CNX 011
MAE KOK RIVER TOUR

4 days/3 nights

Photos: Lahu Lodge along Kok River, Chiang Rai Province, Northern Thailand.

Daily departure from Chiang Mai, minimum 2 persons

The highlight of this guided tour is the scenic stretch of the Mae Kok River, which will be traveled in two days, mostly on a bamboo raft with accommodation at the Lahu Lodge. This tour includes also a trip through the Golden Triangle area.

Day 1 Chiang Mai - Thaton

Depart Chiang Mai and travel out towards north and stop at a local market in the country side. Go on to visit one of the rare Palong hill tribe villages and the forest temple of Wat Tum Tubtao. Just outside of Thaton go on a side trip in the mountain wilderness and visit a remote Lahu hill tribe village. Enjoy the great views from Wat Thaton with its giant Buddha images. Overnight at a resort on the river bank.

Photo:Boat landing at Kok River, Chiang Rai Province, Northern Thailand.

Day 2 Thaton - Lahu Lodge

Take a morning walk through the village. Depart Thaton and travel on rural back roads to a riverside Shan village. The women of this village are well known for their skills in weaving. Here you will board the bamboo raft for a lazy trip down river. On route you have the possibility to do short walks and visit some of the idyllic villages. Late afternoon arrival at the Lahu Lodge. Very simple, but clean accommodation. Enjoy the evening at the Lahu village and get in touch with these friendly hill tribe people.

Photo: Sunset at Kok River, Chiang Rai Province, Northern Thailand.

Day 3 Lahu Lodge - Chiang Rai

Continue downriver and stop briefly at some hot springs before arriving at a riverside elephant camp. After lunch set off for a one hour elephant safari. Transfer by vehicle to Chiang Rai , where you will check in at hotel for overnight. In the evening time to explore Chiang Rai's little night market.

Day 4 Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai

Photo: Kajak on the Mae Kok River, Chiang Rai Province, Northern Thailand.

Early morning drive for about one hour to the former royal town of Chiang Saen and enjoy a short boat trip on the mighty Mekong River to the Laotian river island of Koh Don Sao and further to the Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar (Burma) meet. Visit the Opium Museum. Travel to the border- and market town of Mae Sai and explore the bustling market. Opportunity to cross in to Burmese border town of Tachilek (optional). In the afternoon drive back to Chiang Mai with some stops on the way. Transfer to your chosen hotel or airport.

More information or booking of this tour!

Price includes:

Air-conditioned transportation during the tour, English speaking tour guide, all transfers and excursions as mentioned in the above itinerary, accommodation in very good middle class hotels/resorts (1 night simple but clean bamboo hut at Lahu village), entrance fees, half board (breakfast and lunch) and 1 dinner at Lahu Lodge.

Not included:

All drinks, tips and personal expenses

Photo: Raft on Kok River, Chiang Rai Province, Northern Thailand.

Options:

This itinerary can be done without the tour on the last day. In this case end of the trip on evening day 3 with connecting flights to Chiang Mai or Bangkok possible.....or just overnight in Chiang Rai and depart the next day.

On day 2+3 possibility to travel by motorised "long tail boat" instead of the bamboo raft. In that case,
please let us know at the time of booking this tour.

Photo: Akha hill tribe village, Doi Tung, Chiang Rai Province, Northern Thailand.