Close Encounter with the Tribes

3 days -- from USD 297 per person

A 3 day/ 2 night adventurous journeys to the hill tribe inhabitants in northern Thailand. A full board program includes tours and accommodation at the simple and comfortable Lisu Lodge.

Day 1 - Chiang Mai - Lisu Lodge (Lunch, Dinner)

In the morning, transfer by local truck "songtaew" to the mountain temple of Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, the most famous landmark of Chiang Mai. Its golden pagoda shines high over the city. The pagoda is exquisite with 6 kilograms of pure gold at its peak and the rest plated with gold. The sound of temple bells fills the air, and the views down over the city make an irresistible photograph opportunity. Drive up the mountain passing the King's Winter Palace of Phuping and turn onto a rough dirt road to the Chiang Khien Coffee Research Project where you can enjoy a cup of the local 'arabica' surrounded by fabulous gardens of flowers similar to those in Europe.

Continue to the white Hmong village of Chiang Khien where 800 people still retain their traditional hilltribe clothes and culture dating back 500 years. The modern city of Chiang Mai can be viewed down below 10 km away.Upon arrival enjoy a quick cup of steaming mountain tea with a village family and then take an hour and 15 minute drive along a mountain ridge down to visit an Orchid Farm.

Drive 30 minutes to Lisu Lodge and enjoy a relaxing ox-cart ride through hilltribe fields, orchards and teak plantations before a village tour guided by one of the family heads to see a bit of Lisu customs and culture.

Dinner and overnight at Lisu Lodge.

Day 2 - Lisu Lodge - Join Tour (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

After breakfast, take an adventurous biking (mainly down hill) for about 13 km to Mae Taeng Elephant Camp. From here, you will enjoy an hour elephant ride through the beautiful mountain and jungle to the river. Enjoy picnic lunch by the river at the elephant camp. Afterwards embark on an inflatable raft for an exciting 45-minute white water rafting along the Mae Taeng River. After this adventure take a short drive to visit Akha Village.

Then it's your choice to bike or ride a local truck (30 minute drive) back to Lisu Lodge.

Upon arrival enjoy the refreshments at the lodge and then free time to enjoy Lisu activities such as embroidering and organic gardening.

Dinner and overnight at Lisu Lodge.

Day 3 - Lisu Lodge - Chiang Mai (Breakfast, Lunch)

After breakfast, depart by a local truck from Lisu Lodge to Pong Duad Hot Spring. Upon arrival enjoy walking around the beautiful National Park where you may experience mineral water bathing. Continue on the road to Mork Fah Waterfall and stop en route to visit the Karen Ban Huai Phra Chao Tribe.

Enjoy a picnic lunch by a large natural pool at the waterfall, where there is a narrow valley of luxurious tropical plants suitable for swimming. Then transfer to Chiang Mai. (Car and guide can be at your disposal until 17:00 hrs).