JUNGLE TREKS IN CHIANG MAI
Good jungle treks in Chiang Mai fill up months ahead and the permitted ones go first. Below: the 11 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”
Start at 8Adventures Camp for a guided 1.6 km jungle walk to a 10-meter waterfall. Guides such as Zak and Noey have led guests through local flora and fruit trees. You can swim, enjoy lunch and water, and return along the same trail. Pickup is offered, with groups capped at 15.
“Beautiful trekking to a waterfall with a friendly and experienced guide. Delicious meal and a bottle of water included. Pick up and drop off at the hotel in a nice car with safe and friendly driver. 100 % satisfied and absolutely worth the money. A "must do" activity when you are in Chiang Mai !!!”
Spend about 10 hours outside Chiang Mai with a 3-hour jungle trek and an 8km inflatable-kayak float on the Mae Taeng River. Guides such as P’ Zak may point out local plants and make bamboo cups. Transport, lunch, helmets, life jackets, lockers, and showers are included.
“It was an excellent tour and we really enjoyed it. Everything was well organized and ran on time. The staff spoke good English, all the equipment was new, and the whole experience felt very professional while still being a lot of fun. The lunch was also great.”
Leave Chiang Mai by air-conditioned van for Mae Taeng District, then walk beside the river with a local guide. Expect a gentle three-hour jungle trek, plant and wildlife stories, a 10-meter waterfall swim, lunch, snacks, water, and hotel transfers.
“The trek was wonderful and a awesome waterfall. Would recommend it.”
You leave Chiang Mai by van for Mae Wang and Mae Win, stopping at a local market before bamboo rafting and a 2 to 5-hour jungle trek. The day includes a waterfall, packed lunch, rice fields, and a Karen village. Confirm the elephant-care element before booking, since it is not clearly explained in the day plan.
Spend two days in Mae Wang National Park with an English-speaking guide, bamboo rafting, jungle walks, waterfall swims, and an overnight stay in a Karen village. Hotel pickup, meals, admission, insurance, a trekking backpack, and transport are included, with groups capped at 15.
“Overall program was good but there were a few negatives. 1. Pickup was a truck with a canopy with no seat belt - very dangerous 2. Lunches on both days were terrible. 3. There were no backpack as shown in program 4. Guide is not consciRead more”
Travel by songtaew from Chiang Mai to jungle trails, waterfalls, rice paddies, and Karen and Shan villages. Guide Sammi leads the trek, which includes a village overnight stay, local dinner, breakfast, and a 40-minute bamboo raft ride. Expect moderate hiking and a small group of up to 12.
“Was a super cool experience to have experienced. The guide Sammi has guided us super well in this! He took us to a very indigenous village. I definitely recommend this activity to other people just Sammi as a guide!!Auto-translated”
Spend two days with North Trip Adventure Tour hiking near Mae Wang, visiting an ethical elephant camp, swimming at a jungle waterfall, rafting on the Mae Wang River, and staying overnight in a Karen village. Sunny is named as a guide, and groups are capped at 10.
“We had an amazing time with Sunny. He has been a great guide with whom one feels directly at ease and with a lot of touching little touches. It is a real ray of sunshine that made our holiday in Thailand unforgettable.Auto-translated”
Pick a range, a cone or a valley.
