Northern Hilltribes & Villages

Company : G Adventures
Duration: 1 week to 2 weeks
Approx Costs: 250 to 500 £ Pound (UK)

From the luxury of Bangkok's malls and gleaming highrises, head north to Thailand's hills. Eating and sleeping with the hilltribes will bring you face-to-face with these colourful cultures.

We’ll leave plenty of time for fun in historic Chiang Mai with its night market and delicious cuisine. Our CEOs will help you get off the beaten path – but you'll stay flexible by being able to choose the activities you really want.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Bangkok
Arrive in Bangkok at any time.

Day 2 - Bangkok/Chiang Mai
Opt to visit Wat Po and the Grand Palace, or check out the city's klongs by boat. Board an overnight train to Chiang Mai (potential for alternative transport during monsoon season, depending on conditions). Enjoy one of two street food crawls with the group and CEO while in Chiang Mai.

Day 3 - Chiang Mai
Opt to visit Doi Suthep temple, comb the night markets for souvenirs, or participate in a Thai cooking class.

Day 4 - Chiang Mai/Ban Mae Jok
Trek through rugged forests and experience the wonderful diversity of this region: each village has its own language, belief system, style of dress, and traditions. Drive from Chiang Mai to Mae Malai village, where the trek will begin. After a few hours of hiking, reach the first village.

Day 5 - Ban Mae Jok/Pa Khao Lam
Trek 2-3 hrs and, after lunch, head to a Karen village to learn about traditional basket weaving and scarf-making. Continue trekking another few hours to the next village for the night.

Day 6 - Pa Khao Lam/Chiang Mai
After breakfast, leave the village by bamboo raft, stopping at other villages along the way. Meet the van after lunch and head back to Chiang Mai for some free time to explore.

Day 7 - Chiang Mai/Bangkok
Opt to go shopping, enjoy a Thai massage, or explore Chiang Mai's many temples. Board an overnight train to Bangkok (potential for alternative transport during monsoon season, depending on conditions).

Day 8 - Bangkok
The trip ends on arrival at the Bangkok train station (or airport, depending on the season). Onward travel can be booked for 3pm or later.

What's Included

Hilltribe trek
Indigenous village stay
Bamboo rafting
Street food crawl
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodations: Simple hotels (3 nts), basic hilltribe huts (2 nts, multi-share), sleeper trains (2 nts)
Meals: 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners. (Allow USD100-120 for meals not included)
Transportation: Local bus, songthaew, train, walking, river raft
Staff & experts: Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, trekking staff