Trek in Northern Thailand

Hi everyone. I’m planning a trip to Thailand for November. We loved the treks we did in Laos, Vietnam, and Myanmar so much that we’d like to repeat the experience in Northern Thailand. Most travelers who go trekking do it around Chiang Mai. But wouldn’t it be better to do it somewhere else (Chiang Rai?) to get a bit more authenticity? Any tips would be welcome (agency, guide, route, etc.). Thanks for your feedback!

Hi, How many days/nights is the trek? That detail could be important. In the North, there are plenty of towns and villages where treks are organized—are you only passing through Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai?

You're right—I should've specified the duration: 3D/2N. For now, our itinerary isn't finalized, so this trek can be done just about anywhere.

My tip is to search "trek Chiang Rai" on Google. I say this because of the sheer number of results you’ll get.

The whole Chiang Mai region is more touristy, but that’s because it’s just so much more beautiful.

For an authentic vibe, you’d have had to be there before the 90s—or even earlier. In November, you’ll be there just before the peak tourist season, which is already a plus.

Thanks for your feedback. What kind of weather can we expect in this area in November?

People often say that from November to April is the best time for the north of the country because the weather is dry, the sky is blue, and there’s almost no rain. I’m only going in June-July because the pools are *much* less cold 🙂

Thanks! 😊

Just in case, also do a search for "trek Chiang Dao" (you’ll see on a map, it’s even further north).

Example: https://www.destinationchiangmai-fr.com/meilleurs-itineraires-de-trekking-et-de-randonnee-de-chiang-dao/

Same ones, trip reports: https://www.destinationchiangmai-fr.com/trek-chiang-mai-et-nord-thailande/trek-nord-thailande/trek-chiang-mai-ou-chiang-rai/un-trek-a-chiang-rai/

Individuals you might be able to contact: https://www.blog-trotting.fr/voyage/thailande/10316-chiang-rai-trek-de-2-jours

Most travelers who go trekking do so around Chiang Mai. But wouldn’t it be better to do it somewhere else (Chiang Rai?) to get a bit more authenticity?

Hi there, I’ve done two treks in Thailand—one solo and without a guide, but that was way back in 1977 (7 or 8 days) in February (mornings were pretty chilly!). The other was in 1982 (4 days) in November, and the weather was perfect—not too hot, around 25°C if I remember right.

For the first trek, I set off alone and without a guide from Wiang Pa Pao (between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai) after gathering info by chatting with an agency in Chiang Mai that offered treks in the area. I spent a week in villages of the Mou Seu (or Mou Sir), Akkha, and Lisu tribes. It was fascinating back then to meet these tribes, who lived off opium cultivation, and you could find basic food and lodging in each village. But the landscapes were pretty ordinary—sparse deciduous forests.

The second trek was with a friend and a local guide in Mae Hong Son (only 4 days). The scenery there was stunning—east of Mae Hong Son—lush forests, streams, beautiful waterfalls, and Karen, Hmong, and Lahu villages.

If I had to recommend a region for trekking, it’d definitely be Mae Hong Son! There must be plenty of agencies there now... And let’s be real—you don’t do the same things at 20 as you do at 50 or 60.

Most travelers who go trekking do it around Chiang Mai. But wouldn’t it be better to do it somewhere else (Chiang Rai?) to get a bit more authenticity? (...) Duration: 3D/2N. For now, our itinerary isn’t set in stone, so this trek can be done just about anywhere.

The issue in Chiang Mai is that just about any outing that includes an elephant camp, bamboo rafting, or similar activities AND a bit of jungle is called a "trek" because the term must be way more marketable than "excursion for tourists." So if you only want to hike and sleep in ethnic villages at night, make it clear you only want to do that and rule out any trek where part of the journey is by vehicle (except for the trip from Chiang Mai to the actual starting point of the trek and back at the end). Almost all accommodations resell treks from agencies, so they’ll try to sell you something (they earn a commission), but to avoid bad surprises about quality, ask to meet the guide who’ll be accompanying the trek—you’ll need to ask them your questions.

In Chiang Rai, trekking feels a lot less like an "industry," the options are a bit more limited, but the landscapes are just as beautiful.

Mae Hong Son is also an excellent base for trekking in its stunning region. In fact, many travelers go there mainly for trekking and white-water sports. Plus, you’ll meet a slightly different crowd than in Chiang Mai. In M.H.S., you’ll find agencies organizing treks from 3 to 10 days.

Elsewhere, trekking options are available from Tha Ton, Soppong/Pang Mapha*, Mae Sariang, and more. You’ll find them pretty much everywhere, often organized by guesthouses.

*In Soppong (Mae Hong Son province), this guesthouse is nice, and even though I haven’t done their treks, they have a good reputation: https://www.cavelodge.com/. But near the minivan stop, you’ll see flyers with other offers from more rustic guesthouses that also organize treks.

Thanks for all this super useful info.

Thanks! !