Overview
Chiang Mai is considered the gateway city of Thailand, located in the northern part of the country. Chiang Mai is not only famous for tourism but also serves as a cultural exchange hub, where nations meet when entering and leaving Thailand. With such a beautiful name, Chiang Mai is also known as the rose of northern Thailand. With its diverse nature, lush ecology, and pleasant, cool climate, Chiang Mai truly attracts tourists visiting Thailand
Itinerary
08:30 AM we will pick you up at your hotel in Chiang Mai and will then do a 40 minute drive to a domestic market where we spend approx. 20 minutes to gather provisions for the tour. Another 30 minute drive on the domestic route along a steep road will bring us to Mork Fa waterfall where you can swim in this relaxing place with wonderful views. After visiting the waterfall and a short drive later you will have lunch and some time to rest alongside the road in a small restaurant. We will do the cooking for you and you can enjoy your first authentic Thai-Food prepared by us. After lunch and another 45-60 minutes drive by car we will reach the drop-off and here the trekking part of your tour will begin and you will enter the dense jungle with us. Your guide will lead the way and you will now be hiking through the amazing nature and experience all the different impressions along your way. We offer a softer route with less hiking (for families with smaller children) and a harder route with some more serious hiking through the jungles. we will reach a village of the Lahu hill tribe after about 2.5 hours of trekking and at an altitude of about 1,200 meters above sea level. You will spend the night in a simple wooden hut at the edge of the small village. You will have the chance to take a shower and refresh yourself and we will prepare dinner for you. Before it gets dark, you can visit the village and enjoy the evening scene of the surrounding mountains. Among other things you can see the top of Thailands 3rd highest mountain, Doi Chiang Dao (2,175 meters above sea level). Sit on the deck in front of your hut near the small creek and enjoy the evening, listen to the sounds of the nightly jungle and zip a soft drink or a beer if you wish.
Morning you can spend some time exploring the small Lahu village after breakfast and get a glimpse of the simple life of the hill tribes, while we prepare your bamboo raft and then you will start the rafting part of your tour. after breakfast we will be leaving the Karen village and do some more hiking. Each bamboo raft can accommodate 6-8 persons and their luggage, which is placed on a rack in the middle of the boat so that it is safe from the water. On the selfmade bamboo raft you will have time to enjoy the amazing green left and right while the raft floats down the creek and if you want you can try and help steering the bamboo raft through the water. We will raft along the Mae Tang river for about 2 hours (depending on the season) towards a Shan village.
Once
we reach the Shan village, you can refresh yourself and will have lunch and if
there is time, you can wander around the small village and across a long wooden
hanging bridge and bid farewell to the rain forest. From the Shan village it is
a 10 minute drive to the elephant camp where you have a chance to get in touch
with the elephants - it is a truly
unforgettable experience to get that close to a pachyderm. You can also
feed the elephants and walk among them. After your meeting with the elephants
we will leave the rain forest and drive back to Chiang Mai (approx. 1.5 hours).
Arrival in Chiang Mai will be around 5:00 PM.
Includes/Excludes
Includes
- The English speaking guide as guided time
- Basic homestay in the village
- Bamboo rafting
- Meals as indicated (B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner)
- All entrance fees
- Mineral water
- Government taxes & service charge
Excludes
- International/Domestic Airfares.
- Early check in/ late check out
- Meals not indicated
- Drinks & beverage..
- Personal travel insurance (Compulsory).
- Personal expenses such as telephone and laundry bills.
- Tips and gratuities
- Surcharge for festivals (Loy Krathong, Sonkran…), X-Mas & New Year Eve.
- Compulsory Gala Diner on 24 & 31 Dec 2024
FAQs
Vietnam offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. From the stunning landscapes of Halong Bay and the terraced rice fields of Sapa to the ancient cities of Hoi An and Hue, Vietnam has something for every traveler. Immerse yourself in bustling markets, savor the flavorful cuisine, and experience the warm hospitality of the Vietnamese people
Some of the must-visit attractions in Vietnam include:
- Halong Bay: A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its breathtaking limestone karsts and emerald waters.
- Hoi An Ancient Town: A charming UNESCO World Heritage site with well-preserved historic buildings and vibrant lantern-lit streets.
- Cu Chi Tunnels: Explore the vast underground network used during the Vietnam War.
- Mekong Delta: Experience the vibrant river life, floating markets, and lush greenery of the Mekong Delta region.
- Imperial Citadel of Hue: Discover the ancient royal capital of Vietnam with its majestic palaces and citadel.
Vietnam offers a wide range of activities, including:
- Trekking and homestays in the mountainous regions of Sapa and Mai Chau.
- Cruising along the Mekong Delta and exploring its intricate waterways.
- Cooking classes to learn the art of Vietnamese cuisine.
- Cycling through the picturesque countryside of Hoi An.
- Scuba diving and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of Nha Trang.
Vietnam is generally a safe country to travel in. However, it’s always important to take standard precautions and be aware of your surroundings. It’s advisable to keep your belongings secure, avoid walking alone late at night, and follow any local guidelines or advice
The best time to visit Vietnam depends on the specific regions you plan to explore. Generally, the months of April to June and September to November offer pleasant weather across the country. However, each region has its own climate and unique attractions, so it’s worth considering the specific activities and destinations you have in mind.
Booking a trip to Vietnam is easy. You can either plan and book everything yourself or enlist the help of a trusted travel agency. Research online, read reviews, and compare prices to find the best deals. If you prefer a hassle-free experience, a reputable travel agency can help you tailor an itinerary, arrange accommodations, transportation, and provide local insights for a seamless journey.
