Mae Hong Son Loop Tour 4 Days 3 Nights

After arriving at Chiang Mai Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and assisted with your transfer to the hotel. Once you have checked in, the remainder of the day is at your leisure, allowing you to relax and enjoy your stay in Chiang Mai and take this opportunity to explore the city at your own pace.

The journey from Chiang Mai to Mae Taeng district and then to Pai offers an exciting mix of nature, culture, and unforgettable experiences. Starting in Chiang Mai, you’ll head to Mae Taeng district to visit the Baan Chang Elephant Park Sanctuary. Along the way, you’ll be treated to spectacular scenery of lush forests, majestic mountains, and the cultivation areas where local farmers grow various plants. Upon arriving at Baan Chang Elephant Park, you’ll have the opportunity to change into traditional mahout costumes. The experience begins with distributing elephant food, such as plants and fruits, to prepare for feeding these gentle giants. The knowledgeable guides and mahouts will share the history of Thai elephants and teach you how to communicate with them, care for them, and observe their natural habits and behaviors. You’ll have the joy of playing with the elephants, taking photos, walking with them to mud pits for mud spas, and finally, giving them a refreshing bath. This unforgettable experience allows you to bond with these majestic creatures and learn more about their welfare and conservation.

Next, you’ll visit the Pong Dueat Hot Spring, the largest hot spring in the area. The geyser-like hot spring, with its accompanying steam, reaches a height of approximately 1-2 meters. The water temperature underground ranges from 170 to 200 degrees Celsius, while on the surface, it’s 90 to 100 degrees Celsius. The surrounding jungle provides an opportunity to study nature as you walk along a 1.5-kilometer circular route that takes you through the forest, past big trees, ferns, and moss. Along the way, informative signboards provide insights into the Pong Dueat Hot Spring and the surrounding plant life.

Continuing your journey to Pai, you’ll travel along the historical road that played a significant role during World War II. As you navigate the numerous sharp curves up and down the hills, you’ll be rewarded with impressive views of the beautiful mountains. Upon reaching Pai, you’ll visit Wat Phra That Mae Yen Temple, situated on a high hill in Mae Yen village. The panoramic views of Pai city, especially during sunrise and sunset, offer breathtaking beauty, with intricate mountain ranges providing a stunning backdrop. As night falls, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Pai’s lively walking street, where you can find a variety of handmade products, clothes, jewelry, and souvenirs. The numerous international and Thai restaurants invite you to savor the flavors of the region. Enjoy your overnight stay in Pai, relishing the experiences of the day and looking forward to more adventures on your journey through northern Thailand.

Your journey from Pai takes you to some remarkable destinations, offering a mix of natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural encounters. Starting with Doi Kiew Lom Viewpoint, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking sight as you witness the sea of mist collecting in the valley below. The vibrant colors of the flowers add to the enchanting scene, making it a popular spot for both Thai and foreign visitors. The picturesque landscape is sure to leave you in awe of nature’s wonders. Next on your itinerary is Tham Lod Cave, an important archaeological site that boasts a stream called “Lang” flowing through it. This flowing stream has contributed to the creation of stunning stalactites and stalagmites within the cave. The cave also holds early age antique tools and utensils, some of which are believed to be over 2,000 years old, offering a glimpse into the history of the region. Beyond the natural beauty, the cave provides opportunities for bamboo rafting and short treks, ensuring an adventure-filled experience.

Continuing your journey, you’ll visit the Lahu hill tribe village, a group that originated in Tibet and gradually migrated through China and Myanmar before settling in the north of Thailand. The Lahu people prefer to live in highland villages, leading a simple and spiritual lifestyle. Agriculture, including rice farming and corn planting, is their main occupation, and they are renowned as skilled hunters. The Lahu are known for their warm and welcoming nature, embracing visitors from different cultures and backgrounds. Your trip proceeds to the Lisu Hill Tribe village, whose roots lie in the regions of the Mae Kong River and Salween River in China. Over time, they migrated to Myanmar and then found their way to the northern regions of Thailand. Agriculture, particularly crops and livestock, forms the backbone of the Lisu economy. They are adept at rice farming for consumption and corn planting for livestock feed. The Lisu community is well-known for their craftsmanship, excelling in sewing, embroidery, and silverware making. Their vibrant and colorful dresses stand out among the hill tribes in Mae Hong Son province. The Lisu people are known for their friendliness, simplicity, and helpfulness, leaving a lasting impression on visitors.

As you end your day, you’ll stay overnight in Mae Hong Son, cherishing the memories of the unique cultures and landscapes you encountered throughout your journey. Your exploration of these diverse hill tribe villages showcases the richness of northern Thailand’s cultural tapestry and offers a deeper understanding of the local way of life.

Your journey in Mae Hong Son continues with a boat sightseeing trip along the Pai River, offering you the chance to witness the captivating scenery and the simple lifestyle of the communities along the riverbanks. As you glide along, you’ll visit the Long-Necked Karen village, where you can experience the unique culture and tradition of the women wearing brass winding rings around their necks. The conservative nature of the village has allowed them to preserve and pass down their distinctive heritage for generations. Next on your itinerary is a visit to the Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu temple, an essential place of worship in Mae Hong Son, perched atop Kong Mu Mountain. The temple complex comprises two pagodas, with the larger one constructed by “Chong Thong Su” in 1860 and the smaller one built by “Phraya Singhanatracha” in 1874. From the hilltop, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view of the town nestled amid mountains and valleys. Nearby, you’ll explore Wat Chong Kham and Wat Chong Klang temples, displaying exquisite Burmese-style architecture and housing revered Buddha images like Luang Paw To. The temples are adorned with intricate Burmese wood carving dolls and significant glass paintings illustrating Buddhist history.

Your journey continues to the Su Tong Pae Bridge, the longest bamboo bridge in Thailand, connecting Suan Tham Phusama Temple and Kung Mai Sak village. Crossing over paddy fields and canals, the bridge is a classic and impressive sight, particularly during the rainy season when the surrounding landscape becomes a picturesque scene of golden grains and verdant fields embraced by majestic mountains. You’ll then venture to Baan Rak Thai village, situated near the border between Thailand and Myanmar. This village, originally populated by Yunnan Chinese who fled Southern China during the communist regime, offers stunning mountain scenery, beautiful lakes, and colorful shrubbery. The village’s green tea farmland, arranged in captivating rows curving along the mountainside, is a sight to behold. Indulge in the delicious Yunnan cuisine, and savor Chinese tea, renowned for its quality in Mae Hong Son province.

The next destination, Baan Ruam Thai or Pang Oung, is a serene Shan village nestled amid rugged mountains. The village surrounds a picturesque reservoir, aptly referred to as “Switzerland in Thailand.” The area is adorned with pine forests and colorful winter flowers, creating an idyllic and peaceful atmosphere throughout the year. Witness the breathtaking sight of fog gently floating above the lake during the morning cold weather, further enhancing the charm of this enchanting destination. With another night in Mae Hong Son, you’ll have more time to immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of the region. Each stop on your itinerary has allowed you to experience the diverse cultures, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality of the local communities.

Your journey from Mae Hong Son to Doi Inthanon National Park promises to be a scenic and memorable adventure as you traverse winding roads with sharp curves that provide breathtaking views of the majestic mountains. Upon arriving at Doi Inthanon, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the highest peak in Thailand, standing tall at an altitude of 2,565 meters above sea level. Doi Inthanon is part of the extensive Thanon Thongchai Mountain range, stretching across multiple countries including Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar. The diverse climate and rich forest cover offer a unique experience, where you can encounter rain forests, pine forests, and mixed forests at various elevations. Reaching the summit, you’ll be treated to panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscapes, and the cool weather throughout the year adds to the allure of this captivating destination, attracting travelers from all corners of the globe.

As you continue your journey within Doi Inthanon National Park, you’ll be enchanted by the architectural beauty of the Twin Royal Pagodas, Napamethanidol, and Napapolpumisiri. These pagodas were created by the Air Force in collaboration with people from across Thailand, commemorating the 60th anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej Rama 9 in 1987 and honoring Her Majesty Queen Sirikit on her birthday, August 12, 1992. Set on a high hill, the pagodas are adorned with winter flower gardens and an array of plants, creating a picturesque scene. The location offers stunning panoramic views that are among the most beautiful viewpoints in Chiang Mai.

You’ll then visit Wachirathan Waterfall, a magnificent single-tiered waterfall with a height of 70 meters, renowned as one of Thailand’s most beautiful waterfalls. The waterfall flows throughout the year, and during the rainy season, the water droplets create rainbows when exposed to the sun, enhancing the splendor of Wachirathan Waterfall. This natural phenomenon adds to the allure of this picturesque spot. Another attraction to admire is the Royal Agricultural Station Inthanon, where colorful flower plots and various varieties of vegetables and fruits captivate visitors. This research station focuses on winter plants, conducting research on flowers, ornamental plants, vegetables, fruits, and highland fisheries. The station also contributes to social development, fundamental research, and forest watershed conservation. The income generated from the project benefits hill tribe farmers’ families living in nearby villages. Finally, your journey brings you back to Chiang Mai, where you can reflect on the beauty and diversity you’ve experienced throughout your travels.

Your journey in the northern region of Thailand has come to an end, and it is time to bid farewell. Our dedicated team will now escort you to Chiang Mai Airport to ensure that your return journey or onward travels to other destinations go smoothly, and this is end of our services.