From the young world travelers of the 1970s who organized informal groups to explore the mountain forests of northern Thailand, the trekking industry has developed rapidly in the northern capital of Chiang Mai.
There are innumerable trails through jungle terrain, across flower-strewn meadows, beside fast-flowing streams. Chiang Mai’s Pai District and Ma Hong Son’s Mae Chan have the biggest selection for first-time or experienced trekkers.
Further off the beaten track, the rugged back-country around Phrae and Nan, or between Chiang Rai and Fang, offer new paths into the unknown.
Along the trail, trekkers meet the hilltribe people who make their homes in the area: Karen, Lisu, Akha, Hmong, Lawa and Meo, each with their distinctive traditional dress. A typical hilltribe tour trekkers, a guide, a cook, overnight stays in hilltribe villages and a hike of four, five or even ten days.
While trekking has become a more upmarket industry—often with elephant rides and raft trips included in the package—the slog up and down mountains, coupled with hot sun, drenching rain and basic food, still demands youthful stamina.
The Kok River is a favourite thoroughfare for visits to hilltribe north and south of its banks. At riverside town of Tha Thon, hiking and rafting can be arranged. The rafts may be either traditional bamboo craft or inflatable.
West of Chiang Mai near the Myanmar border, Mae Hong Son has guesthouses which specialize in hilltribe treks. South of Chiang Mai, in Tak Province, the small town of Umphang is populated mainly by Karens, and is a popular jumping-off point for treks to more remote villagers.
Going on a tour by bicycle is probably one of the best ways to visit some of Thailand’s important sites whether in the capital, Bangkok, or neighboring provinces close to the capital such as Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Phetchaburi, Kanchaburi, Chon Buri and Rayong. Depending on your preference, the BEST bicycle experience is probably right here in Bangkok where easy-going bicycle trips through areas surrounding the Grand Palace are available.
Before embarking on you journey to Thailand, it might be best to check with your international clubs and associations within your university or school to start establishing ties with a friend your age in Thailand. Having a friendly contact in Thailand before you arrive is a good idea as you have someone to look forward to meet. Such clubs as Rotary International and Skal Club would normally have worldwide presence in all educational institutions. Being in touch with these types of organizations well ahead of your intended trip gives you the opportunity to exchange thoughts with someone your age, as well as ensure that you have a group of friends even before you arrive, making your trip to Thailand even more memorable.
Another good idea is to be in touch with the various international language centres in your country that are affiliated with a school in Thailand such as British council, AUA (American Alumni Association), Goethe Institute, ect. These language centres are idea for you to be associated with as they are usually a hub for young people around the world to learn a foreign language and this means the opportunity to make even more friends.
Also visit the Federation of International Youth Travel Organisations (FIYTO) for travel ideas as well as a listing of accommodation in Thailand. Visiting your local YMCA(Young Men’s Christian Association) and YWCA(Young Women’s Christian Association) is also a good idea in order to get information concerning their location in Thailand and the type of accommodation and support provided.
Before starting your travels to Thailand, it may also be a good idea to drop by at a Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) office closet to you or, visit http://www.tourismthailand.org/ for more information.
From the young world travelers of the 1970s who organized informal groups to explore the mountain forests of northern Thailand, the trekking industry has developed rapidly in the northern capital of Chiang Mai.
There are innumerable trails through jungle terrain, across flower-strewn meadows, beside fast-flowing streams. Chiang Mai’s Pai District and Ma Hong Son’s Mae Chan have the biggest selection for first-time or experienced trekkers.
Further off the beaten track, the rugged back-country around Phrae and Nan, or between Chiang Rai and Fang, offer new paths into the unknown.
Along the trail, trekkers meet the hilltribe people who make their homes in the area: Karen, Lisu, Akha, Hmong, Lawa and Meo, each with their distinctive traditional dress. A typical hilltribe tour trekkers, a guide, a cook, overnight stays in hilltribe villages and a hike of four, five or even ten days.
