Explore the North: A Journey of Culture & Tradition in Northern Thailand

Following breakfast, you’ll check out of your hotel and head to the southern end of Mae Hong Son town to explore the Burmese- and Lanna-style temples.

The first stop is Wat Jong Klang, which houses hundred-year-old glass paintings and wood carvings from Burma, vividly depicting numerous facets of the Buddha’s life. You’ll then visit Wat Phra Dhat Doi Kong Moo which, on clear days, affords glorious views over the sleepy, mountain-hugged town of Mae Hong Son. If lucky, you may be able to enjoy a conversation with the resident Buddhist monks, with your guide on hand to help translate any queries you may have about life in a monastery and their daily rituals.

After exploring the temples, you’ll be driven the short distance to the Pha Bong Hot Spring, a serene, natural geothermal spring secluded amidst the forested mountainsides. Here you can choose to bathe in the mineral-rich waters or instead opt to take a leisurely walk through the surrounding forestry.

Next, your driver-guide will continue along the highway to the Khun Yuam distict, where you’ll stop off to visit the Thai-Japan Friendship Memorial Hall, which shines light on Khun Yuam’s role as a Japanese base during World War II, housing an impressive collection of weapons, military equipment and personal belongings left behind by Japanese soldiers.

You’ll then travel on to the Mae La Noi district, an off-the-beaten-path destination that retains its purity. There are a number of authentic hill tribe villages of both Lawa and Karen tribes scattered throughout the mountains and lowlands. These traditional settlements, rarely glimpsed by tourists, retain their cultural essence and reveal how these tribal groups live their daily lives.

After stopping for lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll continue to Kaeo Komon Cave, considered by many to be the most beautiful calcite crystal cave throughout Thailand. Divided into five chambers, you can traverse the cave’s connected corridors, admiring the glittering crystals adorn its walls.

Once you’ve explored this mystical crystal cave, you’ll meet back up with your driver-guide and continue towards Mae Sariang, where you’ll check into your next hotel.


Accommodation: The Riverhouse Resort, Mae Sariang (or alternative hotel of equal standard)

Check out of your hotel after breakfast to embark on the scenic journey northward towards Chiang Rai, located amid the undulating mountains of Northern Thailand close to the borders with Myanmar and Laos.

The journey to Chiang Rai is defined by splendid views of the mountainous landscape and tropical jungles. Along the way, you’ll make a stop at Mae Ka Chan, known for its soothing hot spring which locals believe boast healing properties.

You’ll reach Chiang Rai Province around noon, savouring an authentic local lunch en route. You’ll then switch to a pick-up truck vehicle adept at navigating the narrow mountain roads, taking you to Doi Mae Salong where you can enjoy truly breathtaking views across the mountainous countryside.

Between November and February here, you can delve into the culture of the Chinese descendants of the KMT Nationalist Chinese Army Regiment at their village, Santikhiri. The mountain is also home to a number of hill tribe villages; near the mountain’s peak are several picturesque tea plantations draped across the slopes. You’ll make visits to Akha and Yao hill tribe villages here, gaining insight into the traditional lifestyles these ethnic groups have made, centring their livelihoods around the land and the bounties of Mother Nature.

You will then continue on towards the city of Chiang Rai, checking into your hotel and spending the remainder of the day at leisure.


Accommodation:

Deluxe Option: Khamthana Colonial Hotel Chiang Rai (or alternative hotel of equal standard)

Superior Option: The Legend Chiang Rai (or alternative hotel of equal standard)

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before, at a prearranged time, meeting with your driver and transferring to the airport by private car to begin your onward journey.