Close Encounter with The Tribes

^{3 Days / 2 Nights}

Itinerary (Chiang Mai-Lisu Lodge-Chiang Mai)

Elephant Riding, Mountain Biking, Easy Trekking to Hill-tribe villages, White Water Rafting & Ox-cart Riding.

Program : Departs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday

Day 1 : Chiang Mai - Lisu Lodge (L, D)
Join a 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 kgs 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 mins drive along a mountain ridge down to visit an Orchid Farm. Drive 30 mins 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 (B, L, D)
After breakfast, cycle (mainly down hill) for about 13 km to Mae Taeng Elephant Camp. From here, you will enjoy an hour elephant ride through the beautiful mountains 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 minutes white water rafting along the Mae Taeng River. After this exciting adventure take a short drive to visit Akha Village. Then it’s your choice either cycle back to Lisu Lodge or transfer by a local truck (30 minutes drive). 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 - Chaing Mai (B, L)
After breakfast, depart by 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 road to Mork Fah Waterfall and stop en route to visit the Karen Ban Huai Phra Chao Tribe. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the large natural pool at the waterfall, where there is a narrow valley of luxurious tropical plants suitable for swimming. Then transfer to Chiang Mai.