Mystique Mae Hong Son

Morning, drive from Chiang Mai up north to Pai. On the way, visit Mae Malai market, the local market where you can explore local foods, fruits, etc. Then continue driving to visit Pong Deuid Hot Spring. The Hot Spring, are probably some of the nicest within Chiang Mai province - not at all over commercialized and set within a well-maintained park in a very picturesque wooded valley. Downstream from the bubbling geysers, the rock formations dams and make shallow pools for a pleasant hot soak.

Lunch provided at local restaurant.

Afternoon, drive to Pai district. Pai is a small community, embraced by rolling mountains and enveloped in natural setting that is fresh and beautiful. The atmosphere is clean, pure and warmly welcoming. The different ethnic groups, religious beliefs and languages of the people of plains and the people of the mountains have blended together here to form a unique set of cultural tradition. Visit Wat Nam Hu and Chinese Koumintang village before check-in hotel. Wat Nam Hu, this temple housed Phra Un Muang, sacred Buddha Image in Lanna style, 500 years of age, in the attitude of Subduring Mara (Victory over Mara). The Image's top knot can be opened and contained holy water, revered by local folk. Yunnanese Chinese village of Ban Santichon, this is a village of descendants of migrants from Yunnan who still cherish many aspects of Chinese culture and traditions. Some of the Chinese in Yunnan's village were army evacuated from China 50 years ago. The tourists can see the conservative cultures and traditions of the Yunnan People such as the language, dressing, and specially the Yunnan foods that is admired among the tourists.

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to visit Lod cave, the most beautiful and the easiest to visit. This cave is under Tham Nam Lod Nature and Wildlife Research Center and normally known in Thai word as "Tham Lod" means a cave with a stream running through. From the entrance to the exit, the stream runs in circular route for almost 500 meters high. This route has been eroded by water for more than million years. Nam Lod Cave actually consists of 3 separate caves, Sao Hin Cave, Tukta Cave, and Pi Man cave. In order to visit these caves, tourists need to board a raft through the cave. The total distance is 1,600 meters. Transfer to Mae Hong Son with stop to visit Lisu & Lahu hill tribe villages enroute.

Lunch provided at local restaurant.

Afternoon, visit Plu Klone and experience mud spa (facial treatment). Then visit city & temples in Mae Hong Son town including Wat Chong Klang, Wat Chong Kam & Wat Phrathat Doi Kong Mu.

This morning, we drive you to a boat pier. Take boat trip along Pai river to visit Long Neck Karen village. The villages are actually refugee camps and people visit to see woman wearing heavy brass rings which make their necks appear very long. The reason for this behaviour is lost in history, but some believe the rings saved women from attacks by Tiger. Whatever the reason, lots of people venture out to the villages to see the women for themselves.

Lunch provided at local restaurant.

Afterwards, drive to Mae La Noi to visit Kaew Komol cave. Inside the cave is a 30-meter vertical pothole. The entrance and exit is a 120- meter stairs and in order to preserve the nature, it is designed for visitors to see the beauty of the walls in a small space. Tourists are not allowed to go deep inside the cave since it is dangerous to go too far. This cave is considered as the most beautiful in Thailand and this kind of cavern can only be found in three places in the world, which are Australia, China and Thailand.The Queen visited at Mae La Noi Cave (original name) on 19 February 2001 and offered the name “Kaew Komol Cave”. Additionally, the Queen has given names to each of the five small caves inside the Kaew Komol Cave. Then transfer to Mae Sariang district. The nature is pure and the traditional way of life preserved here in Mae Sariang.

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Mae Sariang museum and temple. Lunch at local restaurant. Afternoon, drive back to Chiang Mai via Hod with stop to visit Ob Luang National Park. Ob Luang Na-tional Park is an amazing attraction comprising both splendid natural charms as well as mysteri-ous scenery. Under a bridge connecting the two sides of the narrow, steep gorge, a zigzagging river flows, framed by teak forests and mountains. During the rainy season, the flowing rapids crashing on the boulders and through the ravine are a dramatic picture of nature's strength. Subject to erosion by the strong currents of the river, the rocks and cliffs form the canyon and strangely shaped rock formations. The water has to force its way over rocks and boulders that obstruct the course making a magnificent sight.