Thailand Independent Short Break: Chiang Mai & Hilltribe Trek
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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: 39989
Tour Type:
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Songthaew, Private vehicle
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Walking & Trekking, Budget
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: TTAX-B
Starts: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Finishes: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Duration: 5 days
Departures: Not 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 $1375 ($275 /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.
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
Similar Tours
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
Liz - Traveled, February 2026
This hike was a perfect mix of beautiful scenery, restful moments in nature, opportunities to learn about local customs, and hard work! I appreciated having two guides - Rew, who kept us very well-informed about our itinerary and was fully engaged in answering all of our (many) questions about Thailand, and Jae, who helped us learn about the Karen Hilltribes so that we were able to respect and appreciate their traditions to the best of our ability during our time with them.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/20/2026
Anna Lia - Traveled, December 2025
Really good hike, challenging but worth the amazing scenery. Delicious food cooked by our guides. The accomodation is basic, but comfortable. There is no electricity in the guesthouses so definitely bring a torch!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/25/2025
Lucy - Traveled, December 2025
Superb short trip out of Chiang Mai, lots of walking through various landscapes. Accommodation is basic but very clean and tidy. Food was excellent after a days walking. If you usually use Lekis, bring them. My guide fashioned some out of bamboo poles which helped my poor old knees. An excellent trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/25/2025
Jennifer - Traveled, December 2025
Our Guides Two Two and Lodi were attentive and caring, however this hike is not for the faint hearted , the terrain on this walk was rugged if you are over 50 think carefully.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/27/2025
Henry - Traveled, November 2025
An interesting expedition into a very different Thailand - that of the hilltribes. Not strenous, but still a solid several hours hiking each day with a backpack, through beautiful forest, pastures and countryside.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/20/2025
SONNY - Traveled, February 2026
Had an amazing time trekking for three days through rural northern Chiang Mai. Our guides were welcoming and accommodating, and we were incredibly lucky to be present for an annual festival in one of the villages. It was fun trekking, dipping into a waterfall, and learning customs and sayings in multiple different languages.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/19/2026
Monique - Traveled, July 2025
What a trip to remember.! The beauty of rural north of Thailand was phenomenal, however the home-stays were something I’ll never forget. The trek itself was definitely challenging (I’d consider myself fit), so definitely consider if this trek would be appropriate for you. Our tour guide Rit was an absolute pleasure to be around on this 5 day journey. He was knowledgeable, professional, kind and accomodating. Our porter and trainee made this trip so memorable and enjoyable too! Highly recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/24/2025
Alexandre - Traveled, January 2025
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/23/2025
Kerstin - Traveled, November 2024
It was an super cool trip, unique experience. Very caring guides! The sleeping is way better than portraited, i had a thick mattress, pillow and a thin blanket on the floor in huts in the villages. No need to carry all your stuff, I left my suitcase in the hotel. The karen tribes are so friendly. Would love to do it again!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/21/2024
Alexandra - Traveled, October 2024
We had such a great time on this trip! Our guides Ning and Roddee were fantastic - they looked after us and cooked delicious food. This trip is tough physically, but well worth the views and experiencing local hill tribe culture/way of life. We felt super comfortable and safe, Ning was very accommodating and as we were the only couple on the tour, we got a private experience!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/24/2024
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: 02/22/2024
