Nature excursion in the Karen rice paddies in Thailand
In summary
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Sports
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Duration2 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationAsia / Thailand
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AgeFrom 12 - 80 years
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CO₂-Emissions19.79 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
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Languages
English
In a few words
Just an hour from Chiang Mai, this two-day trek plunges you into the heart of the Karen country's wild regions , on the first part of the TMT.1 . Between lush jungle , refreshing waterfalls and terraced rice paddies , the route winds through the mid-mountains, in a preserved environment where nature sets the pace for every step.
The Karen , Thailand's largest ethnic minority, originally from Burma, settled in these hills in the 20th century to cultivate rice and vegetables . This trek offers an authentic immersion into their territory, far from the beaten track.
The highlight of the trip: an overnight stay in a traditional Karen village , with a special moment spent with a local family . You will share their daily life and discover a simple way of living, closely linked to the land and the seasons.
The ideal time to visit is from July to December , during the rice season , when the landscapes are ablaze with vibrant green. An accessible and exotic adventure, perfect for experiencing culture and nature right on the doorstep of Chiang Mai.
The highlights
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2-day trek in the heart of nature, just 1 hour from Chiang Mai
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An authentic immersion in the heart of traditional Karen villages
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Overnight stay with a local family in a beautiful Karen village
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Trekking
- Average duration/day: 5h30
Management
English
All our guides are Thai nationals (in accordance with local legislation) and certified by the Tourism Authority of Thailand. They all speak English and, depending on availability, can also speak French or German (service not guaranteed).
Program
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From the jungle to the Karen rice paddies
- Transportation Minibus - 00h45 - 25km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Accommodation Staying with a local resident
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
You begin your day in the valley, facing a wide panorama, before gradually venturing into the tropical jungle . You follow an old Karen trail along the river, once used to connect villages. Little used today, it is more hinted at than seen and sometimes requires clearing a path with a machete.
After several hours of walking through this dense vegetation, you take a break near a waterfall , ideal for lunch. The trail then continues until the forest gradually opens up. A steep and sometimes slippery descent leads you to a more open landscape. The first terraced rice paddies then appear, stretching for several kilometers. You walk through these fields cultivated by hand and observe the locals at work.
After a 5-6 hour hike, you reach the Karen village of Mae Kha Piang , located at an altitude of 700m. You share dinner and spend the night with a local family in a traditional wooden house overlooking the rice paddies.
Day 1 -
From the Karen village to the temple of Wat Prabat Si Roi
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 45km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, you share a final moment with your Karen family . The father explains the stages of rice cultivation, while the mother introduces you to traditional weaving , a skill deeply rooted in the daily life of the village.
In the mid-morning, you leave Mae Kha Piang via one of its slopes. You cross the terraced rice paddies one last time, where balance is essential to progress along the plots. Then the path gradually climbs.
The ascent to Doi Pha (1,400m) is the most strenuous section of this two-day hike. Long and sometimes slippery, it demands sustained effort. After 4 to 5 hours of walking, you reach the summit for a lunch break.
The descent then leads you to Wat Prabat Si Roi temple , which appears as the forest opens up to the valley. Known for its four Buddha footprints, it marks the end of this 27km trek, with a total elevation gain of 1,400m over the entire trip.
Day 2
Note
Enhance your trip by booking this excursion. However, we do not recommend flying for such a short duration.
This trip includes two days of hiking, covering a total distance of 27 km and 1,400 m of elevation gain, with approximately 5 to 6 hours of walking on the first day and 4 to 5 hours on the second day. You can store your luggage at our agency located in downtown Chiang Mai during your stay. If needed, you can also take a shower at our agency after your trip.
Accommodation
The Karen village of Mae Kha Piang is, in our opinion, one of the most beautiful villages in Thailand — and it remains totally untouched by mass tourism.
After an intense first day of trekking, we were immediately captivated by the calm, freshness and beauty of this village nestled in the heart of the jungle and rice paddies.
We will spend the night with a family we have worked with for over ten years and with whom we built our own bungalows. A refreshing shower, a warm welcome, smiles from the locals, delicious local cuisine, and a night in traditional wooden houses… all these authentic experiences will leave a lasting memory and allow us to recharge before the second day of our adventure.
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- The trip will be supervised by a guide certified by the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
- Homestay accommodation in a Karen village
- Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Chiang Mai (city center)
- All meals mentioned in the program
- Drinks, bars and snacks
- Entrance fees to national parks
The price does not include
- Alcoholic beverages and personal expenses
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- Backpack (20 L)
- Trekking or trail running shoes
- 2 outfits (socks, trousers or shorts and t-shirt)
- Waterproof jacket
- Warm underwear
- Swimsuit
- Headlamp & Power bank
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, shower gel
- Microfiber towel and flip-flops
- Sunscreen and mosquito repellent spray
