Generally, although it is not the only option, most people commence their northern holiday in Chiang Mai, then spend perhaps a day sightseeing there, before heading out into the provincial areas on tour. 

Most  clients return to Chiang Mai for a few days of shopping or sightseeing before going south to the islands or returning home.

However, even allowing for the cost of your meals and a good standard of middle range accommodation, you can enjoy an action-filled hoilday from as little as US$15 per day / per person (depending on the current exchange rate).

A typical example of a 3-day & 2-night UP2U itinerary (including accommodation and meals), that combines some low cost options together with one of our more “expensive” 2-day & 1-night river barge tours would still cost less than $30 per person per day.

Day 2 - Breakfast, followed by a 4WD vehicle transfer to a trek start point for a full day of trekking through the numerous hilltribe villages of the area. Picnic lunch, vehicle return to the Lodge, set Thai-style dinner, campfire and bed.

Day 3 - Breakfast, an unguided (safe) short walk to the Thai-Burma border followed by buffet lunch before taking the scheduled long tail boat on a 4-hour trip downriver to Chiang Rai. On arrival, transfer by taxi bus to your chosen hotel. (End of programme).

Note - The above programme has only one day of guided tour and for the most part uses public transport.