Hiking in Chiang Mai

Explore hidden jungle trails in Chiang Mai

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What other guests say

4.8

37 reviews

I loved the elephants owned by the Karen Tribe. Sun truly spent time to make sure I had a great experience! I was paired with Marie during my stay with the Karen tribe. I was able to work with the trainer all day and take care of Marie along with him. Marie took utmost care to ensure I am comfortable when I climbed up her trunk to ride on top and every time I hugged her, I could feel her happiness! Spending the day with the Karen tribe was a fantastic and invaluable experience! I learnt a lot about how the tribe survives, how they extract medicines from various plants growing around them, collect wild honey and, most importantly, keep their elephants (all eight of them, including the baby elephant) happy and healthy. Sun hosted me overnight and I had some delicious home cooked meals and learnt their art of weaving from his aunt who patiently taught me how to make a scarf that she gifted me before I left. It's striking how every one of the trainers loved and cared for their elephant. They were caring for these gentle elephants of their own choice, not because they had to. I left feeling humbled seeing the love and grace between the elephants and humans and how that bond is being fostered by this Karen tribe, over ten generations. It's truly a unique experience to live a day with these Karens and their elephants. I strongly recommend everyone to come and enjoy!

Swapna Jayakumar

Booked: Doi Suthep Hidden Trail + Coffee Village

I'm 51 and in normal shape and this hiking day during end of March hot day was awesome to do. Kyi is a great guide with many regional explanation and specific story about the trail along the way. Our lunch and coffee break in the village was wonderful, and our afternoon path to the temple and the city super cool too. Really recommending this for hikers who wish to discover less touristy paths with a great local guide.

Nico

Booked: Doi Suthep Hidden Trail + Coffee Village

This day was wonderful! Active, sporty, sweaty, but so wholesome! Kui is such a nice guide ready to answer all your questions. He is a trailrunner, so sometimes he will run away, but he always comes back, sometimes with a dog :-) He lets us taste several snacks on the way, showed us a local school and gave us a little detour to see cherry blossoms (unique to the season), all that besides the tasty coffee farm - yum! In the end I read my prophecy at the temple, and he translated the Thai poem on the paper. Loved it from the beginning until the end, thank you, Kui!

Britt

Booked: Doi Suthep Hidden Trail + Coffee Village

This was super cool to learn and try! We’ve never tried this form of clay kneading before so it was really cool. We had to pound, sift the soil and then after we had a bunch of sifted soil we poured water into it to start making it into clay. Then we did handbuilding from there and then sent it to be fired. It was quite therapeutic and it took us about 2h for the whole experience. All the meals were so yummy and authentic. Our guides during the raft experience were also very nice! It was also a very relaxing journey. We rafted to a spot where we could forage for food, and they would share more about each of the plant then help us pluck or let us pluck the plants. For the dinner prep, we got to cut up the ingredients, fold banana leaves for the omelette dishes, and then make tom yum soup in bamboo boats. It was really interesting to learn how to cook that, and relatively simple. Didn’t require much cooking knowledge. The tom yum soup turned out great and delicious. We could also configure the spice level as we had 2 soups, so we had one with much less spice. The yoga class was relatively chill, and it was more of a stretching exercise. We could also tailor it to our preferences e.g. if we wanted more back stretching. It was nice to have done it outside in the sun, and thankfully the weather was still cooling enough to not feel like we were burning outdoors. They made fresh coffee afterwards in moka pots for us, and it was delicious! We sat around the campfire (it was still burning our pottery pieces) and enjoyed it before our breakfast. Super good coffee! Overall one of the most unique experiences we had in Chiang Dao, but definitely be prepared to rough it out a bit!

Tiffany L.

Booked: 2D1N Chiang Dao Unplugged | Reconnect with Nature, Rediscover Yourself

This was one of my favourite experiences! I love the vibes and pace of the camp, and how disconnected it felt from the bustle of society. We got to enjoy things like making pottery from soil, and even a bamboo raft ride before harvesting some herbs and fruits for cooking. But my favourite thing was getting to cook our own dinner over a bonfire and just enjoying all the special moments throughout this experience!

Eshton

Booked: 2D1N Chiang Dao Unplugged | Reconnect with Nature, Rediscover Yourself

Tiffany L.

Booked: 2D1N Chiang Dao Unplugged | Reconnect with Nature, Rediscover Yourself

Hiking in Chiang Mai FAQs

What are the best hiking trails in Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai offers a variety of hiking trails to explore. Some of the top trails include Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, Doi Inthanon National Park, Temple-hopping trail, Mon Tha Than Waterfall trail, and Mae Sa Waterfall trail.

What is the difficulty level of hiking in Chiang Mai?

The difficulty level of hiking in Chiang Mai varies from trail to trail. Some trails are relatively easy and suitable for beginners, while others are more challenging and require a certain level of fitness and hiking experience. It is essential to research and choose a trail that matches your fitness level and capabilities.

Are hiking guides available in Chiang Mai?

Yes, there are hiking guides available in Chiang Mai to enhance your hiking experience. Hiring a guide can be beneficial, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area or want to learn more about the local flora, fauna, and cultural significance of the trails. They can also ensure your safety and help navigate tricky terrains.

What is the best time of year for hiking in Chiang Mai?

The best time for hiking in Chiang Mai is during the cooler and drier months, which are typically between November and February. The weather is more pleasant, with lower humidity levels and milder temperatures. It is advisable to avoid hiking during the rainy season (June to October), as trails can become slippery and challenging to navigate.

What should I pack for a hike in Chiang Mai?

When going for a hike in Chiang Mai, it is essential to pack appropriate gear. Some essential items to consider are comfortable hiking shoes, lightweight and breathable clothing, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, a backpack with water and snacks, a raincoat or poncho (during the rainy season), a trail map or GPS device, and a basic first aid kit.

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