What To Expect From A Trek In Thailand

If you are in the process of planning your next Thailand holiday, why not consider going for a guided trek starting in one of the popular northern destinations famed for trekking, such as Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai and Pai. Trekking companies offer a wide range of trips, suitable both for the beginner and advanced explorer. Some of these treks are self-guided, meaning you can explore the wonderful regions all by yourself.

This trekking guide will take you inside the world of organized trekking tours in some of Northern Thailand’s most popular destination to show you the real beauty of each region.

Why trekking in Thailand?

If you want to experience the ultimate holiday then a Thai trekking trip is the answer. Having become one of the major draw cards to the Thai tourism industry, trekking offers holiday makers plenty of opportunities to see the real Thailand, away from the glistening lights of Bangkok with its fake tourist attractions.

Quite frankly speaking, if you want to get to know the locals and see their century old customs then a Thailand trekking holiday is the answer.

What are the major trekking hot spots?

The most famously known of them all is probably Chiang Mai, but Chiang Rai has quietly taken the number one spot for adventure treks in recent years, while Pai is often compared to paradise seen from the back of an elephant. We’ll explore each of those in detail and show you what to expect when traveling to either of these Northern Thailand regions.

Trekking in Chiang Mai:

Chiang Mai is nestled among lush mountains and hills along the borders of the famed Golden triangle. When trekking in the region you can expect to hike through lush tropical vegetation, mountainous regions, and rest in tribal villages that will offer you their hospitality for the night.

Trekking is probably the best way to escape the mad tourist crowds of the city itself. Once you walk into the jungle you forget the world even exists outside of your vision.

Most guesthouses in Chiang Mai offer some kind of trekking tours. A typical trek lasts between three and five days. Some include skiff rafting while others park your bum on the backside of an elephant for some alternative fun.

Requirements for trekking in and out of Chiang Mai:

First off you need to be reasonably fit because of the hilly terrain and the tropical heat. It can get very muggy in the jungle. For dry, warm weather opt to visit between November and February. It can get quite cold at night so be sure to bring a good sleeping bag and jumper, or even better, a rain proof jacket as the weather in the tropics can change fast – even during the dry season.

Expect to meet some colorful hill tribes such as the Lisu, Paduang, Akkha, Karen, Mein and the Hmong. Their languages, dresses and customs have evolved over hundreds of years, bringing about a colorful mix of ethnicity. Most tribes live above 1000m. This means you will be covering some uphill (and downhill) ground on your trek.

Most treks will take you right into the heart of these villages where you will sleep, eat and learn about their ancient customs. These villages are without electricity and plumbing. It’s like stepping back in time and then freezing the picture.

Typically a trek will cost around 1000 baht per day or some 4500 baht for a three day trip including activities and full board.

Trekking in Pai:

Four hours away from the popular hive of Chiang Mai lies the small and relaxed hippie enclave of Pai. Situated in the Mae Hong Son province of Thailand, Pai has long been dubbed “the Switzerland of Thailand.”

If you know Switzerland at all you can imagine the stunning scenery that awaits you in Pai. Similar to trekking around Chiang Mai you can expect to be pushed to your fitness limits while trekking out of Pai. Many steep inclines will push you hard and the days are long and sometimes arduous.

However, everything is forgotten once you settle for the night with a local Lisu tribe. The Lisu originated in Nepal and after fleeing Burma they have now settled in the Thai mountain regions as non-residents.

Their hospitality will see you eating Betel nut, drink Rice whiskey and learn the traditional dance of their ancestors. But despite being at the proverbial end of the world you’ll be woken with coffee and toast to the sound of squealing pigs, barking dogs and crowing chickens.

The treks around Pai also cover a lot of rivers, sometimes dozens in the one day. If you are afraid of water this isn’t the best Thailand holiday for you. You can see lush forest, waterfalls, and experience adventure pure as you navigate around and over natural obstacles.

Returning from a trek in Pai will see you exhausted, elated, satisfied and truly stunned at the amazing experience you just had. Plus you probably hate to be back in civilization.

Trekking in Chiang Rai:

Chiang Rai is Thailand’s most northern region. Situated about 800 km from Bangkok it borders Laos and Myanmar. Many Thai old timers consider Chiang Rai to be the number one adventure destination in the country. Somewhat more relaxed that Chiang Mai, this region is great for people who seek to escape into nature and solitude.

Treks out of Chiang Rai can be made by elephant, mountain-bike, by foot, or by boat. Meet the Lasu, Karen, Akkha, Lahu, Shan and Yao hill tribes and experience their customs first hand.

What to bring for a trek in Thailand’s North:

  • A Rucksack or small backpack.
  • Sandals Teva’s are great for walking through rivers as well as on the jungle paths.
  • Alternatively you need sturdy and waterproof walking boots.
  • Socks for the evenings to protect against mosquitoes.
  • Warm, weatherproof clothing. Especially between November and February.
  • Sun block
  • Long trousers. If they can be made into shorts during the day even better.
  • A torch. Don’t forget to pack extra batteries as you won’t come across shops on your trek.
  • Bathers/Towel
  • A Hat
  • Insect Repellent
  • Money for soft drinks, tips or souvenirs.

By now you should be truly excited about a Northern Thailand trekking holiday and the hardest decision you have to make is which region to visit on your next Thailand holiday.