6 days / 5 nights MAE HONG SON LOOP CLASSIC

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UPDATED PROGRAM FOR 2024  

At a glance 

The classic Mae Hong Son loop, Active-Thailand way. An awesome adventure in the heart of Mae Hong Son province!  Two short hikes, visit hill tribe, Karen and Lahu in remote villages. Discover the impressive Tham Lod limestone cave system with a bamboo raft descent through the cave. Spend a day exploring the trendy little Pai town. Discover Mae Sarieng, and explore Doi Inthanon mountain. Go at your own pace and visit the places of interests along the route. 

Trip code: CT526 (sample / suggested program)

Departure/return: Chiang Mai

Trip duration: 6 days/5 nights

Level: Easy to moderate active trip. The trek part can be adapted to clients and suitable for families with children.  

Departure: Departure from Chiang Mai, and return to Chiang Mai.

Activities: Jungle trekking, cave exploration, guided visits

Fitness Level: This trip is an active tour and recommended for people in good physical condition.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Tour with your local guide through a unique and less-traveled area of Thailand
• Explore the Pai valley, with it's laid back night street market.
• Tham Lod caves system in Soppong, guided tour
• Karen village immersion with activities
• Discover the Doi Inthanon National Park

Trip Outline

DAY 1 – Drive the scenic mountain road to Pai

8h30 Meeting at your Chiang Mai accommodation and drive the scenic mountain road to Pai valley. Reach the town in time for lunch at a local restaurant. Spend the afternoon at your own leisure, exploring the area independently; try the hot spring for relaxation or join an optional guided cycling tour in the valley. In the evening, discover the Pai walking street on your own, where you can find plenty of restaurants and "street food". Overnight at a hotel in Pai.

(Meals: L)

DAY 2 – Explore Tham Lod limestone caves

After breakfast, visit two local Shan Temples. The Wat Mae Yen is perched on a hill, offering great views of the valley. Drive to reach Soppong. Lunch at a local restaurant. Afternoon explore the mind-blowing Tham Lod caves; this unique cave system is said to be one of South-East Asia’s largest. Depending on the period of the year, we can drift on a bamboo raft on the the Lang river, going through the cave! This is the highlight of the trip, but not always possible during the rainy season.

Overnight at a local charming bungalow in Soppong.

(Meals: B, L)

DAY 3 – Trek and Karen village experience

After breakfast, we'll depart by vehicle to the mountainous region, where we'll arrive at a small Karen village. Here, we will embark on a jungle trek with a local guide, hiking a loop through the area. Gain insights into their ways of life, culture, and traditions as we journey. Spend 2 hours exploring the jungle, bamboo forest, and limestone rock formations, followed by a traditional Karen-style jungle lunch prepared by your local guides. Transfer back to the our home-stay. Balance of the day at leisure. Overnight at your bungalow in Soppong.

(Meals: B, L)

DAY 4 – Overland to Mae Hong Son town and Shan Temples

Breakfast and drive along the scenic winding road to Mae Hong Son town, with several stops along the way. Our first stop is at a Lahu village, with amazing mountain views, where we try a local coffee. Visit the village and road to Mae Hong Son. Stop at the bamboo bridge, spanning over rice fields across the valley. Arrive in town for a brief orientation, with the lakeside Shan Temple of Wat Jong Kham. Check in at the hotel and evening at leisure. You'll  find a choice of good restaurants by the lake, and sometimes, a local street market.

Overnight in Mae Hong Son, tourist class hotel.

(Meals: B, L)

DAY 5 – Mae Hong Son to Mae Sarieng

After breakfast, we can explore the local market and the Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu, a hilltop temple overlooking the city. Drive the winding road heading South to Mae Sarieng province, with stops along the way, as the Japanese memorial museum. Eventually reach the town of Mae Sarieng, where we’ll spend the night. Balance of the day at leisure in Mae Sarieng. Dinner at leisure. 

Overnight in Mae Sarieng, tourist class hotel.

(Meals: B, L)

DAY 6 – Mae Sarieng to Chiang Mai via Doi Inthanon National park

Start the morning with a stroll through the local market, and take the road toward Chiang Mai. Our main stop will be the Doi Inthanon, the tallest mountain in Thailand, also part of a stunning National Park. Explore the area, with beautiful views, waterfalls, and for the more adventurous, a short hike accompanied by a local guide. Lunch at the park's restaurant. Drive back to Chiang Mai and drop off at your hotel. Arriving approximately at around 4-5pm.

(Meals: B)

- end of the trip -

Inclusions

• Private transportation, air-conditioned vehicle
• Experienced English speaking guide
• Accommodation as per itinerary, 3 nights in tourist class hotels and 2 nights in basic but comfortable home-stay nestled in a tropical garden.
• Meals as mentioned in itinerary [B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner]
• Entrance fees and local guide to the Tham Lod caves.
• Doi Inthanon national park entry fees
• Limited travel accident insurance

Exclusions

• Entrance and visit fees of other sites
• Meals not mentioned in the program
• Beverages and additional meals
• Tips or gratuities (optional)
• Personal expenses

Notes: this program is a sample itinerary and can vary slightly depending on the season and other factors. Places are changing quickly in this region, and we might modify the program until it's fully confirmed. Lunches included are rice base Thai cuisine, mostly taken at local restaurants.

More information

• This trip is operated all year long, only on a private tour basis. Advance reservation is necessary, especially during the peak winter season.
• There are various attractions and places to visit along this route and they will be offered as a choice, by your guide. Participants can customize the trip at their own choice. 
• Participants should have an adventurous spirit and must be in average physical conditions. Hikes during this trip are subject to change according to local conditions and season. 
• Approximate cost for a private trip with 2 participants : 28900 Baht per person, depending on the period. Please send your tour booking inquiry by completing the form below.

TAILOR MADE TRIP

This program can be tailor made to your needs, and shortened. Please inquire. 

A budget option can be proposed with a vehicle and driver only. Go at your own pace in a comfortable vehicle, with the hotels booked along the way.

Option

Optional visit to the Kayan people’s village, home to the "long neck" women originally from Myanmar. This unique village showcases families living harmoniously together, making it a fascinating destination. It is the only authentic village of its kind, and we encourage you to reach out with any questions regarding this option. This visit is available on the morning of Day 5 in the itinerary.

A Shorter trip is possible also, a 4 days/3 nights, with an overland return to Chiang Mai via Pai, can be organized, skipping Mae Sarieng and Doi Inthanon.

At the moment there are NO FLIGHTS from Mae Hong Son to Chiang Mai (January 2024 update) as the local airline NOK AIR has discontinued their flights. The only flight connection now is a flight with Bangkok Airways from/to Lampang (not convenient), so the overland trip is the only option.

There are no direct flights neither from Mae Hong Son to Bangkok. Only Bangkok Airways flights, with a stop-over in Lampang. Please check online for possible updates, or contact us.