Thailand Hilltribe Trek

Intrepid Travel · 5 days
Thailand Hilltribe Trek
Thailand Hilltribe Trek
Thailand Hilltribe Trek
Thailand Hilltribe Trek
Thailand Hilltribe Trek
Thailand Hilltribe Trek
Thailand Hilltribe Trek
Thailand Hilltribe Trek
Thailand Hilltribe Trek
Thailand Hilltribe Trek
Thailand Hilltribe Trek
5 Days
From AUD $1290
Trip Type
Activity Level
Average

Rating


(10 reviews)

Thailand Hilltribe Trek

Thailand Hilltribe Trek

Intrepid Travel · 5 days
Duration

5 days

Tour Type

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Pull on your walking boots, stretch those leg muscles and take to the hills on this hiking adventure through Thailand’s hilltribe country.

Highlights

  • Discover real Thai countryside the best way (on foot, of course) with a three-day trek into the hills of Northern Thailand.
  • Learn the local way – you'll have local guides to deepen the learning and appreciation of different villages, each with their own language, clothing style and belief systems.
  • Stay in atmospheric wooden houses in different hilltribe villages each night.
  • Explore remote villages, help prepare evening meals and feast on traditional hilltribe cuisine.
  • Start and finish in the temple-studded city of Chiang Mai, making this Short Break Adventure an easy add-on to a Northern Thailand journey!

Trip Details

Duration

5 days

Transportation

Songthaew,Private vehicle

Tour Type

Guide Language

English

Starts

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Finishes

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

Walking & Trekking

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Chiang Mai
Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. The most vibrant city in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai has many famous temples and an interesting old city area. Renowned for its beauty and welcoming locals, this city is known as the ‘Rose of the North.’ When you arrive, you’ll be met by a local representative and taken to your hotel. Your adventure then begins with a welcome meeting at 6.30 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe wander the spectacular temples, try some delicious food, explore the enormous night market and walk along the picturesque riverfront. Chiang Mai is a great place to hire a bicycle, sign up for a Thai cooking class or treat yourself to a traditional Thai massage, so you might want to arrive a few days early.

Included Activities:

  • Complimentary Arrival Transfer

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Hilltribe Trek
Check into day rooms this morning to gear up for your hike into the remote surrounding regions. Your first destination is the Karen village of Ban Pong Noi, with a lunch stop at the magnificent Mok Fah Waterfall. On the way, take a detour to Mae Malai local market to pick up fresh food for your trip. Then, make your way to the starting point of your hike in Baan Mae Sae. Your route is relatively simple, and you'll arrive in the village in the late afternoon for tonight’s homestay experience, which will give you unique insight into life in this rural part of Thailand.

Included Activities:

  • Hilltribe village visit
  • Hilltribe - 3 days trek

Accommodation:

  • homestay (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Hilltribe Trek
Rise early this morning to take a tour of the village before sitting down to breakfast. Then, begin today’s hike along a trail through jungle, rice paddies, rotation dry farms, streams, rivers and waterfalls, passing by more Karen villages as you go. The first leg is steep, up and downhill through bamboo forest. Make a stop to rest your legs and tuck into your picnic lunch, then carry on until you arrive at a Lahu Village – your base for the night.

Included Activities:

  • Hilltribe Cultural show

Accommodation:

  • homestay (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Hilltribe Trek / Chiang Mai
Start the day with breakfast, then take a walk around the village to see the locals going about their morning routines. You’ll have the chance to buy some local handicrafts – spending your money on community enterprises directly helps to support community development. After, you’ll begin today’s hike through a picturesque landscape of farmland and jungle to a Thai village for lunch, where you’ll link up with your transport. From here, you’ll return to Chiang Mai. This afternoon you may like to treat yourself to a well-deserved Thai massage. This evening, perhaps head down to the buzzing Chiang Mai Night Bazaar – we suggest getting your hands on some kao soy (yellow wheat noodles in a curry broth, traditionally served with chicken or beef).

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Chiang Mai
With no further activities planned, your adventure comes to an end today. You can depart the accommodation at any time after check-out and a transfer to the airport is included. If you’d like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.

Included Activities:

  • Complimentary Airport Departure Transfer
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $1,290
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 5 days

Trip Type:

Activity Level: Average

Pull on your walking boots, stretch those leg muscles and take to the hills on this hiking adventure through Thailand’s hilltribe country.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 23 Sep 2025

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
5.0
Sabrina
Traveled, February 2024

02/10/2024

The trip was perfectly organized. The guide was very friendly, helpful and prepared for any situation. He knew the hill tribes and the jungle. A true experience. I can recommend this trekking to all those who like hiking, are looking for a challenge and are willing to give up luxury.

5.0
Laura
Traveled, October 2024

02/08/2024

What an incredible adventure. Very humbling experience staying with the Karen hilltribes. A trip we will never forget!

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989