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Hill Tribe Trek in Mae Hong Son is a real nature trek! Here is one of the most challenging nature trek in Mae Hong Son where you will enjoy most in the unspoiled nature area.

Program 7 day 5 day and  3 days trek are also taking part of community based tourism where our local guides, foods and home stays are provided from 4 Karen villages.

This type of  trekking is very special  we  are organising for those people who have these experiences  only,  because we do a lot of hiking approximately  5-7 hours  per- day,  on the steep terrain/mountain  approximate  45 – 55 degree,  we are  starting  the hiking  from the Fern Resort  and  End at Baan Pha-Bong,  from Baan Pha- Bong  we will ride  to  Fern Resort  by car it take 30 minutes  to drive.

Hill Tribe village

Experience typical village life

Live like a local, enjoy a traditional food and sleeping in a Hill-tribe village 

Explore the Northern Thai countryside

Travel to remote Mae Hong Son village Trekking up and down through the mountains of Northern of Thailand

Connect with the local community

Spend time with local residents, sharing stories and learning about their background and daily life.

 

TOUR OVERVIEW

PRIVATE TOUR / 3 DAYS / 5 DAYS / 7 DAYS

This type of trekking or Hiking is very special we are organising for those people who have these experiences only, because we do a lot of hiking approximately 5-7 hours per- day, on the steep terrain/mountain approximate 45 – 55 degree, we are starting the hiking from the Fern Resort and End at Baan Pha-Bong, from Baan Pha- Bong we will ride to Fern Resort by car it take 30 minutes to drive.

Day 1 Chiang Mai-Pai-Lod Cave-Maehongson (L,D)

Guide pick up at guests at Hotel or Resort in Chiang mai. Afterwards, take an overland trip to Maehongson, passing through one of the most beautiful mountain highways. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and having lunch break in Pai district.
Afternoon continue the trip to visit one of the largest caves in the North of Thailand at Lod Cave. Lod Cave contains three main chambers, first is “a giant pillar cave” with its height of 21 meters, second is a “doll cave” which contains the different kind of stone formation and also looks like doll. The doll cave also contains a very old wall painting aging around 2,000 years. Third is a “coffin cave”. Take a bamboo raft from a doll cave then climb up to see the remained wood coffin aging around 2,000 years old then return to the entrance.
Late afternoon, arrival in Mae hong son check in at Fern Resort / Free at Leisure

Evening: dinner at Fern Restaurant in town.

Day 2 Hike to Huay Hee Village (Day trek 1) (L,D)
Trek distance: 4.9 kilometers
Duration: 5-6 hours trek

Early Morning start, pick up from your hotel transfer to the trailhead by 4wd. Visitors have to hike up and then down into the valley of Ban Nam Hoo. Some path of the trail is very steep terrain and narrow path, visitors have to be concentrated, walk through the different layers of forest with the Karen peoples learning about the hill evergreen forest and mixed decidua’s forest, the villagers try to preserve them, Visitors will hike up on the steep mountain 1,650 meters, the highest point is 1722 meters above the sea level, there are variety of wild orchids along the trail up to mountain top and beautiful scenery on the top. Huai Hee village is reachable by road yet the first Karen village to successfully set up community base tourism (CBT) to promote their relationship the surrounding ecosystem to the outsiders and supplement their income, their livelihood remains primarily based on rotational farming on surrounded mountain slopes. With more than 200 years of settlement history, the population of the village is less than 150. Visitors have to stay in pair with home stay family.

Overnight at homestay with Karen family

Day 3 Hike to Doi Pui the highest summit in Mae Hong Son (Day trek 2) (B,L,D)
Trek distance: 10.5 kilometers
Duration: 5-6 hours trek

After your breakfast, meet the guide morning prepare to enjoy exploring more nature along the beautiful conservation forest area. During your trek, take this opportunity to learn how the Karen live and take the wise use of natural resources. Then reach your destination at the highest point in Mae Hong Son “Doi Pui” at 1,722 meters above the sea level.
Local Karen jungle lunch (prepares by your host family)
Continue and enjoy your trek through the wild orchid conservation area.
Late afternoon, return to the village.

During your stay, you may take your observation to see how the Karen cooking their rice. This is a full process of Karen rice cooking. Afterwards, relax and having dinner. Enjoy your talking with family. (Translator is provided) 
Overnight at homestay with Karen family

Day 4 Hike to Ban Huai Tong Kaw (Day trek 3) (B,L,D)
Trek distance: 11-12 kilometers
Duration: 7-8 hours trek

Early morning start, after breakfast say goodbye to the villagers and start walking along the gravel road for 1 kilometer, 17-18 kilometers along the trail walk to Ban Huai Tong Kaw descend into a river valley and back up into the steep mountains; Ban Huai Tong Kaw is good place for visitors to explore the Karen culture. Huai Tong Kaw is reachable by road yet the village has tried to preserve their traditional knowledge. The village is still home to blacksmiths, herbal gurus, spiritual leaders, ritual singers, Sword dance. The highlight of tourist attraction in this village is waterfall about 150 meters high.
After dinner activity is sword dance at the village center, and get back to home stay for bedtime.
Overnight at homestay with Karen family

Day 5 Hike to Huai Kung Vilage (Day trek 4) (B,L,D)
Trek distance: 11-12 kilometers
Duration: 6-7 hours trek
Hike down into the Valley of Mae Samad River. Visit the biggest waterfall in Mae Hong Son. Many river crossings and steep terrain, a long, you just get wet with your shoes/boots, the water level is about 1 meter deep. The village of Huai Kung is a small Buddhist village that consists of approximately 10 households with no direct road access, the village situated nearby the Mae Samad River 380 meters above sea level, they called this village “Baan Lek Nai Pa-Yai” it is means small village situated in the ancient forest or primary forest which limits the number of tourists and money in the village. The villagers are dependent on the fresh water fish in addition to hunting game, paddy rice farming and gathering forest products for their food security. Huai Kung Village is very good place for swimming, and they will serve you a lot of fish. Overnight at homestay with Karen family

Day 6 Hike down to Pa-Bong Village (Day trek 5) (B,L,D)
(From 380 to 300 meters)
Trek distance: 7-8 kilometers
Duration: 5-6 hours trek

More relax hike down into the valley of Mae Samad River, many rivers crossing and steep terrain, a long, you just get wet with your shoes/boots again, we are walking into primary of mixed decidua’s forest which is a lot of teak woods, bamboos, and red woods. It takes about 4-5 hours to hike to Pa-Bong Village and then drive to the Fern Resort about 30 minutes. Please note: during June-November trail from Ban Huai Goong will be switched to the trail that lead to Ban Nam Hoo Hai Jai. Because of the water level is too high.

Day 7 Mae Hong Son – Chiang Mai (L)
Transfer from resort. Depart to visit beautiful Shan style temples; one locates on the hilltop name “Wat Phra That Doi Kong Moo” sees a nice little town is hiding in the valley. Another nice temple is located by the lake name “Wat Jong Kum-Jong Klang” visits and sees a beautiful architecture of Shan style temple. The roof edge is decorated with the hand-crafted zinc sheet. Also visit a mini-museum where contain the very old wood carving dolls from Myanmar. Lunch at local Thai restaurant In the afternoon, transfer the group to Chiang Mai by mini bus.

 

 

CBT hard trek Pang Mapha’s another area where most different indigenous are living together in harmony is Pang Mapha. This trek will take you closer to 4 different indigenous cultures; Red Lahu, White Karen, Shan or Thai-Yai and Black Lahu. With total distance approximately 35 kms. that will lead your trek through beautiful limestone mountains, local farming and traditional cultures and local wisdom.

Day 1: Mae Hong Son or Pai – Ban Pha Mon (Red Lahu) (L,D)

Morning transfer from your hotel in Mae Hong Son or Pai, enjoy beautiful mountain highway. Stop over at Pang Mapha viewpoint for a short break. Afterwards continue driving to “Pa Mai Daeng” or Redwood Forest where the trail head is. Meet with local guide then kick-off for your 5 days trek

Lunch: at local farmer hut (local Red Lahu dishes)

Afternoon: enjoy your trek through local farming and Limestone Mountain and small nature waterfall for 3 hours. Late afternoon arrives at Ban Pha Mon a Red Lahu village. Check in homestay / free at leisure or observe and learn how local host family cooks your traditional Lahu foods.

 

Day 2: Ban Pha Mon to Ban Muang Pam (white Karen village) (B,L,D)

Morning breakfast at your homestay, pack up and continue your day 2 CBT trek to White Karen village. Today’s trek is about 5-6 hours. During the trek enjoy beautiful nature scenery.

Lunch: enjoy our team to experience jungle cooking style

Afternoon: continue trek through beautiful forest area and visit some local cave, rice paddy field, conservation forest area and etc. Late afternoon arrives at Ban Muang Pam warm welcome by Ban Muang Pam CBT club then check in homestay / free at leisure or observe and learn how local host family cooks your traditional Karen foods.

 

Day 3: Ban Muang Pam to Ban Mae Lana (Shan village) (B,L,D)

Today will be your longest trek. After your breakfast at your homestay, pack up and get on the bamboo raft along beautiful Lang River then continue your trek through the beautiful limestone mountain. Morning trek will take about 2 hours.

Lunch: Pack lunch in the forest or local farming.

Afternoon: Continue your trek, for another 3.5-4 hours then cut down the steep path to the valley of rice-fields where Shan village is located. Upon arrival meet your host family,

check in at your Shan homestay / free at leisure.

Evening: Enjoy your Shan dishes at your homestay. Goodnight

 

Day 4: Ban Mae Lana – Ban Jabo (Black Lahu) (B,L,D)

Today you don’t have to wake up early ☺. Breakfast at your homestay, then take a relax walk tour to experience a traditional way of life. Late morning pack up and say goodbye to your host family. Leave for the morning short trek to Ban Jabo about 1 hour. Upon arrival meet your host family.

Lunch: at your homestay enjoy Black Lahu foods

Afternoon: continue your trek to observe a pre-historic wood coffin cave where is located on the cliff. Experience the 2,000 -1,500 years old of Wood coffins. You will surprise how they had been moved to the high mountain. Late afternoon returns to the village and visit local school. Return to your homestay / free at leisure or join your host family to cook Lahu dishes.

 

Day 5: Ban Jabo – Mae Hong Son (B,L)

Morning wake up and enjoy a morning panoramic of Limestone Mountains. Enjoy your breakfast at your homestay. Today you don’t have to trek but take a village walk tour to experience a Lahu traditional way of life; learn how to make bamboo weaving, learn how to play the Lahu instrument and learn how to make Lahu sewing and etc.

Lunch: at your homestay

 

Afternoon: pack up and last minute to say goodbye to Black Lahu host family and drive back to Mae Hong Son or Pai. End of service.

This type of trekking or Hiking is very special. We are organizing for those people who have these experiences only, because we do a lot of hiking, approximately 5-7 hours per- day, on the steep terrain / mountains.

Day 1 Hike to Huay Hee Village (Day trek 1) (L,D)

Trek distance: 6-6.5 kilometers

Duration: 4-5 hours trek

08.00 am. pick up from your hotel in Mae Hong Son transfer to the trail head by 4wd.

09.30 am. Visitors must hike up from Ban Nam Hoo. Some path of the trail is very steep terrain and narrow path, visitors have to be concentrate, walk through the different layers of forest with the Karen peoples learning about the hill evergreen forest and mixed deciduous forest, the villagers try to preserve them, Visitors will hike up on the steep mountain 1,650 meters, above the sea level, there are variety of wild orchids along the trail up to mountain top

and beautiful scenery on the top.

12.00 pm. Packed lunch provided

01.30 pm. continue walk to Ban Huay Hee

Huai Hee village is reachable by road yet the first Karen village to successfully set up community based tourism (CBT) to promote their relationship with the surrounding ecosystem to the outsiders and supplement their income, their livelihood remains primarily based on rotational farming on surrounded mountain slopes. With more than 200 years of settlement history, the population of the village is less than 150.

03.30-04.00 pm arrive at Ban Huay Hee

Day 2 Hike to Doi Pui the highest summit in Mae Hong Son (Day trek 2) (B,L,D)

Trek distance: 8-9 kilometers

Duration: 5-6 hours trek

07.00 am. breakfast at your homestay.

08.30 am. meet the guide in the morning and prepare to enjoy exploring more nature along the beautiful conservation forest area. During your trek, take this opportunity to learn how the Karen live and make wise use of natural resources. Then reach your destination at the highest point in Mae Hong

Son “Doi Pui” at 1,722 meters above the sea level.

12.00 pm. Local Karen jungle lunch (prepares by your host family)

01.30 pm. Continue and enjoy your trek through the wild orchid conservation area. 03.30-04.00 pm. returns to the village. During your stay, you may take your observation

to see how Karen cooks their rice. This is a full process of Karen rice cooking. 06.30 pm. relax and have dinner. Enjoy your talking with family / then good night.

Day 3 Hike to Ban Huay Tong Kaw (Day trek 3) (B,L,D)

Trek distance: 12-13 kilometers

Duration: 7-8 hours trek

07.00 am. breakfast at homestay.

08.00 am. after breakfast say goodbye to the villagers and start walking along the gravel road for 2 kilometers, 11 kilometers along the trail walk to Ban Huai Tong Kaw descend into a river valley and back up into the steep mountains;

12.00 pm. stop for jungle lunch

01.00 pm. continuing the trek to Ban Huay Tong Kaw. Ban Huay Tong Koe is a good place for visitors to explore Karen culture. Huai Tong Kaw is reachable by road, yet the village has tried to preserve their traditional knowledge. The village is still home to blacksmiths, herbal gurus, spiritual leaders, ritual singers, Sword dance. The highlight of tourist attraction in this village is the waterfall about 150 meters high.

04.30 pm. arrive Ban Huay Tong Koe

06.30 pm. dinner time / free at leisure.

After dinner you could have an optional activity is sword dance at the village center and get back to home stay for bedtime.

Day 4 Hike to Huay Kung Village (Day trek 4) (B,L,D)

Trek distance: 11-12 kilometers

Duration: 6-7 hours trek

07.00 am. Breakfast at homestay.

08.00 am. start Hike down into the Valley of Mae Samad River. Visit the biggest waterfall in Mae Hong Son. Many river crossings and steep terrain, a long one, you just get wet with your shoes/boots, the water level is about 1 meter deep.

12.00 pm. stop for lunch in the forest.

01.00 pm. continuing the trek to the village of Huay Kung. This is a small Buddhist village that consists of approximately 4 households with no direct road access, the village situated nearby the Mae Samad River 380 meters above sea level, they called this village “Baan Lek Nai Pa-Yai” it is means small village situated in the ancient forest or primary forest which limits the number of tourists and money in the village.  The villagers are dependent on the fresh water fish in addition to hunting game, paddy rice farming and gathering forest products for their food security.

04.00 pm. arrive at Ban Huay Kung check in at Eco-lodge located by the river bank.

06.30 pm. enjoy your dinner / free at leisure.

Huai Kung Village is a very good place for swimming, and they will serve you a lot of fish.

Day 5 Hike down to Pha-Bong Village (Day trek 5) (B,L)

Trek distance: 9-10 kilometers

Duration: 5-6 hours trek

07.00 am. breakfast at homestay.

08.30 am. start the trek with more relax hike down into the valley of Mae Samad River, many rivers crossing and steep terrain, a long, you just get wet with your shoes/boots again, we are walking into primary of mixed deciduous forest which is a lot of teaks woods, bamboos, and redwoods. It takes about 4-5 hours to hike to Pa-Bong Village and then drive to the hotel or Resort for about 30 minutes. 12.00 pm. stop for lunch

01.30 pm. continuing the trek

03.00 pm. arrive at Pha Bong Dam and transfer to your hotel in Mae Hong Son.

04.00 pm arrive at your hotel

Please note: during June-November the trail from Ban Huai Goong will be switched to the trail that leads to Ban Nam Hoo Hai Jai. Because the water level is too high.

End of service.

WHAT INCLUDED:
  • English speaking tour leader 1 pax
  • Transfer from Mae Hong Son to Trail head and return 4wd (6-7 pax per car)

  • Entrance fee to national park

  • 4 nights homestay with indigenous families (2-4 pax per family) mattress, pillow, warm blanket and mosquito net

  • Toilet (squat toilet) and shower usually outside (warm water not available)

  • Food full board

  • Local guide from community

  • Tour activities; trekking to the summit of Doi Pui, visit rotational farming, observe local culture such as, Karen hand weaving cloth and natural color dye

  • Drinking water and snacks

  • Travel Insurance
  • TAX 7%
WHAT'S TO BRING:
  • Culturally sensitive clothing
  • Old clothing for outdoor activities
  • Hiking shoes, Warm jumper, Tough, long pants, towel, flip-flop
  • Personal uses; toothpaste, toothbrush, soap or shower cream and shampoo
  • Torch and batteries
  • Refillable bottle of water
  • Photos of home / family for cultural exchange
  • Optional: Blanket or sleeping bag
  • Optional: personal water bottle Sunscreen, sunglasses and hat • Insect repellent  • Camera and battery charger

Hill Tribe Trek 3day 2night

Hill tribe trek 3 days 2 night in Pang Mapha District area where you will experience 2 different indigenous communities; Red Lahu at CBT Ban Pha Mon, White Karen at CBT Ban Muang Pam. We stay with friendly host family and take your opportunities to learn about their local cooking, lifestyle and local wisdom. Please Note: Photos taken during rainy season. This is the most beautiful period with more local activities. Travel during dry season (March-May) is summer and some forest fire are found on this trek.

Day 1: Chiang Mai – Pai – Ban Pha Mon (Black Lahu) (L,D)

08.00am. Transfer from Chiang Mai via Pai, enjoy beautiful mountain highway (about 3 hours)

Lunch: stop for lunch in Pai at local Thai restaurant (1)

Afternoon: continue drive to where CBT trek begins (about 1 hour). Enroute take a short break at Giew-lom viewpoint.

Upon arrival at where CBT trek begins, meet our CBT local guide and porters. This afternoon enjoys your trek through local farming and Limestone Mountain and rotational farming for 3 hours. Late afternoon arrives at Ban Pha Mon a black Lahu village. Check in homestay (1) / free at leisure or observe and learn how local host family cooks your traditional Lahu foods. Time for dinner (2)

Day 2: CBT trek to Ban Muang Pam (white Karen village) (B,L,D)

Morning: Breakfast at your homestay (3), pack up and continue your day 2 CBT trek to White Karen village. Today’s trek is about 5-6 hours. During the trek enjoy beautiful nature scenery.

Lunch: enjoy our team to experience jungle cooking style (4)

Afternoon: continue trek through beautiful forest area and visit some local cave, rice paddy field, conservation forest area and etc. Late afternoon arrives at Ban Muang Pam warm welcome by Ban Muang Pam CBT club then check in at Muang Pam Camp Park or homestay (2)/ free at leisure or observe and learn how local host family cooks your traditional Karen foods. Time for dinner (5)

Day 3: Village walk – Bamboo rafting – Lod Cave – Pai (B,L)

Morning: Breakfast (6), this morning take village walk tour about 09.00am pack up and continue your trek to Lod Cave (about 6.5 Kms)

Lunch: at local Thai restaurant (7)

Afternoon: Visit one of the biggest caves in the north at Lod Cave. Explore the mysterious Lod Cave which contains three large chambers; Giant Pillar, Doll Cave and Pre-historic wood coffin cave.

By the end of the day,  transfer to Chiang Mai (about 4 hrs) Approximately arrival to Chiang Mai by 06.30-07.00 pm

Day 1  Pai – Ban Pha Mon (Black Lahu) (L,D)

09.00am. Transfer from Pai, enjoy the beautiful mountain highway (about 1-1.5 hours) and make a short stop at Giew Lom viewpoint. then continue to the trailhead. Upon arrival at where CBT trek begins, meet our CBT local guide and porters.

stop for lunch at local farming.

This afternoon enjoys your trek through local farming and Limestone Mountain and rotational farming for 3 hours. Late afternoon arrives at Ban Pha Mon a black Lahu village. Check in homestay / free at leisure or observe and learn how the local host family cooks your traditional Lahu foods.

Day 2 CBT trek to Ban Muang Pam (white Karen village) (B,L,D)

Breakfast at your homestay, pack up and continue your day 2 CBT trek to White Karen village. Today’s trek is about 5-6 hours. During the trek enjoy beautiful nature scenery. enjoy our team to experience jungle cooking style

continue trek through beautiful forest areas and visit some local caves, rice paddy fields, conservation forest areas, etc. Late afternoon arrives at Ban Muang Pam, warm welcome by Ban Muang Pam CBT club then check in homestay / free at leisure or observe and learn how the local host family cooks your traditional Karen foods.

Day 3 Village walk – Bamboo rafting – Lod Cave – Pai (B,L)

Breakfast at your homestay, this morning take village walk tour about 09.00am pack up and continue your trek to Lod Cave (about 6.5 Kms) Lunch at local Thai restaurant.

Visit one of the biggest caves in the north at Lod Cave. Explore the mysterious Lod Cave which contains three large chambers; Giant Pillar, Doll Cave and Pre-historic wood coffin cave. By the end of the day, transfer to Pai or Mae Hong Son (about 1-1.5 hrs)

What's Included
  • Tour leader (English speaking)

  • Transportation from Chiang Mai to Pang Mapha (roundtrip) van with air conditioning upto 8 pax

  • Meals & drinking water (B,LD) total 7 (local foods)

  • Homestays 1 night Camping 1 Night provide with mattress, blanket, mosquito net, squat toilet

  • Local guide

  • Entrance fee to Lod Cave & national park

  • Travel insurance

  • TAX 7%
What's to Bring
  • A small rucksack/day sack
  • A change of clothes (shorts & t shirt) especially useful in the wet season to change into at the end of the day
  • A lightweight rain coat
  • Warm jumper/pullover
  • Swimming suit
  • Small towel/sarong
  • Insect repellent mosquito spray
  • Toilet paper
  • Refillable bottle of water
  • Sunglasses
  • Personal toiletries
  • Some money for drinks and hill tribe crafts
  • Plastic bags (good for keeping your gear dry in the wet season)