RECOMMENDATION
Due to the early departure, we recommend the participants to arrive in Pai the day before. It will be the occasion to fall in love with this charming Thai village nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, surrounded by hot springs and waterfalls. In town, you will appreciate the colorful street-market, restaurants and music bars.

We will give you a map of the area and help you to make the best value of your time there or you might book one of our half day programs.

Day 1: (Distance=25 km; Time=4 hours; 30 rapids)

We will pick you up from your hotel at 08.45 and meet with other rafters at our base. While socializing around a cup of coffee, we will help you to select your rafting equipment (helmet and life jacket).
After a safety briefing, we will drive one hour by pick up taxi to reach the put in point. Around 11:00 you will meet your captains and receive the last paddling instructions.
The first strokes will take you straight into the lush of the jungle; after the first rapids, you will stop for a basket lunch by the shade of a wild mango tree; Then, passing through the gorge, you will experience the thrill of the class 3-4 Fragrance Rapids, before you reach the first hot springs and fluoride mine area of geological interest. 15 more rapids and we will stop at a small waterfall to enjoy water games.
Then, following the meanders of the river through the deep jungle, we will stop at our camp (17:00); you will settle in your huts or tents, take a shower, relax or explore the area before we serve a welcome drink and local snacks.
Later, a delicious Thai dinner cooked by the guides on the wood fire will follow (vegetarian on request); then fruit, coffee, tea, will complete the menu while guides will show you some tricks of their own getting tired, you will enjoy to spend the night in harmony with the nature, in a bamboo hut fully furnished with sleeping bags, pillows and mosquito nets. Shower & toilets are simple and clean facilities with bamboo walls.


Day 2: (Distance= 35 km; Time= 5 hours; 30 rapids)

A filling breakfast including homemade bread, eggs and fresh coffee will be served at 8 am. Departing from the camp around 9 am, we will first enjoy a dozen rapids among which the class 3 Red Cliff.
Further down, we will reach the Khong River junction, most important tributary of the Pai river; a few minutes later, the expedition will take a break at the main hot springs on this trip and will get ready for more fun through the set of the Rising Stone Rapids (about 5 rapids from 100 to 400 meters long, grade 2-3 ); after such a thrill, a picnic will be served on the bank of a clear stream; then, you will paddle or enjoy swimming through the Pai Gorges scattered with few more tricky rapids.
Coming to the end of the journey, we will pop out into the Mae Hong Son Valley and meet the first farming areas.
We will disembark at the Forestry Headquarter around 15:00; there you will be able to redeem your main luggage and take a refreshing shower before a short transfer to Mae Hong Son at the place of your convenience: Hotel if you wish to discover this charming Thai-Burmese city or Airport to fly back to Chiangmai at 16:10. A transfer back to Pai (110 km / 2 h) is also available with our truck.
 
• Includes: All transfers from Pai to Mae Hong Son, meals and drinking water, camping gear, waterproof containers for personal belongings and cameras, world standard rafting equipment (life jacket + safety helmet and paddle). Insurance (AXA group)
• Capacity: Maximum 25 people / Minimum 2
• Fitness: Average good physical condition and swimming experience required
• Packing list: In order to minimize the loading of the boats, we ask you to select a limited quantity of items - On the boat: - Wear a T-shirt, shorts, sandals or water shoes. Sun-screen lotion
- Night bag: - 1 T-shirt, 1 pair of trousers, sandals or "flip-flops", 1 towel+toilet-kit, mosquito-lotion, 1 flashlight, valuables (cash, credit cards, cell-phone) will be safe in this bag.
*During the cold season (Dec-Jan), an extra sweater and a pair of socks are recommended.
*Cameras & binoculars will be stored in waterproof containers readily accessible anytime.
Season: From early June to the middle of February

A 35 km ride through the wildlife sanctuary.
You will see a beautiful waterfall, visit hot springs, swim through majestic gorges and have fun through 15 rapids.
A nice trip for all ages and abilities, it involves a lot of driving: 1h30m to reach the river and 2h to return

Program:
You will be picked up from your hotel in Pai at 07:00 for a short drive to our base where a breakfast will be served during the safety briefing. Once we have selected paddles, life jackets and helmets suited to your size, a minivan (or a taxi, depending on the group) will drive you to the river on a 70 kilometer scenic road (1h30m) + 20 mn in a 4 wheel drive trail to reach the “Suza waterfall”
The rafting trip will start at 10.30.
Around lunch time you will reach the Pai River and take a break to enjoy a filling picnic; after rowing your boat few more kilometers, you will stop at the hot springs. From this point on, you must be ready for a great deal of fun; through the set of the Rising Stone Rapids (about 5 rapids between 100 to 300 meters long, grade 2-3.
Then, you will continue to paddle through the Pai Gorges scattered with few more tricky rapids.
Approaching the end, your boat will pop out into the Mae Hong Son Valley and meet the first farming areas.
We will disembark at the Mae Surin National park Headquarter around 17:00 to redeem your main luggage and take a refreshing shower before a short transfer to the place of your convenience in the beautiful city of Mae Hong Son.
For the people who wish to return to Pai, it will take 2h20m to cover the 110 km of winding road, admiring the sunset and great landscapes on the way.

Includes: All transfers by minivan or taxi, breakfast, lunch and drinking water, dry box for cameras, world standard equipment (life-jacket classIV, helmets and Carlisle paddles) AXA Insurance

Packing list: On the boat, wear sandals or water shoes, shorts, T-shirt; take sun-block lotion and camera (stored in a water proof container readily accessible anytime)
Season: From early June to the middle of February

Program

Day 1: Trekking

We will transfer you from your hotel to our base at 07:00 for breakfast, safety briefing and to select your life jacket and helmet for day two.
We will then drive 1h to the trekking location and start to walk up hill through the forest to a Lisu village (2h). There we will observe the traditions of this ethnic group that originates from the south of China.
We will proceed 1h to a scenic area for lunch then walk 2 more hours to the Sprit Well: A natural limestone hole (150m deep and 80 m diameter) most certainly created 2-300 million years ago by the ocean which slowly receded as the Himalayas were (and is still are) rising.
Then we will walk downhill 1 hour to the Lahu village where your guide lives. You will be welcome in is house. This home stay will be the best way to share the way of life of these hill tribe people originally from Tibet and Bhutan. Basically they are hunters and fishermen.

Day 2: Rafting

After breakfast, a truck from the village will take you to the River embarkation point (20 min). In case of shallow water, you will drive 8km deeper into the jungle to begin our trip from the Suza waterfall.
You will paddle on the small Khong River for 3 hours before meeting the bigger Pai River; there you will have fun through 15 rapids, stop at the hot springs, swim in the gorges and bathe in a waterfall.
At around 4pm you will disembark at the Maesurin waterfall National Park headquarters. After a refreshing shower you will have the choice of driving back to Pai with us (2h) or to take a short transfer (15 min) to Mae Hong Son with your main luggage.
If you have time, we recommend you stay overnight there, visit this beautiful Shan city (a taste of Burma) and take a flight back to Chiangmai at the end of the day.

Maximum: 8 people.

Includes: full board, drinking water, dry box for camera and professional safety equipment. AXA insurance. Entrance fees to National park and wildlife sanctuary. Return to Pai.

Packing list: Trekking shoes, ruck sack (10 l), sandals, sun cream, toilet kit, flash light, a change of clothes for the night, shorts.

2 days/1 night - Trekking, waterfall and cave (Bamboo rafting and elephant riding) (Ref: Tbe-2)

1st Day

Leaving at 09:00 from Pai, we will drive one hour to reach the trekking trail. We will start walking upstream along the Lang river, through one of the most beautiful mixed deciduous forest in Northern Thailand: Teak wood forests, Indian Mahoganies and various species of bamboo.
As we take a break for a basket lunch in the middle of the jungle, the guide will show you some survival skills using a bamboo and a machete. Then, we will walk up hill again, observing plants, flowers, insects and birds until we reach a remote Red-Lahu village close to the Thai-Burmese border.
We will settle in a traditional bamboo house built on teak stilts and covered with a thatched roof. After a refreshing shower you will have time to visit the village.

If you wish, you can assist your guide and learn how to cook a delicious meal on a wood fire. The convivial sit-on-floor diner will be the occasion to talk about the culture and history of the Lahu people and share some songs with the children, then you will slide into your mosquito net for the night.

2nd Day

After a filling breakfast you will be ready to hike 3 hours to one of the main Karen villages in the region; walking through different kinds of forests and following mountain ridges, we will arrive at the Karen village for lunch. After a walk through the village observing the children playing and the women weaving clothes for the family, we will proceed with a one hour elephant ride (optional) or walk down to the bamboo raft pier.

There, according to your choice, we can walk or experience the navigation on a bamboo raft (optional)

The same kind of boats were already used on this river by the Lawa people, the first population recorded in this area around 800 BC; the trip will take you to the entrance of a huge limestone cave which is the result of 200 millions years of erosion by the river. The Lawa people used some of the galleries as primitive habitation and have left some traces of their civilization. We will have a delicious barbecue lunch at the cave's restaurant before the visit, then we will drive back to your hotel in Pai.
(Starting early in the morning, we can be on time to reach the last transportation leaving to Chiang Mai)

Includes: All services described
Level: Average good physical condition
Packing list: 1 trekking shoes, 1 ruck-sack, 1 flip-flops, 2 light trousers, 3 T-shirts, 2 pairs of socks. 1 flash-light,1 towel + toilet kit, 1 bed sheet, mosquito lotion, earplugs.
*From June to October: 1 raincoat
*From January to March: 1 sweater + hat
Maximum: 15 people

Bamboo raft option (1h) — THB 600/person
Elephant riding option (1h) — THB 500/person

1 day Trekking (Ref : T-1)

The Trek

We will leave your hotel at 09:00 and drive 20 minutes on the road going to Mae Hong Son to a Lisu village where we start walking along the fields until we find the shadow of a bamboo forest. We will reach the first Lahu village and eat our basket lunch in this area. After walking for one more hour we will reach a second Lahu village and stop by a beautiful three stage waterfall where we can swim and relax.

The car will pick us there at 15:00. and take us back to Pai in 15 minutes.

Includes: transportation, lunch, water
Packing list: Trekking shoes, sunscreen lotion, hat, small rucksack.

Program

Day 1: Trekking

We will transfer you from your hotel to our base at 07:00 for breakfast, safety briefing and to select your life jacket and helmet for day two.
We will then drive 1h to the trekking location and start to walk up hill through the forest to a Lisu village (2h). There we will observe the traditions of this ethnic group that originates from the south of China.
We will proceed 1h to a scenic area for lunch then walk 2 more hours to the Sprit Well: A natural limestone hole (150m deep and 80 m diameter) most certainly created 2-300 million years ago by the ocean which slowly receded as the Himalayas were (and is still are) rising.
Then we will walk downhill 1 hour to the Lahu village where your guide lives. You will be welcome in is house. This home stay will be the best way to share the way of life of these hill tribe people originally from Tibet and Bhutan. Basically they are hunters and fishermen.

Day 2: Rafting

After breakfast, a truck from the village will take you to the River embarkation point (20 min). In case of shallow water, you will drive 8km deeper into the jungle to begin our trip from the Suza waterfall.
You will paddle on the small Khong River for 3 hours before meeting the bigger Pai River; there you will have fun through 15 rapids, stop at the hot springs, swim in the gorges and bathe in a waterfall.
At around 4pm you will disembark at the Maesurin waterfall National Park headquarters. After a refreshing shower you will have the choice of driving back to Pai with us (2h) or to take a short transfer (15 min) to Mae Hong Son with your main luggage.
If you have time, we recommend you stay overnight there, visit this beautiful Shan city (a taste of Burma) and take a flight back to Chiangmai at the end of the day.

Maximum: 8 people.

Includes: full board, drinking water, dry box for camera and professional safety equipment. AXA insurance. Entrance fees to National park and wildlife sanctuary. Return to Pai.

Packing list: Trekking shoes, ruck sack (10 l), sandals, sun cream, toilet kit, flash light, a change of clothes for the night, shorts.

The Tour

We will meet in your hotel at 13:00 and drive to the main local waterfall, also the water-supply and the fruit garden of the city; you will be able to bathe there. On the way, as we pass by a Chinese village, a Lisu, and then a Lahu hill tribe village, we will comment about the origins and traditions of these people.
Crossing to the other side of the valley, we will drive through Shan villages and reach the temple on the hill, one of the famous viewpoints of the valley, an occasion to inform you about Buddhism.
We will then drive few more kilometres to discover the hot spring area and explain this geological phenomenon.
Now, It will be time for an elephant ride (1.5 hr); the most hilarious in your life if you choose to go and play in the river with your mighty friend! If you prefer to keep dry, you will experience the climbing skills and the amazing balance of these pachyderms.
On the way back to Pai, we will stop at the Pai Canyon for a sunset view over the valley; then we will drive back to your hotel.

Includes: Includes all service and drinking water.
Packing list: Sun glasses, hat, sunscreen lotion, towel and dry change of clothes. Camera.

The Tour

At 13:30 pm we will bring the bikes to your hotel.
After quick adjustments to the saddles, your guide will start to lead the trip down the left bank of the Pai river, passing by Shan villages and paddy fields. Arriving at the elephant camps, you might enjoy a ride to the river or into the hills, on one of these pachyderms. (Optional)
Then, we will visit the hot springs area; time for our pick-up truck assistance to provide us with fresh water, fruit and snacks, so we can pedal further to the historic "second world war Japanese bridge"
We will prefer to cross the Pai river safely over the new bridge and pedal up to the "Pai Canyon" for a breath-taking view over the valley; then we will plunge down hill and peddle gently back to Pai along the right bank of the river.
After a refreshing shower at your hotel, we suggest a traditional Thai massage (Optional) to get your muscles ready for the following day...

Price does not include Options (Elephant ride & massage)
Packing list: shorts, sport shoes, cap, sunglasses, sunscreen lotion, 1 towel, and camera.

The Tour

Prepare to leave your hotel at 09:00, dressed in shorts, T-shirt and sandals. We will drive 6 kms on top of the Pai river to reach the boat embarkation point. There, after putting your life-jacket on, a guide will help you to paddle safely back to Pai along villages and farming areas. Ending up in Pai, the car will take you to your hotel to change back into dry clothes; then it will be time to enjoy a delicious meal and relax in our panoramic restaurant.
At 13:00 we will drive to the main local waterfall, also the water supply and fruit garden of the city,. On the way we will pass by a Kuo Min Tang village, a Lisu, and then a Lahu hill tribe village, an occasion to talk about origins and traditions of these people. You will have time to take a swim and relax at the waterfall.
Crossing to the other side of the valley, we will drive through small Shan villages and reach the Temple on the Hill where you can learn about Buddhism and get a nice view over Pai.
Then we will drive few more kilometres to discover the hot spring and explain the geological phenomenon. In the lower part of the stream, as the water cools to 35°C, you can also go for a dip.
Now, It might be time for an elephant ride; the most hilarious in your life if you choose to play in the river with your mighty friend! If you prefer to keep dry, you will experience the climbing skills and the amazing balance of these pachyderms.
On the way back to Pai, depending on the time, we can visit the Karen community handicraft centre and stop at the Pai Canyon for a sunset view over the lower Pai valley; then we will drive back to your hotel.
We suggest youa relaxing Thai massage before dinner.

Includes all services
Packing list: Sport shoes, cap, sun glasses and sunscreen lotion, 1 towel, camera.
Maximum: 10 people per group.

The Tour

We will start from your hotel at 08:00, drive for one hour on a beautiful mountain road to reach our first stop and meet with the Lisu hill tribe people. Then, we will drive on a scenic crest trail to pay a visit to a Black Lahu village and a cave, near the Burmese border.
Nearing Mae Hong Son, we will stop and walk to the mysterious "Fish cave"; further up we will discover the majestic "Tiger waterfall".
We will reach Mae Hong Son in time for lunch, time to taste the local cuisine and relax by the lake, in front of the romantic Shan* style temple.
The first excursion in the afternoon will take us to the Karen long necks village, occasion for an interesting visit and a short talk about the refugees' situation along this border.
Back in Mae Hong Son, we will walk through the provincial market to detail the local food products and handicraft, then drive to the temple on the hill to get the most peaceful balcony view over the Shan city.
Then you may choose to fly back to Chiangmai at 17:00 (35mn flight), spend one night in the romantic city of Mae Hong Son or drive back to Pai in 2 hours.

* Ethnic group and original population of Mae Hong Son. The Shan state is located in Myanmar.

Includes all services and entrance fee
Does not include air ticket
Packing list: Sport shoes, cap, sun glasses and sunscreen lotion, 1 towel, camera.
Maximum: 9 pers.

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