The journey
Trek through hill-tribe villages to remote homestays, stop to bathe elephants along the way, then float a bamboo raft and run Class III rapids on the Mae Tang River.
Wild North Thailand is a fast-paced multisport escape into the mountains above Chiang Mai. Trek through hill-tribe villages and stay overnight in remote homestays, with a stop to bathe and play with elephants along the way. Descend by bamboo raft along a scenic stretch of river, then spend a day running Class III rapids through lush jungle scenery on the Mae Tang River, before returning to Chiang Mai.
Highlights
- Browse Mae Malai's hill-tribe market and visit Mokfah waterfall before setting off on foot
- Trek through remote hill-tribe villages over two days, staying overnight in local homestays
- Stop at an elephant camp to bathe and play with the elephants along the trekking route
- Descend by bamboo raft along a scenic, greenery-lined stretch of river
- Run Class III rapids through lush jungle scenery on a full day of whitewater rafting on the Mae Tang River
Included
Accommodation
4 nights across Mae Marnai, Huay Nam Dung (both hill-tribe homestays) and Mae Teang
Activities
Mae Malai hill-tribe market visit · Mokfah waterfall · two days of hill-tribe village trekking · elephant camp bathing and play · bamboo rafting · Class III whitewater rafting on the Mae Tang River
Also included
English-speaking certified adventure guide · private vehicle throughout · drinking water (3 litres per person per day) with a reusable bottle · local fruit and snacks · rafting and trekking gear · luggage transfer · breakfast daily from Day 2 (4 total), plus 4 lunches and 3 dinners · sightseeing tickets and entrance fees where mentioned
The route
Five days across Thailand
3 stops · Mae Marnai to Mae Teang
Mae Marnai
Huay Nam Dung
Mae Teang
Stop 1 of 3
Journey's end
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Stop 1 of 3
Day by day
The route in detail
Day 1
Chiang Mai to Mae Marnai, Trekking
Depart early from your Chiang Mai hotel and head north to the Mae Malai market, a lively hub where hill-tribe communities from across the area come to buy and sell local produce. Browse a variety of vegetables, fruits and other goods you may never have seen before, guided by your local expert. Continue to Mokfah waterfall, then on to the remote village of Baan Thong Youa, the starting point for the morning's trek. Hike through lush jungle, learning about the forest and its hill-tribe communities from your guide, many of whom have moved from the historic opium trade into crafts, farming and coffee. Enjoy lunch along the way, then continue trekking to Mae Marnai village for stunning views and a chance to unwind after a long day. Overnight in a homestay in Mae Marnai.
Day 2
Trekking to Huay Nam Dung
After breakfast, head up into the mountains of Huay Nam Dung, loading up on supplies before setting off. The trek begins by passing through a local hill-tribe village and into the surrounding nature, covering roughly 9 kilometres over hills and villages, with a good chance of spotting wildlife along the way. Stop at an elephant camp to bathe and play with the elephants before lunch, then continue trekking through more stunning scenery to the day's final stop, a hill-tribe village. Meet your hosts, join in with the cooking or simply stroll through the village, taking in a different way of life and the sounds of nature after dark. Overnight in a homestay in Huay Nam Dung.
Day 3
Trekking & Bamboo Rafting to Mae Teang
Wake to the sounds of the mountains and enjoy a local breakfast prepared by your hosts before packing up for an easier trek, descending back down towards the valley. Once down, transfer a short distance to the river for a leisurely float by bamboo raft, its pace shaped by recent rainfall, anywhere from calm to genuinely exhilarating. Enjoy lunch along the way, then transfer to your hotel in Mae Teang for dinner and time to relax. Overnight in Mae Teang.
Day 4
Whitewater Rafting on the Mae Tang River
After breakfast, transfer to camp for a full safety briefing before setting off on the Mae Tang River. Cover 10 kilometres of stunning scenery along a rocky, curving shoreline, starting with 3 kilometres of exciting Class III rapids through lush jungle before easing through a gentler upper section. Enjoy lunch at camp before saying goodbye to your local rafting crew and transferring back to your hotel for the afternoon. Overnight in Mae Teang.
Day 5
Departure
Transfer back to Chiang Mai for your onward journey.
Moments
Along the way
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