Hidden Chiang Mai: Trek & Raft to a Remote Lahu Community

Embark on a remote trek & raft adventure.

4.9

|20 Reviews

DURATION

9 hours

Booking type

Join-in trip

MEET UP

Free pick-up

Group size

Up to 5 guests

Experience Highlights
Itinerary
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Availability
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Hidden wilderness trek and bamboo rafting in Chiang Mai
Experience hiking to a remote village seldom visited by tourists, glimpse at the life of a Lahu community with no road access to the outside world and enjoy the thrill of real bamboo rafting along a stretch of river with no development.This unique 1 day tour starts in Mae Teang district, 1.5 hours drive from Chiang Mai city and starts with a challenging hike up a steep mountain. As you crest the summit, there will be fantastic views of Mae Teang valley and a chance to rest before the descent to the Lahu village, which is nestled in a valley with the Teang river flowing past. In total, the hike is 5km with approx. 300m of elevation gain.There is no road access to the village, residents rely on the river for transportation as well as the hiking trail to reach civilization. Home to just 200 people, residents live off the land and reside in rustic wooden houses, many overlooking the river below. We will enjoy lunch in one of the houses, cooked over an open fire and wander around the village to take photos before preparing for part 2 of the journey – bamboo rafting on the Teang river.We jump aboard the bamboo rafts and cruise down the Teang river at a leisurely pace. Despite some sections of class 1 / 2 rapids it is generally calm and flat for the majority of the journey. Along the way you will see amazing birdlife in this remote part of Chiang Mai and incredible mountains rising up from the valley. Large overhanging trees provide shade and we can stop off for a refreshing swim at various points along the river. A captain from the village will help steer the raft but you’re welcome to help steer from the back of the raft. After approx. 10km we will reach Sop Kai which marks the end of the trip and from here it is an hour back to Chiang Mai.What to ExpectA challenging hike up a steep mountain with fantastic views of Mae Teang valleyA descent to the Lahu village, nestled in a valley with the Teang river flowing pastA 5km hike with approximately 300m of elevation gainA traditional lunch cooked over an open fire in one of the housesBamboo rafting on the calm and flat sections of the Teang riverChance to see amazing birdlife and admire the surrounding mountainsRefreshing swim stops along the riverApproximately 10km rafting journeyReturn to Chiang Mai after the tripBest Time to GoNovember - February is the most popular time of the year to visit Chiang Mai with the most optimal conditions of dry weather, lower temperatures and clear blue skies.June - September has better visibility and better views with lush landscapes, but it's also rainy season so there's a higher chance of short downpours from time to time.Do avoid Feb - May because of burning season, which is when farmers burn their unsold crops and bio-waste during the dry season. The burning season in Chiang Mai starts as early as November once the rainy season ends and continues through April, but February to April tends to be the worst months for smog and air quality in Chiang Mai. This is due to minimal rain and high temperatures. Historically, burning season only lasts for 1 month in Feb but we saw that it has extended to May since this year. To be extra safe, do avoid the shoulder month.What to bring and to wearHiking shorts/long trousersComfortable shirt / t-shirtHiking shoes, clothes you don’t mind getting wetHat, sunglasses, mosquito repellent spray, waterproof bagFitness Level We have no minimum age, but participants should be in good physical shape and able to walk for several km over uneven terrain with some sections requiring scrambling. There’s an elevation gain of 300m during the hike, which means there are very steep slopes. If you have breathing problems like asthma, it is not recommended for you to sign up for this hike.Swimming isn’t essential but being confident in water will make the rafting more enjoyable

Experience highlights

Visit a Lahu Village in Mae Teang Valley

Bamboo Rafting adventure in Nature

Enjoy a traditional lunch

What You’ll be Doing

Hike, Raft, Explore, Return

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What’s Included

Pick up / drop off service

Transportation

Snacks, water and local lunch

Local guide

Bamboo raft rental

Hiking poles

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Next Available Dates

Prices shown in USD

Select Time for 22 Dec 2024

Additional Information

Where we'll meet

Start Point

Free pick-up from From your hotel around Chiang Mai City Centre(Old City, Thailand)

15 mins before selected timeslot
Notes: Do reach out to us and share your hotel details with us

End Point

End at Start Point(s)

Start & ends

Daily

08:30AM - 05:30PM

Suitability / Accessibility

Vegetarian food available
Child Friendly (No Minimum Age)

Cancellation & other policies

Cancellation
To secure your spot, your host will turn away other guests. Because of this, cancellations aren't allowed.
Minimum Participants
If there are fewer than 2 participants, the host may reschedule or refund your booking.

From

$161.31 SGD/person

4.9(20)

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Meet your host

At Trailhead, a leading mountain biking, trekking, kayaking and camping tour company, we care deeply about you getting the best possible experience in the place we call home. Our passion started from the love of trail riding in the amazing mountains in the region, as well as the city itself which is rich in culture and heritage. Our deep knowledge and passionate guides are here to provide you with the best adventure tour in Chiang Mai and our high end equipment, from the YT mountain bikes, Helinox trekking gear or Oru folding kayaks will provide the means to have maximum enjoyment. Trailhead Thailand is also committed to the environment as well as the local communities, which are the essence for our tours. We regularly participate in activities with the national parks such as litter picking, forest restoration and fire break clearing to help give a little back to the region we love so dearly and welcome our guests to join in these events.

Experience: 9 years

Speaks: Fluent English

Acceptance rate: 68%

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Helpful Questions

What should I pack?

Clothes you don’t mind getting wet

Comfortable shirt / tshirt

Hat

Hiking shoes

Hiking shorts/long trousers

Mosquito repellent

Shoes you don't mind getting wet!!

Sunglasses

Waterproof bag

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