Trek in the Land of the Karen

📍 Transfer from Chiang Mai Airport to Wat Umong: 25 minutes Transfer from Wat Umong to The Royal Princess Hotel: 20 minutes

Pick up at the airport or hotel and transfer to Wat Umong for a visit to this quirky underground temple. Check into the hotel before dinner at a local teak wood restaurant overlooking the Mae Ping River. Just on the other side of the river is Wiang Kum Kam, the birthplace of the Lanna kingdom, which was founded more than 700 years ago. Learn about the design of stupas and chedis and how the architecture of the area was a predecessor to the more well-known architecture of the Ayutthaya and Sukhothai eras.    

Following dinner, head for 15 minutes on foot and then cross the river for a visit to Warorot Market. Here, get an introduction to the fantastic culinary traditions of northern Thailand with an unforgettable dinner. Then, continue a walking tour of the market for an up-close look at the area’s unique culture and local life.

Overnight in Chiang Mai
 

Inclusions:

🍗 Dinner

📍 Transfer from Chiang Mai to Huay Teun: 2 hours Trekking: 4-5 hours Difficulty: Medium

Your day begins at 8:00 AM with a pickup Chiang Mai city hotel, followed by a drive to Pha Chor National Park. Here, you’ll explore stunning rock formations and then embark on a scenic transfer to Khun Wang Village, stopping at a local market to gather fresh ingredients.

Lunch is scheduled at a local restaurant; after which you’ll continue your journey to Khun Wang Village. The afternoon is dedicated to a memorable trek from Khun Wang Village to Ban Pong Noi Village, covering 5-6 km of picturesque trails and arriving at your bungalow near a serene waterfall.

The day concludes with a delightful dinner. You’ll enjoy a restful evening, surrounded by the tranquil sounds of nature, preparing for the adventures that await you the next day.

Overnight at a bungalow in Bang Pong Noi Village

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Trekking: 4 to 8 hours Difficulty: Hard

After a home-cooked breakfast, pack up and head out for another day of adventure. Start walking through the evergreen forest with the occasional ray of sun streaming through thick lush green vegetation. The trail is challenging for 7 to 8 hours which holds the reward of a waterfall on the way! Both trails provide excellent opportunities to spot wildlife, especially birds which are abundant in this area -so binoculars are a good thing to bring!

Lunch will be a jungle-style picnic. Afterwards, make one last push to Ban Khun Puay, a Karen hilltribe village of 70 families. Spend some time to get acquainted with the people in the village and learn about their culture and lives. At dinnertime, spend the evening as locals do: with a session of vocal storytelling! Afterwards, tuck in early for a well-deserved night of rest. The hilltribe village is nestled deep in a secluded valley, so dozing off to sleep tonight will be accompanied by little more than the chorus of nature. 

Overnight at a homestay in Khun Puay Village
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Transfer from Khun Puay to Chiang Mai: 2 hours Trekking: 5- 6 hours Difficulty: Medium

After breakfast in the morning, say goodbye to the charming locals of the Karen village and start walking back down the hills. Just north of Doi Inthanon National Park. Along the way, stop by another waterfall for a short rest break before continuing on. At the trail’s end, meet with a waiting car and transfer back to Chiang Mai. 

Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, check in at the hotel for a well-earned hot shower.

In the evening, take a short walk from the hotel and celebrate the completion of an amazing journey in northern Thailand with dinner near the riverside Restaurant which, as the name would indicate, has spectacular views of the river. 

Overnight Chiang Mai 
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Transfer from The Royal Princess Hotel to Chiang Mai Airport: 20 minutes

Check out and transfer to Chiang Mai Airport for the onward flight.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast