Trekking in Chiang Mai
6 days / 5 Nights

Trekking in North Thailand to visit the hill tribe Villages of the ethnic minorities that live in this region has been popular with visitors for many years. This Mae Taeng route combines great scenic beauty with villages that have managed to maintain much of their traditional way of life. Experience the warm hospitality of the people.

Proposed Itinerary

Day 1 - Bangkok / Chiang Mai (-/-/-)

Late afternoon, around 16.30 hrs, transfer to the railway station for the overnight train to Chiang Mai.

Day 2 - Chiang Mai(-/-/-)

Arrive Chiang Mai early morning and transfer to hotel. The rest of the day at leisure.

Day 3 - Trekking (B/D/L)

Depart Chiang Mai by a pick-up, heading north for about 1 ½ hrs. to Mae Malai. Visit the local market and then continue for 40-50 minutes to Pang Lan waterfall for relaxation and lunch before continuing by truck for about 1 1/2 hours to Huay Nam Dang National Park. Start trekking through the forest for about 1 ½- 2 hours, 5-6 Km. to a Karen village of Baan Mae Jok. Enjoy a village walk to witness their way of living that links to the nature. Dinner and overnight in the village.

Day 4 - Trekking (B/D/L)

After breakfast trek for 3 hours, 7-8 Km. to an elephant camp and after lunch take an elephant ride for 1-1½ hours, 3-3.5 Km. to a rafting camp near by a Karen village of Bann Pa Khaolam. The Karen originated in Myanmar and is the largest tribal minority in Thailand. Dinner and overnight at the Karen village.

Remark: Sometimes you may halt overnight at a rafting camp near by the village and the elephant riding might take place on the next day. This depends on local conditions and can be informed locally.

Day 5 - Trekking / Chiang Mai (B/D/-)

After breakfast take a bamboo raft downstream for 1½ hour, covering 20 to 25 Km., to a small Lahu village of Ban Pong Ngan. The Lahu people are related to the Lolo of Tibet who migrated through China and Myanmar to settle in Thailand more than 50 years ago. Continue rafting for about 2 - 2 1/2 hours to a Shan village for lunch. The Shans are considered among the earliest inhabitants of this region of Thailand and so their way of living is much alike northern local Thais’. The rafting can take up to 6 hours in the summer when the water level is shallow and the current is slow. After lunch return to Chiang Mai by a pick-up and transfer to hotel.
Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Day 6 - Chiang Mai (B/-/-)

Termination of the tour after breakfast.

Departure day:
To be determined by Thailand coordinator

Price: $360

Remark:
Trekking itinerary is only a guideline and is subject to change without prior notice due to local conditions, but the same concept is well maintained. Not recommend for child under 7 years old for trekking.

Thailand Travel program begins from a designated place. Your volunteer and travel program fee does not cover the transportation from your project/hostel/host family to the travel start point. Thus, it is your responsibility to arrive at the right place at the right time and to return to your project. The exact address of your travel starting point will be given to you in Thailand.

Services included in the price:

• Tours and transfers by air-conditioned transport. Non air-conditioned transportation and open pick-up truck will be used in remote areas.
• Except while trekking, accommodation will be at standard (or first class) hotels based on 2 persons in twin-bedded room, B/B basis. All rooms are air-conditioned with attached bath and toilet.
• 2nd class air-conditioned train with sleeper from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
• While trekking, accommodation will be in village huts. Sleeping facilities consist of a floor mat and a sheet. A rucksack, water canteen and lifejacket are supplied.
• Full board while trekking (boiled water provided for drinking during the trek)
• Services of local English-speaking guide
• Admission fees where applicable
  

Services not included in the price:

• Drinks, bottled drinking water & meals not mentioned in the above itinerary
• Sleeping bag
• Tips for guide & drivers
• Personal expenses