EXPERIENCES DURING THE ROADTRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Probably the most beautiful drive in Thailand through stunning mountain areas and picturesque villages. Throughout the trip you will be meeting “story tellers” from the region who show you around their community or show you their daily life; their English might not be perfect but the unique experience will stay with you forever. The area has an interesting history as it’s been always closely connected to neighbouring Burma (Myanmar). We will show you the coffee and tea plantation, fantastic caves, tribal villages as well as rustic meditation centre, Shan inspired temples, a well-protected national park and spectacular river trips.
The must-do’s in this region
Trekking and boating along the Salween National Park
We take you for half a day trekking through Salween National Park, starting from a beautiful spot in the middle of the park. A park ranger accompanies us for a trekking of about 4 hours on mostly flat terrain and passes a small village of Thai and Karen people. We stop for a simple picnic lunch in the national park and arrive at the Salween River that forms the border with Burma. A private boat is ready for a stunning 1-hour trip on the river to a small border settlement where we have afternoon snacks before returning by car to the hotel.
The must-do’s in this region
Tham Lod – A Cave Exploration
One of the most impressive caves in Thailand is over 1,5 km long and consist of 3 huge chambers. Likely one of the most impressive caves that are accessible in Northern Thailand. Community members will take you through the cave with a small lantern and escort you on bamboo rafts and wooden bridges to glittering chambers and an ancient coffin cave.
MORE THINGS TO DO AND SEE IN the burma borderland – mae hong son
Karen village, nature and food
We go for a beautiful river trip along the border, take a short walk, visit a cave and pass the impressive, yet also sad reality of one of the biggest refugees camps in Thailand. There are also many inspirational stories to be told in this area and we stop to meet some of the people trying to make a positive impact on the lives of the Karen people living in this area.
Discovery of Tai Yai, Karen and Northern Thai culture by bike
The people of Mae Sariang are proud of their cultural heritage influenced by the long relations across borders with Burma and with the rest of Northern Thailand. A Mae Sariang resident takes us around town by bike to visit temples, markets and meet some of the local foodies to taste some typical snacks from the area.
Tai Yai (Shan) village walk, home cooked lunch and Khun Yuam Museum
Today we’re going to dive deeper in the culture of the people living in the countryside in an idyllic village where a local villager or student will introduce you to their traditions and cultures, guiding you around town to visit the wooden monastery and a traditional wooden house for a home-cooked Shan lunch. Continue to learn about the fascinating history during WW2 when Khun Yuam was a major Japanese starting point to cross through Burma to India, but also a trading post for the neighbouring tribal lands.
Mae Hong Son and meditation
We continue through teak forest and visit the colourful market in Mae Hong Son town, which is a melting pot of cultures, produce and gossip. We will also show you the Shan-style temple on the lakeside. Many Thai Buddhist people practise meditation and most public schools in Thailand teach children how to meditate. Today you will get a basic introduction to meditation and mindfulness at one of the famous meditation centres and enjoy a healthy lunch amongst the practitioners.
Karen Village walk
Your local Karen guide will show you around the village, the nearby fields and forest and explain about the daily life in this remote part of Thailand. Get introduced to the daily routine, local tales and culture on a leisurely walk of about 4 hours and includes a home-cooked lunch of typical regional food at a local Karen house.
Windy Roads, Tea and Coffee Plantations
Today’s trip takes you away from the main road and brings you closer to some small settlements along the mountain ridges between Mae Hong Son and Chiang Mai. Learn from a Chinese tea lover what it takes to produce high quality organic tea, may it be black, green or white – taste the difference. While we continue walking along the plantations, it’s coffee time. See how coffee is grown, and how the locals process it into the final product – enjoy a fresh cup and a home cooked lunch by one of the villagers.