Chiang Mai people trekking through green landscape

At Home with a Hill Tribe

Bite-sized trip

Location:
Chiang Mai
Duration:
4 days / 3 nights (flexible)
Price:
From £ 235.- per adult (excluding flights)
From £ 197, - per child (up to 11 years)
When to go:
November - May

Over the next few days you’ll sail down river on a bamboo raft and hike through the rolling hills of northern Thailand to remote local villages. Your family will have the pleasure of meeting the kind Karen people, as well as exploring the pristine landscape of this untouched region. Nature is really at its best here and most travellers miss out on it. You'll travel in a group of up to 12 people, which makes this trek a more personal experience with lasting memories.

Day 1 – Arrive into Chiang Mai

Most families tend to travel to Chiang Mai either by sleeper train or a domestic flight. Once you’ve arrived and settled into your humble hotel, the first day is free for your family to explore the old temples and narrow streets of this laid-back city. Even though Chiang Mai is Thailand’s second largest city you’ll soon discover that the atmosphere is very different and that it has an almost village feel to it.

Day 2 – Bamboo rafting and trekking

You’ll be up bright and early today to begin your adventure into the hills. Your first stop will be a local market where your guide will help you work your way through the colourful stalls and friendly merchants to collect some supplies for your stay with the hill tribe. Your bamboo raft then awaits you for the next part of your trip. With your local helmsman on the raft with you, you’ll drift downstream to the starting point for your hike to the remote village of the Palong tribe.

Once you’ve arrived at the village you’ll be taught how to make a small sculpture out of bamboo leaves, which you can take home with you as a souvenir to remember your special stay. After dinner you will be able to sit with your fellow travellers and locals around the camp fire and share tales of your travel. Tonight you’ll sleep in a simple hut with a mattress on the floor. Mosquito nets are provided and there is a simple shower and Thai style toilet for you to use. In the village you can buy all the necessaries, including toilet paper, snacks and drinks.

Days 3-4 – Exploring the village and departure

After breakfast this morning you’ll take a stroll through the village with your guide. He’ll tell you all about the “Huja Rawl” and if the school is open then you can take a look inside. Then it’s time to say goodbye as you begin your journey back to Chiang Mai. On the way you’ll stop at the nearby Karen village for lunch, before arriving back at your city hotel just in time for a visit to the night market, if you didn’t get the chance before.

Please Note: Due to weather conditions the activities or the order may be adjusted.