You will visit the barracks where Khun Sa maintained his army of several thousand soldiers. The small and barely known museum displays photos of Khun Sa, his army, various palaces in Shan State (in Burma) and maps of the border area. They serve as witness to the military confrontation between the Burmese military and the minorities as well as the drug trafficking that has been taking place in this area since a long time.

Afterwards, we drive up to Doi Tung, and visit the Doi Tung Development project. This natural beauty has been enhanced through the effort and perseverance of the people of Doi Tung in reviving their once deteriorated forests. The now lush forests are their legacy to pass on to their descendants. It is through their work that they accomplished the gracious commands in the memory of Her Royal Highness, the Princess Mother, through the Doi Tung Development Project under Royal Initiative that has returned the mountains to their natural environment. The Princess Mother has passed away, but her inspiration has lived on through the dedication of the loyal staff of the Doi Tung Development Project. We visit the Mae Fah Luang Garden before we descend from Doi Tung on a narrow but asphalted (very steep) road that straddles the Burmese border. From up here, we have great views right into Burma and over the plains surrounding Mae Sai, Thailand’s northernmost town where we will have lunch right at the border.

After lunch, we ride on to the Golden Triangle where the borders of Burma, Laos and Thailand meet at the Mekong River. We continue to Chiang Saen, Thailand’s most important harbour on the Mekong River. As the river connects Thailand with China, it is not unusual to see Chinese boats mooring at Chiang Saen’s harbour. Shortly after Chiang Saen, we visit Wat Phra That Pha-Ngao on top of a hill. From the top of the hill, we can enjoy a magnificent view over all of Chiang Saen and the Mekong River. Afterwards visit the Ubosot which, although built only recently, is a gem of a temple that excels through its fantastically carved doors and windows as well as the mural paintings inside. At the foot of this hill there is a stupa that dates back 1000 years when Chiang Saen was built as the seat of Thailand’s first kingdom. To conclude our day, we continue along one of the most scenic routes in Northern Thailand, along the Mekong River, to Chiang Khong.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance covered: approx. 180 km

This museum is one of Thailand’s most up-to-date provincial museums and houses ethnological exhibits dealing with various ethnic groups in the province. Simple lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we visit also Wat Phra That Chae Haeng on the opposite side of the Nan River. The temple dates from 1355 and is the most sacred temple in Nan Province. It combines Thai-Lue influence with Lanna style and is another shining example of a typical temple of North Thailand. To conclude our tour we drive up a hilltop near our hotel to visit Wat Phra That Khao Noi to enjoy the view over the city of Nan.

OR: Salt mines of Bo Klua

For those who do not want to miss an opportunity to ride their bikes, we propose a morning departure for a roundtrip of 200 km through the wild mountain region northeast of Nan. Our way leads through the Doi Phu Kha National Park and over a fantastic mountain pass to the salt mines of Bo Klua, where people still today extract salt from the ground in the traditional method. Lunch at a simple local restaurant.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance covered: approx. 210 km