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Mae Hong Son and the surrounding area capture the typical
rural lifestyle of Northern Thailand. People of many ethnic
lineage all making they're living from the land and trading
their produce. See not only the local Thai people but also
those of Shan origin and the many hill tribes of the area.
A lush mountainous backdrop, that is some of the most photogenic
landscape in Thailand.
Day 1- Drive from Chiang Mai, the
first stop being at a local morning market. Stop and take
in the atmosphere and examine the local produce on sale. Continue
on to a natural hot spring. The onward route will show you
some of the impressive scenery of the area. Lunch is taken
in Pai, a small rural town. In the afternoon stop at two hilltribe
villages; Lisu and Lahu. Learn about their culture and their
way of life.
Further on, there is a visit to the famous "long
neck Karen" tribe. The proper name for this tribe is the Padong.
Their necks are lengthened as a fashion statement. They have
an exaggerated 'giraffe like' appearance because of their
custom of the girls adding brass rings around their necks
from age 5. These heavy brass rings push their shoulders downwards
and stretch the neck giving them an elongated look. See eTrips'
video clip, "Thai Hill Tribes". Accommodation for the night
in Mae Hong Son. ( 3 star)
Day 2- On the second day visit
the sights of interest in Mae Hong Son. The early morning
market exhibits the typical bustling activity to be seen in
most Thai agricultural towns. Most of the inhabitants of Mae
Hong Son are Shan giving this market something of a unique
atmosphere. The Shan influence is also evident in the temples
of which you will see two: the lakeside temple of Wat Jong
Kham and the hilltop Wat Doi Kong Mu. After lunch and a tour
around the town of Mae Hong Son take a short flight back to
Chiang Mai where you will be transferred back to your hotel.
Day 3- Drive north from Chiang Mai
on your way to the famous Golden Triangle, encompassing the
Northern tip of Thailand. This is the land of lush tropical
empires and legends of powerful drug lords. The first stop
is at a Black Lahu village. One of the many Lahu sub groups,
this group wears a distinctive long black or blue jacket.
After a look around the village we carry on to the Hot Springs,
followed by a Hmong village.
The Hmong are a hill tribe of
Chinese origin. Lunch is taken in Chiang Rai. Afterwards,
visit the ancient town of Chiang Saen on the banks of the
mighty and beautiful Mekong River. Next up is the bustling
border town of Mae Sai, which provides some insight into Burmese
life. Shopping is incredible with rich concentrated rows of
craftspeople and goodies from everywhere. No middle-man mark-ups
here. Next, follow the river to see where the three countries
of Thailand, Laos and Burma meet. Spend the night in Chiang
Rai.
Day 4- Head off into the hills to
see the Akha hill tribe. A tribe that wears distinctive decorated
headdresses. Continue deeper into the hills to visit the Kuomintang
settlement of Mae Salong. Members of the Kuomintang army who
fled the communist takeover in China founded this settlement.
The town has a distinctly Chinese atmosphere as well as Chinese
cuisine. Lunch is taken in Mae Salong. On the return journey
to Chiang Mai, take the scenic route passing through Taton
and stop for a break. Admire the enormous Buddha statue that
watches over this sleepy riverside town. The last leg of the
journey passes through Chiang Dao. Late evening arrive in
Chiang Mai, where you will be transferred to your hotel.
Day 5- your choice. You create the
activity, shopping, eating, sights filming, massage, spa,
etc.
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