Pha Daeng National Park, 2-day Chiang Dao trek

Route

What's the plan?

Day 1:

- We will pick you up between 7.30 - 8.00 am from your hotel and we will drive for 2 hours to the Pha Daeng National Park. We will stop at the local market to get supplies along the way.

- We will start the 20 minutes hike to a small waterfall. It is possible to swim at this waterfall.

- Then we will hike through the rainforest jungle along the side of the mountain.

- We will hike approximately 4 to 5 hours, stopping for lunch along the trail.

- Arrival at Mae Mae village, where you will be sleeping in the treehouse homestay.

- Enjoy local dinner and watch the traditional dance from the local children, who come to perform some nights (Saturdays and Sundays).

Day 2:

- Wake up, have breakfast and start the hike at around 9.30 - 10 am

- We will hike about 40 minutes to the waterfall, where you will be able to go for a swim. We will then hike for another 2 hours through the rainforest, having lunch along the trail.

- Depart for Chiang Mai, where we will arrive around 4 or 5 pm.

What's included

Included:

√ Transport
All private transport required during the trek is included. On the first day, your trekking company will pick you up from your hotel in Chiang Mai and drive you to Pha Daeng National Park. At the end of the trek, you will be taken back to Chiang Mai.

√ Professional guide
You will be accompanied at all times by a professional English speaking guide. 

√ Meals
Lunch, dinner and breakfast are included in the price of the trek. In the evening, you will enjoy a local dinner prepared especially for you at the treehouse homestay.

√ Accommodation
On this trek, you will spend one night sleeping at a treehouse homestay. Necessary bedding, blankets, etc will be provided.

√ Water
Water is included on the first day of the trek (2 liters per person). During the remaining days of the trek, you can purchase water in the villages along the way.

√ Park fees
In order to access Chiang dao wildlife sanctuary, you need to pay an entrance fee. This fee is included in the price of the trek.

Excluded:

× Airfare
You have to make your way to Chiang Mai. The total amount is exclusive of flights to and from Thailand. 

× Accommodation before and after the trek
Before and after the trek you have to take care of your own accommodation.

× Travel Insurance
Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before your trek.

× Extra snacks and drinks
Your trekking company will provide lunch, dinner and breakfast, as well as water during the trek. If you want some extra snacks or drinks during the hike, these are on your own account.

× Tipping
Tipps for the guide are not included in the price of the trek. You decide how much to tip, but if you got a good service from your guide, be generous.

Accommodation

Accommodation

This is what I like to call our "comfort trek" because you will sleep in quite a beautiful lodge/homestay called "the treehouse hideaway" in a local village in the rainforest called Mae Mae Village. The lodge is a well-equipped treehouse in the rainforest with proper rooms and beds, electricity, bathrooms and dinner and breakfast is catered by the homestay owners. On Saturday and Sunday evenings the kids from the local village come to dance and sing for the guests staying at the treehouse. Necessary bedding, blankets, etc will be provided.

FAQ

FAQ

How hard are the trails?
The trails on Chiang Dao wildlife sanctuary are not hard, nor are the treks in Muang Khong Valley. Always bear in mind that you will be trekking for several hours and that the trails are on a mountain, which means that there will be up and downs. If you are in good shape, this trek shouldn't be a problem for you. However, if you are worried that it might be too much, you can always train in advance, walking a few hours a day and climbing some stairs.

Karen Hilltribe Communities
The Karen Hill Tribes are the largest ethnic minority group in Thailand. These tribes live in mountain villages in northern Thailand and practice agriculture. The indigenous Karen people of Thailand are Thai citizens even though they speak a different language and their culture differs from Thai Culture in some ways. They still can speak Thai and have Thai ID’s. Chiang Dao is home to the largest population of ethnic minorities “hilltribe villages” in Thailand.

Best season
The best season to visit Chiang Dao is during the cool season, with cool days and cold nights. In rainy season we are not fast to recommend Chiang Dao treks (July to September) since if there are many days with heavy rain it is not safe to trek the area. During the rainy season,  the region is prone to landslides. The best season to trek in Chiang Dao National Park/Pha Daeng National Park is during the hot and cool season, from October to June. It is possible to trek in the rainy season but we have to check the rainfall rates.

Tipping
Tipping is 100% common in Thailand, it is 100% expected. If you got a good service from your guide and you want to thank him, it will always be much appreciated. How much to tip your guide is up to you. If you had a good time, 300 Baht/USD 10 for a full-day tour is a good tip.

Packing List

Packing List

Although this trek in Pha Daeng National Park is not a hard trek, it is always important to have the right equipment with you. Thay way, you can just enjoy the trek without any unpleasant surprises. If you are planning on doing this trek, Ethnic Hill Tribe Eco Trails has some recommendations for you:

- Wear shoes with grip suitable for trekking
- Bring a swimsuit to enjoy at the waterfall
- Pack a warm layer, mornings can be chilly
- Bring some extra snacks in case you get hungry
- If you are trekking in summer, don't forget your sunscreen
- If you are trekking in winter, bring some warm clothes, it gets cold
- Insect repellant is also a good idea
- Bring toothbrush, toothpaste and any other items necessary for an overnight stay.

Safety

Safety

Safety is of the utmost importance to us. That is why this is an area in which we simply do not compromise when it comes to keeping the cost of our trekkings low. Our guides have been selected on the basis of their technical competence, proven safety performance, impeccable judgment, friendly attitude and ability to provide useful and expert instructions. Our Karen guides have a deep knowledge of the rainforest and how to live in the mountains. Join us to completely immerse yourself and hike in the beauty of northern Thailand.

Ethnic Hill Tribe Eco Trails

Ethnic Hill Tribe Eco Trails

Hi, we're Mit and Kischa, the founders of Ethnic Hilltribe Eco Trails. We met and fell in love on a jungle trek in Chiang Mai, and we started this company with a dream. We love our home, and want to give people a chance to experience real, authentic hiking trails, visit hilltribe villages, and experience the culture of northern Thailand hilltribes in the same intimate and personal way that we do.

Beyond leading off-the-beaten path journeys, we're also passionate about sustainable tourism. We've seen first-hand how education and training can lift, not just families, but entire villages out of poverty, and we're committed to providing tourism support and opportunities to our guides and partners. Let us introduce you to our hilltribe family and friends and show you the beauty of northern Thailand's hills and rainforests.

How to Book

How does it work?

On Bookatrekking.com you can find and compare the adventures of your dreams. Is this trekking adventure your match? In that case you can proceed to booking. At Bookatrekking.com you make a deposit of 20% of the total amount. You pay the remaining amount on location prior to the trek directly to the trekking company.

Bookatrekking.com uses only the safest payment methods. Once your booking has been received, your place is reserved, your place is safe and you can look forward to your chosen trekking.

After you have made your booking, you will receive an e-mail confirmation with all necessary information and the contact details of the trekking company. If you have any questions or if you want to clarify something, you can obtain information directly from the right person. Of course, you can also always ask us your question. Send us an e-mail on support@bookatrekking.com

The trekking company will also receive your details and can therefore always contact you and provide you with extra information.

Cancellation Policy

Bookatrekking.com is dedicated to providing the best possible experience for you. We understand that life can be unpredictable and that plans may change. In recognition of this, we have created a flexible cancellation policy for our trekkings. You may cancel your trekking reservation free of charge if you notify us at least 14 days prior to the scheduled departure date. If you cancel within 14 days of your start date, you will lose your deposit.

Is it not quite clear yet or do you have questions? Please contact us via support@bookatrekking.com. We are happy to help you.