UNSEEN CHIANG MAI TREKKING & RAFTING TOUR
Overview
With a perfect combination of trekking, elephant riding and rafting, this exciting adventure will enable you to discover the hidden north. Away from the bustling tourist sight you walk into this mountain region, using the local path and see the many different ethnic minorities The tranquil and scenic mountain landscape and the simple life style of local people are a highlight of this four day trek..
Tour Route Map
Day 1: Chiang Mai – Mae Taeng
Day 2: Ban Huay Nam Dang – Ban Mae Jok village
Day 3: Ban Mae Jok – Ban Pangkhao Lam
Day 4: Ban Phangkhao Lam – Chiang Mai
Day 1: Unseen Chiang Mai Trekking & Rafting Tour: Chiang Mai – Mae Taeng trekking tour (L/D)
The northern province of Chiang Mai has many ideal terrains for walking, some of which are Mae Taeng, Phrao and Chiang Dao. They have long been at the interface between the Thai dominated lowlands and the uplands, where a wide array of hill tribe groups live in.
Heading out Chiang Mai this morning we travel by truck north towards Mae Malai. After a short stop at the small local market we continue to make our way by the winding roads to the Shan Village. We get well off the beaten track as we walk into this mountainous region, passing through the verdant and rugged landscape to the Lisu hilltribe village.
O/N at Ban Huay Nam Dang Village.
Day 2: Unseen Chiang Mai Trekking & Rafting Tour: Ban Huay Nam Dang – Ban Mae Jok village (B/L/D)
Today we spend a full day exploring this hidden mountainous region. The trekking will be difficult at times, with some steep uphill and downhill walking, however some physical preparation will allow you to maximize your enjoyment from the trip.
Along the way we pass by a scenic waterfall, an ideal place to stop for picnic lunch and refreshing swim in the cool and clear water. At the end of day we arrive at Ban Mae Jok where we are toasted as honored guest of a Karen family, and sample some of their homemade foods. The accommodation is very simple and dormitory style, no western facilities.
O/N at Ban Mae Jok Village.
Day 3: Unseen Chiang Mai Trekking & Rafting Tour: Elephant riding tour at Ban Mae Jok – Ban Pangkhao Lam village (B/L/D)
The scenery of the north is unequalled although conditions are very basic. We continue venturing into this beautiful region with the next stop being the Elephant Camp.
After a half day walking we reach the camp and have a chance to rest our legs when we let elephant do the walk on our two hour elephant ride to the Rafting Camp near Ban Pangkhao Lam. This village is home to the Karen hill tribe people. On arrival we take a wander around this village, enabling us to understand a little more about their culture and lifestyle.
O/N at Ban Pangkhao Lam Village.
Day 4: Unseen Chiang Mai Trekking & Rafting Tour: Tour rafting in Ban Phangkhao Lam – Chiang Mai (B/L)
Upon leaving the Rafting Camp, we embark on a bamboo raft for three hour trip along the Mae Teang River to the Lahu hilltribe village. The pace is very relaxed, a perfect way to explore the rural life close up. After an enjoyable stop, we resume our rafting trip, visiting the homeland of to the Shan ethnic minority. At this small village we board a truck for a rough drive back to Chiang Mai. The trip ends after arrival at your hotel in Chiang Mai.
Include :
- Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver, tourist bus and truck on bad road conditions
- Meal as mentioned: B = breakfast, L = Lunch, D = dinner
- Accommodation: homestay on trekking day
- English or French speaking guide
- Entrance fee to indicated sights
- Bamboo rafting
- Elephant excursion
- Other meals, tip, drinks, airport tax, single room supplement, personal expenses, travel insurance, visa, flight in / out of Thailand, any optional additional tours or activities during free time, surcharge for peak season, local holiday days and gala dinner
