Pickup at hotel around 8.00am. Visit Doi Inthanon National Park, encompasses the highest mountain In Thailand. Thailand’s highest peak is Doi Inthanon (often abbreviated to Doi In), which measures 2565m above sea level, an impressive altitude for the kingdom, but a tad diminutive compared to its cousins in the Himalayan range. The 1000-sq-km national park surrounding the peak has hiking trails, waterfalls and two monumental stupas erected in honour of the king and queen. It is a popular day trip from Chiang Mai for tourists and locals, especially during the New Year holiday when there’s the rarely seen phenomenon of frost.

On the way up, visit the Modern Chedis of the King & Queen, the best views across the park are found here. These two adjacent chedis are called Naphamethinidon, meaning “by the strength of the land and air”, and the other, Naphaphonphumisiri, meaning “being the strength of the air and the grace of the land”. These temples were built to honour the 60th birthday anniversary of King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1987, and the 60th birthday anniversary of Queen Sirikit in 1992, respectively.

Proceed to a Karen hill tribe village. The Karen are a tribal group who have historically lived in the hills on the Myanmar (formerly Burma) side of the Thai border. Best recognized for their elongated necks, the Karen women wear heavy brass rings around their necks, forearms, and shins. While the Karen men are mainly field workers and farmers, the women have a rich history of crafting from wood carving to weaving. Overall the Long Neck Tribes live a rugged, tedious, and simple lifestyle, but the fruits of their labor are colorful and very lively.

Lunch at a local restaurant then visit Vachiritharn and Siritharn Waterfalls and the flower garden at the Royal Project Research Station. Take a short walk into the forest on one of the nature trails at the top of the mountain. Return at 04.00pm.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

(B,L)