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THE HILL TRIBES OF NORTH THAILAND PRE TOUR

Travel off the beaten track with your English speaking guide and discover the hilltribes, beautiful scenery and history of the land of opium, in our exclusive pre cruise arrangement.

DAY 1

CHIANG MAI ARRIVAL

Our local representative will meet you at Chiang Mai airport and transfer you to the Rachamankha. Chiang Mai is a Thailand’s “Rose of the North” which is a cultural and natural wonderland with ethnic diversity, a multitude of attractions and welcoming hospitality.

Overnight at Rachamankha
Meals: none

DAY 2

CHIANG MAI - CHIANG DAO

Morning departure from Chiang Mai to visit Doi Angkhang, with a stop to visit Chiang Dao cave, situated among the rolling hillside. The cave consists of 4 interconnected caverns that are opened. Here you will see an array of different stalactites everywhere.

Lunch at local restaurant. After lunch, proceed to hotel for check in and afternoon at leisure. Dinner will be served at Hotel.

Overnight at Azalea Village Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3

CHIANG DAO - DOI ANGKHANG - BAN THATON

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed to Doi Angkhang National Park. The area has a cool climate all year round, particularly from December to January. During this period, visitors should be prepared to cope with cold weather. Doi Angkhang Royal Agricultural Station is a site for planting and researching for flowering plants, temperate fruit trees, vegetables and other crop under the patronage of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej (King Rama IX).

Lunch is at a local restaurant.

Afternoon visit Muser Hill tribe at Baan Khob Dong village, The tribe believe in ghosts and spirits and still hold on to simple ways of life. The Royal Project has supported this village in promoting agriculture and handicrafts. The Young Local Guide project is underway to guide visitors on the local lifestyle and beliefs, as well as to create a non-migration awareness in local youths.

The next stop will be a visit to Baan Nor Lae village, this village is located on the Thai-Burmese border. The people of No Lae migrated from Myanmar about 15 years ago. They speak their own language and are Buddhists. From here we continue to the villages of Baan Khum which is a village located near the Royal Agricultural Station. It is a small community comprising of people from various races such as Burmese, Hwa, and Thai Yai. They settled in the area and run souvenir shops and restaurants.

In the late afternoon, transfer to Ban Thaton for check in at your hotel.

Overnight at Maekok River Village Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4

BAN THATON - GOLDEN TRIANGLE - CHIANG KHONG

Today, we make our way to Chiang Khong in Chiang Rai. On the way you will visit Golden Triangle with Golden Buddha viewpoint to enjoy the spectacular view for 360 degree. From there we continue to visit the Opium Hall. The hall was built to educate people about the dangers of the drug through an entertaining exhibition which traces the opium’s history from its first use 5,000 years ago to current issues of drug abuse and addiction.

Lunch at local restaurant.

After lunch, then continue to Chiang Khong along the scenic route. Arrive at Chiangkhong Teak Garden Riverfront Hotel. Here you will get firsthand experience on how to make Hmong batik handkerchief with Hmong ladies or alternatively, you can learn how to make and set animal traps. Dinner and watch traditional Hmong performances.

Overnight at Chiangkhong Teak Garden Riverfront Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5

CHIANG KHONG - PANDAW CRUISE

After breakfast, (09h40) watch a presentation ont the Hmong and Lahu tribes, the Golden triangle area and the giant catfish (locally known as Pla Buek) – the world’s biggest fresh water fish found in the Mekong River. Learn about the activities that affect the Mekong River and the people whose lives depend on the river. Tour the Hmong and Lahu hill tribe village, including a visit at the shaman house of the Hmong. Drink tea with the shaman and discover why the fireplace is important to the Hmongs.

Lunch will be provided on the charming terrace that looks to the Mekong River and Laos.

Then continue to Chiang Khong to embarkation to Pandaw Cruise. On the way you might able to stop at Chiang Khong City to visit local Buddhist temple if time allow before embarking to Pandaw Cruise.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

The Rachamankha Hotel

Well located in the heart of historic Chiang Mai old city, the 25-room Rachamankha is the leading luxury boutique hotel, offering charming colonnaded courtyards and gardens - a world of serenity and contentment. The hotel distinctive architecture is inspired by the eleventh centuries B.C. vernacular Chinese dwellings, from which Northern Thai architecture has its roots.

Public facilities

Public areas include the Library with over 2,000 books and an enchanting open-air massage pavilion overlooking a tranquil 20-meter pool where drinks and light snacks are served pool-side throughout the day. You can dine in al fresco or in the stylish restaurant. Antiques from different periods around the world, from Europe, Africa, China, Burma and Thailand are scattered throughout the hotel. The spacious and comfortable air-conditioned superior rooms are fully equipped with wireless Internet connection, TV and CD/DVD player.

6 Rachamankha, 9 Phra Singh, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

Tel: +66 53 904 111

Visit Hotel Website

Azalea Village Resort

Azalea Resort has provided 21 relaxation local style cottages to suit our discerning valued customers.

Providing simple natural blend from natural materials with furnishing that created an inviting ambience that comes with relaxation and serenity.

Chiang Mai 50170, Thailand

Tel: +66 53 456 168

Visit Hotel Website

Maekok River Village Resort

The Maekok River Village Resort is idyllically located on the banks of the Mae Kok River with sweeping views across the valley to the distant forested mountains. The peaceful, rural setting makes an ideal getaway for those wanting to escape the usual city tourist traps. For those interested in the local culture or those wanting a more adventurous holiday, the resort is a perfect place to stay.

There are numerous activities available at the resort and in the surrounding area which allow guests to fill their days with a variety of experiences. This also makes the M.R.V.R. particularly suitable for families. It is no surprise that a frequent comment we receive from guests is that they wished they had been booked for longer.

333 Moo 4, Mae Chan, Fang road, Tha Ton, Mae Ai District, Chiang Mai 50280, Thailand

Tel: +66 53 053 628

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Chiangkhong Teak Garden Riverfront Hotel

CHIANGKHONG TeakGarden Riverfront enjoys a beautiful riverfront location on the border between Thailand and Laos, the gorgeous Mekong River. CHIANGKHONG TeakGarden Riverfront is adjacent to the main road of the peaceful town of Chiangkhong, which is situated in the relaxing province of Chiang Rai. The rooms feature a fusion between Lanna and Contemporary styles.CHIANGKHONG TeakGarden Riverfront also has a wonderful and relaxing garden of golden teak trees, which are over a hundred years old. This convenient gateway to Indochina is located only 1 kilometer away from the bus station and 400 meters away from the Bug Pier, making CHIANGKHONG TeakGarden Riverfront the perfect destination for you.

666 Moo 8, Vieng, Chiang Khong District, Chiang Rai, TH 57140

Tel: (+66) 053 792 008

Visit Hotel Website

Rates include

Accommodation at selected hotels with daily breakfast, check-in time is 2.00PM and check-out time is 12.00PM. Early or late service is subject to availability with surcharge, meals as mentioned, english speaking guide, tours and transfers as mentioned by air-conditioned vehicle, sightseeing fees and permits during guided time, service charge and current government VAT tax.

Rates exclude

Early/late check in/out service at hotels (surcharge if requested), tips and gratuities, services and meals if not mentioned in itinerary, all drinks, including water, soft drink and alcohol on all included or optional excursions, laundry, telephone calls and expenditure of a personal nature, travel Insurance (Compulsory).

Price per traveller in USD

Twin beds available for a surcharge. Please contact reservations for your enquiry.

Accommodation Type	Price per Traveller
Sharing (2 Pax)	US$1,208.50
Single (1 Pax)	US$2,198

Extension Code: LTTH2BT

Note

This is a group tour exclusively for Pandaw guests
All accommodation will be booked after your deposit is received
On day 5 of your pre tour we do a hike to Lahu village. This tour including visits/stops takes 2.5 to 3 hours. The mountain road is steep and can be demanding. Medium fitness is required. If you do not want to walk then transport will be provided
The cruise itinerary includes the Golden Triangle and Opium House on Day 1, you have this covered during this pre-tour already, therefore we have arranged an alternate itinerary for you on the last day of this tour
If twin beds are required at Azalea Village Resort there will be a upgrade supplement charge of US$138, as you would require a room upgrade from a Superior Cottage room to Suite Cottage 2 Bedrooms (1 king size bedroom & 2 queen size bedroom)

Supplements

Azalea Village Resort - Peak Season Supplement - 15 Dec 2022 - 05 Jan 2023 USD7.00 per room per night
Azalea Village Resort - Peak Season Supplement - 04 Feb 2023 - 10 Feb 2023 USD7.00 per room per night
Azalea Village Resort - Peak Season Supplement - 15 Dec 2023 - 05 Jan 2024 USD7.00 per room per night
Azalea Village Resort - Peak Season Supplement - 04 Feb 2024 - 10 Feb 2024 USD7.00 per room per night
Azalea Village Resort - Peak Season Supplement - 15 Dec 2024 - 05 Jan 2025 USD7.00 per room per night
Azalea Village Resort - Peak Season Supplement - 04 Feb 2025 - 10 Feb 2025 USD7.00 per room per night
The Rachamankha Hotel - Compulsory meal: Christmas Eve Dinner - 24DEC USD128.00 per person
The Rachamankha Hotel - Compulsory meal: New Year's Eve Dinner - 31DEC USD202.00 per person
The Rachamankha Hotel - Peak Season Supplement - 01 Nov 2022 - 30 Aug 2023 USD26.00 per room per night
The Rachamankha Hotel - Peak Season Supplement - 01 Nov 2023 - 30 Aug 2024 USD26.00 per room per night
The Rachamankha Hotel - Peak Season Supplement - 01 Nov 2024 - 30 Aug 2025 USD26.00 per room per night

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