Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

Asia sticks to you. From the nomadic steppes of Kazakhstan to the frenetic streets of Hanoi, Asia is a continent so full of intrigue, adventure, solace & spirituality that it has fixated & confounded travellers for centuries. Wrapped in rainforests, edged by golden sands, crowned by volcanoes, studded with ruins of lost civilisations: this is Asia as you have always imagined it. The joss sticks lit for the household shrines in Thailand impart a sweet perfume to the thick air & the heavenly aroma of Indian spices follows you for days.

Sawasdee ka & welcome to   enchanting Kingdom of Siam - friendly & food-obsessed, hedonistic & historic, cultured & curious, Thailand tempts visitors with a smile as golden as the country's glittering ornate temples displaying figures of Buddha, opulent royal palaces, ancient ruins & tropical beaches. The joss sticks lit for the household shrines in Thailand impart a sweet perfume to the thick air. 

Arrive in Bangkok - the city where the familiar & the exotic collide like the flavors on a plate of Pat Tai.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative outside Door B, who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel. He / she will provide assistance during Check-in & also discuss the program for the next few days.

If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer   Please do not exit the Airport & make your own way to the start hotel.

Enroute to the hotel, the Rep will introduce you to some landmarks of Bangkok & offer suggestions to make the most of your visit & the options available for free time.

Check-in at your centrally located hotel & relax.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Balance of the day is at leisure to relax or explore the city, your way or opt for one of the optional activities (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Fun Folks | Food | Urban Exploration | Contrasts

Bangkok is excess in all of its unrestrained glory. Bigger, better, more: the city is insatiable, a monster that feeds on concrete, shopping malls & diesel exhaust. The city demands that you be in the present & in the moment, not necessarily for a religious epiphany, but because the city is self-absorbed & superficial, blissfully free of wrinkle-inducing self-reflection. Smiles & sa·nuk (the Thai word for ‘fun’) are the key passports into Bangkok society. A compliment here, a joke there - the demands of social lubrication in this Megalopolis are more akin to a small Village than an anonymous City & a necessity for survival.

As Bangkok forcefully kneads out of you all demands for order & predictability, you will understand the famous Thai smile. It is the metaphorical brakes on the urban overdrive. Packed into these concrete corridors are religious spectacle, unapologetic Consumerism & multi-flavoured Hedonism - corrupting & purifying souls within footsteps of each other.

The language barrier can seem huge, but it is never prevented anybody from getting along with the Thai people. The capital’s cultural underpinnings are evident in virtually all facets of everyday life & most enjoyably through its residents' sense of fun (known in Thai as sa·nuk). Ordering food, changing money & haggling at markets will usually involve a sense of playfulness – a dash of flirtation, perhaps – & a smile. It is a language that doesn’t require words & one that is easy to learn.

Of the famous & infamous attractions, Bangkok’s best feature is its intermingling of opposites. A modern world of affluence orbits around a serene traditional core. Hop the Skytrain to the glitzy Shopping-Malls where trust-fund babies examine luxury brands as carefully as the housewives inspect produce at the open-air Markets. Or appreciate the attempts at enlightenment at the city’s famous Temples & doorstep Shrines, or simple acts of kindness amid the urban bustle. Or you can jump between all of these worlds - wining & hobnobbing at a chic Club, eating at a street side Market, getting plucked & pummelled into something more beautiful or sweating profusely on a long unplanned march. Bangkok is an urban connoisseur’s dream come true

With so much of its daily life conducted on the Street, there are few cities in the world that reward exploration as handsomely as Bangkok does. It is the contradictions that provide the City of Angels with its rich, multifaceted personality. Here, climate-controlled Megamalls sit side by side with 200 year old Village homes; gold-spired Temples share space with neon-lit Strips of Sleaze; slow-moving traffic is bypassed by long-tail Boats plying the royal river; Buddhist Monks dressed in robes shop for the latest Smartphones. A stroll off Banglamphu’s beaten track can lead to a conversation with a Monk. Cap off an extended Boat trip with a visit to a hidden Market. Get lost in the tiny lanes of Chinatown & stumble upon a Chinese Opera Performance. Or after dark, let the BTS (Skytrain) transport you to Sukhumvit, where the local Nightlife scene reveals a cosmopolitan & dynamic city. And as Bangkok races towards the future, these contrasts will never stop supplying the city with its unique & ever-changing strain of Thai-ness.

And Streets lined with Food Carts are overlooked by Restaurants perched on top of Skyscrapers & perhaps Bangkok has got to be one of the best-value dining destinations in the world. Until you have eaten on a Street, noodles mingling with your sweat amid a cloud of exhaust fumes, you haven’t actually eaten Thai food. It can be an intense mix: the base flavours - spicy, sour, sweet & salty - aren’t exactly meat & potatoes. But for adventurous foodies who don't need white tablecloths, there is probably no better dining destination in the world. And with Immigration bringing every regional Thai & international cuisine to the Capital, it is also a truly diverse experience.

The ever-growing Capital is sprinkled with intermittent gold Spires peaking over antique homes in the shadow of Skyscrapers & colossal Shopping areas. Bangkok is a city where the familiar sounds of a Metropolis fade beneath exotic colors, hidden Buddhist Temples & the captivating aromas of traditional Thai food. Local culture underpins daily life with a sense of joy that seeps into the Cuisine, the Shops, the Vendors & into your explorations. Your experiences in the City can range wildly, from a chat with a Monk to an evening spent at a Chinese Opera with the unique cultural connection between the 2 diverse heritages.

Meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby at 09:00 am & proceed on a 4 hour sightseeing to discover this amazing kaleidoscope of old & new cultures. You will see a well-groomed corporate Executive whizzing by in a BMW or a Mercedes or a Bentley amidst the chaos of the Bangkok streets.

The adventure begins!

First stop will be the spiritual & religious heart of the city - the striking Grand Palace, one of the most beautiful illustrations of an ancient Siamese Court - a doubtless gem & icon of Bangkok that draws attention not only for its long history but also for the delicate construction & decorations. Topped by golden Stupas, it used to be the Residence of the Kings of Siam. In the Complex, you will see Palaces which were / are used for different occasions: the Funeral Palace, the Reception Palace, the Throne Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Royal Guest House.

Located in one corner of the huge Grand Palace Complex is the ornately decorated & gilded Temple Wat Phra Kaeo, the holiest Buddhist site in Thailand & home to the legendary Emerald Buddha. The whole site is surrounded by an arcade with 178 different painted Panels depicting the story of the Ramayana (please note that Grand Palace complex is closed during special royal ceremonies & during visiting Heads of State).

Next stop is Wat Pho, or Wat Phra Chetuphon as it is generally known to the Thais, is mainly famous for the huge reclining Buddha statue it houses.

At 20 acres large, it is the largest Wat in Bangkok & is technically the oldest too, as it was built around 200 years before Bangkok became Thailand's Capital. However today, the Wat bears virtually no resemblance to that originally constructed, as it was almost entirely rebuilt by Rama I when the Capital was moved to Bangkok. It holds the dual honors of having both Thailand's largest reclining Buddha image & most number of Buddha images in Thailand.

The highly impressive gold plated reclining Buddha is 46 meters long & 15 meters high & is designed to illustrate the passing of the Buddha into nirvana. The feet & the eyes are engraved with mother-of-pearl decoration & the feet also show the 108 auspicious characteristics of the true Buddha. The large grounds of Wat Pho contain more than 1000 Buddha images in total, most from the ruins of the former Capitals Ayuthaya & Sukhothai.

The Temple is considered the earliest centre for public education in Thailand & the marble illustrations & inscriptions placed in the Temple for public instructions has been recognised by UNESCO in its Memory of the World Programme. It houses a School of Thai Medicine & is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage which is still taught & practiced at the Temple.

You may also visit another Temple - Wat Traimit, with its invaluable Golden Buddha (5-1/2 tons of solid gold) has the largest golden Buddha in the world. At one point in its history the Statue was covered with a layer of stucco & coloured glass to conceal its true value & it remained in this condition for almost 200 years, ending up at what was then a Pagoda of minor significance (like hundreds of other Buddhist Temples that exist in Bangkok). During relocation of the statue in 1955, the plaster was chipped off & the gold revealed. Measuring 12 feet in diameter with a height of 15 feet from the base to the crown, this 700 years artefact is a valuable treasure of Thailand & Buddhism.   

After a lunch (not included - own expense) in a Restaurant by the river, board a long tail boat for a cruise around the Chao Phraya River Klongs (small canals) of Thonburi (also known as Venice of the East), the site originally chosen for Thailand's new capital after the fall of Ayuthaya.  The Klongs enable surface water to make its way to the sea & have long been a way of getting around Bangkok.

Enjoy the beautiful views of Temples, Pagodas, Skyscrapers & residential buildings that create a unique skyline of Bangkok, along surprisingly rural western suburbs which feel a world away from the chaotic streets of modern Bangkok, across the river. Observe the daily lives of the people who live along the canals as you glide by curious stilted houses & gleaming temples whilst old men fish & children folic about on the water’s edge. See the boathouse where the Royal Barges are kept & maintained.

Disembark within walking distance of Khao San Road, a lively area popular with backpackers & hippy flower children of the past. Enjoy the many Bars, Restaurants, street Performers, market stalls & Tailors - that will measure you up for a new suit for 1 day delivery, that line this vibrant road.

The sightseeing ends & it is time to enjoy Lunch in a restaurant by the river (included).

And now, are you ready to experience the Venice of Asia?

Do you know why Bangkok is often referred to as the Venice of Asia? That is because part of the City is fully covered in Canals or Klongs (small canals), houses built on water & basically all the life happening on the water. And the best thing - it is green, peaceful & relaxing. Not the typical adjectives that people normally use to describe the busy & crowded Capital.

Chao Phraya River is Bangkok’s main artery. The west bank of the River is called Thonburi & it is the only area of the fast-growing City that hasn’t been developing with the time. The old Thonburi is a jumble of Klongs & streams of various rivers. It is still like it used to be, with man-made Canals used as Streets, small Boats parked by the sides of the local Houses that are built right on the water.

Most of the locals have never wanted to let this piece of history go, so they still live the slow-paced lifestyle. Not everyone in Thonburi is wealthy, so circling through the narrow Canals allows visitors to see fragile Huts built right on the water that looks like they are about to collapse if the wind blows a bit stronger.

To experience this different facet of Bangkok, proceed to the Phra Arthit Pier to board a Long-tail Boat for a 90 minute Cruise through the narrow Klongs of Thonburi, the site originally chosen for Thailand's new Capital after the fall of Ayuthaya at the end of the 18^th century. The Cruise offers a contrast between the mighty Chao Phraya River & the small 6 meters wide Klongs.

Long-tail Boats are like Tuk-Tuks on water & exploring Bangkok by boat is a fantastic way to get a glimpse into the timeless charm of the City.

Enjoy the natural scenery along Bangkok's surprisingly rural western suburbs which feel a world away from the chaotic streets of modern Bangkok, across the River. Observe the daily lives of the people who live along the Canals.

You can experience the role of Bangkok’s many Waterways, which dates back to ancient times. With majestic sites & attractions lined up on both banks of the River, getting around the City by boat is a popular option among first-time travellers to the City.

The first few minutes the boat rushes between the quite heavy Ferry traffic along the river & then it takes a sharp turn into one of the Klongs that connect the new Bangkok with the old one.

Right after the turn, you suddenly find yourself in a totally different environment. The tour takes you along Temples by the Canals, a local School & other establishments just like in every normal Town. But in this case, it is all on the Water.

The City noise slowly disappears, the Water becomes more peaceful & local Homes in size of small wooden boxes on one side of the Canal & larger Mansions with beautiful yards on the other side reveal themselves. And most importantly - the air is fresh, the surroundings are quiet & it feels like you have entered a serene Oasis. The loud noises coming from your Boat’s engine are the only things ruining a bit this otherwise blissful environment.

You might have people approaching us in small Boats, selling cold drinks, snacks & souvenirs as you make a couple of stops at a Temple where you can gain some karma by feeding the fish & avail the opportunity to talk to some of the students attending the Temple Sschool or take a leisurely stroll through its Vegetable & Herb Gardens. You will also notice some Monitor Lizards sunbathing on the banks.

You may also stop to see the Boat-house where the Royal Barges are kept & maintained. Visit the Royal Barge Museum & then head off the normal tourist route to visit an Orchid & Spice Farm.

Return to the hotel by late afternoon.

Evening, meet the Journeys Rep / Driver & proceed to the iconic Bussaracum Restaurant, in a spacious renovated home compound surrounded by gardens where they grow many of the herbs & spices used by the Restaurant’s skilled kitchen staff, for a sumptuous Siamese dinner. For 3 decades, this Restaurant has defined royal Thai cuisine & was the Kingdom’s very first to specialize in royal household dishes, which are known for their distinctive ingredients, decorations & flavors. It continues to refine its approach not only to royal Thai recipes but also to the many dishes & regional variations comprising all of Thailand’s national cuisine.

Transfer back to the hotel.

Get up early today, Check-out (you are allowed to use the hotel facilities in the evening & to leave the luggage at the Bell Desk) & meet the Tour-guide at 07.00 am & embark on an excursion to see another iconic ‘Food’ Market.

Get off the beaten track when you walk through local neighbourhoods to get to the Skytrain Station for a short ride to Wongwian Yai.  Then, board a local train for a leisurely 40 minute ride to a stunning green back-land passing by colourful wooden houses, beautiful landscapes & small local stations. 

As you enjoy the scenic ride, you can almost visualize the kitchens & living rooms of the locals as you see the big buildings of Bangkok become smaller in the distance until rice fields & houses on stilts surround you.

When the Train comes to a stop, you will literally have arrived in the middle of the Mahachai Fish Market which surrounds the Train Station.

Located in southwest of Bangkok just north of where the Tha Jeen River flows into the Gulf of Thailand, Mahachai’s countless fishing boat Piers melt into a tangle of roofed Markets & narrow lanes around the eponymous Station.

Mahachai is known for some of the finest fish & crabs brought upriver from the sea & is one of the largest Fishing Centres in a country boasting one of the world’s highest levels of seafood production. It is a good place to watch wiry Fishermen unload bucket after bucket of smelly seafood bound for Woks, Grills & Steamers throughout Thailand & beyond.

Among the overwhelming number of Stalls, you will also spot all sorts of dried seafood products along with mounds of kapi (shrimp paste), a local specialty.

Your Tour-guide will walk you through some of the small Alleys & take you to a famous Restaurant where you will be treated to some of the freshest & best seafood around.

Post Lunch, hop on a small Boat to reach another Station & jump on the next Train.

The scenery passing by, filled with sea salt plains & rice fields, is a bit different on this 15 minute slow ride back in time.

At the end of this Train ride, you are in for a culturally unique & truly fascinating experience. The famous Mae Khlong Railway Market literally swallows the Train, as it is located right on the train tracks. See how the Vendors fold their Umbrellas & Stalls away as the Train approaches & set up again seconds after the Train has left it behind.

Walk around for an hour, before hopping on your waiting Vehicle for the drive back to Bangkok.

Reach the Hotel by 05.00 pm to pick up your luggage.

In time, you are transferred to the Hua Lamphong Station connected to the MRT system - the central hub to all northeastern & southern Thailand Trains. As you can imagine the Station will be jam-packed full of people. There are Shops in & around the Station selling various different foods in case you want to load up on some food & snacks for the journey which we would recommend (even though there is an on-board Shop on the Train).

In time, board your overnight Train to Chiang Mai.

The reserved 1^st class Sleeper Carriage feature private 2 Seater Cabins with Bunk Beds, Cabinet, Sink, Plug-point Sockets & even a Television & Wi-fi. The TV doubles up as a GPS listing the Train’s location at all times & the arrival time at each station.

Arrive in Chiang Mai - the city where the familiar & the exotic collide like the flavors on a plate of Pat Thai.

On arrival in the morning, as you exit out of the Carriage, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative (holding a placard with your Name in front of the carriage as you step out of the Train), who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the Hotel. He / she will provide assistance during Check-in & also discuss the program for the next day.

If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 20 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer.  Please wait at the Point where you disembarked & do not exit the Platform & make your own way to the start hotel, unless advised.

Reach the hotel & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’. If hotel is unable to provide rooms in the morning, you can use the hotel facilities to freshen up & proceed for a sightseeing tour of the ‘Temple’ city.

Rest of the morning is free to relax.

Founded in 1296 AD, Chiang Mai is a culturally & historically interesting city, at one time the Capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom. Thais idealise their beloved northern erstwhile Capital.

A sprawling modern City has grown up around ancient Chiang Mai ringed by a tangle of Superhighways. Despite this, the historic Centre of Chiang Mai still feels overwhelmingly residential, more like a sleepy country Town than a bustling City it is.

A quaint, moated & walled City (only sections of the Wall dating to their restoration a few decades ago remain at the Gates & corners but the Moat is in better shape) surrounded by mountains with legendary, mystical attributes, its historical centre.

Chiang Mai's historical centre encompasses more than 300 Temples (121 within the Municipal limits) - almost as many as are in Bangkok - dating back to the founding of the Principality, in a combination of Burmese, Sri Lankan & Lanna Thai styles, decorated with beautiful wood Carvings, Naga Staircases, leonine & angelic Guardians, gilded Umbrellas & Pagodas laced with gold filigree. And this is what makes the old City Centre visually striking. The most famous is Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, which overlooks the city from a mountainside 13 km away.

Chiang Mai has always had many feathers to its bow with its cultural riches, relative peacefulness, fantastic Handicraft shopping, delicious Food & proximity to many natural treasures.  It is a dynamic & modern city, which has successfully managed to combine its rich history & traditions with its increasingly modern side. Chiang Mai has expanded in all directions, but particularly to the east towards the Ping River (Mae Nam Ping), where Thanon Chang Klan, the famous Night Bazaar & the bulk of the City’s Hotels & Guest-houses are located. 

Loi Kroh Rd is the center of the city's Nightlife. The locals say you have not experienced Chiang Mai until you have seen the view from Doi Suthep, eaten a bowl of Kao Soi, & purchased an Umbrella from Bo Sang. Of course, this is touristic nonsense, but the Kao Soi, Bo Sang Umbrellas & Doi Suthep are important cultural icons for Chiang Mai residents. Ratchadamneon Road hosts the main Sunday night walking Street Market from Thapae Gate to the popular Wat Phra Singh.

If you drive in a straight line in any direction, you will soon find yourself in the lush green countryside & pristine Rainforests dotted with churning Waterfalls, serene Wat & blissfully calm & laid back Villages – as well as a host of Markets & Elephant Sanctuaries.

Participate in a vast array of activities on offer, or just stroll around the Backstreets & discover a city that is still firmly Thai in its atmosphere & attitude.

Afternoon, meet the Tour-guide at 01.30 pm & embark on a 3 hour sightseeing tour of this ancient city (flexible, please refer to info about Check-in time).

Explore some if the more famous & picturesque of the City’s 36 active functional Buddhist Wats (Temples), both inside the city walls & in the nearby countryside - a perfect introduction to Northern Thailand’s cultural & religious Capital.

Ascend the rolling hills surrounding Chiang Mai to experience Chiang Mai’s most visually stunning Wat - the gorgeous & highly revered 600 year old Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, perched high above the urban center atop the forested 5,300 foot Doi Suthep Peak. The final Staircase leading to the site is adorned with the impressive body of the mythical dragon headed serpent, or Naga, snaking its way down 306 Steps.

This Wat contains a holy relic of Budhha. Gain first-hand insight into habits of the Monks as they go about their daily routines. The site offers spectacular views of the historic environs of City & foothills surrounding the city & affords plenty of opportunities to photograph Chiang Mai.

You will visit Wat Chedi, an ancient structure in central Chiang Mai first constructed in 1411. The Temple once rose over 278 feet above the City before it was partially destroyed by an earthquake in 1545. Glance inside the Temple to observe Statues of guardian spirits that some say protect the Temple to this day. 

The Tour concludes & you are transferred back to the Hotel. Or, you may continue exploring on your own & return to the Hotel (on your own).

In the evening around 06.30 pm, you will be transferred to best place in Chiang Mai to enjoy a traditional Khantoke Dinner - an important part of the northern Thai people's culture & hospitality.

The customary northern Thai style of eating involves a variety of northern dishes being served family-style in large lacquerware & wooden platters at low tables while you sit cross-legged on mats on the floor, with fellow guests & share a succession of tasty dishes, accompanied with sticky rice.

During Dinner, there will be traditional northern Thai Hill-tribe Music & Dancing. As traditional as the food, these Dances are exclusive to Chiang Mai district & you will not see them anywhere else.

Let yourself be entertained by a selection of northern cultural Performances including the charming Fon Lep (Thai Finger Dance) - a traditional Dance that the northern Thai people are very proud of. It is usually performed on special occasion, such as when greeting honourable Guests or State Visitors; Ram Dab (Thai Sword Dance) was developed from an ancient Martial Art. It was transformed in to a Dance because of its ferocious beauty. The Dancer will dance with 12 Swords; the Celebration Dance - was composed & choreographed by Chao Dara Rasmi’s Court Poets & Dance Instructors in the year 1927. It was part of celebrations on the occasion of King Prajadhipok’s visit to Chiang Mai & replicates & rejoices in the presentation of a white Elephant to him. And many more styles.

The evening draws to a close with a special Show of Dance & Music performed by members of various Karen Hill-tribes like Yao, Meo, Lahu, Lisu. During the final act - the Rumwong Dance - Guests are invited to participate.

With full bellies, you will head back to the Hotel after this truly memorable & entertaining evening.

Reach the hotel by 09.30 pm.

And today, get ready to commence your ‘once in a life time’ adventure - driving (or sitting on the back seat) Thailand’s most iconic vehicle - the Tuk Tuk.

Morning, Check-out & you will be met by a Journeys Affiliate at 10.00 am & embark on the world’s best Self-driving holiday - ‘full beam exotic Asia‘ & ‘a journey into Siam’s soul‘.

Driving through picturesque rural vistas full of Rice Paddies as the road climbs higher into the Hills, you will be transferred to the Tuk Tuk Club HQ / Base Camp in a the stunning Mae Wang Valley, located around an hour away, south of Chiang Mai. 

On arrival, Check-in at the Hotel & relax for an hour.

Picturesque Mai Wang is full of tropical Rainforests, looming Mountains, rushing Rivers, Hill-tribe Villages and a couple of Sanctuaries & Camps full of Elephants, all within an hour's drive. But there isn’t actually a Town or Village of that name. The most important Town (well, large Village) & commercial centre for the Mae Wang Valley is Ban Kat, often mistakenly identified as Mae Wang village. The small lively Market here is very interesting & you may glimpse some Karen or Hmong women from nearby Villages in their traditional clothes. There is a good Coffee shop & plenty of simple Restaurants.

Just over a kilometre past Ban Kat, the route leads to Mae Wang National Park, the most popular Rafting area offering Bamboo Rafting, Tubing & Kayaking on the Mae Wang River while the surrounding Hills hold excellent Trekking possibilities. The District’s namesake, the Mae Wang River, starts in the Peaks & flows east towards Chiang Mai before eventually joining the Ping River on the border of Chiang Mai & Lamphun Province. There are many riverbank Cafes.

There is a bigger concentration of the ethnic Hill Tribe people across Mae Wang, compared to all regions of Thailand. Groups with large populations here include the Karen, Hmong & Akha Tribes. In the lowlands near Ban Kad, native Thai people are more common & as elevations increase on the Western slopes of Doi Inthanon, ethnic Minorities become more common. Past Mae Sa Pok, the Villages are almost exclusively Karen, with Hmong people living higher up in the mountains.

This iconic action-packed sojourn gets you right off the beaten track & there simply is no better way to experience real or rural Thailand!

Meet the Journeys Rep again & proceed to the near-by Driving Range, where you will meet your Tuk Tuk (you will become very fond of this wonderful machine over the next few days) & of course, the Tour-guide & the Support Team who will accompany you on this adventure into the hinterlands.   

Described by the Sunday Times as ‘the best driving holiday in the world,’ the Tuk Tuk Tour gives you a chance to see a side of Thailand that few travellers ever see. Think winding mountain roads, towering Forests, Elephant Camps, pristine Waterfalls, jungle Cookery, Hill-tribe Home-stays, authentic Food & more than a hint of luxury!

If you have ever had a ride in a Tuk Tuk on the Streets of Bangkok, then you might be slightly reticent to embark on a Self-drive tour. However, thanks to the comprehensive Driving Test, specially modified Tuk Tuks & an experienced Lead Driver in charge of a small group Convoy, a Self-drive Tuk Tuk adventure   is actually a lot safer, comfortable & more culturally enlightening than you may expect.

It is very straightforward to drive a Tuk Tuk. Basically a cross between a Motorbike & a Car, there are Motorbike Handle Bars to steer & accelerate. Going faster is achieved with a twist of your right hand. You have Brake & Clutch Pedals at your feet & a Gear Stick in between your legs.

The comprehensive Training Session takes place ‘off road’ & allows all Participants the time to get used to these wonderful vehicles & to master all the Controls, involving numerous manoeuvres, starting from scratch, while you learn how to drive a Tuk Tuk. The in-depth Training is followed by an off road 'Driving Test' that all Drivers must Pass before heading out onto the road.

All our bilingual local Tour Leaders on a Self-drive Tuk Tuk Tour have undertaken a 3 month comprehensive government certified Training Programme & are well versed in Training, Coaching & helping new Drivers gain confidence as they take control. This sort of Group Leader Training not only benefits travellers, it also empowers local people by offering employment & an opportunity for a mutual cultural exchange.

Please note the following:

·         All Guests who wish to Self-drive a Tuk Tuk Must have a valid Driving License + an International Driving Permit (IDP) from their own Country (Manual Gear)

·         No previous Tuk Tuk driving experience is necessary as you will be trained on Day 1 but please note that if you are not used to driving a Manual / Stick Shift car at home, then we strongly recommend you choose the Chauffeur driven option & relax in the back seat

·         At the end of Training Session, all Drivers must pass the Driving Test mandated by the Government.

·         If the Leader & / or Training Team determines that you have not attained the standard expertise to qualify, then unfortunately, you will not be able to drive on the roads (although if time permits, we will impart more training in the Driving Range to enable a 2^nd try).

·         The decision of the Training Team is final.

On average, most international Drivers get the hang of it in about an hour. In the rare event of someone not getting to grips with any aspect of the vehicle, they can sit up front with the Tour-guide in the lead Tuk Tuk. No problem.

Thailand's roads are actually extremely good. As Self-drive Tuk Tuk tour does not go off road or down dirt tracks, there are never any issues with the quality of road surfaces. Roads are well maintained & our Itinerary aims to avoid major roads or busy traffic, wherever possible.

Speed is limited to 50 kmph although you will often be driving a lot slower. Basically, no one goes faster than the Lead Driver & no overtaking is allowed. It is a scenic, relaxing & enjoyable experience rather than full throttle Formula 1 & is all about the journey, not who is the fastest.

The customised Tuk Tuks feature more powerful Engines than a Bangkok Tuk Tuk to ensure no issues at all up the steepest of Hills - but to an untrained eye they look just the same. Being around 6 inches longer & 5 inches higher than normal, makes a huge difference to comfort levels & it is possible to roll the roof back if you fancy getting some sun. There are Bluetooth Speakers to let people enjoy a great road trip playlist, if they wish. Spacious enough to comfortably transport 3 adults, a family of 4 can fit in, including the Driver up front on a Self-drive Tour.

This incredibly unique travel experience does just what it says on the tin - roof. You are in charge of your very own 3 person Tuk Tuk as part of a small Convoy, led by an experienced lead Tour-guide / driver & supported by other Guides & a Mechanic in a back-up Support vehicle. Convoys are never more than 7 Tuk Tuks - usually far fewer - & the Leader in the 1^st Tuk Tuk is always in Walkie Talkie contact with the following support Vehicle at the end, to ensure everyone can keep on truckin' without having to worry about what is around the next bend. And note, that each Tuk Tuk has a walkie talkie so not only can your Leader communicate but you can also ask anything you need or simply chat to your fellow travellers (without losing concentration, of course).

Breaks are frequent, usually hourly, with roadside Coffee Shops, scenic Viewpoints & decent Toilets all providing Passengers & Drivers, with plenty of opportunities to rest, chat & stretch. The support vehicle will carry all your luggage, supplies, spare parts & Drinking Water, so you don’t have to worry.

As Tuk Tuks don't have doors or windows, other than a windscreen, you really get a sense of the scenery as you pass through & get to experience Thailand with all of your senses. The heat, the smells, the sounds, the smiles - you just don't get this sort of sensory experience in an air-conditioned Minibus.

Okay, the Training concludes & you are ready to roll.

You start off on your first Test Drive, exploring tiny winding rural lanes, passing through rarely visited communities & fascinating Temples with stunning views.

Your first stop will be at one of the Temples where the Monks will offer blessings for the journey ahead, giving you a real insight into how communities interact with Monks at their local Temples.

You will then head for a delicious lunch at a ‘laid back’ Restaurant where the Tour-guide will run through all of the adventures ahead.

Local people, too, love the interaction with foreign Tuk Tuk Drivers. There is something about the bright orange coloured Tuk Tuks that makes them smile & react in a genuinely positive way.  They respect that you have become much more culturally assimilated as a Thai, travelling in a Tuk Tuk & obviously want to interact, learn about your experiences in Thailand & of course, your Tuk Tuk.

Return to the Hotel by late afternoon & relax.

Later in the evening, you will take charge of your Tuk Tuk again & drive to a country Pub for a sumptuous Dinner of traditional Northern dishes. Great food, live music & a very special place.  

Come back to the Hotel (now you have experience of night time driving, too).

After breakfast, you are back on your Tuk Tuk (we guarantee you will already be possessive & recognise the one which is ‘yours).

Enhancing your Driver training, building on what you learned yesterday & running through all the nitty-gritty of the trip ahead, set off on winding mountain roads through & small communities in the countryside where few Westerners ever go, to the fantastic Wat Doi Sapanyoo Pagoda & towering Buddha statues with stunning 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains.

Head further off the beaten track, into the mountains to the Hill Tribe territory & stop to explore Mae Sapok Valley, enjoying a short jungle trek along the way.

The verdant Hills surrounding cosmopolitan Chiang Mai have long been dotted with Hill Tribe villages of Thailand’s many ethnic minorities.

The 6 main ethnic groups that make up the Tribes of Chiang Mai - Karen, Hmong, Lahu, Lisu, Mien, Akha - have migrated to Northern Thailand from other parts of the Asian interior over the years, yet they all retain much of their traditional way of life. Karen Villages with their primitive bamboo Stilt Houses with domestic animals such as chickens & pigs living underneath, are scattered across the remote mountainous highland areas.

Many of these agricultural communities welcome visitors & the economic opportunities they bring with them. One of the most populous Tribes in the area are the Karen, known for their Turbans of wrapped cloth, Tunics & Sarongs handwoven by the females of the family. The costumes vary slightly between the Karen sub-groups, but one trait shared by all, is the difference between an un-married & married woman’s dress.  An un-married woman’s costume is a long & plain white tunic dress down to her ankles.  Whereas a married woman wears sarong & a brightly coloured Karen style shirt with elaborate patterns & seeds sewn on.

Reach the traditional Karen village of Ban Long Lom Leng, where you will have the opportunity to interact with Karen people.

The local Tour-guide will introduce you to the Karens in a non-intrusive & responsible way & you will have the opportunity to learn about their lifestyle, history, cultural traditions & gain a unique insight into how Hill Tribes lived traditionally, for centuries.

Visiting one of the numerous Karen Long Neck Villages in Thailand is one of the most exotic experiences on the Planet. But whether you are visiting the Karen Long Necks or other Tribes, there is always an ethical dilemma that conscientious folks face as they are concerned if it would feel like a human Zoo. But, it will be so only if you act & behave in that way. It will initially feel a little bit like a staged atmosphere. The second you put your camera down & start interacting & connecting, it will be a surprisingly pleasant experience. It is a real-life National Geographic experience to have to see to believe.

The Karen (also known as Padaung or Kayan) people are originally from Myanmar. Due to political turmoil in the late 80s & the violence that ensued, many escaped to Thailand & were set up in Refugee Camps. While things are certainly better, the lack of opportunity has confined the Groups to small pockets, separate from most of modern Thailand. As the Thai Government does not allow them outside for work or higher education, they earn an income from Tourism to support their families. On one hand, it is beautiful they have been able to keep their traditions alive & on the other, it is a struggle to balance the new world with the old.

The Tribe has a unique custom that has quickly became an international “tourist attraction”.  The Long Neck Karen women recognized because of the heavy brass rings that they wear around their elongated ‘long’ necks, forearms & ankles as part of their culture.  Some of the women feel the need to stick with the tradition to make money since they are refugees & some do it to distinguish their cultural identity. The mystery & beauty that surrounds the tradition of using brass rings for exaggerated jewelry is something better seen in person than in a book.       

These girls & women (also nicknamed as “giraffe women”) start wearing these brass coils from the age of 5 & more rings are added annually as they adapt to the increased weight. While it may seem that the Karen women have unusually long necks, their traditional brass rings actually push the collarbone down to compress the rib cage giving the impression that their neck is longer & stretched. Contrary to popular belief, the coils don’t lengthen the neck itself & thus can be safely removed without the neck snapping.

The brass rings are made out of one solid piece of metal making them quite heavy & are worn all the time with few exceptions, even while sleeping.  Each time a woman adds a ring to her neck she is fitted with a new neck piece that coils around & you may see some ladies with over 25 rings on their necks & some with only a couple. This creates the illusion of a disembodied head hovering over a shimmering pedestal of gold rings.

The origin of the tradition mystifies even the Karens. There are several theories that attempt to explain where it started. Anthropologists have hypothesized the rings were worn to make the women look unattractive to ‘White’ Slave Traders who were hunting them down, while others explain were that it was a sign of beauty & wealth.  Another narrative says the practice was started not just for beauty, but also to protect against Tigers (since the cats attack victims at the neck) & in some cases even just because the Village leader said he preferred it. Today, many of the young Karen women are breaking with tradition & it is estimated that the practice only has a few generations of life left.

The Tribes live a rugged, tedious & simple lifestyle. While the Karen men are mainly field workers & traditionally subsistence farmers, rotating their fields (shifting cultivation). Today, alongside rice they also grow cash crops such as Corn, Soy beans, Cabbage & Coffee.

Karen women have a rich history of Crafting from Wood Carving to Weaving skills on a backstrap Loom. And, you will find women stationed by their huts ferociously working on the Knitting Looms practicing their impressive craft. They traditionally worked in the fields & rice paddies, but as refugees in Thailand, they weave beautiful Scarves & sell other Trinkets to earn a living.

The Karen are the only Tribe in Thailand to own & work with Elephants as they have a long standing history & relationship with the Pachyderm which they use to work in the Forests. Consequently, they are famous as highly skilled Mahouts (elephant trainers) & in fact, most of the Mahouts in the Elephant Camps in Chiang Mai today, are from Karen Hill Tribe.

The Karen are also renowned for their Silversmithing skills, famous for producing high quality silver beads & jewellery, that is exported all over the world. Their Silver Craft is a sizable cottage industry in Chiang Mai & across northern Thailand.

You will see some of the women working on their Looms & others simply standing in their Shop not only using the goods as an appeal, but also the rings around their necks. And although they only speak in their Tribe’s dialect, they are very friendly & will be most gracious about posing for photos.

Spend an hour or 2 to walk around & get a feel of their culture & way of life of this warm & gentle group, living peacefully with nature.

And we recommend that you play your part in supporting the community by purchasing their handmade goods. They will punch in the price of their Handicrafts on a Calculator, so there is no problem in communicating a sale (& you have the Tour-guide to help you all the way).

The ‘Convoy’ departs, venturing a little further afield with a drive through 20 km of small country roads, giving you & your fellow Group members, the opportunity to get some ‘road time’ & confidence, to reach a renowned Elephant Farm, that is leading the way in taking Elephants away from a life of trekking & instead creating an environment where people can learn about & spend time with the gentle giant on their terms, not ours!

The treatment of Elephants in Thailand has rightly become a major topic of concern in recent years & it has been our privilege to work with some ethically responsible Elephant Farms to support them as they have moved away from allowing Riding to the situation that they are now in where they are amongst the leaders in how to look after their Elephants whilst still enabling visitors to learn about & interact with these gentle giants.

On arrival, the Founder Owner & inspiration behind setting up the Home, will talk about the history of the Elephants, what he & his team are doing & then, after a sumptuous lunch inside, it is time to enjoy the company of these wonderful animals. Learn more about the significance of these incredible creatures in Thai culture.

Meet a bunch of friendly Elephants just roaming around freely. They believe that happy & healthy Elephants create happy & healthy families.

You can on participate in sharing responsibilities & taking care of the animal. The immersive experience will teach you to interact with Elephants as to what an Owner would do on a daily base. How you would approach your Elephant correctly, learn how to handle in occasion to several temperaments or mood swings, bathe & brush together in the river, learn how to communicate through different spoken commands. By the time you finish, you will see how fast you will create a trustful relationship between you & your Elephant.

The baby Elephants are extremely friendly & playful, just running around leaning & lying on people. Interact with them one on one & help the Mahouts with feeding time. You would be given a basket of bamboo & bananas to win over their love. The Staff will try to match you with Elephants according to ‘your own’ described personality. You will learn simple commands like “Bon” which means up & “Di Di” which means good boy. You would not see a single “poky stick” anywhere on the Farm.

After feeding, it is bathing time! You will walk (no riding allowed!) with the Elephants alongside the 2 km route to the local river for a lively bath & you can also bathe with them.

Before jumping into the water, the Staff & you will use some leaves to get rid of as much dirt off their backs as possible to make the job in the waters easier. Climb onto your friend & splash & scrub down his / her whole body right till the tail.

We are sure you are going to have a really amazing & memorable time at Farm.

After saying goodbye to your new animal friends, get in some more driving practice as you drive back to base camp & then onwards to the home-stay.

Enroute, you will have an opportunity to enjoy a sail on a Bamboo Raft floating downstream for a short distance.

Hop on to your Tuk Tuk & drive on.

Balance of the evening is at leisure.

Savour a satisfying Dinner then retire early to get ready for an adventurous day tomorrow.

Rise early today & hit the road, heading along small country roads towards Thailand’s highest mountain, Doi Inthanon.

Drive your Tuk Tuk in the Convoy following the lead guide vehicle in front & support vehicle at the rear. The first 20 - 30 km of the route is simple with gentle curves but as you get closer to Doi Inthanon National Park, you will come across some incredible natural scenery, stunning switch back bends, hairpin turns & of course, remote Hill Tribe Villages.

With frequent stops along the way to take in stunning views, explore different Villages of course, to sample some of Thailand's finest Coffee & snacks in small Villages.

Lunch will be in a roadside Snack Bar - real Northern Thai style.

You will soon realise not only how strong your trusty Tuk Tuk can be but also how novel it is for locals to see Tuk Tuks this high up - & with tourists driving! Enjoy the look of complete surprise from everyone in the mountains - trust us, novelty doesn’t not even begin to cover it.

Feel confident we can go up to the top of Doi Inthanon & your trusty Tuk Tuk can make it!

Arrive by early afternoon at your 'Homestay’ accommodation in the Village of Mae Khlang Luang near the summit & Check-in. The shared fan cooled & with en-suite Bathrooms, accommodation is most basic but intentionally chosen to ensure you are perfectly located in the most stunning area & perfect spot for the Trek tomorrow.

Relax for an hour or 2.

Thailand's highest peak Doi Inthanon rising to a height of 8,415 feet above sea level, was known in the past as Doi Luang or Doi Ang Ka, meaning the 'crow's pond top'. So named because near the mountain's base was a Pond where many Crows gathered. The name ‘Doi Inthanon’ was given in honour of Inthawichayanon, last King of Chiang Mai, who was concerned about the Forests in the north & tried to preserve them. He ordered that after his death, his Remains be interred at Doi Luang, which was then renamed in his honour. The temperatures at the top are refreshingly brisk year round & regularly dip below freezing during the cool season (October to February).

Surrounding this granite massif in 1954, the Forests around Doi Inthanon were conserved, creating a 1000 sq km Doi Inthanon National Park, one of the original 14 National Parks of Thailand. The Park, a true jewel of natural beauty with rugged mountainous terrain, is dotted with Hiking Trails, mighty Rivers & majestic Waterfalls enveloped in an impenetrable curtain of lush tropical jungle.

The Park's protected status makes it a sanctuary for a wide range of animal species.  Although many of the large animals are no longer found in the Park, it is still home to a number of different species. Asiatic Black Bears, Barking Deer & Chinese Flying Squirrels can be seen, living alongside a large variety of primates including Gibbons, Macaques, Leaf Monkeys & over 30 species of Bats.  And it is perhaps, the best place in Thailand for Ornithologists. Approximately 362 different species of Birds make their home here, many of which are not found anywhere else in Thailand. The diversity of Doi Inthanon does not only extend to plant & animal species, however.

The Park has long been home to settlements of Northern Hill Tribes as well. Recent efforts have been made to allow these unique Villages to maintain their traditional cultures while co-existing with modern developments such as Tourism & the nearby Bhumibol Dam, which harnesses the power of the Ping River to provide electricity to thousands of Thai people.

A popular destination for visitors to the region, not only for its natural beauty, but also for its historical significance as well. Chedis (monuments) dedicated to Their Royal Majesties, the King & Queen, can be found atop the peak of the mountain. The rugged terrain is now crisscrossed with Pathways & Roads to make it more accessible to visitors & every effort has been made to preserve the natural beauty of the environment.

The high elevation & abundance of water have blessed Doi Inthanon with a rich bio-diversity that is unique in Thailand. Its lush Forests include moist Evergreen, Pine Forest & Mixed Deciduous.

At the base of the mountains cleared agricultural land is interspersed with deciduous trees, which lose their leaves at the coming of the dry season. At higher elevations the Forests give way to large swathes of tropical evergreen, which maintain their emerald hue all year round.  Doi Inthanon is home to a large & colourful array of Flowers, as well. Vanda Orchids, Phycastylis & Rhododendron can be found growing wild all over the park.

Freshen up in the room before jumping in another classic Thai transport mode - a ‘Songtaew’ - a taxi adapted from a pick-up truck, which drives us to the summit of Doi Inthanon (over 2,500 metres) where you will explore some of the Trails & take in the views.

Come back to the Hotel

End the day with a traditional Thai BBQ Dinner set up amidst the rice paddies, as the sun sets over the mountains.

Today, we are giving the Tuk Tuk’s a well-deserved rest today.

Early morning, pack a swim suit, hop on to a truck & head to Doi Inthanon National Park to stretch your legs.

Accompanied by an expert Trekking Guide, Trek 8 - 9 km through the stunning Forest on an exclusive Trail in the foothills of the Park to enjoy some of the greatest vistas & the obligatory Waterfalls, Rivers & towering trees.

Your Tour-guide (who knows everything about every tree & plant & can spot a snake from miles away) holds a wealth of knowledge on the area's Nature, History, Wildlife & people & will offer deeper insights on both the people & wildlife inhabiting the area all around you. Feel free to ask any questions (the more questions you have, the happier he will be).

The pace is gentle but there are some up & downhill sections as expected in the mountains. This isn’t a common Trek for the masses - rather, it has been researched & developed just for the Tuk Tuk experience.

There are a number of spots where you can cool off with a dip in the pools under the Waterfalls & you will enjoy a packed picnic lunch (wrapped in leaves) in a clearing in the Forest.

The hike ends with a walk back to your ‘home’ in the Village.

There is the chance to enjoy the freshest Coffee around at a local old-style mountain Cafe -  probably the best in Northern Thailand.

Reach the village by late afternoon & balance of the day free to stroll around or relax in the room.

Evening, it is time for another superb feast outside under the sky – again overlooking the rice terraces – & perhaps one or two well deserved cold Beers!

Today, it is time to get back on the road.

Early morning, leave for Mae Sariang, driving through incredible scenery & some very quiet rural & sometimes unpaved roads. The convoy will join the main highway - Route 108 - only for the last couple of hours prior to reaching the destination.

Get your cameras ready because there will be plenty of photo opportunities throughout the day as you drive through forests of towering trees, up steep hills and around sharp curves that offer awesome views.  With frequent stops to simply enjoy the area - as well as to let the Tuk Tuk cool down & allow traffic to pass (& see the amazed locals taking your photos as in this territory even Thai visitors are a rarity, let alone people from overseas driving Tuk Tuks up here )

Arrive in Mae Sariang by late afternoon.

Check-in at the superb River House Resort with its picturesque views - complete with a Swimming Pool by the River!

Little-visited Mae Sariang alongside the Yuam River on the Thailand Myanmar border, is gaining a low-key buzz for its attractive riverside setting & potential as a launching pad for sustainable tourism & hiking opportunities. There are several hill-tribe settlements in the greater area.

Surrounded by mountains & pristine forests, this absolutely beautiful town is populated by Shan (Tai Yhai, minority group, who originated from Southern China) & a mix of Hill Tribes – Karen, Lawa & Hmong. Shan culture is visibly felt from women wearing traditional ethnic dress, common in the Wats to it's Architecture & Cuisine. Known for being home to a large community of Burmese Muslims, this is a unique Town with an interesting mix of Thai & Burmese culture on display.

The Town has many lovely & well-kept centuries old Teak wooden Shop-houses still seen today & exquisite Temples with newer buildings coming up all the time. Teak trees are still plenty here.

Mae Sariang, beyond offering visitors areas of exceptional natural beauty & insights into traditional Tribal ways of life, has some notable ancient Holy sites where Tourists are welcome to join the locals in paying their respects for good fortune & prosperity. These sites are together called the Phra That Sii Chom (the 4 "Chom" Reliquaries). The "Wat Prathat" prefix denotes a temple that is believed to house a relic of the Buddha.

Mae Sariang is not very big, so you can easily get around walking or renting a Bicycle or even a Motorbike (if you feel like having a change). Well worth exploring with friendly people, a fascinating mix of Thai & Burmese culture.

Take a walk around the 'Village of Smiles', as people are very friendly or hop into one of the many laid back, friendly Bars & meet the locals. Alternatively, have a cold Beer on the Tterrace over the river watching the sun go down!

Balance of the day is at leisure.

Today, start out early driving on one of Thailand’s most incredible picturesque roads - Route 108 - cutting across high mountain ridges along fantastic winding roads stretching off into the distance & with nearly 2,000 sharp turns, to reach the town of Mae Hong Son.

As always, there will be plenty of Stops along the way to change Drivers, go ‘wow’ at the scenery & chat with locals who will be just as mesmerised & wondering how on earth you are driving a Tuk Tuk, as you will be with the scenery! This is most definitely a day for your camera. Take plenty of photos (today is a great day to have the GoPro out)

You will stop for Lunch at what we like to think is northern Thailand’s best road side Restaurant - the perfect place to get seriously adventurous with your food (raw buffalo anyone?) before continuing on along these fantastic roads towards your overnight destination just outside the Town.

Virtually covered with mist throughout the year, Mae Hong Son was once only accessible via harrowing, windy, narrow roads that took most of a day to traverse, an adventurous drive that made the Town that much more alluring. Now, the drive along steep, endlessly curving mountain roads, is less time consuming.

Arrive by late afternoon at Mae Hong Son. a mountainous province in northern Thailand, bordering Myanmar (Burma). Though sparsely populated, it is ethnically diverse & home to Tribes such as the Shan & Hmong.

Check-in at the Fern Resort with its picturesque views. ‘Fern’ is fast becoming a legend amongst Tuk Tuk Club travellers with its lovely Bungalows set around rice paddies, surrounded by forest &, in our view, the best sunset Bar in the world, nestled right amongst the rice paddies to watch the incredible sunset. Perfect place to rest up after a stunning day!

Balance of the afternoon is at leisure for independent explorations or optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions or make arrangements).

Mae Hong Son Province conjures fantastic images of rugged, mist enshrouded mountains where the fascinating Culture of isolated indigenous Tribal communities to the spectacular natural beauty of the countryside, certainly makes it a place not to be missed.

The literal meaning of the name - Mae Hong Son -refers to the fact that its terrain is highly suitable for the training of Elephants. In fact, former Governors of Chiang Mai used to organize the rounding up of wild Elephants which were then trained in Mae Hong Son before being sent to the Capital for work. Elephants remain an important part of the local Culture & Elephant Safaris often combined with overnight Home-stays with the Hill Tribes & River Rafting remains popular tourist activities.

Thickly forested & far from the influence of sea winds, the air is often misty, with ground fog in the winter & smoke from slash & burn agriculture during the hot season. The Province’ location along the border with Myanmar ensures that it is a crossroads for ethnic minorities (mostly Karen, with some Hmong, Lisu & Lahu), as well as Shan & Burmese Immigrants.

The fascinating Province features Burmese & Lanna style Temples, Thermal Springs, Hill Tribe villages, Trekking, Rafting, National Parks & even an annual Reggae Music Festival.

Nestled in a deep Valley hemmed in by high mountain ranges, Mae Hong Son, the Capital with the same name (as the Province) has long been isolated from the outside world. The City rich in natural resources - Mountains, Forests, Flowers, is also known as the 'City of 3 Mists' because it is surrounded by high mountains with cold temperature & covered with mist in all 3 seasons.

In addition to a charming Mae Hong Son Capital, the neighbouring town of Pai is also a traveler favorite. Many people come to Mae Hong Son & Pai to experience the natural beauty of northern Thailand or witness one of the many Festivals that are celebrated here, especially the annual Novice Ordination Ceremony where young men declare their intentions to become Buddhist Monks.

With its remote setting & surrounding mountains, Mae Hong Son fits many travellers’ preconceived notion of how a northern Thai city should be. A palpable Burmese influence & a border-town feel don’t clash with this image &, best of all, there is hardly a Tuk Tuk (except yours, of course) or 2 to be seen.

This doesn’t mean Mae Hong Son is uncharted territory - tour groups have been coming here for years - but the City is far more laid-back than neighbouring Pai, while its potential as a Base for activities, from Boat trips to Trekking, ensures a steady stream of visitors.

Settle into the amazing sunset - this is northern Thailand at its finest! Bet, an ice-cold Singha Beer has never tasted so good! Have a quick swim (yes, there is an Infinity Pool) & air-conditioning amidst a stunning location!

Another day off for the Tuk Tuks today (they are wonderful machines but do need their beauty sleep) & a day off for you too - if you wish. A break from the driving & the day is yours to do as you please.

There are no activities planned for today - you can hang out by the Pool, if you wish.

If a lazy day by the Pool does not appeal then why not head into quaint littleTown to explore, visit Wat Doi Kong Mu, the most important Temple in the area with amazing views over the Town or even take a river boat trip & visit different Hill Tribe villages in the vicinity. Alternatively, there is a fantastic 8 km Trek (with trained dogs who walk with you as guides - we are not joking) through the forest starting right from the Resort grounds (we will be happy to make the arrangements for any optional activities that you might wish for).

Waterfalls, Hot Springs & forested Caves dot Mae Hong Son’s endless rolling mountains, home to the Padong ethnic Tribe (Long-neck Karen), among others. Salween National Park - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - is the perfect oasis for getting away from it all.

You may embark on an Optional (not included – direct payment) Rafting journey down the scenic Salween River or camp out in the verdant jungle where nothing comes between you & nature. Equally stunning, with its mirror-like lake & lush, forested mountains, Baan Ruam Thai Coffee Village (known locally as Pang Ung) is another ideal camping destination.

You may opt to visit Wat Phrathat Doi Kong Mu, a Buddhist Monastery.

Built atop the 1,300 metres Doi Kong Mu (Mount or Hill) visible from most places in the Town, the Burmese style Wat (Temple) was founded in 1860. Formerly known as Wat Plai Doi, this Wat is considered an essential sanctuary of Mae Hong Son & comprises several structures including 2 lavishly decorated Pagodas.

The larger Pagoda, brought in pre-assembled pieces from Myanmar, was built by "Jong Tong Su" in 1860 & contained the relics of Phra Mokkhalana, the chief disciple of Buddha. The smaller Pagoda was constructed in 1874 by Phraya Singhanatracha, the 1^st Governor of Mae Hong Son.

The oldest structures in the Temple are 2 large ornate whitewashed Chedis (Stupas) that enshrine the ashes of Monks from Myanmar’s Shan State.

The larger one, topped with a golden Spire, was erected in 1860 & its lower section comprises of several octagonal shaped tiers of receding size. Around the base, are niches enshrining images of the Buddha.

The smaller Chedi enshrines the ashes of the Governor who built the structure in 1874. The lower section comprises of several square shaped tiers of diminishing size. At each of its 4 corners, is a Chinthe, a lion standing guard accompanied by a Naga, the mythological Python. Niches in front of the Chedi enshrine Burmese style Buddha images. This Chedi too, is topped with a golden Spire.

Attached to the larger Chedi is a small, simple Viharn (Assembly Hall) with a ornate, multi-tiered Burmese style roof with delicate Burmese style ornamental work metal sheets. The fairly simple interior enshrines the principal Buddha image in subduing Mara posture, as well as several other images.

Higher up the Hill overlooking Mae Hong Son is a Buddha image, seated on a high pedestal, guarded by a pair of white & gold Chinthe lions. On top of the Hill, is another smaller Temple. The stairs going up, are guarded by mythological Naga serpents. In the front, is a large standing image of Buddha wearing a golden robe.

The atmosphere atop the Hill is serene. Doi Kong Mu Hill provides exceptional 360 degrees aerial view of the city & surrounding mountains & Valleys. Visitors are treated to panoramic views of Chong Kham Lake, Mae Hong Son, the Pai Valley & the Airport on one side & the forested hills of Burma on the other side.

The Hill is a popular place to watch the Sunrise when the Valley is often covered in early morning mist. The view of the sea of fog that covers the Valley each morning is truly impressive. At Sunset, watch the sun disappear behind the Burmese mountains. But at other times too, you get wonderful views of the town & the picturesque Valleys.

Visitors can also participate in Temple's religious festivals during New Year & Songkran each year. Another very interesting Festival is Tak Bat Devo, an Alms offering traditional ceremony which takes place on Buddhist Lent Day.

Hemmed in on all sides by high mountain ranges, boasting more than 80% of virgin forests & shrouded in mist all year round. Seems like another world. Mae Hong Son’s isolated location & pristine natural beauty sees a steady flow of visitors who come to experience a slice of its serene & peaceful rural lifestyle.  It offers little in terms of modern conveniences but a lot in terms of raw natural beauty.

A number of Thermal Springs can be found in the area. One of the better known is Pha Bong Hot Springs set in a Public Park, about 10 km out of town. Visitors can enjoy a therapeutic Mineral Bath & avail the health benefits of the medicinal water.

Mae Hong Son also offers a number of places where you can find authentic hand made items made by local Tribals. A fun place to stroll around looking for bargains is the Night Market close to Jom Kham Lake. There are lots of souvenir shops in town & some of the attractive items include Silverware, Gems, Woodcarvings & handmade products like Bags, Necklaces, Dolls & Clothing. You can visit Mae Hong Son Royal Folk Art Center, a Training Center for Tribes people, that also offers lots of handmade products like woven Fabrics, Silverware & Silk, for sale. This is also a good place to try some local Shan food.

Re-charge your batteries, re-cover from the sunset Bar last night or stretch your legs in the forest, it is up to you.

Today, get ready for a wild ride traversing hundreds of turns & some of the steepest roads of the journey as you make your way toward Pai, another town in the Mae Hong Soon Province.

Driving through the forest, enjoy incredible mountain views, fascinating communities & even the odd tasty mountain Coffee. Witness the beauty of Pai’s landscape from the Yun Lai Viewpoint or many other, as you travel along the Route 1095.

You will stop for lunch (not included - direct payment) at the Tham Lod Cave & then, if you would like, explore the huge Cave system with a local Guide, let us know (optional, not included).

1.5 km long, one of Thailand’s most impressive, Tham Lod Cave is an archaeological site of great antiquity, being occupied in the pre-historic era from 9000 BC to 5500 BC by the Hoabinhian Tribe. They were a Stone Age community of Hunters & Gatherers who used Artefacts & Tools of primitive workmanship such as short Axes, Hammerstones, made out of bones etc. The Caves were first discovered in the 1960s by Chester Gorman, an American Anthropologist & Archaeologist, who detailed food items & implements used by the ancient Hoabinhians.

There are 3 Caves open to the public. The cost of the Entry Ticket is determined by how many Caves, the visitors plan to visit (optional, not included).

Within the main & most popular, Sao Hin Cave, you will find many weird-looking massive 20 meters high Columns of Stalactites & Stalagmites rock formations covering the Walls. The main feature is the Nam Lang River which flows through the middle of the 1,666 meters long natural limestone Cave System housing 3 main Caverns. Stories behind them narrated by the Tour-guide require quite an imagination.

Studies have revealed that Tham Lod was used as a burial ground for the pre-historic people living within this region from the late Pleistocene to the late Holocene period. They found Homo sapiens' skeletons within this Cave, as well as in the other 2 Caves. Also known as the Coffin Cave, Archaeologists have discovered wooden teakwood Coffins believed to have been carved by the Lawa Tribe people over 1,400 years ago.

No installed artificial Flood Lighting, no Ferries, no Safety Standard installed Emergency Exits. Just 2 Guides carrying Gas Lanterns & 2 Bamboo Rafts being powered by a large Stick pushing off the floor of the shallow river, to get around to its various Chambers. So, this isn’t the kind of Cave you would be able to or want to wander through solo.

The highlight is entering inside the Cave from an opening on one side of the mountain, aboard a small Bamboo Raft, gliding slowly over the water inside, with only the light from the Lamp held by the Tour-guide, guiding the way & eventually emerging through a stunning opening into the Jungle on the other side of the mountain.

Along the way, there are 3 different Stops where visitors can disembark & climb up into the steep amazing Terraces via rickety wooden Staircases for a closer view of the incredible Caverns displaying amazing million year old awe-inspiring Rock formations that come alive with each flickering torchlight.

Also filling the Caves are thousands of Bats & Swifts (a type of tiny bird) There are also enormous, swarming Fish, hungry for the food dropped into the water by Tourists.

Coming out in the Jungle, take charge of your Tuk Tuk & continue driving. Descend into the Valley where Pai sits but not before a couple more of awesome Pit Stops - try your hand at the Hill Tribe Swing, we dare you!   

Passing through Pai Town, continue on to your laid back Lodging just outside, set amidst the fascinating rice fields, offering stunning scenery.

Arrive at the Resort with a lovely Swimming Pool, by late afternoon & Check-in.

Balance of the day is at leisure for independent explorations or optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions or make arrangements).

Spend enough time in northern Thailand & eventually you will hear the comparisons between Pai & Bangkok’s Khao San Road.  Although the comparisons are definitely a stretch, over the last decade the small Town has started to resemble something of a northern version of an Island Getaway - without the Beaches.

Pai, blessed with a gorgeous & serene mountainous landscape that will take your breath away, is one of the most famous of all mountain towns in Thailand, a postcard-perfect little place set approximately midway between Mae Hong Son & Chiang Mai, on the banks of the Pai River.

Traversing the winding back roads, you will be surrounded by Rice Paddies (Rice is the biggest export of Thailand & a staple food for the locals) as well as craggy Canyons, scenic Gorges & Mountains.

Tucked deep in a Valley, between rolling Hills, Waterfalls & lush Rice fields, surrounded by walls of endless mountains, Pai seems to exist in its own time zone.  Here, nature is your best friend &, perhaps, chilling out while doing close to nothing is going to be your 2^nd best friend.

The Town with its mesmerising natural surroundings, has long been a hotspot for Backpackers, Nature lovers, Adventurers & Hippies wanting to experience low-cost, laid-back, care-free living. A boom in Tourism in the 2,000s transformed the Town from a quiet, traditional mountain Village into a hotspot.

Cozy Guesthouses appear to outnumber private Residences in the ‘downtown’ area, a Travel Agency or Restaurant is never more than a few steps away & the nights buzz with the sound of Music & Partying.

One of the most appealing aspects of Pai is its laid-back and peaceful atmosphere. Unlike the bustling cities of Bangkok & Chiang Mai, life in Pai moves at a slower pace, allowing you to unwind & connect with nature. Anyone looking for a place to escape the daily grind, the tranquility of Pai will put their mind at ease.

Whether you stay in the Town & stroll through the quaint Streets lined with Artisan Shops, trendy Cafes or visiting the nearby Tea Houses, you will find pretty much everywhere has a Bean Bag or Hammock to laze around in. Then, there are Spas & Elephant Camps. Not to mention Pai’s peaceful Temples, which awakens the spiritual aura inside you.

This tourist Town is a charming place to explore, packed with everything an international Traveller could want. However, you have to venture out to the outskirts to really get a feel & discover all there is to be discovered.

The Town has a bohemian vibe which is evident not only in the Backpackers who visit here, but also in the numerous Art Galleries, Restaurants, Cafes & Venues. Pai boasts a vibrant Arts & Culture scene that attracts Artists, Poets, Musicians & Performers from all over the world. Each night you will find live Music, Poetry Readings, Open Mic Nights & more in the Restaurants.

The Town Centre has undergone massive changes over the past 2 decades. The area has a simple layout, is easy to explore on foot & is more about relaxing & immersing in the idyllic atmosphere than doing any active sightseeing.

Pai has 3 happening main Streets, with the scenic Pai River cutting through the eastern part of Town. Artsy types often haunt Pai’s many Cafe Galleries, while others prefer to lounge away on their riverside Porch or at a chilled-out Bar.

The best Shopping in Pai can be found along Rungsiyanon Road - the main drag famously known as Pai Walking Street - that runs through the centre of Town. Lining the half-kilometre street are Shops selling inexpensive Souvenirs, unique Handicrafts & Clothing handmade in neighbouring Tribes villages.

The increase in foreign travellers brought Art Galleries, Guesthouses, Souvenir Shops, Bars & a surprisingly wide array of Restaurants satisfying all tastes, culinary cravings, dietary preferences & offering farm-to-table Cuisine.

In & around the Town Centre, one can find not only northern Thai cuisine but also typical international variety of comfort food, including Tapas, genuine Italian Pizza, Pastas, Burgers with Fries & full English breakfast in a handful of Western-style Restaurants run by Thai-western couples. Though local Cuisine dominates Pai’s dining scene. Several Vegan Restaurants serve raw Desserts, superfood Smoothies & homemade Bread. Most Eateries offer affordable prices & dishes made from fresh, local & natural ingredients. And no trip to Pai would be complete without indulging in the delicious mouthwatering street food, whose aroma fills the air every night above the Walking Street lined with Food Stalls & Handicraft Shops.

For those who want to splurge, Silhouette Restaurant & Bar at the Reverie Siam Resort is an elegant ’upmarket’ spot for a romantic Dinner, surrounded by antique Instruments & Books & enjoying beautiful countryside views from the alfresco seating.

Besides the Restaurants, Pai is home to a colourful Cafe culture & Art Cafes prove to be popular hang-out places, particularly among the jaded holidaymakers from Bangkok.

During the day, Walking Street is reasonably quiet, with tourists milling around searching for Food & Coffee & renting Scooters. After dark, every night, the Street becomes truly pedestrian-only, transforming into the Night Market, with Stalls & Shops on both sides. In addition to inexpensive local eats, you can find Clothing, Souvenirs & local Artists selling Jewellery & Paintings.

Although a quiet little town by day, Pai isn’t lacking in terms of Nightlife. Despite the Westernisation & Wheatgrass shots, Pai is still very laid-back - except at night, when it can be likened to Thailand's party Islands. Tourists flock to the Town Centre looking for cheap Cocktails, pumping Music & all-night Partying.  In fact, drinking & Bar hopping seem to be a major highlight of Pai at night.

There are dozens of Bars to choose from, each with a unique vibe & happy hour Specials. Many Bars double up as Dance venues, with live DJs spinning rapid Techno-beats. Depending on where you go, though, the atmosphere can vary from Khao San-style sidewalk Bars to Indie House with live Jazz, Blues & international Pop to full-blown Dance parties.

Without a doubt, Pai is one of the most unique & off-the-beaten-track locations in Thailand that abounds in natural wonders, a peaceful & bohemian atmosphere, as well as a vibrant Arts scene.

Outer Pai, however, is another story. And to really get a feel of Pai, you need to get out of the Town & immerse in its sleepy countryside. Best way to do that is to rent a Motorcycle or Scooter & just set off on your own. Don’t know how to ride one?  Well, you sure do after your Tuk Tuk experience.

Pai is all about getting yourself in touch with nature. Exploring outer areas, peppered with a dip in the natural Hot Springs, Waterfalls & ethnic Hill-tribe Villages, is definitely something to consider.

Another ‘free’ day to let the Tuk Tuk’s rest & give you the opportunity to do some exploring on your own. 

From Caves & Temples & Hot Springs to walking around Town to going out of Town to explore the Hill Tribe villages. So many optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions or make arrangements).

Or just sit back with a good book amidst sweeping views of the tranquil rice fields. Or hang out by the pool.

If you wish, you may also lend a hand servicing & making sure your Tuk Tuk is in fine form for the final leg of the journey back home, tomorrow.

Pai has many beautiful cascading Waterfalls that you can stop off & take a dip in. There are 3 within riding distance of Pai. Mo Paeng Waterfall is the most popular due to its easy access, multiple natural Pools & a slippery natural water Slide that flows into a Pool below but this spot can get overly crowded. Those looking for a quiet place for a refreshing swim, Pam Bok Waterfall, southwest of Town, at the end of a Canyon surrounded by high cliffs, will be a better option. Adventure-seekers who believe the journey matters more than the destination will want to chase Mae Yen Waterfall which requires a 6 km Hike through the jungle, crossing a river over 30 times (full day excursion). Once you arrive, you can swim in the shallow Pool & soak up the peaceful scenery.

Another Option is the stunning natural attraction of Kong Lan (or, Pai Canyon), 8 km south of the Town, along the main road. A paved Stairway here culminates in elevated Viewpoints offering breathtaking views. Visitors can also hike along the Canyon’s narrow dusty Ridges with steep drops into forest-filled Valleys below. It is best climbed in the early morning when it is not too hot. Here, on the edge of the world, nature weaves its magic into a site too enchanting to capture. Sunset is an especially magical time to visit when a golden glow illuminates the entire Canyon. Nothing is more beautiful than the golden orb of the Sun as it bids adieu to the day over the Canyon.

Chedi Phra That Mae Yen is a Burmese-style hilltop Temple located 2 km from Town Centre. Just look out for the massive White Buddha that can be seen from all over Pai. The sacred religious spot requires climbing 353 Steps but the serene atmosphere & panoramic view over Pai & the surrounding luscious green countryside, is worth the effort. While the magnificent Sunsets here are epic, the Sunrises are perhaps even more special. Walk up early in the morning when the air is crisp & fresh & enjoy a peaceful misty Sunrise Meditation.

Another attraction of the area, are the famous hand-made Bamboo Bridges that connects the Villages to the Temples. The most famous in Pai is the 815 meters long Kho Kuu So Bridge, which was built in Pam Bok Village to allow the Monks from the Temple, an easier passage to the Village to get food. These mesmerizing split-bamboo ‘Walkway’ Bridges meanders about 1 meter above, across wide lush green Rice Paddies & fields.

Also known as the Bamboo Buddha Bridge, it was built in 2016 at the request of Master Sakorn Jaruthammo, the Director of Kaikiri Buddhist Monk Group.

Visitors are allowed to walk on it & take pictures. There are many inter-connected Walkways (Bridges) with junctions & one can take a turn & walk on an adjacent Bridge (Walkway). They may seem fragile but do not worry as the entire structure is built on a foundation of concrete & sturdy iron base. Seen from a higher spot, in its entirety, the long Bridge over the green fields looks so beautiful. The name ‘Kho Kuu So’ originated from Shan language (‘Kho’ means ‘Bridge’ & ‘Kuu So’ means ‘Merit’).

Yet another Option available here is the picturesque Baan Santichon (or Chinese Yunan Cultural Village), one of the most popular tourist attractions in Pai. Thai people call this a Chinese Village because the Villagers are mainly Chinese. Though, a small number of other Hill Tribes also live in the Village.

Driving down, you will pass Wat (Temple) Nam Hoo before approaching a large Chinese Gate covering across a Bridge, that leads you into the Village perimeters.

Why such a group of Chinese living in such a remote mountain town in northern Thailand? The story began with the Civil War in China in the 1940s between the rebellious Nationalist Government (Kuomintang) led by Chiang Kai-shek & the Communist Party led by Chairman Mao Tse Tung.

The Kuomintang lost to the Red Army & the Chinese Civil War ended in 1949. The defeated Kuomintang cadre & Chiang Kai-shek retreated to Taiwan Island (then known as Formosa). After their retreat, Chiang established a Dictatorship with Western support & again began making plans to invade the Mainland, which they failed to do till date.