Thailand Hill Tribes And Trekking

The safest bet when searching for tour guides is to use companies that meet TAT regulations . Reputable operations should make reports from former customers available. Trekking companies, guides, and customers are required by TAT regulations to be registered with the tourist police. TAT publishes a list of trekking agencies, indicating those that use licensed guides who have studied at the Tribal Research Institute in Chiang Mai. Most companies provide insurance, food, accommodations, transportation, and some extra supplies. Go in a group of eight or fewer people, as smaller groups are less disruptive. The best way to learn about hill tribe culture is to hire a personal guide. Make sure your guide speaks both English and the languages of the villages on your itinerary.

Bring a first-aid kit, sunscreen, a hat, mosquito repellent, a water bottle, and long pants. Some regions contain malarial mosquitoes; be sure to get the proper medications before you go (see Insect-Borne Diseases). Before embarking on a trek, try to find a safe place to leave valuables in your absence. TAT recommends that trekkers utilize a bank safety deposit box, as there have been numerous reports of credit cards being lifted from guesthouse “security” boxes. Bandits have been known to raid trekking groups. Should this occur, hand over your belongings to the bandits to avoid physical harm. TAT discourages independent trekking.

Trekking Etiquette

Hill-tribe societies are being rapidly integrated into Thai society. Their unique, centuries-old cultures are ever changing, and there is no question that tourism speeds up the process. Always ask permission from the specific people you want to photograph before doing so. Some individuals or even whole villages may object even if your guide says it is okay. Respect the people, their culture, and their way of life. Be particularly respectful of hill-tribe beliefs, and be mindful about what you touch. For example, the gate at the entrance to an Akha village marks the point past which spirits may not enter: do not touch this. Use the old hiking maxim: see it as it is, leave it as it was.

When To Go

Of northern Thailand’s three distinct seasons, the cool season (Oct.-Feb.) is the best time for trekking. The vegetation is most lush and temperatures are usually in the mid-20s ˚C by day, falling to near freezing at night. In the rainy season (July-Sept.), paths are muddy and raging rivers make rafting fun but dangerous. In the hot season (Mar.-May), the land is parched and the air is dry.