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.
08:30 AM we will be pick you up from your hotel in Chiang Mai and after a one hour drive to a domestic market we spend 25 minutes to gather provisions for the tour. A 30 minute drive on the domestic route along a steep road takes us to the waterfall where you can swim in this relaxing place with wonderful views. You will have lunch and some time to rest alongside the road in a small restaurant. We will do the cooking and you can enjoy your first authentic Thai-Food prepared for you by us as we will also do for the next days. After lunch we will drive another short distance to the drop-off and here the trekking part of your tour will begin and you will enter the dense jungle with us. About 2-3 hours later we will reach a village of the Karen hill tribe at an altitude of about 1,400 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 first evening, listen to the sounds of the nightly jungle and zip a soft drink or a beer if you wish.
After breakfast you will be trekking through the beautiful nature and along rice fields for about three hours to visit the small elephant family living with a Lahu tribe in the jungles. Here you will have time to relax and enjoy your lunch and after that you can get in touch with the elephants or have a refreshing swim in the river. You will see the elephants also take a bath and maybe you want to join them and wash them a little bit - it is a truly unforgettable experience to dabble with a pachyderm. You can also feed the elephants and walk among them. After your meeting with the elephants we will continue our way to bring you to your next destination: the mountain village. Here you might want to take a swim in the shallow river, take a shower and sit on the large deck above the river and let all the impressions of your trip so far touch your heart and soul. We will prepare your dinner and then spend the evening on the deck. Maybe you want to fly a wish lantern or sing next to the camp fire with us and enjoy the last night of your amazing jungle adventure.
After breakfast you will start the rafting part of your tour and we will raft your bamboo along the river for about 2-3 hours from the Lahu village along the Mae Tang River towards a Shan village. 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. Once we reach the Shan village, you can refresh yourself and will then again experience an authentic Thai cuisine lunch. Following lunch you can take a little time to wander around the small village and across a long wooden hanging bridge and bid farewell to the rain forest. From here we will leave the rain forest and drive back to Chiang Mai in our truck. Arrival in Chiang Mai will be approx. 5:00
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 (if any).
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.
