Trekking in Thailand: what is ethnic minority trekking?

The Trekking among Thailand’s ethnic minorities It runs through the far northwest, on the Myanmar border, in one of the most unexplored areas of the country.

Trekking in Northern Thailand

Starting from Chiang Mai, during the trek we will walk through a mountainous region, with hills covered in dense tropical vegetation and a network of jungle trails connecting the villages of different ethnic groups (Karen, Lahu, Akha).

A combination of walks along trails connecting remote villages, bamboo raft journeys and elephant rides.

We offer a trek in Thailand with no fixed route; adapts to different times of the year. We walk on the first two days. On the third, the walk is followed by a stretch riding an elephant through the densest jungle, and on the fourth day we we travel downriver on bamboo rafts.

In our summer, during July and August, the rains transform the landscape. Everything is greener and the jungle denser, but roads and bridges may be closed, and rivers sometimes flood force them to cancel the rafting descent.

Where do you sleep on a trek in Thailand?

We head further afield in local huts where we eat and sleep during the trek have a space for travellers to stay, separate from the hut where the owners live.

They have raised floors and are usually made of bamboo and wood, with corrugated fibre-cement or palm roofs. The huts have a room with mattresses, pillows, blankets or duvets, and mosquito nets. Sheets are not provided, so we recommend bringing a sleeping bag liner.

What are the toilets like in the houses?

The toilets are in an outbuilding outside the main dwelling so a good torch or head torch is essential at night to find your way safely: the generator runs only until a certain time, after which there is no electricity.

What are the villages where we stay like?

The villages we come across along this trekking in Thailand are semi-permanent, built in a particular spot and remaining there for only a few years. Moving the village every several years is part of the culture and tradition of Thailand.

Life in the villages is very peaceful. Sometimes everyone belongs to the same family, making it ideal for getting to know local people if we plan to go family trekking in Thailand.

What are the guides who accompany us on the trek like?

The trekking guides are local people who have adapted to the arrival of tourism in their villages. They know the area well and take good care of visitors.

They are responsible for choosing the most suitable route depending on the condition of the trails, the weather and the presence or absence of other groups that may also have chosen to go Four-day trekking in northern Thailand.

What is eaten during the Northern Thailand trekking?

Full board is included during the trek. Drinks are paid for separately and can usually be purchased at the house where we stay.

An assistant cook prepares meals with help from the women of the villages where we stay overnight.

They are based on the local dishes with fewer spices and less chilli. Rice, noodles, vegetable soups. They are simple and well prepared dishes with fresh fruit.

What should I carry in my backpack?

Luggage is left at the hotel, and you take only what you need for 3 nights.

It's very important. Wear good trekking shoes, a rain poncho and a daypack to carry our belongings. Here is our suggested packing list:

• Sandals with ankle straps,
• bathing suit,
• towel,
• light clothing,
• a jacket or fleece,
• rain poncho,
• head torch,
• sleeping bag liner,
• cap,
• toiletry bag (including sunscreen),
• a personal first aid kit (including insect repellent).

You will need to adapt your equipment to the time of year you travel.

In the rainy season it is hotter, so focus on lightweight clothing and waterproofs.

During the dry season, nights can be cool, so it is particularly important to bring warm clothing.

If you want to discover more interesting facts about Thailand, come and travel with us. We still have places available (check the date of this post, as there are only a few left) for the trekking in Thailand in July and August. An ideal option for a family holiday, a solo trip within a group, or a holiday with your partner or friends.