Thailand forum

Trekking in Northern Thailand ?

boleslav

tout
Posts: 69

I keep tossing this question back and forth and can not decide on the outcome.
Would like to go trekking while in the North, my idea is (maybe naive) to trek somewhere to enjoy the nature, views, local life, do not care for rafting, elephant rides, other tourists.
Can you please help me with some direction, Your input is very appreciated.

#1 Posted: 2/9/2009 - 02:50
BruceMoon

mahout
Posts: 1941
Located in:

boleslav

Try either Um Phang or Chiang Dao - depends on your access to each.

Both are written up here on TF.

Cheers

#2 Posted: 2/9/2009 - 07:30

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An Australian Veteran globetrotting...
somtam2000

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mahout
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Also, there are a couple of stories regarding trekking that may be of use:
Trekking in Thailand: http://www.travelfish.org/feature/18
10 Thailand treks aside from Chiang Mai: http://www.travelfish.org/feature/138

#3 Posted: 2/9/2009 - 08:34

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boleslav

tout
Posts: 69

Thank you for the replies, will look into your suggestions Bruce.

Somtam- I read the http://www.travelfish.org/feature/18 article and that got me thinking about the trek more, as you pointed out every man and his dog can be the guide :). I may simply be unrealistic in the hope to find peaceful trek with views, nature,wildlife as Thailand has been discovered by millions before me.

#4 Posted: 3/9/2009 - 01:04
BruceMoon

mahout
Posts: 1941
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boleslav

Trekking in SE Asia is perhaps the major 'active' tourism activity. So, no-where in Thailand will be 'virgin' territory.

That said, there ARE some treks where you will probably find yourself in nice(ish) countryside and without busloads of others. That's why I suggested the two options. So, go look in detail at:

http://www.travelfish.org/location/thailand/northern_thailand/tak/umphang

and

http://www.travelfish.org/location/thailand/northern_thailand/chiang_mai/chiang_dao

If these are still too 'peopled', you may have to head for Vieng Phouka in northern Laos.

Cheers

#5 Posted: 3/9/2009 - 05:41

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An Australian Veteran globetrotting...
somtam2000

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mahout
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boleslav,

It's not all that difficult to find the "road less trekked" in Thailand but the main issue becomes cost. One of the main reasons trekking is reasonably affordable is because so many people are doing it and this is built into the pricing.

If you decided to do something "less-trekked" sure you can do it, but be prepared to break out the cash.

The two already mentioned are possibles, though Umphang is very geared towards Thai travellers rather than westerners (this can be good or bad depending on your outlook). Other spots that spring to mind would be Mae Sariang, Kampaeng Phet and Phu Langka. There is strong possibility with the latter two you will be the only farang on the block, so as long as you're happy to pay the cost, you'll be off in fairly untravelled grounds. In Mae Sariang's case, you'd expect it to be quite busy, but when we last had a researcher there, he was in town for three days, through which time only one other westerner overnighted.

The other option is to do something cross country -- for eg trekking from Pai to Mae Hong Son -- yes you're starting and finishing in well touristed towns, but in between you'll be passing through territory that sees very few trekking trips.

Hope that helps

#6 Posted: 3/9/2009 - 07:26

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boleslav

tout
Posts: 69

Really appreciate your wonderful guidance and detailed write up!

#7 Posted: 4/9/2009 - 00:58
MADMAC

mahout
Posts: 3999

Come out to my province and you can "trek" where there are no tourists and it's cheap. You'll probably die from snake bite though. This time of year sucks for hiking (why does everyone always say "trek" versus hike?) because it's the rainy season so the snakes are out in force looking for (and finding) food. Everything is overgrown, so there's a thorn bush every five steps...

#8 Posted: 4/9/2009 - 18:02

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Victory in Pattani
somtam2000

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MADMAC -- aren't there big wasp things as well?

#9 Posted: 4/9/2009 - 18:09

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MADMAC

mahout
Posts: 3999

Big and aggressive.

#10 Posted: 4/9/2009 - 22:59

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BruceMoon

mahout
Posts: 1941
Located in:

John (MAC)

If you want to see what looks like, try looking at a pic of a local (Gold Coast, Australia) mosquito - with a housekey as a size reference.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/40294355@N08/3888666852/

Cheers

#11 Posted: 5/9/2009 - 07:53

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An Australian Veteran globetrotting...
BruceMoon

mahout
Posts: 1941
Located in:

Oooops!!!

review button please???

John (MAC)

If you want to see what Big and aggressive looks like, try looking at a pic of a local (Gold Coast, Australia) mosquito - with a housekey as a size reference.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/40294355@N08/3888666852/

Cheers

#12 Posted: 5/9/2009 - 07:55

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An Australian Veteran globetrotting...
MADMAC

mahout
Posts: 3999

now that's a mosquito you would notice.

#13 Posted: 5/9/2009 - 23:09

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Victory in Pattani