(NST-901.02.03) MAE HONG SON THREE DAYS TOUR

There are approximately 300,000 Karen in Thailand, making them by far the most populous minority group there, in fact there are more Karen than all the other ethnic minorities in northern Thailand combined. They have also lived in the area for longer than any of the other mountain peoples. Over 200 years is probable, and perhaps much longer than that. Neighbouring Myanmar (Burma) is home to over four million Karen.

The Karen inhabit may areas of western and northern Thailand, and can be divided into several sub-groups, the most numerous in Thailand being the Sgaw Karen (the largest sub-group), and the Pwo Karen. The Padaung, the famous “long-neck” people whose women traditionally wear many tight bronze rings around their necks, are another of the many sub-groups. visit elephants camp at Maesa. Lunch provide then drive to pai Overnight at pai District

The Karen typically live at low altitudes and many have now integrated into mainstream Thai and Burmese culture. They are famous for producing the best mahouts, or elephant handlers in the region, and are known to be an exceptionally warm, friendly and gentle people. Lunch provide.Overnight at mae hong son.return back to Chiang Mai by flight or car.

Pai / Lod Cave / Fish Cave / Wat Prathart Doi Kong Moo / Wat Chong Klang / Wat Chong Kham / Long Neck and Kaya Long ear villages
Itinerary:
Day 1: 07:00 am Leave from Chiang Mai by air conditioned vehicle and drive along the winding road to Pai. At Pai we will stop and take in a couple of the local sights including the Mae Yen temple, located across the river from the tiny town and halfway up a mountain. Those who are willing to endure the 350 steps to get there will be rewarded with tremendous views of the valley and important and historic temples and mural renditions of the lives of Buddha and of the local Thai people.

Lunch will be at Mo Paeng Waterfall and afterwards we will continue on Mae Hong Son. Before we reach Mae Hong Son we will stop and visit Tham Plaa or 'Fish Cave'. This is not a cave as you might expect but more a large pool of water with a natural rock protection. The pool is very unique as it is inhabited by hundreds of sacred Soro brook carp, some being a meter in length. We arrive Mae Hong Son about 16:00 pm and we will embark for the temple atop Kong Mu hill. Wat Doi Kong Mu affords a spectacular views of the entire valley in which Mae Hong Son is nestled. The temple itself is notable for its two large white chedis and its typical Shan architecture. We will then check-in at your hotel and you will have the evening free to enjoy your dinner, explore the city or to simply relax.

Accommodation:
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2 : Early breakfast is at the hotel followed by a visit to the bustling morning market, where you can enjoy the mountain morning browsing the merchandise of the local and hill tribe crafts people. Then we will make our way to a Padong Village. Long Neck Padong people are a unique hill tribe in Thailand as some of the women choose to wear a brass coil that over time elongates the neck as much as double. Originating in the Shan State in Burma (Union of Myanmar) these unique peoples are a small minority of the Karennin or Red Karen people of Burma. There is much speculation about why the rings are worn by the women of this tribe but, when asked, most of these gentle and proud ladies will tell you it is simply tradition.

Some people will suggest that the Long Neck villages are a tourist display but perhaps the more correct view is that this is an opportunity to discover a people with an unsettled history and a very different culture. A visit to a Padong village will more likely leave you culturally enriched with a desire to better understand these friendly people.

Lunch will be at the hill tribe village and early afternoon we will depart back to Chiang Mai. On the way back we will take an 8 km side trip to view the Lod Cave. This enormous cave is part of a cavern system that is among the largest in Asia. You will be able to enter the cave by raft on the small river (Lang River) that runs through the cave. Then we drive back to Chiang Mai, returning at about 20:00 pm and the conclusion of a very full, very exciting 2 day tour.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Additional Information : Price per person includes guide, transportation, meals, admission fees and accommodations.

Service Code : NST-901.02.03
Transportation : Air Condition Van

Pick up time		Tour Fee			Duration
A.M.	P.M.	1pax	2 paxs	3 paxs	THREE DAYS
08.00	17.00	432 USD	267 USD	194 USD