JUNGLE TREKS IN CHIANG MAI
Good jungle treks in Chiang Mai fill up months ahead and the permitted ones go first. Below: the 4 to book early, what each includes and how they differ on the ground.
Spend two days hiking from rice fields into northern Thailand’s bamboo forests, sleeping in a Karen village, and meeting rescued elephants. Guides such as Witoon, Moon, Sammy, and Louie are known for warm, personal care. Expect steep sections, simple lodging, local food, and a relaxed bamboo raft ride.
“really down to earth and back to basics, deep sacred jungle very nice”
Jack and Jeff guide a small-group day from Chiang Mai into Karen coffee country. You’ll ride a 4WD mountain road, trek through coffee and medicinal plants, plant a tree, eat a vegetarian village lunch, roast 150 grams of beans, and brew them with a V60.
“Jack is super passionate about sharing all his knowledge about coffee and the coffee camp. They did a terrific job managing the time, sharing information about the coffee plants in the jungle and other medicinal plants. The lunch was dRead more”
Spend two days hiking through Mae Win jungle and White Karen farmlands, swimming at waterfalls, and sleeping in a simple village cottage. English-speaking guides such as Kong, Pat, Pong, Jo, and Nu lead small groups of up to 13, with meals, transport, and insurance included.
“Kong our guide was fantastic, he made the trip so easy and interesting too. Saw some great sites along the way, waterfalls etc. Was very enjoyable and relaxing and great way to experience the jungle. It was very strenuous journey, we travelled with some young adults and we all felt very safe and in good hands. I would not recommend this trip for anyone who wasn’t fit and who can’t cope with a lot of uphill climbs or hiking for @6hrs each day . Accomodation was very basic but adequate and all part of the unique experience. This 2 day trip is a must do if you are physically able…”
Travel south from Chiang Mai in a small group of up to 12 for bamboo rafting on the Mae Wang River, elephant feeding and bathing, a jungle walk to a waterfall, and lunch in a Shan village. Guides speak English and Thai, with Witoon and Tony praised for their warm, playful style.
“Elephant feeding and bathing was the highlight of our trip, would d highly recommend this tour, tour guides were excellent and made the trip fun”
Pick a range, a cone or a valley.
