Departure
1
Duration
1 Day
Up to
6 Guests
Board basic
Full board
From
89

CHIANG MAI : Trek with the Karen People- Semi-private

Adults
89
Children (4-8)
* Valid for parties of 3+
45

Discount from: 3 adults -5%
Discount from: 5 adults -15%
Discount from: 7 adults -25%

Description

Immersive Nature, Culture & Traditions

A unique full-day experience in the heart of northern Thailand’s mountains

From the remote Burmese mountains to the dense forests of northern Thailand, the Karen people have quietly journeyed through centuries of history. Present long before the arrival of the Thais, they descend from ancient Central Asian civilizations and have lived on these lands well before the 11th century. Today, they represent the largest mountain tribe in the country, living in numerous villages where their lifestyle remains deeply connected to nature.

This excursion invites you to meet these warm-hearted people, guardians of unique agricultural knowledge and a subtle spiritual balance blending Christianity, animism, and ancestral rites. The Karen are the only community to cultivate rice on terraced hillsides with profound respect for the earth and water, which they revere as living entities.

Accompanied by a local Karen guide, you will embark on a gentle hike through lush jungles, hidden waterfalls, and authentic villages. Between shared moments, peaceful landscapes, and cultural immersion, this day offers an open window into an ancestral world quiet, discreet, yet endlessly fascinating.

Every day from 9:00 to 16:00

Program

Itinerary:

  • 08:30 – Hotel pickup
    Pick-up from your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle and transfer to the Mae Wang region, about an hour’s drive.
  • Meet your local Karen guide
    Begin your adventure in the heart of the mountainous jungle.
  • Approx. 2-hour hike
    Walk through lush nature, discover local flora and fauna, and enjoy a refreshing break at a beautiful waterfall with the option to swim.
  • Picnic lunch in nature
    Enjoy a simple, convivial meal by the river, served in the local style immersed in the natural surroundings.
  • Visit to a Karen village
    Meet the villagers and learn about their homes, customs, beliefs, and still-vibrant animist traditions.
  • Bamboo rafting down the river
    End the day with a peaceful and refreshing bamboo raft ride along the current.
  • Return to your hotel around 17:00

Included:

  • Air-conditioned transport
  • English-speaking local Karen guide
  • Hiking and bamboo rafting
  • Picnic lunch
  • Non-alcoholic beverages
  • Insurance
  • Group limited to 6 participants

Not included:

  • Tips (optional)
  • Personal expenses
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Western bilingual tour leader (optional, on request)

Advice

What to bring

  • Walking shoes
  • Swimsuit and towel
  • Comfortable, breathable clothing
  • Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
  • Insect repellent
  • Camera

Reviews

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Country Information

Catalog by destination

Thailand – Living Traditions and Endless Horizons

Thailand unfolds like a poem in four voices.
In the South, islands follow one another, turquoise waters and karst cliffs rising like cathedrals. A longtail boat slips between two secret coves, sand crunches underfoot, and by evening the sunsets paint the sea in gold and rose.

Further north, the North breathes serenity. Morning mists linger on the hills, tropical forests murmur, and temple chants roll like a prayer. In Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, artisans shape the soul of the mountains, lanterns ready to rise.

To the east, Isan tells a simple, proud life: endless rice fields, the lazy Mekong skirting villages, ancient Khmer temples lost in the light. You share a meal, a smile, and sometimes an evening to the sound of mor lam — music that quickens the heart.

And then Bangkok. Electric energy, street-food markets scented with basil and chilli, klongs where boats drift, rooftop terraces gazing at the city as it sparkles. Here, tradition and future walk hand in hand.

One country, a thousand journeys. Choose the one that’s yours.

 

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Your questions about Thailand,
our clear answers

Planning your trip to Thailand and still have a few questions? That’s perfectly normal! Between formalities, health, weather and local customs, travelling abroad often raises many queries. This section is designed to guide you step by step and clear up any doubts before you set off.

Here you’ll find answers to the questions travellers ask most often: visa, safety, currency, transport and appropriate behaviour. Our aim is to help you set off with peace of mind, well informed and ready to make the most of this exceptional destination. And if any question remains unanswered, our team is here to help!

Are there any special formalities for certain countries like Thailand?

Yes. For example, French travellers to Thailand must complete an online entry form (e-Arrival Card) No later than 78 hours before arrival. A passport valid for at least 6 months is also required.
We recommend checking official embassy or government websites for the latest visa, health, and safety requirements.

Do I need a visa?

For stays under 30 days, French nationals don’t need a visa. Longer stays require one.

Are vaccines required?

None are mandatory, but vaccines for hepatitis A, typhoid, rabies, and dengue are recommended depending on the area.

Best time to visit?

November to the end of March (dry season).

Dress code?

Shoulders and legs must be covered when visiting temples. Sarongs are often provided at entrances.

Do I need a license to ride a scooter?

Yes, with an international license. Helmets are mandatory.

 

Currency & payment: which currency and can I pay by card?

The currency is the Thai baht (THB). Cards are accepted at many hotels, restaurants and tourist sites, but always carry some cash for small purchases and tips. ATMs are available; bank fees may apply. At the terminal, decline Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) to keep your bank’s rate.

Internet & phone: local SIM or eSIM?

Yes, you can buy a local SIM (passport required) or an eSIM. Main providers: AIS, TrueMove H, dtac. Coverage is generally good in tourist areas; more variable in mountains/jungle. WhatsApp is widely used.

Can you drink tap water in Thailand?

Best avoided. Choose sealed bottled water (or boiled/treated). Avoid ice unless you trust the source. Hot drinks are fine if the water has boiled. Be cautious with raw salads; prefer peelable fruit.

Safety & common scams: what should I watch out for?

Thailand is generally safe, but stay alert in very touristy areas. Be wary of ultra-cheap tuk-tuks, forced stops at “gem” shops, or the classic “the temple is closed” line. Use official taxis or PHV, keep belongings close, and never hand over your passport as security.

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