Trekking in Thailand
ActiveThailand.com organizes trekking adventures in various areas of the Northern and Central Thailand.
The most recommended areas good for trekking are all over Northern Thailand, with Chiang Mai as a perfect base.
The North of Thailand, with it’s roughed and mountainous scenery has been a popular destination for adventure seekers visitors.
Trekking in the Northern part includes Doi Chiangdao to the Maetang river area. This is one of the most popular destination as it is only an hour’s drive from Chiang Mai and offers stunning jungle, waterfalls and wild rivers. Doi Chiangdao (or Doi Luang) is the country’s third tallest mountain is forming an impressive mountain as backdrop.
South West of Chiangmai lies the Doi Inthanon, the country’s tallest mountain, with numerous waterfalls and jungle trails. The mountain is also part of the Doi Inthanon National Park, which is the most visited National Park in north Thailand.
Half-way between Bangkok and Chiangmai in Tak province, lies a small remote valley called Umphang. The trek we propose in this area is definitely one of the wildest program, through the Mae Nam Khlong and Umphang wildlife santcuary. Usually wildlife is difficult to spot during any trek or tours as most animals are nocturnal. The Tilosu waterfall is also said to be the most impressive in the country.
Central Thailand has excellent trekking opportunities and wildlife observation in the Khao Yai National Park. ActiveThailand also conduct treks in the Kanchanaburi area and all the way to the border in Sanklaburi.
All our treks are fully inclusive and are conducted by experienced English speaking guides.
Active-Thailand’s trekking programs
We propose a wide range of well organized trekking tours, with emphasizing on beautiful nature and physical effort, rather than “visiting the hill tribes” as many other tour company offers. Some of our trekking are visiting hill tribe families and villages. When we do that, the aim is to give the client a perspective on the life and customs of theses people. Our guides are very familiar with the village or the family we bring our guests.
The guide will be an interpret and will help you understand your host family. He will be also your cook which is often recognized as a highlight of the trip for many participants. The guide will share his passion and his knowledge with participants to make sure they have a memorable time during the trek.
We aim to make your experience as comfortable as possible and we provide appropriate quality material as clean sleeping bags, good mosquito nets and thick sleeping mats. A western style breakfast is always provided to make sure participants have a good meals before the long day.
What to Bring on a trek?
It depends well or the season, and the area you are going to trek. It will says in the itinerary if the village has vehicle access or the trekkers are totally independent of a vehicle. Here is some basic guidelines: when packing for a trek, keep it simple, the less luggage you have to carry around the more you will enjoy yourself.
This is what we can recommend to pack in your rucksack, for a basic 3 days trek:
- Shoes; a good pair of running shoes are perfect, or even better are the lightweight trekking boots.
- 2 T-shirts (cotton), one pair of short or long pants.
- 2 pairs of socks.
- Towel (or sarong), swimming suit, toiletries and personal effects.
- Mosquito repellent (can be purchased in Thailand).
- Personal prescription drugs, contact lenses, glasses.
- Sun-cream (waterproof), hat, sunglasses.
- 1 long sleeved sweater and pants, or jogging suits (as night can be chilly, especially during winter season).
- Small flash-light is always useful and of course a camera is a must.
This list is not exhaustive, and depending the season additional equipment can be added.
For most of our programs, while going on a trek your main luggage/suitcase can be kept with your hotel or at our office.
Packing according to the season
During the cold season from December and January, we recommend a fleece and long pants as temperatures can drop down a lot at night. In the hills and mountain of Northern Thailand temperature can drop down as low as 5o Celsius ( 40 o Fahrenheit) at night or early morning hours, so be prepared!
During the raining season a pair of good shoes or trek boots is necessary, and probably a waterproof or a light plastic raincoat which can be purchased locally for cheap, are recommended. Put your clothes in a dry bag also, inserted in your backpack and make sure your valuable are well protected from the rain.
Weather and season
For more information on weather and season warnings, please check our weather report
Have a look at our exciting tour selection below:
Chiang Mai
-
Chiang Dao Trek 2 days / 1 night
A gentle trekking experience, trekking participants in the heart of the Chiang Dao valley, visiting hill tribes villages and witnessing authentic Northern Thailand rural life.
[Read more]
-
Chiang Dao Mountain Trek 3 days / 2 nights
This adventurous and strenuous mountain trek is departing from Chiangmai and will bring participants across the Chiang Dao mountain range, down to the Maetang River valley, following regularly used trails by numerous ethnic villagers within this region.
[Read more]
-
Doi Inthanon Mountain Explorer 2 days / 1 night
During these 2 days of exploration, you will visit the natural attractions of Doi Inthanon National Park, in which stands Thailand’s highest peak at 2,565 metres above sea level. A great opportunity to trek through mountain trails covered with dense tropical forest and relax by scenic waterfalls.
[Read more]
-
Trekking the Golden Triangle 4 days / 3 nights
Trek to hill tribe villages; see the impressive Chiang Dao mountain; visit the mystical Golden Triangle, the Burmese border and Mae Sai, Thailand’s northernmost point. Experience it all with our friendly local guides.
[Read more]
-
Chiangdao Trek and Golden Triangle Tour 3 days / 2 nights
Trek to hill tribe villages; see the impressive Chiangdao mountain; visit the mystical Golden Triangle, the Burmese border and Mae Sai, Thailand’s northernmost point; experience it all in this well organized sightseeing tour.
[Read more]
Kanchanaburi
-
Luxury Nature Tour / Forest Trek, Kanchanaburi 3 days / 2 nights
Venture into a large protected forest area, in this eco-trek accompanied by an experienced naturalist. You will also have the opportunity to kayak down one of Kanchanaburi’s rivers, visit a Buddhist shrine deep in the jungle, take time for some birdwatching and visit a pre-historic cave.
[Read more]
Khao Yai
-
Khao Yai Wildlife Safari 3 days / 2 night
With over 2,500 plant species, over 350 bird species, and large mammals including elephants, white handed gibbon, gaur, and Asiatic black bear, Khao Yai National Park is a natural choice for a wilderness adventure. This 3 days and 2 nights trip, departs from Bangkok and lead by expert naturalist.
[Read more]
