This week we checked out the Kaew Mae Pan Nature Trail in Doi Inthanon National Park...
TTTK01 - Palong Adventure in Chiang Dao - 2 days/1 night
This two-day hill tribe trek will take you into the mountains of Northern Thailand. This small group adventure will depart every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Maximum group size is 10 persons to guarantee minimal impact on the community.
During these two days you will learn about the flora and fauna of Northern Thailand and the mountain dwellers who call these foothills of the Himalayas their home. You will learn about the traditions and life of the various tribes inhabiting this area, the Karen and Palong. Most of these tribes migrated into Thailand from the surrounding countries. Your experienced guide knows this area like the back of his hand and will tell you about plants and animals. He will reveal the secrets of Northern Thai cooking and will make sure this trek will be a memorable experience for the rest of your life.
Duration of this Tour: 2 Days
Departure Time:
7:30 am
End Time:
4 - 5 pm
Difficulty Level:
easy
Transport:
Pick up truck
Accommodation:
hill tribe house
Highlight:
An unforgetable elephant show and ride. Experience the life of the hilltribe people. Soft adventure trek and bamboo rafting.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Let the Trek begin
Meals:
Lunch
Dinner
Description:
Your trekking guide will pick you up at an appointed time (7:30 – 8:00) at your hotel. You will drive to the north into the mountains near Chiang Dao. First stop will be a local market. Your guide will do some shopping for the coming days and he will take you along and explain all about the different ingredients he will be using for meals during the trek. We continue to the Chiang Dao Elephant Camp. This is the most scenic elephant camp in Thailand. Witness the show in which the elephants haul logs and see how they enjoy bathing in the river. Lunch will be at a nice local restaurant. After lunch we will start trekking. The trail has a few steep hills but most of the trek is relatively easy. All together we walk about 2,5 – 3 hours. After arrival in the village you can relax, explore the village or learn some Thai cooking by helping your guide prepare the dinner. He will explain you about the herbs and ingredients he uses. After dinner your guide will take you to one of the village houses where you will meet some of the villagers. The Palong are originally from Myanmar and have fled from public persecution in their homeland.
Overnight will be in one of the village houses
Day 2: Elephant Riding and Bamboo Rafting
Meals:
Breakfast
Lunch
Description:
After the sounds of nature and the locals woke you up, your guide will prepare breakfast. After breakfast we will walk a little bit to the other side of the village, where we will mount elephants for a 45-minute ride on the back these majestic animals through the forest. After this we continue trekking to a Karen village. Most of the Karen live in Eastern Burma. They have been fighting for an independent state for many years. Thailand has a significant Karen population. After this exhilarating elephant ride we will drive to the Ping River where a bamboo raft will be waiting for you. Your helmsmen will maneuver the raft through the gentle rapids. After the raft trip it is time for lunch. Drive back to Chiang Mai by truck. Our last stop on the way back will be at one of Chiang Mai’s famous orchid nurseries. We will drop you at your hotel around 5 pm.
Things to Bring:
- Short sleeve shirts for the day time (bring a spare one, just in case)
- Long sleeves for the evening (especially in the winter Nov - Feb it can be a bit cold)
- Shoes with good grip (especially in the raining season from May - Sep)
- A cap
- Suncream
- A small towel
- Flip flops
- Sun glasses
- Your personal toiletries
- Personal medication
- Fully charged batteries or even an extra battery for your camera.
- 1000-1500 Thai Baht per person in small notes (not bigger than 100 Thai Baht). This is for souvenirs, drinks and tips.
Included:
- Transportation by pick up truck
- Accommodation in the local Palong village
- All meals during the trek
- English speaking guide
- Elephant Ride (about 45 minutes)
- Bamboo rafting (about 45 minutes)
- Insurance
Not Included:
- All drinks
- Personal expenses
- Tips
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Under the title “Sedentism in the Mekong Region” an international...
