Thorn Tree travel forum

TREKKING:Mae Hong Song/Pai VS Luang Nam Tha/Muang Sing(Laos)

Generally I don't care for these questions myself, but here it is;
After 3 blissful weeks on the Thai Andaman coast, I have arrived in Chiang Mai to begin the Northern leg of my trip. I have 3 weeks remaining, and am now seeing I was too ambitious with my scheduling. Originally, I planned a bit of time in Northern Thailand then moving on into Laos.
After arriving in Chiang Mai, I now see the hoards of people (I know, it's 1.7 million here) I somehow missed in my bubble on the coast (timing, and choice of islands I believe).
Question is, Do I bag Thailand and head to Laos, or should I disregard the craziness of Chiang Mai and head to Mae Hong Song/Pai.
Being alone, I enjoy meeting other folks but am by no means looking for a party in this environmentally gorgeous region. I would like to do some trekking and outdoorsey stuff. I really enjoy a quiet atmosphere at my guesthouse to relax and read, and enjoy a walk to the pub for a couple drinks as well, nothing too crazy though. Not looking for an itinerary, just opinions.
Any help appreciated, I need to make a cut as there's nothing worse than spending your holiday in transit!
Oh, and I fly out of Phnom Penh, and planned on flying Luang Prabang ---> Siem Reap (just for a couple days to visit Angkor, nothing booked yet with the exception of my PP departure), if it matters.

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