Chiang Mai Trek and Raft
6 Nights / 6 Days

Activities: Visit temples, historic places, cottage industries, trekking, elephant back safari, bamboo rafting, hill tribe villages and scenic excursions.

Trek Grade: Easy to Moderate (not recommended for children and elderly)
Best Season: September to June.

This trek offers visitors a back to nature experience in the Hui Nam Daeng National Park forest trails and the remote villages of hill-tribe people. Some part of the trek covers jungle atmosphere while some places are semi-jungle and thinned out forest cover. It is a travel in the remote area once we leave Chiang Mai and the forest headquarter area. However, one cannot expect anything like trekking in Nepal or trekking in the Amazon rainforest, but it is trekking in the nature that is purely an eco-trek where we do not cause any harm to the natural entities nor try to influence change to the local culture. The following is an introduction and description of the national park through which we trek, but cannot expect to see all the places described as they are in different locations. Our trek covers what is described in the day-to-day itinerary below.

Huai Nam Daeng National Park

It is formerly know as an area of Doi Sam Muen Highland development project, which was initiated by His Majesty the King to solve the problem of forest encroachment and poaching, as well as to enhance the lives of the local hill tribe people.

As this area is filled with attractive natural condition and virgin forests provided vital watershed, Huai Nam Dang was declared the 81st national park of Thailand by the Royal Forest Department on 14th August 1995, with an area of 1,247 km2.

The park is ruggedly mountainous spread from north to south and the same ranges Chiang Dao mountain range. The highest peak-Doi Chang at 1,962 meters above sea level, is the vital source of important streams, which flow into the Pai river, Ping river and Taeng river. The climate is comfortably pleasant all year.

The healthy natural condition of Hui Nam Dang National Park is a matrix of highly diverse habitat types. Main plants found in this park are Malabar ironwood, Dipterocarpus Tubinatus, teak, Crudia chrysantha, Red cedar, Pinus kesiya Royle and orchids.

Attractions:

Doi Gew Lom Viewpoint: this viewpoint is well-know among Thai and foreign visitors who come here to see a spectacular sea of mist collects in the valley as well as various types of colourful flowers. Beside, this place situates Silver Orchids Palace, the palace of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana. Moreover, there are two nature trails: Ueang Ngoen Nature Trail and Chom Doi Nature Trail. Each trail covers a distance of approximately 1.5 kilometers.

Doi Chang Viewpoint: this highest viewpoint offers delightful view of orchid hanging from trees branch or trees top. This place deserves to be a source for nature study. It is in the north of Doi Gew Lom Viewpoint.

Pong Dued Hot Spring: there are 3-4 big hot spring and some small and scattering all over the area. Here water erupts from geysers in a small stream, creating clouds of stream in the woodland. Sometimes, the hot water erupts as high as 2 meters. The temperature of water is about 90-99 degrees Celsius. There is a nature trail, Pong Dued Nature Trail, which covers a distance of 1,550 meters.

Lam Nam Mae Taeng: The bank of Mae Taeng river are surrounded by evergreen forest with plenty of plants and birds. White-water rafting along this current can be an enriching and exciting experience not easily forgotten. The trip start from Pong Dued Hot Spring through the short route of trekking tour to Ban Pang Pa Kha (7 km.) or Ban Pa Khao Lam (9 km.). The rafting take about 3-4 hours and ends at Ban Sop Kai.

Tha Pai Hot Well: the boiling water bubbles from the well. Its heat is about 80 degrees Celsius. This boiling water gathers and becoming a vast hot current with clouds of stream all over the area. The Pai Hot Well located about 30 kilometers from the park Headquarters. It is in Tambol Mae Hee, Amphur Pai Mae Hong Son province.

Hui Nam Dang Waterfall: has 4 levels, surrounded by moisten plants of evergreen forest and marvelous rocks. This spectacular waterfall is located in the area of Hui Nam Dang village, Amphur Mae Taeng, Chiang Mai province.

Mae Yen Waterfall: this large and lovely waterfall is about 30-40 meters high and has 2 levels. It locates in Tambol Mae Hee, Amphur Pai, Chiang Mai province.

Doi Inthanon National Park:

Doi Inthanon is the highest peak in Thailand that stands at 2,565 meters above sea level as well as the name of the national park. Lesser peaks include Doi Hua Luang 2,330 meters. The park is the headwaters for the Mae Klang, Mae Pako, Mae Pawn, Mae Ya, Mae Cham and Mae Khan Rivers.
The water from the park also helps generated electricity at the Bhumipol Dam.

Because of the park's high altitude, the climate is cool all year round.
Forest types include moist evergreen forest, pine forest and Mixed deciduous species with economic value include teak, and mountain pines. Dipterocarp species, Xylia xylocarpus, Pterocarpus, Teminalia, and Langerstroemia to name a few. In addition to these, there are many beautiful flower including Vanda, phycastylis and rhododendron. For the mosses, there are sphagnum and osmanda, which are found at higher elevations than the flowers. Fifty years ago, the mountain peaks were the home of the among hill-tribe people. The biggest village was Ban Koon Klang, their method of agriculture was often destructive to the forest ecosystem. Now there are Royal Projects, which assist the villagers in growing cold-climate fruit such as strawberries, grapes and apples as well as flowers. Special areas have been allocated for these projects. The number of wild animals in the park is decreasing as the villagers continue to encroach. The animals are hunted and their habitat cleared for agriculture. The remaining animals include serow, gibbons, tigers, deer, wild pigs, Siamese hare, jungle fowl and goral to mention a few.

Because of its broad altitudinal range and the cool climate of its upper reaches, the park supports the largest number of bird species of any site in Thailand. The Center for Wildlife Research at Mahidol University records a present total of 362 species and expects addition many at the summit are migrants from northern Asia. Species restricted to Doi Inthanon are Ashy-throated Warbler and an endemic race of the green-tailed Sunbird; the park is the only site where the Chestnut-bellied Rock-thrush and the Yellow-bellied Flower-pecker are known.

Highlights of Chiang Mai, Mae Hongson and Chiang Rai:

Chiang Mai, the northern province of Thailand, founded by King Mengrai in 1296. This northern region was known as the Lan Na Thai kingdom in the 13th to 14th centuries. Chiang Mai City is the second biggest in Thailand, the most active trading post in the north and a vibrant university center. Visitors will be amazed by the well over 300 temples and its scenic landscape. Thailand's highest peak, Doi Inthanon (2595 meters above sea level), crowns the north. Here, travelers can enjoy scenic trekking, elephant riding, hiking through hill tribe villages, bamboo rafting and magnificent vistas at sun set and sun rise. The province is home to many hill tribes with distinct cultures. Extraordinary woodcarvings, silverware and the artworks, beautiful flower festival parades and diverse cultures are some of the attractions here.

Mae Hongson, a northwestern province bordering with Myanmar (Burma), is the home of diverse ethnic minority groups as well as refugees from neighboring Burma. The province is very remote, mountainous and far less developed than neighboring Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, and fewer tourists visit here. Thus, people looking to explore pure ethnic cultures and wanting to experience natural forest covered landscapes, should consider to travel here. Scenic trekking, rafting, mountain biking and hill tribe village excursions are a few of the leisure to adventure tours here. Join us and explore the scenery and the cultures of northern Thailand with Discover Asia Travel.

Chiang Rai, another northern province in the Golden Triangle area, was founded by King Mengrai in 1262 and incorporated as part of the Lan Na kingdom. Chiang Rai can cater its visitors with luxury five star hotels and resorts and is accessible both by air and road. Historic monuments, temples, hill tribe villages, scenic river trips, trekking and local cultural artifacts are among the key attractions here. Our tours will take you through most of these sites.

Thailand Trekking and Camping?

Camping trek provides guests more nature based eco-tourism experience and does not impose the use of too much firewood from the villagers. On camping treks, we cook using gas stove and carry our food and equipment. Another option is to stay in local houses where you are provided a thin mattress and blanket. This might give you an impression that we can trek and camp wherever we travel in Thailand, but that is impossible in many places where we are forced to use guesthouses and resorts. So, guests who participate on our trips in the outdoors should understand this limitation. Note: using only the existing local houses for the time being.

Chiang Mai Trek and Raft 6 Nights / 6 Days:

Arrive Chiang Mai and overnight at the hotel. Our trek guide will brief trip members on arrival. For individuals joining the trek, most needed information will be provided in advance. Then, our guide will meet you at your hotel the first day of the trek.

Itinerary: Chiang Mai Trek and Raft 6 Days:
Day 1 Doi Suthep Temple and Cottages Industries

Pick up from hotel or port of arrival and transfer to visit Chiang Mai National Museum and the Hill-Tribe Museum. After museum visits, drive to visit Wat Prathad Doi Sutep, which has a holy relic of Lord Buddha, the most celebrated temple in Chiang Mai located on a hilltop inside the Doi-Pui National Park. To reach the temple, we drive up to the base of Doi Suthep, and climb up 300 steps to get to the temple courtyard. Both sides of the steps is flanked by enormous mythological Nagas (snakes). Those of you who do not wish to climb the steps can ride a tram. The tram is also equipped to wheelchairs users. A panoramic view of the city can be seen from here at 3,500 feet above sea level. Then, return to Chiang Mai city area to visit Wat Phra Singh, one of the ancient royal temples still well preserved. Its beautiful mural paintings and other majestic decors are worth to seeing.
Lunch break is taken en-route tour where convenient.

Chiang Mai Handicraft and Cottage Industries in the afternoon:
After lunch, we visit local handicraft centers on Sankampaeng Road to see Thai silk and cotton loom industries, Bo-sang the paper and umbrella-making village; lacquer-ware, teak-wood carving, jewelry, and silverware artworks.
This particular street in Chiang Mai is set aside for small and medium handicraft or better known as cottage industries to show case and make their products. Thus, visitors can see how the local handicrafts are made, a first hand experience. Then, return to hotel and at leisure until departure for Khantoke Dinner.

Evening, we will enjoy Kantoke Dinner, traditional northern Thai welcome dinner and observe Northern Thai folk song and dance performed by different hill-tribes in their colorful costumes. Each tribe is different in costumes, dialects, and culture. Overnight at hotel in Chiang Mai.
Meals: LD.

Day 2 Chiang Mai to Ban Pong Noi
Depart at 08.00am and drive 73 kilometers to Ban Panlan, where we take lunch break, then walk for about 25 minutes to Mae Lad Waterfall. This walk is optional. After the waterfall, trek back to the waiting vehicle or song taew (two bench seat truck) and drive for 30 minutes to the Huai Nam Dang National Park Eco-Tourism Area. Here, we unload the vehicle, pay the entrance fee and start trekking to Pong Duet Hot spring, which shoots up to 2 meters from geysers and forms streams. The temperature of the water is 90-99 degrees Celsius. About one kilometer further down the valley, one can take a bath. Now, a health treatment resort is under construction that should be ready to operate in 2003. The surrounding forest and evergreen covered hill scenery is beautiful.

After some rest at the pong duet Hot spring, we trek uphill through lush green forest for about an hour and half to the hilltop and then down to Pong Noi Village of Karen community. Overnight in local houses (accommodation is basic and primitive).

About Pong Noi Karen Village and the People:

It is believed that the Karen ethnic group has migrated from southeastern Tibet many years back. However, the language and the way of life is very different from those of Nomadic or that of modern Tibetans. This village, surrounded by forests, is very much a new settlement of approximately 70-80 years as told by our trek guide and the villagers. The children here walk two hours to get to the nearest school each way, four hours with return trip home. The Karen people are farmers and their main crop is rice. They raise live-stocks such as cows,
water-buffalos, pig and chickens.
Meals: BLD.

Day 3 Trekking from Pong Noi to Pong Ngen Village

We get up early in the morning. Washing water, tea, coffee or hot chocolate is served followed by breakfast.

Around 0900 am, we begin trek. It is rather an easy trek through forest and jungle with scenic views. We trek approximately two and half hours to the elephant camp. Then, we take lunch break at the elephant camp by the Mae Taeng River. Here, we can swim and rest in the shade of elephant camp lodge.

After lunch, we ride elephant along the Mae Taeng River, crossing the river in zigzag for about one and a half hours to a small riverside village before Pong Ngen. Here, we leave our dear elephants behind and walk for about 15 minutes to Pong Ngen Village, a Lahu hill-tribe ethnic group. The Lahu people here are farmers and are settled along the river banks. They enjoy extra income from the visitors that stay overnight. It seems that during the tourist season, their much needed cash income is earned from selling bamboo rafts to trekkers because every group that trek up to this point have to bamboo raft down the Mae Taeng River for two hours to Ban Sop Kai, the take out point and lunch spot. A fresh new raft is required for every group as people cannot bring back the bamboo raft upstream. Moreover, there is no road up here. Overnight in local houses (accommodation is basic and primitive).
Meals: BLD.

Day 4 Bamboo Rafting Down the Mae Taeng River

We get up early at the rooster's call, have breakfast and watch as our guides, the locals do the last touch ups on the bamboo rafts. Then, get on the bamboo raft and ride down the river Yahoo!

About Bamboo Rafting in Brief?

One bamboo raft carries up to five people on this river including the pilot. Bamboo rafts are simple, but the ideas are great. A bamboo raft is constructed by putting together about twenty bamboos, depending on the size, then tied with bamboo strips. It is approximately five to six meters long. To make a bamboo raft, the bamboos have to be without cracks so that it can have a good float on the river. To ride a bamboo raft in a wild river, one has to stand unless you are in a big flat river in which case you can sit on the raft. Warning: Never ever group at one end of the raft because it can sink and tip you off. Hence, spread through as the pilot told you. The co-pilot in the back, this could be anyone on the trip, has to constantly look forward how the raft is being maneuvered in the front and then accordingly use the poles to maneuver the raft in the position you want. It is fun and a wild ride downstream in dry season weather. If you a visitor, please do not try is alone, particularly in rough waters.

This two hours bamboo rafting down the scenic Mae Taeng River from Ban Pong Ngen to Ban Sobkai is truly an exciting experience of pure eco-tourism. This part of Mae Taeng river is uninhabited and protected area. Thus, the scenery is very natural and beautiful. However, we do not see any animals along the river except birds such as king fishers, the most frequently seen ones, and some beautiful butterflies and dragonflies are commonly seen. We also meet local fishermen occasionally. This is one of the most fun bamboo rafting in the wild part of Mae Taeng River. At some points, one can feel an adrenaline rush while rafting through the rocky rapids. Then, we end our bamboo rafting at Ban Sobkai of Chan ethnic hill-tribe village. Here, we take lunch break and relax.
Then, Continue journey by road to Hmong Hill-tribe Lodge in a remote village or drive to Chiang Mai town for overnight.
Meals: BLD.

Day 5 Doi Inthanon Trek

7.30 am, depart by jeep, van or truck (with two bench seats).
We will stop at the Sonphatong market for fresh supplies. Then, drive about 30 minutes to the waterfall, where we will have lunch and swimming. After a short break, a short jeep or truck ride (20 minutes) to visit an old temple and then 45 minutes by jeep or truck to the road end where we will continue by foot for about two and half hours before arriving at the Meo village for the overnight in tented camp or local house (accommodation is basic and primitive).
Meals: BLD.

Day 6 Village Excursion and return to Chiang Mai

Break camping 9:30 and on to a Karen Village about 45 minute walk. Explore the village. Then, walk about another hour to the truck. Then drive to Shan Village (45 Min.) have lunch. After lunch, continue to the river for bamboo rafting downstream for about one and half hours and elephant trek about one and half hours. Then, we head back to Chiang Mai by road.
Overnight at hotel. Meals: BL.

Group A Hotel Package
Chiang Mai Trek and Raft 6 Days. Minimum 2 persons
TREK COST PER PERSON IN US DOLLARS:

Group B Hotel Package
Chiang Mai Trek and Raft 6 Days. Minimum 2 persons
TREK COST PER PERSON IN US DOLLARS:

Bangkok-Chiang Mai Roundtrip Airfares US$177 per person inclusive of insurance, departure tax and is subject to change.

Tour Cost Includes:
6 nights / 6 days trekking, rafting and overland on full-board meal plan (fresh meals cooked at campsite and village houses where food is hygienically prepared),
all camping and kitchen utensils when camping,
accommodation in two person tents or local home dormitories,
transportation before and after trek by jeep or van,
elephant riding and bamboo rafting activities,
English and local hill-tribe language speaking guide service on the trip,
entrance fees to all monument & parks visited,
all ground and boat transfers including on arrival and departure in Chiang Mai and insurance against accident for the duration of the trip.

Tour Cost Excludes:
Bangkok-Chiang Mai roundtrip airfare and departure tax, train fares, bus fares, lunch & dinner on stated in tour program, any items of personal nature including personal insurance, beverages, telephone, laundry, charges for delays caused by situations beyond our control including bad weather, natural disasters, political unrest, and emergencies.

Package Prices & Alternation Of Itineraries:
All package prices are net per person in US Dollars. The package prices given above serve as guidelines only; therefore, the prices are not guaranteed and subject to change should there be changes in government tax policies, Thai currency exchange rates and/or major changes in US Dollar exchange rates.
In addition, package prices could change according to client needs, season and special promotions. We reserve the right to alternate an itinerary in the event of natural disasters, bad weather, civil unrest or other unforeseen factors that pose threat to our guests and crew. In such events, alteration of an itinerary is done for the safety of our clients and staff.

Remark: Day 1 and 4-6 accommodations are in quality hotels while day 2-3 accommodations are in primitive local houses designed for overnight shelter in dormitory style made available for home-stay tourism programs and guesthouses. This trip is for adventure lovers who seek to know the truth of nature. If you wish to join this trip, come with open mind to see nature and local people who live primitive lifestyles in the ambience of nature. This is adventure; so, expect to get sweaty and dirty.