Thailand Hilltribe Trek
Experience Overview
Pull on your walking boots, stretch those leg muscles and take to the hills on this hiking adventure through Thailand’s hilltribe country. Walk along winding jungle tracks and through green fields, observing what life is really like for villagers in this remote area, then sleep in traditional bamboo huts. Make friends with welcoming tribespeople as you hike through this remote region where each tribe has its own distinct language, style of dress and religion, and learn the secrets to jungle survival from those who know best. If you like, you can also stay on a few extra days to explore ancient temples in Chiang Mai (there are over 300!).
Highlights
- Discover real Thai countryside the best way (on foot, of course) with a three-day trek into the hills of Northern Thailand.
- Learn the local way – you'll have local guides to deepen the learning and appreciation of different villages, each with their own language, clothing style and belief systems.
- Stay in atmospheric wooden houses in different hilltribe villages each night.
- Explore remote villages, help prepare evening meals and feast on traditional hilltribe cuisine.
- Start and finish in the temple-studded city of Chiang Mai, making this Short Break Adventure an easy add-on to a Northern Thailand journey!
Trip Details
Product Code: 2772
Tour Type:
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Songthaew,Private vehicle
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: TTAX
Starts: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Finishes: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Duration: 5 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (4), Lunch (3), Dinner (2)Accommodation: Hotel (2 nights),homestay (2 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1,165 ($233 /day)
Itinerary
Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. The most vibrant city in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai has many famous temples and an interesting old city area. Renowned for its beauty and welcoming locals, this city is known as the ‘Rose of the North.’ When you arrive, you’ll be met by a local representative and taken to your hotel. Your adventure then begins with a welcome meeting at 6.30 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe wander the spectacular temples, try some delicious food, explore the enormous night market and walk along the picturesque riverfront. Chiang Mai is a great place to hire a bicycle, sign up for a Thai cooking class or treat yourself to a traditional Thai massage, so you might want to arrive a few days early.
Included Activities:
- Complimentary Arrival Transfer
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Check into day rooms this morning to gear up for your hike into the remote surrounding regions. Your first destination is the Karen village of Ban Pong Noi, with a lunch stop at the magnificent Mok Fah Waterfall. On the way, take a detour to Mae Malai local market to pick up fresh food for your trip. Then, make your way to the starting point of your hike in Baan Mae Sae. Your route is relatively simple, and you'll arrive in the village in the late afternoon for tonight’s homestay experience, which will give you unique insight into life in this rural part of Thailand.
Included Activities:
- Hilltribe village visit
- Hilltribe - 3 days trek
Accommodation:
- homestay (Number of Nights: 1)
Rise early this morning to take a tour of the village before sitting down to breakfast. Then, begin today’s hike along a trail through jungle, rice paddies, rotation dry farms, streams, rivers and waterfalls, passing by more Karen villages as you go. The first leg is steep, up and downhill through bamboo forest. Make a stop to rest your legs and tuck into your picnic lunch, then carry on until you arrive at a Lahu Village – your base for the night.
Included Activities:
- Hilltribe Cultural show
Accommodation:
- homestay (Number of Nights: 1)
Start the day with breakfast, then take a walk around the village to see the locals going about their morning routines. You’ll have the chance to buy some local handicrafts – spending your money on community enterprises directly helps to support community development. After, you’ll begin today’s hike through a picturesque landscape of farmland and jungle to a Thai village for lunch, where you’ll link up with your transport. From here, you’ll return to Chiang Mai. This afternoon you may like to treat yourself to a well-deserved Thai massage. This evening, perhaps head down to the buzzing Chiang Mai Night Bazaar – we suggest getting your hands on some kao soy (yellow wheat noodles in a curry broth, traditionally served with chicken or beef).
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
With no further activities planned, your adventure comes to an end today. You can depart the accommodation at any time after check-out and a transfer to the airport is included. If you’d like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.
Included Activities:
- Complimentary Airport Departure Transfer
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Sabrina - Traveled, February 2024
The trip was perfectly organized. The guide was very friendly, helpful and prepared for any situation. He knew the hill tribes and the jungle. A true experience. I can recommend this trekking to all those who like hiking, are looking for a challenge and are willing to give up luxury.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/10/2024
Laura - Traveled, October 2024
What an incredible adventure. Very humbling experience staying with the Karen hilltribes. A trip we will never forget!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/08/2024
Pawel - Traveled, October 2023
Fantastic trip a great hide away from your work in Europe our guide weet was adorable professional ?? I would highly recommend this trip for a walking enthusiastic people
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/29/2024
Cindy - Traveled, May 2023
This was the highlight of our trip to Thailand! Is, our trek leader, was very attentive and kept my teenaged daughter entertained throughout the trek with her knowledge of the jungle and her amazing sense of humor. Thank you for the wonderful memories!!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/20/2023
Paul - Traveled, May 2023
The Hill Tribe trek was a wonderful experience thanks to Issy, the trip leader and guide - stunning scenery and learned so much staying with the 2 hilltribes.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/12/2024
Elizabeth - Traveled, April 2023
This was an amazing trip. The trek itself was easier than anticipated ( maybe it’s more challenging during the wet season?). As I was the only one on the trip, I had a private tour and my guide, Issy, catered the trip to my interests. The villages we stopped at were picturesque and removed from the crowds of tourists in Chiangmai. My guide was also an incredible cook and there was always so much delicious food.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/07/2023
John - Traveled, April 2023
Very adventurous and rewarding. Highly recommended. Helps to be physically fit.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/02/2023
Mariaconcetta - Traveled, March 2023
This is a unique experience in the jungle and in contact with local hill tribes. The tour was excellent, prepared and friendly and took very good care of us. Highly recommended!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/07/2023
Lee - Traveled, February 2023
We had a fabulous trip with our enthusiastic and fun guide Issie. The walk was tough in parts but provided a great insight into jungle and tribal life. Luckily we were in a small group making it more personal for us.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/12/2023
Jill - Traveled, January 2023
Our extended family group of mum and dad, adult kids plus partners had a fabulous time on the trek. It was tough, lots of serious up and down, but we all got through it with the support of our 2 guides. Evenings in the villages were a great experience, food was excellent, even catering to our meat/vego/vegan group. Memories to last forever.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/10/2023
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