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Hill Tribe Treks
Hill tribe Treks in Mae Hong Son
(WT.MHS 03 : 5 days 4 nights, moderate )
Activities : trekking / hiking, elephant riding, bamboo rafting, caving,
village life and hill tribes visiting, boat cruise, interesting temples
etc.
Mae Hong Son, originally the isolated, mist-covered province, has
become a wonderful place for those who love wandering off the beaten
track. Hiking from one hill tribe village (and one ethnic group) to
another is a unique experience. There are many tribal ethnic groups
living in Mae Hong Son such as Karen, Hmong, Lahu, Lisu, Lawa, etc. They
share animist beliefs and honor numerous forest and guardian spirits.
Each tribe has their own distinctive ceremonial attire, courtship
rituals, games, dances, agricultural customs, dialects, aesthetic values
and hygienic habits.
The first day travel by an air-conditioned van to Pai via
Mae Rim and Mae Malai with short visits at lively Mae Malai Market , Mok
Fa Waterfall, lovely Pong Dued Hot spring, and the River Pai Bridge- the
death railway built in 1942. On the first night, we stay at Tha Pai Spa
and Campgrounds, a resort located on 40 beautiful acres of land,
alongside Pai River. Accommodation is limited to 15 rooms and a number
of tents. Each room has a balcony and bathroom, which is equipped with a
shower with hot mineral water. Facilities at resort includes an outdoor
hot mineral water pool, spa, jogging trails, boating and hiking. Herbal
sauna and Thai traditional massage is available (cost is not included
).
The second day is a day for hiking and trekking. Visit a Lisu
village, and hike for 3 hours to Lod Cave famous for its stalagmites
and stalactites. Picnic lunch on route. In the afternoon, hike further
to Karen village for 3 hours. Dinner and overnight camping in the Karen
village.
The third day, continue hiking to Phi Man Cave for about 3 hours. Phi
Man Cave contains many ancient teak coffins. Lunch will be served near
the cave. Afternoon hiking for about 2 hours to visit Shan Village, and
another 2 hours to visit Black Lahu village where the hiking program
end. From now onwards, travel by an air-conditioned van to Mae Hong
Son with a short visit at Fish Cave. The third night stay at Ban Sak
Suay, a beautiful teak house. Hot dinner will be served here.
The fourth day is the day for a variety of activities. Begin a visit to
some Thai Yai style of temples, followed by boating for 1 hour to visit
the Long-Neck people. On the way back, take a boat for 1/2 hour to Karen
camp for 1 hour elephant riding. Return to Ban Sak Suay by boat and van
for overnight. The last 5th day is a free day for you to discover Mae
Hong Son. After breakfast, explore downtown Mae Hong Son on your own.
Lunch at mid-day and tour ends in Mae Hong Son.
Rates starting from $570.00 per person based on minimum of 2 people.
Rates decreases if more than 2 per party.
The price includes: 4 nights accommodation at resorts/guesthouse
(twin-share), 13 meals, an air-conditioned minibus/van for transfer,
admission fee to all sightseeing places, all activities mentioned in the
program - hiking, elephant riding, bamboo rafting, boat trip etc. an
English speaking guide, travel accident insurance ( 500,000 baht /
person)
Things to bring: warm clothes in Winter ( November - February.),
rain gear in the Rainy Season ( July- October) long pants and long
sleeves shirt and shoes for trekking/hiking, short pants and shirt and wet
shoes for rafting, pants for biking, towel and toiletries, sunglasses,
hat, personal medicine, insect repellant, flashlight, small backpack for
carrying necessary things while trekking
Itinerary: Due to the nature of the tour, the weather, road
condition, local circumstance, prevailing safety factors, the route and
itinerary may vary to those published but the content of the tour will
remain similar. The final decision of the actual itinerary will be made
by the tour operator's staff on the day of the tour.
Naturally Chiang Mai Adventures
(WT.CNX 3 : 3 days 2 nights : begin &
end in Chiang Mai, easy/moderate)
Hiking at Doi Inthanon National Park / Lanna Thai Village Life in The
Remote Mae Chaem Valley /Soft Whitewater Rafting at Ob Luang National
Park / Elephant Riding at Mae Wang
Doi Inthanon, Thailand's highest peak (2,565 m.) in Chiang Mai Province,
is an offshoot in this southern extension of Himalayan Range. This
national park's vegetation consists of 8 types (a native pine, lower and
upper dry dipterocarp, opened and moist hill evergreen, and sub - alpine
etc.). It is a habitat of more than 446 kinds of wildlife particularly
364 kinds of wild birds and there are several famous trails to explore.
Doi Inthanon is one of Thailand's best places for a nature walk and
bird watching activities. Karen and Hmong tribesmen dwell in isolated
villages in this area where visitors can observe their unique lifestyle
and culture.
Drive downhill to the remote valley of Mae Chaem, where we have ample
time to visit a local temple in Lanna Thai Style of art, and observe
Cottage industries of hand woven clothes, or you may want to try a herb
sauna. We will have a great time of excitement and fun together on the
third day's soft whitewater rafting through rapids of grade 2 + and
beautiful landscape of rock - walled gorges along Mae Chaem River at Ob
Luang. Then enjoy an elephant riding at the beautiful Mae Wang Jungle
area before returning to Chiang Mai.
Itinerary Day 1 Chiang Mai - Doi Inthanon National Park - Nature Walk -
Hmong & Karen Hilltribes (L,D) In the morning, you will be picked up
from your hotel in Chiang Mai to begin the tour Overnight ( in huts ) at
the Karen Ecolodge
Day 2 Doi Inthanon - Mae Chaem - Ob Luang (B,L,D) Overnight at Khao
Krailas Resort / Forest Cottage
Day 3 Ob Luang - Hiking - Whitewater Raft - Elephant Riding - Chiang Mai
(B,L) Late afternoon return to Chiang Mai.
Rates from $290.00 per person based on a minimum of two people traveling.
Rates decrease if there are more than two in your party.
The price includes:
- accommodation: 2 nights (one night at the
Ecolodge, one night at Khao Krailas or Forest Cottage)
- 7 meals (2 breakfast, 3 lunches, 2 dinners)
- transportation by air-conditined van/minibus
- all activities mentioned in the program : nature walk,
village tours, herbal sauna, rafting.
- An English speaking guide
- nature guide
- all admission fees
- a travel accident insurance: 500,000 baht / pax
Things to bring:
- pants and long sleeves shirt and sandals for rafting
- long pants & long sleeves shirt & shoes for hiking
- sarong or clothes for herbal sauna
- warm clothes in Winter (November - February), rain
gear in Rainy Season (June - October)
- personal medicine
- flashlight
- sunglasses
Itinerary: Due to the nature of the tour, the weather, road conditions,
and prevailing safety factors, the route and itinerary may vary to those
published but the content of the tour will remain similar. The final
decision of the actual itinerary will be made by the tour operator's staff on the day of the tour.
Chiang Rai Karen & Lahu Tribal Lifestyles on Maekok River
( WT.CEI 3 : 3
days 2 nights Begin & End in Chiang Rai, easy/moderate)
Lahu hill tribe family Activities: Boat Cruise, Hiking, Hill tribes'
Village Life & Plantation, and Cultural Exchange Chiang Rai offers lush
green mountains and diverse hill tribes. The hill tribes here have
abandoned opium in favor of fruit, vegetable and flower farms which can
be found in the most remote corners, since they are now accessible by
road. A trip to these communities offer a chance to explore both the
agriculture and the ethnic diversity that has always been a major part
of Chiang Rai's charm.
Itinerary. This program starts with a boat trip on Mae Kok River in the
morning, passing beautiful scenery, and a chance to observe hill tribe
lifestyles the banks of the river. Our first overnight stop is at the
Karen village of Ban Kwae Wua Dam. (Homestay with 2 persons in a
house). Here you can join the Housewife's Group for hand weaving and
dyeing, and watch the Karen Sword Dance, or try a nature walk into the
Karen's Conservation Forest and plantation. Dinner Karen style will be
arranged at home.
On the 2nd day, after breakfast with the host, the farewell ceremony
will be arranged by a senior member of the tribe to bless all visitors
with a safe and healthy trip. We start with an easy walk along the
banks of the Kok River for 8 kms. to Ban Pha Kwang. After lunch travel
by boat ( about 45 mins.) to Lahu Village at Ban Ja Kue. On arrival, a
warm welcome ceremony will be arranged at the Lahu Cultural Center.
Overnight home stay (2 persons per house) In the evening, you will
have a great time for cultural exchange. Dinner involves sitting on a
mat, and having wonderful Lahu Kantoke food.
On the 3rd day, it's a time to learn about the hosts: their plantation,
terrace rice fields, fruit orchards within the village and neighboring
village. Picnic lunch will be provided on the banks of Kok River in Ban
Huay Rin. After lunch travel by boat (10 mins.) to visit another Lahu
village, Ban Ton Pueng and its plantation heading back to Chiang Rai by
boat (2 hours ). You will arrive in Chiang Rai at approximately 5.30pm.
Rates from $250.00 per person based on a minimum of 2 people traveling.
Rates decrease if there are more than 2 in your party.
Rates include: 2 nights home stay in Karen and Lahu villages, 7
meals (local Karen and Lahu style), transfer by a private
air-conditioned minibus/van, and boat , admission fee, all activities
mentioned in the program an English speaking guide & local guide, travel
insurance( 500,000 baht / person), and donation to the people's
organization in the village
The price excludes: drinks, personal expenses, any air tickets Things
to bring : - pants and shirt and sandals for rafting - long pants and
long sleeves shirt and shoes for hiking - warm clothes in Winter
(November - February.), rain coat in Rainy Season (June - October) -
personal medicine, sunscreen. - Flashlight - sunglasses
Itinerary: Due to the nature of the tour, the weather, road condition,
local circumstances, prevailing safety factors, the route and itinerary
may vary to those published but the content of the tour will remain
similar. The final decision of the actual itinerary will be made by the
tour operator's staff on the day of the tour.
The Hill tribes of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai
(WT. CNX12 : 5 days 4
nights, moderate )Cultural exchange, home stay, and soft adventures in
hill tribe villages including boat trip on the Mae Kok River On this
trip, we will have a great opportunity to meet, stay and interact with
Hmong, Karen, and Lahu hill tribes in the remote areas of Chiang Mai and
Chiang Rai Province. This trip also offers hiking; bamboo rafting,
elephant riding, nature walk at Doi Inthanon Mountain, and a boat cruise
on the beautiful Mae Kok River. This is a trip for all adventure and
nature lovers.
Day 1 Chiang Mai - Mae Wang - Bamboo Rafting - Elephant Riding - Hmong
Village (L,D) Pick up from the hotel in Chiang Mai . Travel by an
air-conditioned van to the Forestry Rafting Camp (one and a half hour
drive). Enjoy bamboo rafting for about 1 hour to the Elephant Camp, and
proceed to Huay Nam Rin, the Hmong Hill tribes village by riding on an
elephant. This trip takes 2 hours. Homemade lunch in Hmong village.
Afternoon is at leisure at camp-- there is ample opportunity to observe
the daily activities of life in the village, handicraft making, etc.
Overnight (dormitory) at Hmong Cultural Center.
Day 2 Hmong Village -
Hiking - Doi Inthanon National Park (B,L,D) Say goodbye to your hosts,
hike for about 1 hr. out of the village to the main street where to
board an air conditioned van to Doi Inthanon National Park. Explore
the summit of Doi Inthanon (2,565 m. above sea level) and nature walk at
Angka nature trail for about 30 mins. Then drive down to the level of
2,000 m. Hike along Kiew Mae Pan nature trail about 2-3 hrs. After that
visit the Hmong's Fruit & Flower Market before going to Karen
Ecolodge located at the beautiful terrace rice field. Overnight at Karen
Ecolodge
Day 3 Doi Inthanon - Chiang Rai - Mae Kok River - Karen Village (B,L,D)
Return to Chiang Mai and proceed to Chiang Rai, arriving in the
afternoon. Take a long-tailed boat on Mae Kok River to Karen Village,
Ban Kwae Wua Dam (one and a half hour ride.) You will be warmly
welcomed upon arrival at the Karen Cultural Center. Then visit the Karen
Housewife Group, observe their handicraft activities - try your hands on
the natural dyeing & hand weaving. Watch Karen's Sword Dance.
Overnight (home stay with 2 people per family) at the Karen Village.
Day
4 Karen Village - Lahu Village (B,L,D) In the morning after a brief
farewell ceremony, hike for 8 kms. along Mae Kok River to Ban Pha Kwang
via Ban Ob Sua Waan. Trail offers views of the verdant forests, hills
and the Mae Kok River. Lunch at Ban Pha Kwang . In the afternoon board a
long - tailed boat to Ban Jakue, the Lahu village. Following the welcome
ceremony at Lahu Cultural Center, visit "Ho Yaeng", the ritual center,
where the most revered senior people will meet with you. A treat is in
store tonight-- a Lahu Kantoke Dinner and performance. Overnight (home
stay with 2 people per family) in the village
Day 5 Lahu Lifestyle & Plantation - Chiang Rai (B,L) In the morning
we hike to a neighboring village, Ban Huay Rin, passing Lahu's terrace
rice fields and fruit plantations (lichee, mango, etc ) of Ban Jakue
along the way. Picnic lunch in Ban Huay Rin In the afternoon take a boat
ride (one and a half hours ) on Mae Kok River to Tha Ton and continue by
air-conditioned van (two hours) Chiang Mai. Transfer to hotel in Chiang
Mai. (Note : For those who want to go to Bangkok, we can take a boat
ride to Chiang Rai and at 18.50 take the flight TG143 to Bangkok. The
flight will arrive Bangkok at 20.05).
Rates from $675.00 per person based on a minimum of 2 people traveling.
Rates decrease if there are more than 2 in your party.
The price includes: 2 nights home stay in Karen & Lahu villages,
1night. dormitory in Hmong village, 1 night. at Karen Ecolodge in Doi
Inthanon, 13 meals (local Hmong, Karen, Lahu & Thai style), visits
& transfer by a private air-conditioned minibus/van, boat fee,
admission fee, all activities as mentioned in the program, an English
speaking guide & local guides, travel insurance( 500,000 baht /
person), and donation to the people's organizations in the villages
The price excludes: drinks, personal expense, or any air fares. Things
to bring : warm clothes in winter (November - February), rain gear in
the rainy season ( July - October), long pants and long sleeves shirt
and good hiking shoes, shorts and tevas /sandals for bamboo rafting , a
towel and toiletries, slippers, sarong/clothes for taking a shower, hat,
personal medications, insect repellant, sunscreen. Flashlight.
Note the hill tribes you are visiting are interested in where we come
from - so do bring mementos, small souvenirs for "show and tell" and as
gifts.
Itinerary: Due to the nature of the tour, the weather, road condition,
local circumstances, prevailing safety factors, the route and itinerary
may vary to those published but the content of the tour will remain
similar. The final decision of the actual itinerary will be made by the
tour operator's staff on the day of the tour.
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