Chiang Dao Trek and Tribal Experience
Explore the wild, mountainous jungles of northern Thailand with this three-day tour. In the hills above Chiang Dao, visit a training centre for young elephants and join these amazing creatures as they take their morning bath. Float through the forest on a bamboo raft, exploring the local flora and fauna including an amazing array of orchids and butterflies. Then travel north to the national parks, hot springs, and waterfalls around Fang, and stay the night with a Lahu hill tribe. An incredible and authentic experience.
Touring style: Professional English speaking guide and driver, private basis.
Best time to trek: November to February when days are dry with plenty of sunshine. December and January are the busiest months. Rain falls between May to October.
- Visit with Asian Elephants Spend a day at Elephant Nature Park, interacting with the amazing animals and learning about their natural habitats.
- Explore Thailand’s rugged north Travel by jeep and on foot through Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park to discover waterfalls amid the dense jungle.
- Stay in a Lahu village Trek high in the mountains to a remote Lahu village, partake in their daily activities and witness their rich traditions.
- Day 1: Chiang Mai - Chiang Dao
- Day 2: Chiang Dao - Fang
- Day 3: Fang - Chiang Mai
Day 1: Chiang Mai - Chiang Dao
Meet your local guide and driver at your hotel and travel to the Mae Taeng Valley to visit one of the most famous elephant parks in Thailand.
Elephant Nature Park is a sanctuary and rescue centre for the Asian pachyderms. Nestled in the scenic Mae Taeng Valley, Elephant Nature Park is one of the rare places in Thailand where elephants no longer work for humans. Throughout the day, learn about the problems elephants face in Southeast Asia, as well as the changes advocated by the park regarding their care, treatment, and training. Join the park’s volunteers in feeding and bathing the elephants, an unforgettable day and a unique experience for any visitors to Thailand.
Continue to Chiang Dao Region for an overnight stay.
Overnight in Chiang Dao.
Distance and journey time: 88 km, 1.45 hrs
Day 2: Chiang Dao - Fang
After checking out, continue your journey north to Fang. Take a short trek up to Doi Phu Muen, a mountain in the Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park. Trek the trail all the way up to the remote Lahu Village. Local jungle lunch is provided during the trek.
At the village, get involved in one of the many activities and learn how the villagers are making a living by picking and processing tea and coffee, both of which are organically grown on the mountain. Join in with the locals and learn hands on how this works and the secret behind their success in going from cultivating opium to coffee and tea. At dinner, the locals will perform a traditional dance before it’s time to go to bed. Overnight at a homestay.
Distance and journey time: 52 km, 1 hr
Day 3: Fang - Chiang Mai
Enjoy breakfast with your host family before returning to Fang. After lunch, take a bicycle ride around the city of Fang or visit the hot springs of Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park -the perfect place to relax after a night on the mountain.
Transfer to Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai.to continue with your Thailand adventure
Distance and journey time: 143 km, 2.45 hrs