Chiang Mai Trekking
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Hill tribe
trekking Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand
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| For many years now a Chiang
Mai trekking trip has been one of the big
draws pulling in visitors from all over
the world. There are many towns in the north
where you can start your hill tribe trek,
but Chiang Mai is definitely still the hub
of the trekking scene in Northern Thailand.
There are choices of 1 – 5 day treks and
it is well worth over-nighting in a hill
tribe village. Many treks can be combined
with elephant riding, bamboo and whitewater
rafting. |
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Chiang Mai
trekking Areas |
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| 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, Samueng, Sanpatong and Doi
Inthanon. Both areas feature combinations
of unspoilt 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 boosts 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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What to expect on your
trek |
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The advantages of doing an
overnight trek will mean you can get our to
more remote villages which still maintain
many of their traditions and simple living
conditions so if you overnight in one of these
villages you will also experience these simple
living conditions. A toilet may or not be
provided, any bathing arrangements will definitely
be using cold water and the sleeping arrangements
will be simple in either traditional housing
or simple bamboo huts with thin mattresses. |
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Things to bring on your
trek |
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• 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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Climate and trekking
in the Wet season |
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| 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. |
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Chiang Mai Trekking -
When to go |
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| 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. |
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Malaria precautions |
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| The chances of contracting malaria
while on a jungle trek in the Chiang Mai area
are very slim and most trekking areas are
malaria free but it is worth taking some precautions.
Use mosquito spray on exposed skin. Most mosquitoes
are active in early evening so after the days
trekking apply in liberal amounts. Long sleeve
shirts and pants are useful as this will cover
exposed skin and also keep the chill out on
the cool evenings Use the mosquito nets if
provided. Most trekkers will not use any anti
malarial drugs as the risk is very low and
many strains of the disease are resistant
to many of the drugs on the market but if
it gives you peace of mind you may wish to
take them as an added precaution |
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Exclusive Chiang Mai trekking |
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1 - 3 Day Chiang Mai Trekking Tours |
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