Banlung

Banlung is a small northern city that will please nature seekers with its large expanses of forests and numerous waterfalls.

Travellers will also find the opportunity to meet the ethnic minority farmers working in this large farmland.

Chiang Rai

This is one of the oldest cities in Thailand, established in 1262 by King Mengrai as the centrepiece of the first independent kingdom in the country, and heart of the Lanna Kingdom. Yet, after just 34 years of glory, Mengrai moved his capital south to Lamphun and then finally to Chiang Mai. Chiang Rai largely fell into disuse and was fought over by Siamese and Burmese until 1786, when it was finally incorporated into the Siamese Kingdom.

The northernmost province of Thailand, Chiang Rai is situated on the Kok River basin 416 metres above sea level. With an area of some 11,678 square kilometres, it is about 785 kilometres form Bangkok. Mostly mountains, it reaches the Mae Khong River to the north and borders on both Myanmar and Laos. The province is rich in tourism resources in terms of natural attractions and antiquities, evidence of its past civilisation. It is also home to several hill tribes who follow fascinating ways of life and a tourism gateway into Myanmar and Laos. Chiang Rai is unlike other towns. It is small enough to make visitors feel welcome but large enough to accommodate all these people in comfortable accommodation.

Hoa Binh / Mai Chau

Located 70 km south‐west of Hanoi, rich in beautiful landscapes, Hoa Binh region, in the heart of the former Tonkin, is home to the Muong and Dao ethnic minorities and the first large reservoir in Vietnam.

Further on, 60 km west of Hoa Binh, is Mai Chau a small village occupied by the White Thai minority.


Easily accessible from Hanoi, the region offers an overview of the different ethnic minorities who are inhabitants of Vietnam.

Mae Hong Son

Nestled in Thailand’s northern regions is Mae Hong Son, a province once difficult to reach and its natural beauty unseen by many visitors to the country. Nowadays this land of mist shrouded hills, remote valleys and ethnic hill-tribe villages is much easier to access and yet it’s mystical attraction of being a rugged and intriguing destination is as strong as ever.

Some 900 km from Bangkok, Mae Hong Son is bordered by Myanmar to the north and west and - while a strong Burmese influence is evident in the province’s beautiful temples and buildings - it is a region of ethnic diversity. The population is an enchanting mix of Thai, Shan and different hill-tribes such as the Karen, Hmong, Lahu, Lisu and Padong.

It’s from the Padong hilltribe this exotic spot draws one of its most intriguing attractions – the women of the group are famed for their elongated ringed necks. Enjoying a cooler climate than most of Thailand almost year round, Mae Hong Son offers a wealth of nature based activities. There’s rafting, hiking through lush jungle countryside, visits to the hill-tribe villages, exciting elephant rides and much, much more…

Mondulkiri

It is probably the most unique province of Cambodia thanks to its low population density, its spectacular nature and ethnic groups and tribes who reside there.

Modulkiri Region also has vigorous waterfalls, wooded hills and pine forests that can be visited riding on an elephant for an unusual journey.

Sapa

Located at an altitude of 1,600m above sea level near the Chinese border in the north‐western Highlands, the former French hill station of Sapa is home to more than 30 ethnic minorities and the highest mountain of Vietnam, Mount Fansipan (3,143m). This area, with its spectacular mountain scenery and rice fields terraces, is a perfect spot to explore authentic hill tribe villages and for trekking opportunities.