Thailand forum

Trekking in the nOrth - Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai

kierjan

backpacker
Posts: 11

Hey everyone, looking for soem advice (again)
When we get to the north of Thailand we hope to do some sort of hilltribe trek. I'm wondering whether it would be better just to spend a day in Chiang Mai and then go to Chiang Rai to do the trek
or
do the trek in Chiang Mai, skip Chiang Rai and head straight to Chiang Kong where'll we'll cross the border to Laos.
Thanks, Jan

#1 Posted: 16/4/2008 - 18:09
ekay

longtail driver
Posts: 9
Located in:

Self-promo removed

#2 Posted: 20/4/2008 - 10:18
somtam2000

admin
mahout
Posts: 5884
Located in:

Private message

Hi Jan,

Generally speaking Chiang Rai has the less adulterated trekking, though both Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are major trekking centres and you'll see similar tribes regardless of which centre you go from. There's a feature story on trekking in Thailand, which may be of interest. A lot depends on how long you're planning to go trekking for -- generally a three or four night trip will be more interesting than an overnight one.

#3 Posted: 20/4/2008 - 13:08

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bbw

newbie
Posts: 4

chiang rai is generally a better base if you are just interested in trekking and don't mind skipping the sights and markets chiang mai has to offer.

also, chiang rai seems to have better ethical hill tribe trekking options. my experience getting tours from chiang mai is that it's much more "transactional."

#4 Posted: 21/4/2008 - 16:14

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