Hikes, Bikes and Bamboo Rafting

Bite-sized trip

Itinerary:
Chiang Mai - Hill tribe trek - Chiang Mai
Duration:
3 days / 2 nights
Price:
from £ 195.- per person (excluding flights)

During the next few days you will have the pleasure of meeting the kind Karen people as well as exploring the pristine nature of northern Thailand. Your guide will take you into the remote hills to places where nature is at its best and most travellers miss out on. Here you can cycle past orchards, hidden waterfalls and tropical forests. As with the two-day trek, you'll spend the first night at the Karen village where tourism is more noticeable. On the second night however you'll sleep in a simple shelter located the hills. You'll travel in a group of up to 10 people, which makes this trek a more personal experience with lasting memories.

Day 1 – Chiang Mai Cycling – Mountain Village

Today you’ll be picked up from your hotel in Chiang Mai in a săwngthăew (converted pickup truck) which will whisk you out of town. You’ll collect your bike and pedal at ease through the fruit plantations. Your guide will tell you more about the life of the locals whilst you sample some of the tasty fruit treats. On your cycling route you will have the chance to stop off and visit temples and markets along the way. After lunch you’ll start your trekking adventure as you hike a few hours through the hills and forests until you reach a waterfall. After a refreshing swim, it’s time to continue to the Karen village.

Once you’ve arrived at the village there will be plenty of time to relax by the camp fire or join in the village games with the children. You’ll be served a tasty home-cooked meal from your guide and if you like, you can also help him prepare the meal! After dinner you will be able to sit with your fellow travellers and locals around the camp fire and share tales of your travels. You’ll stay in a simple hut with a mattress on the floor. Mosquito nets are provided and a simple shower and Thai style toilet are available to use too. In the village you can buy all the necessaries, including toilet paper, snacks and drinks.

Day 2 – Trekking and Hill Tribe Village

Early in the morning you will be woken by the roosters crowing and you will head into the Mae Wang National Park to explore the beautiful surroundings. There’ll be plenty of opportunities for stops for a drink of water or to take a photo. You’ll stop for lunch before trekking uphill to the jungle, through protected forest where the nature is abundant. You’ll walk for 2.5 hours through rising and falling terrain before finally arriving at your small jungle camp. Tonight you’ll stay with a local family in a bamboo house built on their fields. Though simple, it offers a little extra comfort than last night at the Karen village and is a great place to give your legs some much needed rest.

Day 3 – Bamboo Rafting – End of Chiang Mai Trekking

After breakfast this morning it’s time to start the descent back to the city. Your guide will tell you all about the tropical vegetation before you arrive at a waterfall for a freshen up. After your break you’ll travel to the river by truck and have lunch. You’ll then board a bamboo raft and drift down the river between dense mountains and barren rocks where you will see lots of wild banana trees. At the end of the day you will be taken back to Chang Mai.

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