Leave the city behind and step into the peaceful mountains of Mae Wang, where authentic Karen culture, breathtaking landscapes and warm local hospitality come together. Meet local villagers, enjoy traditional mountain tea, trek through lush forests and coffee plantations, learn how Karen families roast and brew coffee using generations-old techniques and end the adventure with bamboo rafting or a refreshing waterfall visit. More than just a trekking tour, this is a genuine cultural experience that supports local communities and sustainable tourism.
Programme Details
Escape the crowds and discover the authentic charm and coffee traditions of a local Karen village in the peaceful Ban Khun Puay, Mae Wang District, just under two hours from Chiang Mai along the scenic route to Doi Inthanon. Originally developed as part of a Royal Project under King Rama IX, this serene village provides an intimate alternative to more commercialised destinations.
Be picked up from the hotel at 08:00 by a local Karen guide for the approximately 1-hour 45-minute scenic drive to the village up on the mountain of Mae Wang. En-route, stop at a local market for a brief insight into everyday life in the area. Upon arrival at the village, receive a warm welcome from local Karen villagers at the coffee house and enjoy a soothing cup of hot tea brewed with local sesame seeds and organic honey, setting the stage with a gentle introduction to the community.
Proceed with a short 10-minute transfer to the trailhead for a gentle, moderate 4-kilometre jungle trek. Wander along mostly level forest paths, cross picturesque bamboo bridges, take in sweeping vistas of emerald rice paddies and immerse in the lush greenery. Along the way, be introduced to native flora, wild edible mushrooms, seasonal forest fruits and fascinating bushcraft survival skills, such as sourcing fresh drinking water directly from forest trees.
After an hour-and-a-half trek, arrive at the rustic forest coffee camp for an engaging, hands-on activity in artisanal coffee preparation. Master the traditional, eco-friendly techniques of roasting, hand-grinding, separating cascara and pour-over dripping, all without using modern machinery. Following this, sit down and savour a local lunch.
After lunch, wrap up the journey with an easy trek of about 1 km, walking through the jungle to the village where the return transport awaits. On the way back to Chiang Mai, opt for a scenic bamboo rafting experience or a refreshing waterfall visit. Arrive in Chiang Mai in the late afternoon. (L)
Inclusions:
🥘 Lunch
Notes:
- Trekking time: 2 hours / Trekking level: easy to moderate
- All private activities
- Minimum 2 persons and maximum 8 persons
- What to bring: Comfortable shoes, long pants for trekking, insect repellent and a rain jacket (during the rainy season).
- Children between 5 and 10 years of age at the time of travel will receive a 15% discount.
- Bamboo rafting and waterfall visits depend on weather and seasonal conditions.
- Surcharge pickup and dropoff for the hotels in Mae Rim at THB 3,050 per van (roundtrip)
You might also like...
Here is a selection of products that may also fit the needs of your client.
Become a partnerYou might also like...
Here is a selection of products that may also fit the needs of your client.
Become a partner
Get in touch
Our sales team is on hand to ensure that the process of working with us is as smooth as possible. If you should have any questions, feel free to reach out to them.
Sophie Rowley
Sales Director - EuropeEXO Sales Team
Amanda Pilar
Director of Sales - Americas & ANZSales
Maya Caspary
Sales Manager - Germany, Austria, SwitzerlandEXO Sales Team
Vicky Sampson
EXO Sales Team
Rubby Alvarez
Sales Manager - Latin AmericaEXO Sales Team
Nick Ghosh
Chief Commercial OfficerEXO Sales Team
Alex Shaw
Sales Manager - Northern EuropeEXO Sales Team
Pantanida Jantsakool Pitz
General Manager - German MarketEXO Sales Team
Kate Winslow
Sales Manager - North AmericaEXO Sales Team
