Day 1: Chiang Mai to Pai – Scenic Drives and Local Legends

We kick off with an early morning departure from Chiang Mai, taking the scenic route through the mountains. Your first stop is Huay Nam Dang National Park, known among locals as the “sea of mist.” Next, we stop at the World War II Bridge, where your guide will share how it became part of local history.

After a local lunch, prepare for an authentic challenge—Pai Canyon. Your guide will point out the safest spots to explore and the best angles for photos. By evening, check into Yoma Hotel (or similar). Then it’s time for the sunset—your choice: climb to Phra That Mae Yen temple for epic views, or take the easier route to Two Huts Pai for a gentle sunset experience.

Wrap up the day with dinner and some browsing at Pai Walking Street, where street food and handmade crafts await.

Day 2: Local Wisdom and Natural Wonders

After breakfast, visit Chinese Village and Yun Lai Viewpoint. Your guide will explain the fascinating migration story of the Yunnanese people who settled here. Next, we head to Sai Ngam Hot Spring, a local favorite. This isn’t a luxury spa—this is nature at its best, with crystal-clear mineral water flowing through a forest setting.

The adventure continues at Tham Lod Cave. As you drift through on a bamboo raft, your local cave guide will shine a lamp on ancient wooden coffins and dramatic stalactites—things most tourists would never find on their own.

After a local-style lunch, we head to Ban Rak Thai, a peaceful lakeside village near the Myanmar border. Take a relaxing boat ride and breathe in the crisp mountain air. Your guide will recommend the best tea shops and local dishes for dinner.

Day 3: Traditions and Village Life

Start your morning at Pu Klon, a mud spa loved by locals for its healing properties. Don’t expect luxury—this is raw, authentic, and incredibly refreshing. Next, walk across the famous Su Tong Pae Bamboo Bridge, built by monks and villagers to connect the community with a nearby temple.

After lunch, it’s time for a cultural highlight—visit Huay Pu Kang Long Neck Village by long-tail boat. Your guide will help translate as you chat with the Kayan women and learn about their unique brass neck rings.

Before sunset, explore Wat Chong Kham and Wat Chong Klang, two lakeside temples that locals cherish for their spiritual beauty. Overnight at Fern Resort or similar, nestled in nature with forest trails right outside your door.

Day 4: Temples, Caves, and Gorges

Your final day starts with sweeping views from Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu, a temple perched on a hilltop. Next, step into the glowing white interiors of Kaew Komol Cave, known for its rare calcite crystal formations.

In the right season (Nov–Dec), the Mexican Sunflower Fields at Doi Mae U-Khor will stop you in your tracks with vibrant yellow blooms.

After lunch, finish strong with a short trek through Ob Luang National Park, famous for its massive gorge and raging river. Return to Chiang Mai by early evening, with a heart full of stories and your camera full of memories.