Thailand Independent Short Break: Chiang Mai & Hilltribe Trek

The adventure

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!).

At a glance

Where you'll go

Day by day

Day 1Chiang MaiSa-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.

Chiang Mai

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.

Your journey through

Thailand

Day 2Hilltribe TrekCheck 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.

Hilltribe Trek

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.

Day 3Hilltribe TrekRise 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.

Hilltribe Trek

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.

Day 4Hilltribe Trek / Chiang MaiStart 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).

Hilltribe Trek

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).

Day 5Chiang MaiWith 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.

Chiang Mai

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.

What's included

Discover Thailand

A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.

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