Trekking Areas
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Trekking from Chiang Mai
Most trekking trips from Chiang
Mai take place in two main areas, The Northern
area of Mae Tang/Chiang Dao and the south
westerly area of, Samoeng, Sanpatong and Doi
Inthanon. Both areas feature combinations
of un spoilt jungle trekking with hill tribe
villages which still maintain their traditions.
The South Westerly area is probably more heavily
trekked than the north. The Mae Tang area
also boasts the Mae Tang River with rapids
up to grade 5. If you trek in this area you
can combine your trek with a rafting trip
as well. |
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Trekking from Chiang Rai
There are plenty of ethnic groups in the hills around Chiang Rai especially in the hills to the north west. many of the villages in this area are less trekked than those around the Chiang Mai area |
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Trekking from Mae Hong Song
Being one of the remotest provincial towns in Thailand trekking from Mae Hong Song trekking in the hills in this province can be very rewarding. The trekking industry is not so well developed here but local guides and agents can arrange overnight trips into the hills. |
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Trekking from Pai
There are plenty of hill tribe villages in the hills around Pai. and with the popularity of Pai as a destination itself you will find plenty of agents and guides offering their services to take you on a hill tribe trek. Ask t your guest house or at an agent in town. |
When to trek
Generally the best time to take
a Chiang Mai trekking trip is between November
and January as the forest vegetation is still
lush and green, ambient temperatures are cool
and there is still little chance of rain.
However trekking is possible and fun year
round and if you do trek in the wet season
then just come prepared.
Trekking in the wet season
Sometimes it can rain a
lot up there in the hills around Chiang
Mai so be prepared. A bit of rain can add
to the adventure of the trek as well as
being a relief from the hot steamy climate.
The rain can be fun and need not spoil the
trek but a few recommendations to ensure
your trek remains enjoyable. Take a rain
coat. The cheap smock type rain coat is
ideal and can be bought at plenty of shops
around Chiang Mai for between 25-100 Baht
(depending on thickness) not only will it
keep you dry but it will cover your backpack
keeping that dry too! As an extra precaution
put all your rucksack contents into plastic
bags first and tie them at the top you will
appreciate a dry set of clothes to change
into at the end of the day. A sturdy pair
of shoes is wise as it can get kind of slippery
especially on the hilly paths. These need
not be hiking boots but at least a pair
of running shoes should be worn. Sandals
are OK but they do leave your feet open
to be scratched by the vegetation and maybe
don't offer quite enough support on the
hilly trails. Trekking is hot sweaty work
by day but night time up in the hills can
get surprisingly cold even in the hot season
so a long sleeved shirt/sweater would be
recommended for the evenings.
Trekking what to bring? - Suggested packing list
• Insect repellant
• Walking
shoes
• Sandals for evening in
the village/camp
• Swim suit for
swimming and rafting
• Small amount
of money (drinks, hill tribe crafts)
• Small towel
• Essential
toiletries
• Shorts and t shirt
for trekking (or long trousers if you prefer)
• Change of clothes (optional but recommended
for the rainy season if you get wet through)
• Personal medicines
• Clean
underwear (optional)
• Warm jumper/jacket
• Small day sack
• One bottle
of water (you can buy further supplies from
hill tribe villages
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