Thailand Hilltribe Trek

5 Days | Experience Chiang Mai and village life on this trek through northern Thailand

5 out of 5 based on 18 reviews submitted.
Short breaks
Walking & trekking
From
EUR €430
View dates and book

Pull on your walking boots, stretch those leg muscles and take to the hills on a classic Intrepid trek through Thailand’s hilltribe country. Walk along winding jungle tracks and through green fields, observing what life is really like for villagers in this remote area, and sleep in traditional bamboo huts at night. Make friends with welcoming tribespeople as you hike through this remote region where each tribe has its own distinct language, style of dress and religion and learn the secrets to jungle survival from those who know best. Stay on a few extra days to explore ancient temples in Chiang Mai - there are over 300! If you’re after a short city escape and the chance to experience the real Thailand away from the tourist crowds, then this trip is just the ticket.

Trip overview

Map of Thailand Hilltribe Trek including Thailand
Start
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Finish
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Theme
Short breaks, Walking & trekking
Destinations
Thailand
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Basix
Ages
Min 12
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
TTAX
This trip generates 76.87 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Discover real Thai countryside and its people with a 3-day trek into the hills of Northern Thailand
  • Local guides deepen the learning and appreciation of different villages, each with their own language, clothing style and belief systems
  • Meet and chat with friendly villagers and discover more about their unique cultures
  • Stay in atmospheric wooden houses in different hilltribe villages each night
  • Explore remote villages, help prepare evening meals, and feast on traditional hilltribe cuisine
  • Start and finish in the temple-studded city of Chiang Mai, making this short break adventure an easy add-on to a Northern Thailand journey
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, World Animal Protection. Donations support them to promote better living conditions for elephants in captivity and help rescue elephants from inhumane conditions. Intrepid will double your impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Is this trip right for you?
  • On Short Breaks, you maintain a good level of independence and freedom, with the added bonus of having the details sorted out for you. You’ll have lots of free time and you won’t be accompanied by a Trip Leader. This means that all included activities and tours will be run by different local Intrepid partners, and these may operate independently from each other. The included activities and transfers will operate on a join-in basis, which means that you could have your Adventure all to yourself, or others may join you along the way. If you would prefer to travel in a group with a dedicated Trip Leader, just get in touch with your booking agent and they will take you through some alternatives.
  • This trip is lead by our local representative – they will meet you on Day 1 at the group meeting, then meet you again on the morning of Day 2 to begin the Hilltribe trek. They will not stay in the hotel in Chiang Mai.
  • This trip includes treks of moderate difficulty of 4-5 hours on Days 2 and 3, and requires you to carry your trek pack and any additional personal items required for two nights. Therefore a good level of fitness is required to maximise your enjoyment of this trip.
  • There is 2 nights spent in hilltribe villages in traditional wooden houses on this trip. Conditions are basic with share facilities, but this is a truly unforgettable Intrepid experience!

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2024 to 31 December 2024.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025

Map of Thailand Hilltribe Trek including Thailand

Inclusions

Meals

4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners

Transport

Songthaew, Private vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nights), homestay (2 nights)

Activities
  • Complimentary Arrival Transfer
  • Hilltribe village visit
  • Hilltribe - 3 days trek
  • Hilltribe Cultural show
  • Complimentary Airport Departure Transfer

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. Complimentary airport arrival and departure transfers are included with this trip. Please advise your flight details at time of booking.
2. This trip is operated by one of our local partners in Thailand and therefore you may be joined by a mixture of Intrepid-booked passengers and other travellers during activities.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

5 out of 5 based on 18 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Sabrina · Traveled February 2024
The trip was perfectly organized. The guide was very friendly, helpful and prepared for any situation. He knew the hill tribes and the jungle. A true experience. I can recommend this trekking to all those who like hiking, are looking for a challenge and are willing to give up luxury.
Review submitted 10 Feb 2024

Laura · Traveled February 2024
What an incredible adventure. Very humbling experience staying with the Karen hilltribes. A trip we will never forget!
Review submitted 08 Feb 2024

Pawel · Traveled October 2023
Fantastic trip a great hide away from your work in Europe our guide weet was adorable professional 😀 I would highly recommend this trip for a walking enthusiastic people
Review submitted 29 Oct 2023

Cindy · Traveled May 2023
This was the highlight of our trip to Thailand! Is, our trek leader, was very attentive and kept my teenaged daughter entertained throughout the trek with her knowledge of the jungle and her amazing sense of humor. Thank you for the wonderful memories!!!
Review submitted 20 Jun 2023

Paul · Traveled May 2023
The Hill Tribe trek was a wonderful experience thanks to Issy, the trip leader and guide - stunning scenery and learned so much staying with the 2 hilltribes.
Review submitted 12 May 2023
Thailand Hilltribe Trek
From
EUR €430