5 Days
Daily Tour
Unlimited
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Discover the beauty and culture of Chiang Mai on this immersive 5-day tour. Explore ancient temples like Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and Wat Chedi Luang, wander through vibrant local markets, and take in the stunning scenery of the surrounding mountains. Experience the charm of Chiang Mai’s old town, delve into its rich history, and enjoy traditional Northern Thai cuisine. This tour offers the perfect blend of cultural exploration and natural beauty in one of Thailand’s most beloved cities.
Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. Chiang Mai, the most vibrant city in northern Thailand, is famous for its stunning temples and charming old town. Known as the ‘Rose of the North,’ Chiang Mai is beloved for its breathtaking beauty and warm hospitality. You may find it hard to leave this enchanting city! Today is your arrival day, and you are free to arrive at any time before the welcome meeting at 6:30 pm. An airport transfer is included, provided you arrive on Day 1 or have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. Be sure to share your arrival details at least 15 days prior to travel. Chiang Mai offers a wide range of activities—visit spectacular temples, savor delicious street food, explore the bustling night market, stroll by the riverside, or indulge in some great shopping. Consider arriving a few days early to take a Thai cooking class, rent a bicycle, or treat yourself to a traditional Thai massage. After the welcome meeting, the evening is yours to explore the city at your leisure, and you’ll meet your local guide the next morning. Note: The trekking route may vary depending on weather and local conditions, so flexibility is key.
Around 8:00 AM, embark on your journey from Chiang Mai with your local guide, traveling south by songthaew for approximately one hour. Your first stop is Chom Thong Market, where you can stock up on snacks and water for the trek ahead. While here, take the opportunity to visit Wat Phradhatu Sri Chom Tong Voravihara, a revered temple known for housing a sacred Buddha relic. Constructed in the mid-15th century, the most ancient part of the complex is its large golden chedi, which dates back to around 1450 and features a square base topped with a spire.
Next, continue your journey with a stop at the breathtaking Wachirathan Waterfall. As you ascend the mountain, visit the Hmong Hilltribe Market at Baan Khun Klang before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant.
After lunch, begin your trek at Doi Pha Tang, following an undulating path through natural forest for 2-3 hours. The trail mostly leads downhill and passes Mai Phai Waterfall, a perfect spot for a short break. Continue hiking through mixed deciduous forest until you reach the Karen Hilltribe Village of Baan Tin Tok, your destination for the night. This village is home to around 20 Christian Karen families.
Enjoy a home-cooked dinner prepared by your host, followed by an evening stroll through the village where you can chat with locals and perhaps explore their naturally dyed clothing. You'll spend the night in a simple wooden house surrounded by an organic vegetable farm, with shared facilities. While basic, this is an unforgettable and authentic experience!
Wake up to the sounds of roosters and pigs, and enjoy breakfast around 8:30 AM. Take some time to engage with the local women, who may show you their handicrafts for sale—supporting these community enterprises directly helps promote local development. After bidding farewell to your hosts, begin today's 5-6 hour trek through diverse landscapes, including agricultural fields, terraced rice paddies, and jungle trails.
Your first stop is Baan Den Karen Village for a brief rest, followed by a 1.5-hour descent to Baan Ha Kiah, the second Karen village, where you'll enjoy a well-earned lunch in a scenic spot. The meal typically includes noodles, vegetables, and fruit, perhaps eaten with bamboo chopsticks made by one of the porters along the way.
After lunch, continue trekking for another hour until you reach a serene waterfall. Here, you can relax and give your legs a break before heading to the final destination, Baan Huey Luang, a Karen village of about 120 people, where both Buddhist and Christian families reside. After a brief village tour, you'll be treated to a cultural performance, featuring traditional Karen music and instruments.
Tonight’s accommodation will once again be in a wooden house with shared facilities. After dinner, you’ll have the opportunity to converse with your Karen homestay host, exchanging stories and learning about their way of life.
Start your morning around 8 AM with the sounds of the local animals. Take a moment to chat with the villagers and gain more insight into their unique way of life. Breakfast might include something comforting like pancakes or French toast to fuel you for the final day of trekking. This last trek is relatively easy, taking you through farmland for 1.5 to 2 hours, where you'll observe the agricultural practices of the region.
Your journey ends at Mae Ya Waterfalls, the largest waterfall in Doi Inthanon National Park, where you can marvel at its natural beauty. Lunch will be served at a nearby restaurant before you continue the 2.5 to 3-hour drive back to Chiang Mai, arriving around 4 PM. Once checked into your accommodation, the rest of the day is yours to unwind or explore the city one last time. Consider enjoying a final meal to celebrate the completion of your Hilltribe Experience.
Today marks the conclusion of this exciting journey. The last day is free for you to enjoy at your leisure with no scheduled activities. We provide a transfer to Chiang Mai airport for your departure flight, ensuring a seamless end to your experience.
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