Arrival: Bangkok

Being that the majority of flights from Europe and North America arrive in the afternoon or in the evening, we organize transportation from the airport to your hotel.  For those who arrive earlier, the Sukhumvit neighborhood is very pleasant to discover.

The Chao Phraya river, its temples and the Grand Palace

Wat Pho massage – optional (about 8 dollars for one hour)

Chiang Mai

Morning departure for the airport.  Flight to Chiang Mai at 9:00 AM.  Visit of the ancient intramural city and in the afternoon, see its most beautiful temples including Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chiang Man, Wat Pan Tao, Wat Saem Fang, Wat Pan Tao.  In the evening, supper and visit of the legendary Night Bazaar of Chiang Mai.

A 1 hour and 15 minutes plane trip brings you to Chiang Mai. Arrival at the hotel around 11:30 AM.  The city can be visited by minibus or by foot.

Doi Suthep national park

Morning departure for Doi Suthep by motorbike.  Stop at Huay Kaew and Mothathan waterfalls.  Village of Doi Pui and its gardens of poppy and opium.  The afternoon will be dedicated to the descent of the Doi Suthep by the trail connecting the tribal mountain villages.

This day will allow you to not only discover a whole mountain side ignored by tourists, but to familiarize you with driving your motorbike on tar mountain roads (morning) and trails (afternoon) in order to evaluate your skills and advise you on different off-road driving techniques that will be useful throughout your trip.  Important:  The motorbike is the only way to access a large part of rural Thailand and its mountains of the North.  This way of transportation is largely used by the local habitants (men, women and even children) because it allows them to go places that cars could not pass (narrow streets or poor road conditions).

Doi Suthep loop

Morning departure by motorbike to Mae Sa waterfalls and visit of the elephant camp Mae Sa (baths, care and training) and the orchids garden.  Then, departure towards the mountains to join the village of Samoeng and the villages Hmong situated nearby.

The Hmongs tribe distinguishes itself with its skill in horticulture.  Poppy culture being theoretically illegal, the habitants have thus turned their attention to the production of flowers, more particularly roses.  As all other tribes of North Thailand, the Hmongs have their own customs, traditions and costumes.

Doi Inthanon national park

First stop at Chomtong to visit one of the oldest temples in North Thailand.  Then, start of the 47 kilometers climb to Doi Inthanon with visits to the 3 principal waterfalls of the park, followed by an off-road exploration that leads to the 2 Karens villages.  In the afternoon, descent towards the small village of Mae Chaem where women weave one of the most beautiful cottons in Thailand.

The Doi Inthanon is one the highest mountains in Thailand.  It is very cold on its peek.  There are orchid trees present.  Its sides are mainly inhabited by the Karen and Hmongs tribes.  The Karens, originally from Myanmar, are  skilful cotton weaver.  We will go through several villages while ascending the Doi Inthanon.  Your luggage will be forwarded by 4x4 pick-up.

Ob Luang national park

Departure from Mae Chaem to go to Ob Luang National Park canyon.  Discovery of the Mae Sawan Noi mountains then off-road to go to the hot springs water sources of Mae Sariang.

The North mountains of Thailand are covered with many thermal sources that are very enjoyable after a motorbike ride.   We will have the chance over the 3 weeks to visit the most interesting of them.  The thermal source of Mae Sariang isn’t very busy despite its magnificent mountain scenery.  This is due to its difficult accessibility (light motorbikes only).  In November, the mountainsides around Mae Sariang are covered in flowers resembling sunflowers.

Salawin national park

Departure towards Salawin National Park to the village of Mae Sam Laep (passages of mountain tops in the middle of the jungle) with a stop at the Karen market in Pha Ma Lo (if market is open).  Long tail boat ride down the Salawin river along the Myanmar border.  We can also stop on white sand banks of the river and discover the many villages of Karen.  At Mae Sariang, visit of Wat Chomtong (view overlooking the valley).

Return to Mae Sam Lap.  There exists a trail allowing you to return to Mae Sariang.  However this trails is reserved for the bolder travelers and its condition depends on the amount of rain fallen on the region.  The park authorities can advise us on whether or not this road is usable or not.

Mae Hong Son

Departure towards Mae Hong Son.  Stop in Mae La Noi (mountain village, traditional blacksmith) and at Khun Yuam’ museum.  Swim in Pha Bong’s hot springs and then visit the city of Mae Hong Son and its magnificent temples:  Wat Chom Kham, Wat Chong Klang, Wat Phra Non, Wat Kham Ko et Wat Doi Kong Mou and its view on the Pai valley.  In the evening, outing to the night market where you can discover the Karen, Lisu, Shan and Lahu artwork.

This day will be our longest motorbike ride of the trip (160 kilometers).  Mae Hong Son was for a very long time, the stronghold of the very powerful opium God.  Since his retirement to Myanmar, the province of Mae Hong Son has become more accessible to tourism.  However its roads, except for the principal ax of Mae Sariang-Pai are still mostly mountain trails.

Padaung long neck women.

Morning visit of the Ban Huai Sua Tao village, village of long neck women, then elephant back trekking.  Then we head towards the superb Pha Sua waterfalls to finally arrive at the Chinese village of Mae Aw.  Excursion from the village to the Burmese border (exceptional view).  During this day, you will have the chance to travel through several Karen and Hmongs mountain villages.

For the bolder travelers, there exists a trail leaving the long neck women’s village going to the mountains of the jungle, two villages away from Karens.  This trail (optional and conditional to the fact that the whole group wants to go) is 10 kilometers in the middle of the mountains (it’s about 45 minutes by motorbike).  The Chinese village of Mae Aw around its lake is more accessible.  It is populated by ex-members of Chinese Tchang Kaïchek liberation army.  The village’s architecture is totally Chinese.  The climb to the Burmese border can be done foot, motorbike or on mule’s back (optional, if available, price to be determined on place).  The Thai soldiers posted along the border are always happy to have visit their camp where the scenery is breathtaking.

Your choice: Doi Pui or Surin waterfall.

This day of motor biking takes place in Surin National Park.  You have the choice between 2 superb mountain rides.  The first requires that you drive to Khun Yuam in order to enter Surin park by the South entrance to reach Mae Surin waterfalls.  In November, the mountain is covered in yellow flowers.  It is possible (depending on trail conditions) to return to Mae Hong Son by trails in the mountains passing through Ban Nong Keow and Ban Huai Pong.  The second option is to go through Surin park by the North using a trail that goes to Ban Wat Chan.  This trail goes alongside waterfalls and the Doi Pui, Mae Hong Son’s province, through splendid mountain sceneries and crosses picturesque Karens villages, guaranteed 99.9% tourist free!  This trail also passes close to the caves.  This itinerary brings you in the heart of unchanged rural Thailand.  It reserves unforgettable souvenirs.

The trail leading to the Surin waterfalls is easier due to the fact that most of it is on tar roads.  The second itinerary has more trails but guaranties a bigger change of scenery.

Soppong (Pangma Pha)

Departure by motorbike to Tham Pla National park (Fish cave) and visit of Wat Tham Wua monastery.  Stop at Pangma Pa belvedere and descent to Soppong.  Visit by foot and bamboo raft of Tham Lod (South-East Asia’s largest cave).  Return in the end of the afternoon to Soppong passing through mountain villages.

Even though we can see caves all through Thailand, we can see in the district of Soppong a concentration of caves unequaled anywhere else in the world:  it’s a real gruyere.  Furthermore, we can find in this district a large number of different tribal villages.

Caves and hilltribes villages...

Departure by picturesque route 1226 leading straight to the Burmese border.  All along this road, we will cross several villages and will visit different caves:  Coffin Cave, Pa Puek, Pearl cave, Coral Cave, Diamond Cave or choose an expedition to Mae La Na Cave or Tham Nam Lang.

Access to certain caves depends on meteorological conditions of the preceding months (floods).  2 of these caves require a full day of trekking through the jungle and water (water shoes are a must).  Tham Nam Lang is 9 kilometers long and is one of the largest caves in the world.  This cave is also close to the superb Susa waterfalls.  Tham Mae La Na also promises quite an underground adventure.  12 kilometers long, it can be explored for 5 kilometers up to its underground cascade where we will stop for lunch.  This excursion lasts all day.  On the way back, it is possible to also see Coral Cave, Diamond Cave, Pearl Cave or Tam Kao Taek.  These 2 excursions are done with 2 guides (rates to be negotiated according to the guides, about 10 dollars per person).

Pai

Departure by motorbike.  Visit of Lisu village and arrival in Pai at the end of the morning.  Trekking to Mae Yen waterfalls in the afternoon.  Possibility of swimming at Tha Pai hot water springs.

Don’t forget to bring your shoes for walking in the streams.

Doi Suthep national park and Chiang Dao

Very early morning departure (8:00 AM) to go to Doi Suthep National park.  Visit and swim at Pong Deud geyser.  Then, excursion to Mofka waterfalls.  In the afternoon, we will go to Chiang Dao national park and visit the very beautiful Chiang Dao troglodyte Buddhist temple and its caves, some filled with Buddha’s.

Doi Suthep national park, besides the mountain, also includes several protected zones North-West of the mountain, between Pai and Chang Mai.  The Pong Deud geyser is the largest natural geyser in Thailand.  At proximity, we can find spa type facilities where it is nice to relax.

Doi Ang Khang

Departure for the city of Arunothai where we will begin our ascension of Doi Ang Khang.  Visit of the royal Angkhang project.  Excursion on mule’s back from the city of BaanKhum (optional if available).

Nicknamed the little Switzerland of Thailand, the Doi Ang Khang mount peaks at 1300 meters in altitude.  There are several Hmongs, Lahus and Lisus villages.  The Doi Ang Khang roads are the most inclined in Thailand.

Doi Mae Salong

Departure by the frontier road to Mae Ai.  Visit of the Fang national park and its hot water sources, then visit the Fang market and the Wat Jong Paen temple.  Stop at Wat Thaton then take the mountain road to Doi Mae Salong and see its tea plantation.  Doi Mae Salong tribal market and visit the villages towards the Burmese border.

The frontier road departing Doi Ang Khang depends once again on road conditions.  The local authorities will confirm if we can use this road or must pass through Fang.  Doi Mae Salong is a village made of members of 93 Guomindang regiments.  It seems more like a Yunnan village than a Thai village.  It is surrounded by Miens (Yao), Hmongs, Lisus and Akkhas villages.

Doi Tung

Morning departure for Doi Tung.  Visit of several tribal villages (Akkhas and Yaos).  Ride along the Burmese border by a beautiful small winding road through the mountains to the royal villa of Doi Tung and its wonderful botanical garden.  Visit Phra That Doi Tung temple and descent towards the city of Mae Sai.

Possibility of different itineraries depending on your motorbike skills, our schedule and the road conditions of the inter-village trails.  During our ride along the Burmese border, we will pass several military control posts.  These posts are mainly to intercept drug traffickers that pass the border illegally.  They also can assure us that the road we will use is secure.  It is important to always have on you your passport and driver’s license.

Tachilek and the golden triangle

In the morning, pedestrian excursion to Myanmar to visit the Burmese city of Tachilek.  Return to Mae Sai to retrieve our motorbikes and go to the Golden Triangle.  Stop in the village of Tisserand Thai Lu and visit of the Hall of Opium museum.  In the afternoon, excursion in long tail boat on the Mekong river to Laos to visit the market.

In order to pass the Burmese border, you must have 2 identify pictures with you and your passport must be left at the Burmese border.  A receipt will be given to you in order to retrieve your passport upon your return.  The Burmese visa on your passport is valid for 24 hours only.  Once in Mae Sai, the Thailand authorities will give you a new free tourism visa valid for 30 days.  For Laos, an exemption permits us to visit the market without asking for a visa.  However a visa is required for all other stays in Laos.

Chiang Rai

Departure by the frontier road to the village of Ban Phami.  Visit of Tham Luang, Tham Poon and Tham Pla caves.  Arrival in Chiang Rai to visit the most beautiful temples of the city:  Wat Phra Sing, Wat Phra Kaeo and Wat Doi Thong.  In the evening, visit the night market of Chiang Rai where you can find a lot of local tribal artwork.

Doi Saket and Chiang Mai

The end

 Price: $2780.00 for 3 weeks