Nestled in the lush highlands of Northern Thailand, the Pa Pong Piang rice terraces and Doi Inthanon National Park offer a captivating escape for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy the vibrant patchwork of terraced fields, especially during the growing season from July to October. Atop Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest peak, travelers uncover breathtaking vistas and the enchanting Wachiratharn Waterfall. But the real charm lies in the cultural encounters with the White Karen hill tribes, whose traditions have shaped this remarkable landscape for generations.
Key Points
- This 8-hour tour allows visitors to explore the stunning Pa Pong Piang rice terraces and Doi Inthanon National Park, Thailand’s highest point.
- The tour includes private transportation, entrance fees, lunch, an English-speaking guide, and accident insurance, starting from $138.97 per person.
- The rice terraces are best visited during the peak growing season from July to mid-October when the plants are lush and green.
- Highlights of the tour include visiting Wachiratharn Waterfall, exploring the White Karen hill tribes, and walking along the Ang Ga trail.
- The tour has an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, with high praise for the guide, transportation, and value for money.
Tour Overview
The tour offers an 8-hour excursion to explore the picturesque Pa Pong Piang rice terraces and the stunning Doi Inthanon National Park, with prices starting from $138.97 per person.
Enjoy the picturesque Pa Pong Piang rice terraces and the stunning Doi Inthanon National Park on this 8-hour excursion, priced at $138.97 per person.
Pickup is provided from hotels in Chiang Mai’s downtown area, with a surcharge for locations further away.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The package includes private transportation, entrance fees, lunch, an English-speaking guide, and accident insurance.
Visitors can enjoy the lush green or golden rice fields, the tallest mountain in Thailand, and other scenic highlights during this comprehensive day trip.
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Itinerary Highlights
After being picked up from their accommodation, visitors will first explore the stunning Pa Pong Piang rice terraces, often regarded as the most beautiful in Thailand.
Next, they’ll venture to Doi Inthanon National Park, home to Thailand’s highest point at 2,565 meters.
The itinerary also includes:
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A visit to the Wachiratharn Waterfall
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Lunch and a tour of the White Karen hill tribes and terraced rice fields at Ban Mae Klang Luang
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A scenic walk along the Ang Ga trail
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A stop at the King and Queen’s pagodas
The tour provides a comprehensive experience of northern Thailand’s natural and cultural highlights.
Seasonal Information
As the rice season runs from early/mid-July to late October/early November, visitors can expect to see the rice plants in their prime during this period. The rice plants are green from July to mid-October, then turn golden before the harvest in November. This makes the peak growing season the ideal time for photography enthusiasts to capture the stunning landscapes of the Pa Pong Piang rice terraces.
| Growth Stage | Color | Ideal for Photography |
|————–|——-|————————|
| July – Mid-October | Green | Yes |
| Mid-October – Early November | Golden | Yes |
| After Early November | Harvested | No |
Included Services
This tour includes a comprehensive set of services to ensure a memorable and comfortable experience.
Travelers will be picked up from their downtown Chiang Mai accommodation and transported in a private, air-conditioned vehicle.
Travelers will be picked up from their downtown Chiang Mai accommodation and transported in a private, air-conditioned vehicle.
Entrance fees to all attractions are covered, along with a delicious included lunch and drinking water.
An English-speaking guide will provide insights and information throughout the day.
Accident insurance is also provided, giving peace of mind.
The tour offers:
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Private transportation
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Entrance fees
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Lunch and water
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English-speaking guide
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Accident insurance
Customer Reviews
Travelers have left overwhelmingly positive reviews for this tour, with an impressive overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 20 reviews. Guests praised the friendliness and knowledge of the guides, the beautiful landscapes, and the great value for money.
| Metric | Rating |
|—————|——–|
| Overall | 4.8/5 |
| Guide | 5/5 |
| Transportation| 5/5 |
| Value | 4.8/5 |
Reviewers highlighted the unforgettable experience of exploring the lush rice terraces and visiting Doi Inthanon National Park, Thailand’s highest point. This tour appears to consistently deliver an exceptional experience for travelers.
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Exploring Pa Pong Piang Rice Terraces
What makes the Pa Pong Piang rice terraces so captivating? This impressive network of stepped paddies cascades down the hillsides, creating a breathtaking visual.
Visitors can:
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Witness the vibrant green hues of the rice plants during the growing season from July to October.
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Admire the golden glow of the ripened rice before the harvest in November.
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Explore the terraces and interact with the local hill tribe communities.
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Capture stunning photographs of the undulating landscape and its reflection in the water-filled paddies.
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Discover the centuries-old traditions and sustainable farming practices that maintain this iconic agricultural landscape.
Discovering Doi Inthanon National Park
After exploring the captivating Pa Pong Piang rice terraces, the tour continues to Doi Inthanon National Park, home to Thailand’s highest point.
Visitors will marvel at the Wachiratharn Waterfall and have the chance to walk the scenic Ang Ga trail for breathtaking vistas.
The tour also includes a visit to the White Karen hill tribes and their terrace rice fields at Ban Mae Klang Luang.
Capping off the experience are the iconic King and Queen’s pagodas, offering a glimpse into Thai culture and history.
With lunch included, this comprehensive tour showcases the diverse natural beauty of Doi Inthanon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tour Suitable for Young Children?
The tour may not be the most suitable for young children due to the long duration and hiking involved. Families with active kids may prefer a shorter, more child-friendly excursion.
Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks?
The tour package includes lunch and drinking water. Guests are allowed to bring their own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, but it’s not necessary as the provided meals and drinks are sufficient for the day’s activities.
Are There Any Physical Activity Requirements?
This tour doesn’t have any strenuous physical activity requirements. Visitors can expect moderate walking on some trails but there aren’t any extreme hiking or climbing activities involved. The tour is suitable for most fitness levels.
How Long Is the Drive From Chiang Mai?
The tour includes pickup from accommodations in downtown Chiang Mai, within a 5 km radius. Extra charges may apply for pickups beyond this area. The drive to the key destinations takes approximately 1.5-2 hours each way.
Can We Extend the Tour to Visit Other Attractions?
Yes, the tour can be extended to visit additional attractions. Guests can discuss customization options with the tour provider, who may be able to accommodate requests to visit other sites in the Chiang Mai area within the tour duration.
The Sum Up
This captivating excursion to the Pa Pong Piang rice terraces and Doi Inthanon National Park offers a remarkable opportunity to take in Thailand’s natural wonders. Visitors can expect to be awestruck by the vibrant rice fields, the majestic Doi Inthanon peak, and the enchanting Wachiratharn Waterfall, while also experiencing the rich cultural heritage of the White Karen hill tribes. This adventure is a true feast for the senses and an unforgettable exploration of Thailand’s stunning landscapes.
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