Description

Head out of the ordinary and into the exotic during this journey through the borderlands of three diverse countries. You will visit three countries, but the heart of the program will be traveling through the far reaches of the Shan State in Eastern Burma near the border with Yunnan Province in China. From the oxcarts and teashops of Burma, to the traditional rhythm of Thailand's Hill Tribe region, this trip will take you through one of the most culturally rich  and rarely seen  areas in Southeast Asia.

Bust Into Burma
Before leaving Thailand for Burma, you will load up on supplies for the trip. Across the border, even the basics can be very hard to come by, and the gifts and supplies you will purchase here will go a long way toward improving the lives of the people you will meet on your journey. The real adventure will begin as you cross the border into Burma at the Mae SaiTaichelek crossing. Rustic Pathways has friends in small places all along this route, and these connections will really open your eyes to what life is like for people in this area. Meet the two orphans we've pledged support for, visit the village where we donated a water pipe system, and make countless friends along the way.

The largest city in the Shan State, Kentung is a melting pot of peoples and cultures, and the sights you see here will showcase Burma's diversity and beauty. Step into Chinese mud brick houses, marvel at the British architecture of the churches and administration buildings, and get acquainted with Buddhism at Shan and Thai temples. If you have never before ventured into the seldom-seen land of Burma, this trip will provide a fascinating introduction to its rich cultures and welcoming people.

Sip-Song Pan-Na and Beyond!
Heading north from Keng Tung, you will pass towering peaks, rushing rivers, and pristine terraced rice fields. As you continue north, be ready for some of the most striking views imaginable as you enter the legendary valley known as Sip-Song Pan-na, the "land of 12 million rice fields." Our friends here will welcome you into their homes, let you hold their babies, and introduce you to life in this region. At the end of the road, you will reach the border with Yunnan Province in China and the final Burmese outpost  Mung La.

Chiang Rai and a Touch of Laos
After returning to Thailand, you will take a long-tail boat ride down the majestic Mekong River, which snakes between Thailand, Laos, and Burma. See the Golden Buddha, learn some regional history at the opium museum, and stop at an island in Laos. Shop the Chiang Rai Night Bazaar, have a traditional Thai massage, and reminisce about your unforgettable experiences in the Golden Triangle. This is one of our most epic one-week adventures ever, and we are thrilled to offer it to students who really want to get off the beaten path!

Highlights

CROSS borders as you journey through seldom-seen areas in the historic Golden Triangle region of Thailand, Burma, and Laos.

MARVEL at untouched Burma during visits to Kengtung and Mung La, two fascinating cities where tourists are a rare sight.

DISCOVER the legendary valley of Sip-Song Pan-Na, a wonderland of terraced rice fields, water buffaloes, and colorful tribal people that has been open to outsiders for less than a decade.

MEET our local friends all along the way  they will offer you an inside look at life in this fascinating area of the world.

RIDE a long-tail boat down the Mekong River to an island in Laos and check out the Golden Buddha on the Thai side of the border.

Travel Types

• Overland Tours
• Student Tours
• Tours

Type of Programs

• Student Tours

Languages

• English
• Laotian

Cost in US$:

USD 1,695 + 290 Internal Airfare

Program Fees Include:

The above cost includes all ground transportation in-country, 3 meals a day, housing, staff through the duration of the program, and all excursions on the program itinerary not listed as optional.

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel

in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

1-2 business days

Rustic Pathways's Mission Statement

Rustic Pathways is a pioneer in providing superior quality travel and service programs for students and families in some of the world's most welcoming countries. Rustic Pathways demands professionalism and integrity across all of its operations, insists on quality in all aspects of its programs, and places the safety of its students above all other considerations. We enrich the lives of our students and our staff, benefit the parts of the world we serve, and build cultural bridges that lead to greater global understanding and cooperation.

Year Founded

1983