Northern Thailand Trekking

Chiang Mai has over 200 companies itching to fulfill the trekking desires of eager farang. The TAT provides a 50-page booklet with all registered offices in Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Mae Hong Son, and Lampang. Three-day, two-night treks (4-person min.) average 1800฿ per person to the Maeteang, Phrao, Sameong, Doi Inthanon, or Chiang Dao areas. Extra days can be negotiated. These five are the only legal trekking areas around Chiang Mai, and with 200 companies tromping through, there is no such thing as a non-touristed area. Many agencies guarantee “private areas” to which they have exclusive access, but this does not guarentee complete seclusion. Maeteang, featuring bamboo rafting, attracts the most trekkers.

Some Chiang Mai-based companies also run treks to Mae Hong Son and Pai. If either of these locales sounds appealing, it’s better to hop on a bus and book from there, where a three-day trek will cost 1500-1800฿ and won’t have a 3-4hr. drive on either end. Mae Hong Son and Pai see fewer trekkers because Pai’s rivers are too low to raft in the hot season and the rivers around Mae Hong Son become too rough to navigate in the rainy season. Mae Hong Son also neighbors the troubled border with Myanmar.

All guesthouses either run their own treks or have an affiliated partner (usually TAT certified) that they recommend. It’s important to understand exactly what their price includes—ask about sleeping bags, backpacks, and food. Treks run by Libra Guest House and Eagle House (see Accommodations, ). Chiang Mai Green Tour and Trekking, 31 Chiang Mai-Lamphun Rd. (☎053 247 374), donates a portion of its proceeds to a conservation program and offers nature and bird-watching tours, as well as the more conventional ecotourism variety.

Travelers looking for adventure can go rock climbing, regardless of experience. Most trips go to Crazy Horse Buttress. The Peak Adventure, 302/4 Chiang Mai-Lamphun Rd. (☎01 716 4032; www.thepeakadventure.com), runs great trips and has a 15m rock climbing wall at the night market near Tha Pae Rd.

Mountain Biking Chiang Mai (☎01 024 7046; www.mountainbikingchiangmai.com) runs mountain biking tours to Doi Suthep and Doi Inthanon National Parks. One-day tours start at 1250฿ and include equipment and lunch.

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