Depart Chiang Mai for the northern villages Akha Ban Huay Pong and Lisu Ban Don Loong in the early morning. The former of these is actually closely related to the Hani of China's Yunnan province, with the locals living in bamboo houses raised on low wooden stilts in hilly areas. Learn about this fascinating, almost untouched community while following the lead of your local guide, and explore some of the traditional rice, corn and soybean farming techniques still used in these mountainous villages.
Then, head onward to a nearby village of Ban Pha Nok Kok, home to a Hmong community, and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. This tribe is believed to have originated from the Yellow River Valley in ancient China, and today occupy small regions of the Thai highlands. More culture is in store in the afternoon, as you proceed to the old city, including some temples well-known for their collection of silverware, brass ornaments, northern lanterns and Buddhist relics - here you have the chance to get an up-close look at how the artisans create these ornate trinkets.