A visit to Chiang Mai and its surrounding areas can be one of the most rewarding experiences in all of Thailand. Steeped in history, tradition, and folklore, the largest and most culturally important city in Northern Thailand is home to things like hill tribes, ancient temples, a wide variety of architectural influences, relaxing boat cruises, fabulous flower gardens, extreme shopping destinations and acclaimed restaurants. A main highlight includes the sweeping views (and amazing photo opportunities) afforded by the mountain location of Wat Prathat Doi Suthep.

This may seem like a lot for one person to handle, but this region offers a whole lot more. Your trip to Pai will take you to an orchid farm and local market. In Tham Lod you'll take a bamboo raft ride and explore local caves with their stunning limestone formations and cavernous chambers. More shopping and temples await in places like Mae Hong Sorn and the practice of people-watching takes on a whole new meaning at the Long-Neck Karen Hilltribe village.

As the whole adventure unfolds before your very eyes, you'll marvel at the sites you'll see, the experiences you'll encounter and the people you'll meet along the way.

Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, a guide will meet and help transfer you to your hotel for overnight accommodations.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Head to Wat Sri Khong's boat landing and board your scorpion tailed boat for the cruise along the historic sites of the riverbanks. Continue to reach the old trader community of Wat Gate Karam, on the eastern banks of the river and stroll along the old buildings. Then enter the compound of Wat Gate temple to visit its museum featuring an eclectic collection of artifacts dating back to the very early days of trade between Chiang Mai and the west.

After lunch, drive to the famed mountain temple of Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, a stop at the Chang Khien Coffee Research Project and a visit to the Hmong hill tribe village of Chang Khien where you will conclude the day's activities.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Rise and shine for an early start as you join the monks in their early morning alms procession at the foot of Doi Suthep Mountain. After breakfast, embark on a 3-hour trip to Pai, stopping at Mok Fah waterfalls and Pong Duad Hotsprings along the way. Following lunch, continue further north to Tham Lod cave in the small town of Soppong. This must see historic cave is explored by bamboo raft via a tiny river that winds through the cave. Time permitting you will have the chance to stroll through the extensive Shan village that populates the area. The Shan people of this community migrated from the Shan state of nearby Myanmar and settled in Soppong decades ago.

Overnight in Soppong.

Depart Tham Lod Village for a two hour walk through the forest to a Karen village

to learn about ancient traditions and lifestyles. A picnic lunch will be served in banana leaves before a trek to a stream where you will ride a bamboo raft back to Tham Lod Village, and transfer to Mae Hong Son. Please note: Raft may not be available in the dry season due to low water levels March- July in which case transfer will be made by car.

Overnight in Mae Hong Son 

Get ready for another early day as you visit the morning market area before departing Mae Hong Sorn to the Baan Huai Dua boat landing and a 30-minute long-tailed boat ride along a scenic route, through jungle landscapes and small villages perched high upon the river banks. Head back in the city for lunch, continue on to Wat Phra Thad Doi Kong Moo, Wat Chong Klang, Wat Chong Kham, and a large natural pond public park. As you return to the Mae Hong Sorn airport for your flight back to Chiang Mai, you can reflect back on this epic and insightful adventure.