Trekking in Chiang Mai – 6 Days      

 

Trip Rating:  Moderate – For those wanting a bit more of a challenge

 

Applicable for:  No minimum number

 

Itinerary:

Trekking in North Thailand to visit the hilltribe Villages of the ethnic minorities that live in this region has been popular with visitors for many years.  So much so that many routes have become over-used and the villages very commercialized.  This Mae Taeng route combines great scenic beauty with villages that have managed to maintain much of their traditional way of life.

 

Participants should meet at least one day prior to departure day for orientation of the program.

 

Day 1,  Bangkok / Chiang Mai  (-/-/-)

Late afternoon around 16.30hrs transfer to the railway station for the overnight train to Chiang Mai.  

 

Day 2,   Chiang Mai     (-/-/-)

Arrive Chiang Mai early morning and transfer to hotel.  The rest of the day at leisure.

 

Day 3,   Trekking   (B/L/D)

Depart Chiang Mai by a pick-up, heading north for about 1 ½ hrs. to Mae Malai.  Visit the local market and then continue for 40-50 minutes to Pang Lan waterfall for relaxation and lunch before continuing by truck for about 1 1/2 hours to Huay Nam Dang National Park. Start trekking through the forest for about 1 ½- 2 hours, 5-6 Km. to a Karen village of Baan Mae Jok. Enjoy a village walk to witness their way of living that links to the nature. Dinner and overnight in the village.

 

Day 4,   Trekking    (B/L/D)

After breakfast trek for 3 hours, 7-8 Km. to an elephant camp and after lunch take an elephant ride for 1-1½ hours, 3-3.5 Km. to a rafting camp near by a Karen village of Bann Pa Khaolam. The Karen originated in Myanmar and is the largest tribal minority in Thailand.

Dinner and overnight at the Karen village.

 

Remark: Sometimes you may overnight at a rafting camp near by the village and the elephant riding might be on the next day. This depends on local conditions and can be informed locally.

 

Day 5,   Trekking / Chiang Mai  (B/L/-)

After breakfast take a bamboo raft (20-25 Km. in total) down river for 1½ hour to a small Lahu village of Ban Pong Ngan.  The Lahu are related to the Lolo of Tibet who migrated through China and Myanmar to settle in Thailand more than 50 years ago.  Continue rafting for about 2 - 2 1/2 hours to a Shan village for lunch. The Shans are considered among the earliest inhabitants of this region of Thailand and so their way of living is much alike northern local Thais’. The rafting can take up to 6 hours in the summer when the water level is shallow and the current is slow. After lunch return to Chiang Mai by a pick-up and transfer to hotel.

 

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

 

Day 6,   Chiang Mai  (B/-/-)

Termination of the tour after breakfast.

 

Departure day:  Daily, year round.

 

Remark:

· Trekking itinerary is only a guideline and is subject to change without prior notice due to local conditions, but the same concept is well maintained.

· Not recommend for child under 7 years old for trekking.

 

TOUR COST

 

Cost based on a minimum of two persons in the group as per itinerary  

 

Standard Hotels

Per Person   UDS157.00   In addition there is an Acceptance Fee/Deposit of £150.00.  

 

PLEASE NOTE:  The Acceptance Payment is only payable ONCE.  There can be a combination of more than one tour in more than one country for the same Acceptance Fee.

 

Single Room Supplement USD34.00

 

 

Charge for children:

50% of tour rates when sharing same room with 2 adults and no extra bed is required.

75% of tour rates when sharing same room with 2 adults and one extra bed is required.

(Applicable for children aged less than 12 years, except where otherwise stated.)

 

Preferred accommodation list:

 

Standard class  Chiang Mai   –  The Park (sup: www.empresshotels.com/park_hotel.html)

 

First class  On application

 

Payment.

 

1. On acceptance - £150 per person, Acceptance Payment/Deposit (non refundable) by cheque payable to “S W & M Miller”.

 

Your Contract for all tour arrangements is directly with our Associate Company in Thailand, ETC, Bangkok, to whom payment for the tour is made.

 

2. Eight weeks prior to arrival in Thailand or on Acceptance - 50% payable in US $, by Credit Card or International Bank Transfer, direct to ETC, Bangkok.

 

3. On arrival in Thailand – The balance of 50% payable, in US $, by Credit Card or Cash.

 

Please Note:  A credit card charge may apply.

Cancellation Charges

35 days prior to arrival a cancellation fee of US$200 per person will be applicable.
30 days notice of cancellation a fee of 25% of the total amount will be applicable.
25 days notice of cancellation a fee of 50% of the total amount will be applicable
Less than 25 days notice incurs the full amount.

Acceptance Payment non refundable

 

Services included in the price:

• Tours and transfers by air-conditioned transport.  Non air-conditioned transportation and open pick-up truck will be used in remote areas.
• Except while trekking accommodation will be at standard (or first class) hotels based on 2 persons in twin-bedded room, B/B basis.  All rooms are air-conditioned with attached bath and toilet.
• 2nd class air-conditioned train with sleeper from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
• While trekking, accommodation will be in village huts. Sleeping facilities consist of a floor mat and a sheet. A rucksack, water canteen and lifejacket are supplied.
• Full board while trekking (boiled water provided for drinking during the trek)
• Services of local English-speaking guide.
• Admission fees where applicable.

 

Services not included in the price:

1. Drinks, bottled drinking water & meals not mentioned in the above itinerary
2. Sleeping bag.
3. Tips for guide & drivers.
4. Personal expenses.