Need help choosing itinerary

We have 2.5 days in Chiang Mai. Here are the itineraries that were suggested to me by a guide. Since I really do not know much about the region, could you please let me know what you think about them and which one is the best. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!

Plan A

day 1 Nature and Hill tribe experiences

the lost city, local market, Doi in thanon national park (the highest mountain in Thailand), waterfalls, Karen hill tribe village

Overnight in Chiang mai

Day 2 elephant + long neck karen %26amp; chiang dow cave, padong hill tribe

elephant show, long neck %26amp; mixed hill tribe such as Hmong, Lahu or Muser, Chiang dow cave, padong hill tribe

Overnight in Chiang mai

day 3 Doi suthep temple + culture route

Doi sutheptemple, Umbrella making, Bor sang Handdicraf places

Return to Chiang Mai by 4pm

Plan B

day 1

Doi saket temple, Chiang rai hill tribe museum, old city Chiang san, long neck , Akha and Yao tribes, boat trip in Mekhong river, opium house, Lao Island ( Laotian villages in Loa country )

Overnight in Mae Sai town at border bet ween thai %26amp; myanmar

day Mae sai Border town

Indochina bustle market, visit border, monkey teple, Doi tung (visit king mother garden), White temple

Overnight in Chiang mai

day 3 Elephant %26amp; doi suthep teple.

visit the largest elephant camp %26amp; enjoy elephant shows, Tiger kingdom, Doi suthep temple

Plan C

day 1 Doi suthep temple on hill %26amp; Local life style.

Doi suthep temple, elephant show, elephant riding, hot springs (and you can take a bath in local hot springs), Long neck karen and others mixed hill tribes

-tiger kingdom ( optional )

Overnight outside Chiang mai at Baan bau tong ( sun flower resort )

Day 2 Doi inthanon national park.

the lost city, local market, Doi in thanon national park ( the highest mountain in Thailand ), waterfalls, Karen hill tribe village

Day 3 City tour to explore Chiang mai and visit the oldest temples in the old city moats.

wat pha singh, wat chedi laung, wat Chiang man, hill-tribe museum

Need help choosing itinerary

Hi -

I think your first question is to decide if you want to go up to Chiang Rai or not. Chiang Rai is in the Golden Triangle area (about three hours Nth of Chiang Mai). Chaing Rai is smaller than Chaing Mai - but wonderful local night market and authentic hill tribe experiences.

If you are happy to stay in and around Chiang Mai - think about choosing your own hotel and booking a guide for a couple of day trips. Some of the things you mention on both plan A and plan B are things you can easily do your self as they are in and around the city (like the arts/craft villages and Doi Suthep, elephant camps). It is very easy to organise these things once you are there. Just hire a driver for a half day (around 700B for an air con cab) and get them to take you to the places you want to go to.

Are you a person who likes to travel with a guide to organise everything for you? Both of your plans are fairly full and cover a lot of distance.

One of the charms of Chiang Mai is wandering around and enjoying the place. The centre of town is the old city - which is surrounded by a moat. Chiang Mai has over 300 temples within the city, so visually it is very interesting to explore. Also, great eating opportunity and a wonderful Sunday night market. All of these things can be enjoyed without taking a guided tour package such as the ones you are looking at.

What you end up deciding depends on your own interests - however, just keep in mind that there is really little to no time in these plans to enjoy the city of Chiang Mai (or really Chaing Rai) - more about keeping on the move.

If you have limited time and you are interested in the things proposed - then go for it.

One tip - many people suggest boycotting the Long Neck Tribes. Just type the words %26#39;long neck tribes%26#39; into the forum seach box and you will find recent discussions on this topic. You can then decide for yourself if this is something you want to go to or avoid.

Send through any more questions as you think it through.

Caroline.

Need help choosing itinerary

Hey buddy

Any of those plans is good. I enjoyed my trip to Chiang Dao Nest and the caves, forget the long neck%26#39;s just a tourist rip off. I would suggest you contact the guide %26#39;joy%26#39; and take his advice on what to do and see but whatever you decide you will enjoy, it is a great part of the world and the Thai people are a beautiful race. I am heading back myself early new year and can%26#39;t wait.

Jeff