Trekking in North Thailand to visit the hilltribe villages of the ethnic minorities that live in this region has been popular with visitors for many years. So much so that many routes have become over-used and the villages very commercialised. This Mae Taeng route combines great scenic beauty with villages that have managed to maintain much of their traditional way of life.

Bangkok - Chiang Mai
Participants should contact us for trek briefing during the afternoon prior to their transfer to the railway station for the overnight train to Chiang Mai.

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

Trekking
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.

Trekking
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 or at a raftign camp.
Remark: Sometimes the elephant riding might be on the next day. This depends on local conditions and can be informed locally.

Trekking - Chiang Mai
After breakfast take a bamboo raft (20-25 Km. in total) down river for 1½ hour to a small Lahu village of Ban Pong Ngan. The Lahu 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.

Chiang Mai
Termination of the tour after breakfast.

Pricing

Remarks

NOT recommend child under 7 years old for trekking
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.
Though the trek rating is easy, however one should expect not a flat-easy-to-walk route, but trek up and down hills in some parts. The best way is to walk at own pace and the guide will adjust the stopping points to suite with the fitness of the group.
A supplement of high season and/or compulsory dinner will be advised at the time of booking, if applicable.

SERVICES INCLUDE

1. Tours and transfers by air-conditioned transport. Non air-conditioned transportation and open pick-up truck will be used in remote areas.
2. 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.
3. 2nd class air-conditioned train with sleeper from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
4. 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.
5. Full board while trekking (boiled water provided for drinking during the trek)
6. Services of local English-speaking guide.
7. Admission fees where applicable.

SERVICES DO NOT INCLUDE

1. Airline tickets and taxes.
2. Travel insurance.
3. Drinks, bottled drinking water & meals not mentioned in the above itinerary
4. Sleeping bag.
5. Tips for guide & drivers.
6. Personal expenses.
7. A supplement of high season and/or compulsory dinner will be advised at the time of booking.