.

Overnight in the Golden Triangle area

Today enjoy the rustic villages and landscapes of the Golden Triangle Region, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar converge. A visit to the Hall of Opium documents the history of the area and a boat trip along the Mekong affords stunning views of the river. Step foot on Lao territory and explore ancient temples before returning to land for your final evening in Thailand.

Overnight in the Golden Triangle area

Set off this morning to Myanmar. A half-hour drive takes you to Mae Sai and the border where, after completing necessary formalities, cross into the Burmese side. A stroll through the busy border market gives you a chance to meet friendly locals who are shopping in traditional longyis (sarongs) and often sporting thanaka, the local make-up and sunscreen. Then drive northeast (approximately 4.5 hours) to Kengtung through scenic hills and small villages, arriving in time for a short stroll in this quiet Shan town.

Overnight in Kengtung

Set off by jeep to a rural junction for the start of a light 2-hour hike. Encounter villages of the Wa, Lawa, Lwe La and Sanhton people whose unique cultures and traditions have remained untouched by time. Enjoy a picnic lunch and opportunities to interact with the locals. Longhouses, village monasteries, stunning scenery and no other tourists make this trek a truly memorable experience. Afterwards, return to Kengtung by road where dinner will be served in a local restaurant.

Overnight in Kengtung

This morning get a slice of local lifestyles with a visit to Kengtung's local market. Visited by villagers from the surrounding area, you will see many hilltribe people in their traditional dress who have come to sell their products and barter for goods. If time allows before your flight, visit nearby hotsprings, stroll around the town's lake and tour temples. Return to the Thai border or take a flight to Yangon or Heho to extend your Thailand Myanmar tour.