JUNGLE TREKS IN THAILAND
Good jungle treks in Thailand fill up months ahead and the permitted ones go first. Below: the 9 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”
From Khlong Sok, your private guide, often guides such as Big Boy, June, Bom, or Pom, leads a two-hour jungle walk to a waterfall, cooks a Thai meal over an open fire, then takes you on a two-and-a-half-hour night safari. Expect wildlife, river views, and a slow, active day.
“Top experience of a lifetime for me and my son - authentic eco-friendly and didn't compromise the wildlife. June our guide was amazing what a woman total girl power ! lived experience of a diverse landscape and showed us amazing wildlife during the day and night. She cooked an authentic Thai meal jungle style for us before we came back cannot recommend this enough. Go June we love you thanks so much we will never forget it !!”
Start with a steep 1.5 to 2 km jungle trek, then pause for coconut, fruit, and views before taking a shuttle to Phuket’s Big Buddha. Visit Wat Luang Phu Supha and Wat Chalong, then finish with lunch. Guides such as Kong, Bon, Ice, and Miu lead small groups of up to 10.
“The jungle hike was a true jungle hike and difficult. The guides Money & Freeze (not sure of the spelling) were exceptional. The temple visits were informative and included a special ceremony. The lunch place really exceeded expecRead more”
Walk 10 to 12 kilometers through bamboo forest, rice fields, farmland, and hill villages with an English-speaking guide. Wat, James, Mo, and other guides are known for humor, plant knowledge, and bamboo craft. Lunch is cooked with handmade bamboo tools, followed by a waterfall swim and hot spring soak.
“Awesome experience! The guides were incredibly nice, we visited local villages and tribes along the trail in the jungle. The cooking experience with bamboo was great, the food was delicious and we also got to try local liqueur. If you are in Chiang Rai, you should totally try this, it has been a unique experience, totally recommended!”
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…”
Start with James, Wat, or another English-speaking guide at 9:00 am for a full-day walk through Lisu, Chinese, Akkha, and Lahu communities. You’ll cross tea plantations, cook lunch in bamboo, swim at a waterfall, and tackle steep jungle trails. Hotel pickup, lunch, and a TAT guide are included.
“it was a nice walk in the jungle. Wat and James were fun guides.”
Start at 1:30pm with an English-speaking guide such as Eduarda, Roman, or Marcelo. Walk 8km through Phi Phi Don’s jungle to four viewpoints, a local village, and a quiet sunset beach. Finish with a longtail boat ride and a night swim with bioluminescent plankton.
“Marcelo was very knowledgeable and the activities were well planned. Highly recommend.”
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.
