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Thailand >> Travel Guide >> Trekking in Thailand
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TREKKING IN THAILAND
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Thailand
has some ideal terrain for hiking, from the precipitous karst forests
of Krabi and Khao Sok to the undulating mountains surrounding Mae Hong
Son and Loei. Aside from the country's natural beauty, it is the opportunity
to visit hill tribes that has undoubtedly caused the trekking business
to boom. The novelty of encountering hill tribespeople in elaborate costumes
undeniably adds cultural frisson to a trek. However, over time traditional
tribal values cannot but be eroded by continued exposure to tourists.
Additionally, there is the problem of trekkers feeling like voyeurs, particularly at cynical freak shows such as the long- necked Padaung.
Try to establish a rapport with tribespeople and ask their permission before taking photos.
Villages close to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai (and, increasingly, Pai and
Mae Hong Son) are all depressingly exploited. Be wary of Burmese border
areas, especially in Tak, where there is the chance of encountering fighting.
Malaria is also a risk here, as it is in Kanchanaburi. In general, the
health risks increase the further you travel away from the towns. For
exclusively nature-based treks, head for Khao Yai and the South.
Trekking around Chiang Daos
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Most
treks also include an elephant ride and, if the rivers are high enough,
punting on a bamboo raft. Treks can last a week, but most are over two
to three nights and include a visit to at least one village. Seams are
commonplace and TAT keeps lists of companies recognized by the professional
Guide Association of Chiang Mai or the Jungle Tour Club of Northern Thailand,
but word of mouth is often best.
All
treks should be led by at least two competent guides (who should speak
the necessary tribal languag and be aware of local customs). Check that
the group doesn't exceed about eight trekkers, that the trek is registered
with the police and that transportation is not by public buses. Tips for
trekkers include lining backpacks with plastic bags to keep wet clothes
in and damp out; always steep in dry clothes - even if it means putting
on wet clothes by day; wear a sun hat and cream, long trousers to protect
against leeches, insect repellent (Jaico is the best) and worn-in hiking
boots - or at least supportive trainers. Nights are cold in the moun-
tains, so take warm layers - thermal tops and leggings, and silk sleeping
bags.
The best times to trek are November to February and early in the
wet season in June and July. Eco-tourism is an abused term, but Slam Safari,
The Trekking Collective and Phuket Trekking Club have a good reputation
and Friends of Nature organize genuinely ecological treks. The Wild Planet
is equally well respected and, like Bike and Travel, also runs professional
mountain bike trips into the wild.
Trekking around Chiang Daos
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Northern
Thailand is renowned for its trekking. Treks in the area around Chiang
Dao and Mae Taeng often combine visits to hill- tribe villages with an
elephant ride or raft trip through the stunning scenery. Most three-day
treks from Chiang Mai, which can be arranged by guesthouses or trekking
companies in the city, incorporate this area.
Among the region's interesting
towns are Mae Taeng, Phrao and Chiang Dao, all of which have long been
at the interface between the Thai-dominated lowlands and the uplands,
where the hill tribes live. It is vital to trek with a guide who is familiar
with the area and hill-tribe etiquette. Typical routes, lasting two to
three days, are marked below.
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