PAI & MAE HONG SON
Northern Thailand is a hidden gem for nature lovers and culture seekers. Discover the peaceful mountain town of Pai with its hot springs, Pai Canyon, and ethnic diversity. Journey to Mae Hong Son to explore traditional markets, mysterious caves by bamboo raft, and tranquil temples by the lakeside. Immerse yourself in the simple life of hill tribe villages, enjoy a boat ride on the Pai River, and admire the unique charm of Pang Oung – Thailand’s “Little Switzerland.” Conclude your trip at Doi Inthanon National Park, the highest peak in Thailand, with breathtaking views, lush waterfalls, and vibrant local markets.
DAY 1: CHIANG MAI – PAI (-/L/-)
Pick up in Chiang Mai (in the hotel booked by yourself) and departure for the North, up to Pai. On the way, visit the market of Mae Malai, where you can experience local foods like some exotic fruits. Then you’ll stop at Pong Duead, one of the most beautiful hot springs in the province of Chiang Mai. This Spa is little exploited commercially, in fact, and is part of a well maintained in a very picturesque wooded Valley Park. Downstream of bubbling geysers, the rock formations are shallow pools where you can have a nice swim.
On the way, stop at Pai Memorial Bridge, is a bridge over the Pai River with a long history dating back to World War II.
You will then have lunch in a restaurant before arriving in Pai.
It is a small community located in a hilly and beautiful, natural environment clean, refreshing and warm atmosphere. Its different ethnic groups of the Plains or mountains, with their religious beliefs and their different languages, are mixed to form singular and common cultural traditions together.
If the weather permit, you will have chance to visit Pai Canyon viewpoint – (also known as Kong Lan) is an incredibly scenic canyon with stunning valley views and it’s one of the most reputable locations to catch a Pai sunset!
Have dinner by own. You can also discover Pai warking street market.
Overnight at hotel in Pai
Distance:
- Chiang Mai City – Pai: 80 miles -> 03 hour driving transfer
- Pai – Pai Canyon: 5 miles -> 10 minute driving transfer
DAY 2: PAI – MAE HONG SON (B/L/–)
After breakfast, visit the local market then departure to Mae Hong Son. Stop at Ban Jabo village where the black Lahu community is located. You can get a chance to see the local Lahu people dressed in traditional costumes and playing wooden instruments. You continue the road towards Ban Tham Lod, and visit the caves of Nam Lod by bamboo raft. Cruise on the inland lake; discover its calcareous concretions and its prehistoric coffins. Since the entrance to the exit of the cavity, a water course follows a circular path on nearly 500 meters of height, by eroding it for more than a million years. The site includes three separate caves, in fact, those Sao Hin, Tukta and IP Man; to visit, tourists must climb aboard a raft on 1600 meters. Lunch is served along the way.
You then take the road to Mae Hong Son with the visit of three temples near the picturesque lake of Jong Kham. It is one of the central points of the city, the western part of the Lake has a few restaurants, a night market, and a walk along the Lake path. Visit to Wat Chong Kham: located next to Wat Chong Klang, it is the oldest of the two wats (temples), founded in 1827 by the Shan of Mae Hong his sovereign. The Buddha, Burmese style, 5 meters high, is sitting. Wat Chong Klang was built in the 1860s, his Burmese style chedi can easily be seen from the banks of the Lake. Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu is the main attraction of Mae Hong Son, keeping the city like a Sentinel. The best time to visit is during the sunset between November and February when the surrounding mountains are shrouded in fog.
Overnight at hotel in Mae Hong Son
Distance:
- Pai – Mae Hong Son: 68 miles -> 2,5 hour driving transfer
- Mae Hong Son – Tham Lod: 49 miles -> 1,5 hour driving transfer
DAY 3: MAE HONG SON (B/L/-)
Morning we begin the journey by taking a boat for sightseeing along the Pai River. You can catch sight one of the most beautiful scenery and simply life style along the Pai River. Drop in to visit Long-Necked Karen village, the women in this tribal village wear their one brass winding rings on their neck.
Lunch will be provided at local restaurant. Continue the journey to visit the Su Tong Pae Bridge, which is the longest bamboo bridge in Thailand. Then taking the next programmed directly journey to “Baan Rak Thai Village.” This interesting village located on the border between Thai and Myanmar with a big lake nearby. Next visit is the beautiful, calm and peaceful atmosphere in Shan village “Baan Ruam Thai”. Also known as Pang Oung, the village is located among the rugged mountain range. The reservoir or a big lake is so spectacular landscape that it is entitled Switzerland in Thailand, surrounded by pine forest and colorful winter flowers including year-round cold weather.
Overnight at hotel in Mae Hong Son
Distance:
- Mae Hong Son – Long-Necked Karen village: 9 miles -> 25 minute driving transfer
- Long-Necked Karen village – Su Tong Pae Bridge: 14 miles -> 30 minute driving transfer
- Su Tong Pae Bridge – Mae Hong Son: 10 miles -> 25 minute driving transfer
DAY 4: MAE HONG SON – DOI INTHANON – CHIANG MAI (B/L/-)
Morning heading South to Mae Chaem, visit Doi Inthanon national park (Thailand’s highest mountain of over 2,565 meters) Admire the stunning views of the peaks, and enjoy walking along the nature trail for a while, and then visit the beautiful architecture of Royal Pagodas Napamaytanidol and Phra Mahatat Napaphon Bhumisiri which build to commemorate the king’s and queen’s 60th birthdays, and enjoy the beautiful of Royal flower garden around the place. Continue to visit hill tribe market where they sell their own product from farm, such as flowers, vegetable etc. Visit Wachiratharn Waterfalls one of the largest and most beautiful waterfalls in Thailand, which has water throughout the year. Arrive in Chiang Mai transfer to the hotel or airport.
Distance:
- Mae Hong Son – Doi Inthanon: 124 miles -> 4 hour driving transfer
- Doi Inthanon National Park – Chiang Mai: 58 miles -> 1,5 hour driving transfer
HOME SWEET HOME!
Included / Excluded
To help you plan your trip, we have put together a list of what's included and what's not included in your tour package. This will give you a clear understanding of what to expect and help you make any necessary arrangements before your journey begins.
- Hotel Accommodation with daily breakfast (shared in twin/ double room)
- Experience English speaking tour manager on tour
- Private transfer and transportation on tour
- Meals are mentioned on program (B: Breakfast, Br: Brunch, L: Lunch, D: Dinner)
- Entrance fees are mentioned on the itinerary
- Daily mineral water (2 bottles/ pax/ tour day)
- All flights with tax
- Visa Approval Letter and Visa Stamping fee at arrival counter
- Travel Insurance
- Early check in or late check out
- Drinks and Beverages
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Surcharge for Public Holidays:
o New Year: 31 December 2025 – 02 January 2026 (inclusive)
o Surcharge for festivals (Loy Krathong 14-16 Nov, Sonkran 12-15 Apr…)
o Christmas: 23 – 25 December 2025 (inclusive
o Compulsory Gala Diner on 24 & 31 Dec 2025 (if any). - TIPPING for local guide, cruise team, tour manager and driver (compulsory)
- All other services are not mentioned on Inclusions
- Bank fee
Tour Map
This comprehensive map is designed to guide you through an exciting journey filled with remarkable destinations and captivating experiences.
