Thai New Year Songkran Chiang Mai Thailand

Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai Thailand video

Trekking Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai Thailand

This tour is perfect for those who want to experience hill tribe culture away from the normal tourist crowds. Overnight in Lahu, Akha and Karen hill tribe villages. Your local guide is Karen hill tribe and speaks all the hill tribe languages and friends with the villagers. Includes private long tail boat ride through mountain canyons.

 

DAY 1 Riding the bus Your Chiang Mai guide will meet you at your hotel or guest house in Chiang Mai at 6:30 am the transfer to the bus station then travel by local bus to the town of Fang. We then visit a local market where we purchase supplies for the trek and have lunch. We will next travel by Songteaw (covered pick-up truck) to a hot springs then walk for 15 minutes to a Karen hill tribe village where you will meet you local hill tribe guide. Overnight in his home with his family. We then take a walk through the jungle behind your guest families home. Return to the village and overnight. (B,L) Enjoying a candle light dinner

Your Karen hill tribe guide and family

Day 2

This morning we plant fruit trees in the village then trek to another Lahu village then a waterfall. We visit the beautiful Wat Thaton temple then into town for lunch. We then travel by private mini bus to a hot springs and Karen village where we hike in the jungle for 2 hours with your Karen guide and return to the Karen village for the evening. (B,L,D)

Guide cooking lunch

DAY 3

Akha lady farmer

After breakfast, we hike over mountains and through the villagers fields where you will see many different hill tribes in their costumes working in their fields. We we have lunch in a Lahu village where your guide will make lunch for you. You will be able to help working in the field of your host Akha family. Overnight will be in an Akha hill tribe village. (B,L,D)

Enjoying lunch

Private long tail boat trip

Day 4 This morning after breakfast we walk to the Mae Kok river to catch the long tail boat and ride through mountain canyons to Chiang Rai. We will then have lunch and return to Chiang Mai by bus or you can overnight in Chiang Rai. (B,L)

End tour, this is a private tour

Photos and video provide by
All Thailand Experiences

Information About Trekking in North Thailand

Don't rush into a signing up for a trek, use your option to ask questions to become a well informed consumer. There are hundreds of trekking operators in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai and most offer treks as cheap as possible. What is the difference between a cheap and reasonably priced trek? What type experience do you receive for the price, there is a big difference.

 Trekking in North Thailand, Is It for You??

THOSE WHO USE the Internet know there is much more than just looking at the graphics and information on the World Wide Web. The various Newsgroups provide a huge source of information and the opportunity for two way communication. The Newsgroups is where to ask questions about any imaginable subject and receive a quick response. All Thailand Experiences monitors the travel-related Newsgroups daily. We have observed many people asking about Trekking in northern Thailand and some responses given by those internet users who have first hand experience trekking here in Northern Thailand are not totally positive.

 

Video Visiting Hill Tribe Villages

We took the initiative to inquire about the problems encountered, the answers varied widely. We have determined that lack of information before visitors selected a trekking agency was the main reason for dissatisfaction. With literally hundreds of options and trekking operators in the Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai area, choosing an operator is a problem for some visitors. For this reason, we are providing a basic checklist for our readers to use when considering a trek.
 
First and most important is to make sure that the trekking company or guest house you are considering is registered with the Tourism Authority of Thailand. The TAT has strict guidelines the agency must follow to insure the trekker receives the best service with good reliable guides.
Second, don't rush into a signing up for a trek, use your option to ask questions to become a well informed consumer.

A trekking operator should have a sustainable Eco culture and nature tourism policy they follow when visiting villages and natural areas. Ask the operator about their policy.

• Who will be your guide?

Meet and talk with him or her to find out how much they know about your special interests during the trek. A guide who knows nothing about the people or area you are visiting or who has nothing to say at all will not add to the learning experience.

• How many people will be in your trekking party?

This an important question as going into a hill tribe village with 12 or 15 people will be overwhelming. Six persons at most is ideal and if it's possible to afford a private trek so much the better.

• Who are the people in the trekking party?

Meet and talk with the other trekkers in the group. You don't want to be stuck with people for several days you can't get along with. The professional agencies will have an orientation meeting to discuss the do's and don'ts of various tribal customers, and the area to be visited, the evening before starting the trek.

What will be the food on the menu during the trek? A lot of energy will be burned up during the long hours of walking making food very important. It's a good idea to make sure they will bring enough food. The cheapest trek is not always the best as the first expense to be cut back on is food.

•  Will the hill tribe children beg for money or will the hill tribe people bother you to buy handicrafts during the trek?

This is one of the biggest problems we hear about on the newsgroups. A good guide will teach the children not to beg or bother the trekkers to buy anything. There is nothing more annoying then being bugged constantly for money. It will ruin your whole trek.

• The next question is a trick question or the agency may just tell you what you want to hear. This is the best way to put it: Can I smoke opium or marijuana during the trek?

This doesn't happen much anymore but it might happen. If they say yes avoid this agency. If you want to get stoned, do it on your own time, in your own country. Doing drugs in a hill tribe village has permanent effects on the children of the village. The children look up to foreigners as wealthy and well educated persons. Some village children see hundreds of trekkers a year smoking opium. They will think that it is acceptable to do drugs and still be well educated and prosper which is false. They actually think that westerners smoke everyday so they can too. The effects are very damaging to a village and it's children. DON'T DO IT.

• How long is the ride in a vehicle until we start our trek?

Some trekking starting points are hours away. If your guide talks to you during your ride actively explaining the area you are traveling through and answering your questions, the ride will be more enjoyable. If you sit in the back of the pickup and your guide rides up front, this may the routine throughout the trek with no input from your guide. Ask your guide to ride with you in the back and tell you where you are and what's going on. He or she is getting paid to meet your needs. Keeping you well informed is one of them.

Overnight in a Lisu hill tribe village Video

• Ask for recommendation letters from those who have been on their treks.

Some trekking operators and guides have hundreds of recommendation letters going back many years. Talk with people who have been on the trek and ask questions to satisfy yourself. Read our recommendation letters from previous clients. For the added plus of elephant riding during a trek expect to be on a route with more trekkers. There are many people who want elephant riding during their trek and only a few areas that offer such service. Do not expect to be the only group in a hill tribe village or area that offers elephant riding. The same goes for bamboo rafting. The treks are still fun and interesting but there will be others.

Many travellers are taking a bus from Khaosarn Road in Bangkok for a low fare. The additional cost is being paid by some guest houses here in Chiangmai plus the guest houses offer one free night as an added bonus. If you can take advantage of this offer, go for it. Be aware they are more than eager to get you to join one of their treks. That's OK, this is how they pay for the cheap bus fare and the free night.

 

Join us on a nice 2 or 3 day trek

Read how to conduct yourself when visiting a Hill Tribe Village

USE THE SIMPLE FORM TO PLAN YOUR THAILAND HOLIDAY BY CLICKING THE BOX BELOW
Written by Randy Gaudet
Founder/Director
All Thailand Experiences

Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai Thailand Tour Information

North Thailand culture tour with overnight in small towns with beautiful bungalows and resorts.

Includes the Golden Triangle, hill tribe villages, excellent food, handicraft shopping, and beautiful temples - Meet and enjoy the warm hospitality of the local peoples and their way of life. Long tail boat ride through mountain canyons. Overnight in small towns with comfortable river side bungalows or beautiful resorts on the banks of the Mae Kok River and The Golden Triangle.

 

DAY ONE
We will greet you at the airport or train station in Chiangmai or selected Hotel or Guest House. We then depart Chiang Mai for a quiet elephant camp for a 30 minute elephant ride through the forest and streams. We then travel to Chiang Dao Cave Shrine for a short walk through the cave. We then travel through Fang valley and have lunch in Fang. We then visit a rice mill in Mae Ai then a primitive Lahu village then a Thai Army outpost looking into the Burmese Army post, the Wah and Shan States. Overnight in Thaton at Garden Home Bungalows. (L)

 
DAY TWO

This morning we visit Karen and Akha villages then a private long tail boat ride through the mountains to Chiang Rai stopping at a hot springs along the way. Lunch at little Pattaya on the river in Chiang Rai. Here our vehicle will meet us and transfer to The Golden Triangle and your resort for the evening. (B,L)



DAY THREE
This morning after at 7:30 AM we travel to the infamous Golden Triangle where the borders of Laos, Burma, and Thailand join together. Here we will take a private speed boat ride to a small village in Laos (no Visa needed). We then visit ane ancient Lanna Thai capital of Chiang Sean. Lunch will be at a nice Thai restaurant on the banks of the mighty Mae Khong river. We then visit the White Temple then go high in the mountains to Doi Wawee and overnight at Laolee resort. (B,L)

 DAY FOUR 

This morning we visit the tea plantation and General Laolee's home. We then visit the tea factory. Arrive back in Chiang Mai by 5 PM. (B,L)

EXCURSION INCLUDES: All transfers, baggage handling, transportation via air conditioned van, guide, all meals where stated in daily itinerary, all entrance fees, lodging in selected resort, hotel or Guest House.

For more information, photos and videos visit this link or 

 

Tour by:

All Thailand Experiences

Rainy Season Paradise Baan Thaton, Chiang Mai Thailand

Now that the rainy season is quickly upon us, places with wet sandy beaches and cloudy rainy skies seem less appealing. However, the culture rich mountainous north is at its most attractive time of year. There is a wonderful, scenic, and peaceful place where brief afternoon rain showers are definitely an advantage. This little known gem is the community of Ban Thaton in Mae Ai district and Chiangmai province. 

The spectacular scenery with the Mae Kok river snaking its way through the fertile Fang valley disappearing into tree covered mountains is a photographer's dream. The brief rain showers keep the air fresh and clean to offer unlimited visibility of this strikingly beautiful area. Big puffy white clouds decorating the mountain tops against a rich blue sky with numerous rainbows occur only during the rainy season. Colorful hilltribe people working in corn fields set on almost vertical slopes surrounded by many shades of green from the lush vegetation complete the picture.

You will be equally impressed by the hospitality and friendliness of the Thaton people. The area is a unique cultural mixture of Thai, Chinese, and hill tribe people who welcome western visitors but do not change traditions to please them.

The first place to visit is Wat Thaton. The temple grounds consisting of over 400 rai of land is famous for it large Buddha statues over looking the town. The breath taking vistas from the upper temple grounds are unmatched anywhere in Thailand. The temple is a perfect place for meditation and study because of its quiet tree covered grounds and flower gardens. Contrary to popular belief, heavy rain showers only happen at night. Daytime showers occur only on the mountain tops. Between 5 and 7 p.m. the skies open up with torrent rain. These cool evening rains make it excellent for sleeping. The mornings are clean and clear with spectacular sun rise.

A popular mode of transportation in the area is bicycle. The paved country road which winds along the river and through mountain canyon is easy by bike. Its possible to enjoy a hot spring bath and visit Lahu, Yao, Lisu, Karen and Shan hill tribe villages in one day. Guest houses are located in a Karen and Lisu village for those wishing to stay with the hill tribe people of the area .

October through December is the best time of year for trekking. No need to worry about getting wet from brief mountain showers as your dry clothes are never far away at the guest house. Treks can last from a few hours to several days returning to the Lisu village or sleeping in a house built in the jungle or a different hilltribe village.

The cool season is also the time of year for bamboo rafting from Baan Thaton to Chiangrai. The rain adds excitement and adventure to the the beautiful Mae Kok river. The many rapids that seem a mere ripple during the dry season become white water thrills. The rafts are large, well built, and covered yet carefully designed to easily navigate the swift narrow rapids. Two experienced raft men guide you on this exciting journey packed with beautiful scenery, colorful hill tribe villages and friendly people.

Baan Thaton is regarded in most guide books only as a quick stopover before traveling to Chiangrai by long tail boat. Most visitors stay only a few hours waiting for the boat to depart at 12:30 p.m. to Chiangrai. The few that do stay in the area all comment that the Thaton area is the highlight of their Thailand journey. They are impressed with the friendliness of the people without the commercialism found in the heavily visited tourist area. Trekking seems the most popular attraction and the groups are small consisting of two to four persons. Some rules and restrictions apply to maintain village harmony, custom and tradition. The Thaton area has much to offer the visitor in the way of accommodations. They have inexpensive guest houses to lush garden resorts and everything in between.

In summary, Thaton is a wonderful place. A quiet place that believes in keeping its culture intact. It enjoys western visitors but does not change traditions to please them. Because of the few visitors who stay in the area the hill tribe people are shy but friendly so making friends is easy. Talk with them, smile with them and enjoy their hospitality and friendship. Here you can experience a way of life that is lost in present day Thailand.

Article, photos and video by Randy Gaudet
Founder/Director
All Thailand Experiences

 

Fun Filled Thailand Family Holiday Vacation.

This is an all inclusive package for those who are traveling with children. Everyone will be fully entertained including the adults. It includes watching Giant Pandas, elephant riding, the largest Aquarium in Asia, boat rides, Night Safari, Cultural Experiences, swimming, snorkeling and meals that cater to children as well as adults.

Family at Tiger Kingdom

 Day 1:
We will greet you at the airport in Bangkok and transfer to your hotel.

Day 2:
We will greet you at your hotel in Bangkok around 8:30 AM then travel by long tail boat through the city canals to see how the local Thai people live along the river. . During the long-tail boat ride to market, you’ll pass orchards, traditional teak houses and local people going about their lives. We then visit the Royal Grand Palace, Wat Po, and Wat Arun (the Temple of dawn). We will have a nice lunch at restaurant on the river then visit Vinmanmek mansion. Return to your hotel. (L)

The Royal grand Palace

Here is a short 10 minute video of us visiting the Royal Grand Palace grounds and Wat Po in Bangkok Thailand and see the Emerald and Reclining Buddhas. We then take a private long tail boat through the canals of Thonburi to see how people live on the water.

Day 3:
This morning we depart Bangkok at 8 AM for the floating market of Damnoen Saduak . Totally chaotic, small 'khlongs' or canals are filled with flat boats piled high with fresh produce, each jockeying for position and paddled by ladies ready to stop and bargain at a moment’s notice. It's colorful, noisy, touristy but great fun. We then travel to the Rose Garden for a buffet lunch with both Thai and western food. Then see a Thai cultural show. The show features separate local dances from different regions. Some of the dances are performed with Klong Yaw (long drum). In some shows, dancers wear nail extension and dance gently and slowly. Some shows feature dancers decorated with peacock feathers. It is all very colorful, and there is a meaning for everything. These dances have been used for celebrations in many regions of Thailand. The most entertaining show, or my favorite show, is the demonstration of Thai Boxing . Another exciting show is the sword-fight from during the war. Did you know that the ancient Thais fought with two swords in their hands. Return to your hotel (B,L)

The Floating Market

Day 4
This morning we board our Thai Airways flight to Chiang Mai and check into you’re your hotel (see accommodations page). Spend the afternoon relaxing then at 6 PM we will meet you at your hotel or resort and travel to the Chiang Mai Night Safari. The entrance to Chiang Mai Night Safari features the Lanna village; a collection of impressive buildings of an Afro-Lanna fusion of architectural styles that house souvenir and handicraft shops: a food court, a photo-corner where visitors can have their picture taken with either a baby lion, tiger or bear-and this area boasts the country's only "Fun Plaza - an airy terrace from where the delighted squeals of children can be heard as they run around in an attempt to avoid jets of water shooting upward at intervals from hidden spouts in the ground. The park has three animal zones: the Jaguar Trail, which is a walking trail, the Savanna Safari Zone, where animals from the African savanna can be seen close-up at night from a 60-seater electric tram-or mini-train as it purrs past the more than 300 herbivores or plant eating animals, such as Giraffes, Gorals, Wildebeests, Rhinoceroses, yaks and many others. The Predator Prowl Zone, again from a 60-seater electric tram-or mini-train, is the carnivorous animal zone where the hairs on the back of your neck tend to rise. As your tram carries you, in total safety, within yards of some of    the world's most ferocious creatures you can't help but feel the power, majesty and grace of such animals as lions, tigers, Asiatic Black bears, crocodiles, African hunting dogs, and the elegant impala. Return to your hotel or resort.

Here is a video of the Chiang Mai Night Safari. We went early to see some of the animals before dark on the Jackel Trail around the Lake. We then visited the resort there and checked out some of the rooms and b ungalows. We took the Tram on the night trails then watched the Lazer Lighted Fountain Show. I ran out of memory or I would have shot more video.

Day 5
This morning after breakfast we will visit an elephant camp to see the elephant show. and a 30 minute elephant ride then on to Tiger Kingdom where you can pet tigets large and small. We thentravel to Huay Teung Tao where we will have a barbeque lunch with Papaya salad on the beach in the shade. You will have time for swimming and relaxing before we return to the city and your hotel or resort. Tonight you will enjoy a traditional Khantoke dinner with Thai music and dance. Many believe this north Thailand dinner with music and dance was invented for tourists, but the Khantoke dinner dates back many centuries. Locals celebrate festivals and holidays in their homes with the Khantoke dinner today. Return to your hotel or resort. (B,L,D)

There are many things for families with children to do in Chiang Mai Thailand. Here is a streaming video of our clients and their children visiting an elephant camp, Huai Tung Tao lake, Chiang Mai Zoo and the weekend walking market in Chiang Mai Thailand.

 Tiger Kingdom is a wonderful experience. You can be among Tigers large and small, pet them and have you photo taken with them. Very clean, great environment and wonderful staff. They also have 1 lion. This is a must do when visiting Chiang Mai Thailand. There is also a restaurant with no entrance fee and you can still see the big cats. Much better than Tiger Temple in Khanchanaburi.




Day 6
This morning we visit Wat Prathat Doi Suthep located high on the mountain overlooking the city. We will then have lunch at the Chiang Mai Zoo, see the Giant Pandas having their bamboo lunch the visit the beautiful Zoo Aquarium, the largest in Asia. Return to your hotel or resort. (B,L)


I took this video just after the new Chiang Mai Aquarium opened in December 2008. The Sea water tank was a little murky and many of the salt water fish have yet to be introduced to the large tank. The water is now chrystal clear with many more species.


Day 7
This morning we visit the handicraft factories, which have been an important part of Chiang Mai culture for hundreds of years. We then transfer you to the airport in time for your afternoon flight to Phuket and transfer to your hotel or resort. The afternoon is free to enjoy the beach, pool and watersports at your resort(B)

Day 8
We will be picked up at the resort around 8:30AM and travel to Ao Nong Pier to board the large ship for a day of Sea Canoeing in beautiful Phang Nga Bay with hundreds of limestone islands. Your guide will paddle you through caves and hongs, just sit back and relax. We will visit 3 islands and have a wonderful seafood buffet lunch. Return to the resort around 5 PM. (B,L)




 Here is the video of us on the Sea Canoe adventure in beautiful Phang Nga Bay just north of Phuket Thailand. The one day trip takes us through caves to breathtaking lagoons inside several islands. We also enjoy a wonderful seafood lunch cooked fresh on board. On this excursion you have 1 guide for every 2 persons. Your guide explains about the lagoons and caves and he does all the rowing so you just sit back and relax.





Day 9

This morning we travel by ferry to beautiful Phi Phi Island and Phi Phi Island Palm Beach Resort. Today relax at the resort on the beach or by the pool. Tonight watch a fantastic sunset from the hill top.(B)


Day 10
This morning we travel by private speed boat for island hopping, swimming ans snorkeling with lunch on board or on a nice secluded beach, visit the wild monkeys.    Return    to the    resort at your leisure. (B,L)


Day 11
Today we relax before our seaplane to Phuket airport and our flight to Bangkok airport for your flight back home. (B)

End Tour, This is a private tour.

A trip report from previous clients who took this tour with us.

We are finally getting around to sending some long over due pictures and feedback. We had an amazing trip and have already recommended All Thailand Experiences to several of our friends here. I think the highlight of our trip was the hike through the national park; the views were breathtaking.

The guides and drivers were so friendly, patient and helpful. They taught us so much about the Thai culture and shared their lives with us. It was a very special experience. It seemed they were always doing thoughtful things ...finding great local food from vendors and amazing local lunch spots by rivers. We really appreciated the vans always being stocked with water and snacks - that was a huge help with kids in tow. The arranged Thai massage in our hotel was a relaxing way to close out our trip as well. Our kids are still talking about riding the elephant and eating frogs.

The accommodations were great. The one in Bangkok was incredibly nice and the breakfast buffet was delicious with all the variety they offered. We liked the Chiang Mai hotel and the breakfast as well. We would have liked to have more within walking distance, but the quiet setting made up for it.

Overall, we found Thailand beautiful inside and out. We are still practicing Thai cooking at home - it just doesn't taste the same though. We miss all of the fresh ingredients.

Thanks again for helping us make this trip possible.

- Barbara, Brian, Eric, Bryce and Tyler Drummond

To read the detailed itinerary, photos and videos click the button below.

Written by All Thailand Experiences