Elephants in Chiang Mai's Elephant Nature Park, Thailand
Days 1-5
501 Views
5 DaysFrom
$540
Route Map
This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry
Tour Overview
Pull on your walking boots, stretch those leg muscles and take to the hills on this hiking adventure 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, then sleep in traditional bamboo huts. 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. If you like, you can also stay on a few extra days to explore ancient temples in Chiang Mai (there are over 300!). ...more ...less
Highlights
Discover real Thai countryside the best way (on foot, of course) with a three-day trek into the hills of Northern Thailand.
Learn the local way – you'll have local guides to deepen the learning and appreciation of different villages, each with their own language, clothing style and belief systems.
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!
Places You'll See
Doi Ang Khang, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Itinerary
Not what you're looking for?
People that have booked this tour have also searched for the following:
Mount Inthanon, Inthanon national park, Chiang Mai
Pha Dok Siew Waterfall at Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand.
Golden Pagoda at Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai
Location: Chiang Mai
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. The most vibrant city in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai has many famous temples and an interesting old city area. Renowned for dazzling beauty and extremely welcoming locals, the ‘Rose of the North’ will leave you spellbound. Chances are, you won’t want to leave. Today is an arrival day and you can arrive at any time before the welcome meeting tonight at 6.30pm. An airport arrival transfer is included. This transfer is only valid if arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through Intrepid. Please provide your arrival details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 15 days prior to travel to organise this. There are so many things to do here – spectacular temples, delicious food, an enormous night market, a picturesque river-front and fantastic shopping, so perhaps arrive a few days early. Chiang Mai is a great place to hire a bicycle, sign up for a Thai cooking class, or loosen those muscles with some traditional Thai massage. After the welcome meeting your evening is free to explore the city as you please. Your local guide will meet you again tomorrow morning.
Notes: The trekking route is not fixed and may change due to weather and local conditions. Please bear this is mind.
Included Activities: -Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer ...more ...less
Day 2: Hilltribe Trek
Inthanon national park at Chiang mai, Thailand.
Golden Pagoda at Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai
Doi Ang Khang, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Mount Inthanon, Inthanon national park, Chiang Mai
Pha Dok Siew Waterfall at Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand.
Landscape views in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Location: Chiang Mai
Accommodation: homestay
Accommodation Name: homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Check into day rooms this morning to gear up for your trek into the remote surrounding regions. Your first destination is the Karen village of Ban Pong Noi, with a lunch stop at the magnificent Mok Fah Waterfall. On the way, take a detour to Mae Malai local market to pick up fresh food for your trip. After a 1-hour drive, enjoy a relaxing lunch break by the waters of Mok Fah Waterfall, and take a refreshing swim if you desire. The starting point of the 2.8 km, 2-hour trek is Baan Mae Sae, which you'll reach after your break. The trek to Ban Pong Noi is relatively simple, and you'll arrive in the village in the late afternoon. This homestay experience will give you unique insight into life in this rural part of Thailand.
Included Activities: -Hilltribe village visit -Hilltribe - 3 days trek
Day 3: Hilltribe Trek
Inthanon national park at Chiang mai, Thailand.
Landscape views in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Mount Inthanon, Inthanon national park, Chiang Mai
Golden Pagoda at Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai
Doi Ang Khang, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Pha Dok Siew Waterfall at Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand.
Location: Chiang Mai
Accommodation: homestay
Accommodation Name: homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rise early this morning to take a tour of the village before sitting down to breakfast. Once you’ve fueled up, begin today’s trek and follow a trail through jungle, rice paddies, rotation dry farms, streams, rivers and waterfalls, passing by more Karen villages as you go. The first leg of the trek is steep up and downhill through bamboo forest, with a total walking time of around 3 hours. Make a stop to rest your legs and enjoy a picnic lunch, then carry on for another 2-3 hours until you arrive at a Lahu village, your base for the night. Today’s total walking distance is approximately 11 kilometres.
Included Activities: -Hilltribe Cultural show
Day 4: Hilltribe Trek / Chiang Mai
Doi Ang Khang, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Golden Pagoda at Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai
Mount Inthanon, Inthanon national park, Chiang Mai
Landscape views in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Pha Dok Siew Waterfall at Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand.
Inthanon national park at Chiang mai, Thailand.
Location: Chiang Mai
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Start the day with breakfast then take a walk around the village to see the locals going about their morning routines. You’ll have the chance to buy some local handicrafts – spending your money on community enterprises directly can help support community development. Begin today’s trek through a picturesque landscape of farmland and jungle (approximately 3-4 hours) to a Thai village for lunch, where you’ll link up with your transport. From here you’ll return to Chiang Mai (approximately 2 hours). This afternoon you may like to treat yourself to a well-deserved Thai massage. This evening, perhaps head down to the buzzing Chiang Mai Night Bazaar – we suggest getting your hands on some kao soy, yellow wheat noodles in a curry broth, traditionally served with chicken or beef.
Day 5: Chiang Mai
Landscape views in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Golden Pagoda at Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai
Mount Inthanon, Inthanon national park, Chiang Mai
Doi Ang Khang, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Pha Dok Siew Waterfall at Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand.
Inthanon national park at Chiang mai, Thailand.
Location: Chiang Mai
Meals Included: Breakfast
This adventure comes to an end today. There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. A transfer to the airport for your departure flight from Chiang Mai is included.
Included Activities: -Complimentary Airport Departure Transfer
What's Included
Accommodation
Hotel (2 nights), homestay (2 nights)
Meals
4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
Complimentary Arrival Transfer
Hilltribe village visit
Hilltribe - 3 days trek
Hilltribe Cultural show
Complimentary Airport Departure Transfer
What's Not Included
Tipping and Gratuities
International Travel
Transport
Songthaew , Private vehicle
Accommodation
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in your selected accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for your arrival, especially if you're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible, which means you won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, you can store your luggage and explore the new destination.
If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
Included Activities
Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
Hilltribe village visit
Hilltribe - 3 days trek
Hilltribe Cultural show
Complimentary Airport Departure Transfer
Important Information
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.
Mode of Transport
Travel through the scenic landscapes of Northern Thailand using a combination of songthaews and private vehicles, ensuring a comfortable and convenient journey between destinations.
Accommodation
Stay in atmospheric wooden houses in different hilltribe villages each night, offering a unique homestay experience that provides insight into rural Thai life. Accommodation may vary due to availability, but a similar standard will be maintained throughout the tour.
Check out our Q&As
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 includes treks of moderate difficulty of 4 to 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!
...more ...less
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
show more
Reviews of this operator
Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)
Just leaving a review to...
24-Aug-2023
Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍
...more ...less
LivvyGrace 4 (Google Reviewer)
I just completed my first...
15-Jul-2024
I just completed my first Intrepid tour which was 33 days travelling around Central America - I had the time of my life! It was great to have the benefit of a guide (Fluffy was amazing!) and be able to ask questions at any point, but I also liked the freedom that you were permitted throughout. The group tour made boarder crossings seamless and the whole process felt easy - there was never one hiccup. As a solo female traveller, I felt safe throughout, and I cannot recommend Central America enough - the people, the food, the sun and the activities were just amazing :) Can't wait to book my next adventure soon!
...more ...less
V Open (Google Reviewer)
I have just come back...
26-Oct-2022
I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic.
...more ...less
john whelan (Google Reviewer)
We booked the 10 day...
28-Feb-2025
We booked the 10 day Group Explorer package with them for Vietnam and Wow !!! . It was fantastic. We were initially a bit anxious, but that all settled after day one. There is a fair bit of travelling and moving involved, but we'll woth it as you get to see and experience loads .Our Guide Huy was brilliant and looked after us really well from local knowledge to restaurants and tour information and activities . It's worth doing folks with intrepid . Well done, keep up that standard of service.
...more ...less
Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)
I have travelled with Intrepid...
03-Jun-2024
I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong
...more ...less
Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)
I recently went on an...
15-Mar-2024
I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X
...more ...less
Nicole
North American Adventure
12-Oct-2021
This was my first international solo trip, but I never felt “alone” - there was always someone to go shopping, hike, or grab a quick bite with. The itinerary was a great balance between organized activities, while still allowing free time for exploring. Each location was unique and charming in its own way. Spending the night in the holy city of Moulay Idriss and wandering the winding streets of Chefchaouen were especially memorable. Thank you Mustapha and Intrepid for an incredible adventure!
...more ...less
Declan Curry (Google Reviewer)
I have recently completed the...
07-Feb-2025
I have recently completed the Premium India In Depth tour.
A most wonderful introduction to this amazing continent.
From the Taj Mahal to Tigers 🐅 in the wild , dining whe the locals eat and a couple of meals with families was a great way to embrace the people and their culture. Magnificent architecture,be it Forts or Shrines. The most informative and inspiring of guides was great to have with us. Mumbai to Delhi and 6 more cities plus A Safari included.
Best trip to experience India 🇮🇳.
Prepare to have all your senses assaulted .
Go for it.
...more ...less
Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)
I have just completed a...
29-Feb-2024
I have just completed a 12 day food tour of Vietnam, and had an amazing time. Our tour leader was great, knowledgeable and kind, who helped throughout the trip with recommendations for places on our free days, and spas. All the food we tried was delicious. It is a very fast paced tour, and Bon tried to maximise our experiences for the best.
...more ...less
D' ARTICULATE (Google Reviewer)
They offer some great deals...
11-Jan-2025
They offer some great deals and group travel itineraries without the flights but will include them if needed by the traveller ; leaving one to choose a more personal holiday stance or exploration & time schedule too. Neat!
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of
400 USDper person
or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
[{"title":"Day 1: Chiang Mai","name":"Chiang Mai","description":"Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. The most vibrant city in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai has many famous temples and an interesting old city area. Renowned for dazzling beauty and extremely welcoming locals, the ‘Rose of the North’ will leave you spellbound. Chances are, you won’t want to leave. Today is an arrival day and you can arrive at any time before the welcome meeting tonight at 6.30pm. An airport arrival transfer is included. This transfer is only valid if arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through Intrepid. Please provide your arrival details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 15 days prior to travel to organise this. There are so many things to do here – spectacular temples, delicious food, an enormous night market, a picturesque river-front and fantastic shopping, so perhaps arrive a few days early. Chiang Mai is a great place to hire a bicycle, sign up for a Thai cooking class, or loosen those muscles with some traditional Thai massage. After the welcome meeting your evening is free to explore the city as you please. Your local guide will meet you again tomorrow morning.<br/><br/>Notes: The trekking route is not fixed and may change due to weather and local conditions. Please bear this is mind.<br/><br/>Included Activities:<br/>-<description>Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer</description>","lat":"18.788344","lng":"98.985301"},{"title":"Day 2: Hilltribe Trek","name":"Chiang Mai","description":"Check into day rooms this morning to gear up for your trek into the remote surrounding regions. Your first destination is the Karen village of Ban Pong Noi, with a lunch stop at the magnificent Mok Fah Waterfall. On the way, take a detour to Mae Malai local market to pick up fresh food for your trip. After a 1-hour drive, enjoy a relaxing lunch break by the waters of Mok Fah Waterfall, and take a refreshing swim if you desire. The starting point of the 2.8 km, 2-hour trek is Baan Mae Sae, which you'll reach after your break. The trek to Ban Pong Noi is relatively simple, and you'll arrive in the village in the late afternoon. This homestay experience will give you unique insight into life in this rural part of Thailand. <br/><br/>Included Activities:<br/>-<description>Hilltribe village visit</description><br/>-<description>Hilltribe - 3 days trek</description>","lat":"18.788344","lng":"98.985301"},{"title":"Day 3: Hilltribe Trek","name":"Chiang Mai","description":"Rise early this morning to take a tour of the village before sitting down to breakfast. Once you’ve fueled up, begin today’s trek and follow a trail through jungle, rice paddies, rotation dry farms, streams, rivers and waterfalls, passing by more Karen villages as you go. The first leg of the trek is steep up and downhill through bamboo forest, with a total walking time of around 3 hours. Make a stop to rest your legs and enjoy a picnic lunch, then carry on for another 2-3 hours until you arrive at a Lahu village, your base for the night. Today’s total walking distance is approximately 11 kilometres.<br/><br/>Included Activities:<br/>-<description>Hilltribe Cultural show</description>","lat":"18.788344","lng":"98.985301"},{"title":"Day 4: Hilltribe Trek / Chiang Mai","name":"Chiang Mai","description":"Start the day with breakfast then take a walk around the village to see the locals going about their morning routines. You’ll have the chance to buy some local handicrafts – spending your money on community enterprises directly can help support community development. Begin today’s trek through a picturesque landscape of farmland and jungle (approximately 3-4 hours) to a Thai village for lunch, where you’ll link up with your transport. From here you’ll return to Chiang Mai (approximately 2 hours). This afternoon you may like to treat yourself to a well-deserved Thai massage. This evening, perhaps head down to the buzzing Chiang Mai Night Bazaar – we suggest getting your hands on some kao soy, yellow wheat noodles in a curry broth, traditionally served with chicken or beef.","lat":"18.788344","lng":"98.985301"},{"title":"Day 5: Chiang Mai","name":"Chiang Mai","description":"This adventure comes to an end today. There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. A transfer to the airport for your departure flight from Chiang Mai is included.<br/><br/>Included Activities:<br/>-<description>Complimentary Airport Departure Transfer</description>","lat":"18.788344","lng":"98.985301"}]
Request Your Discount
Add your email below and we'll send you a discount code.
