Trekking excursion in the Chiang Dao mountains
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationAsia / Thailand
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AgeFrom 12 - 80 years
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CO₂-Emissions37.24 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
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Languages
English
In a few words
Embark on a 3-day trek in the high mountains of northern Thailand, on the final section of the TMT.1 trail leading to the spectacular Chiang Dao range . This demanding route – a minimum of 5 hours of walking and up to 1,000 meters of elevation gain per day – is ideal for motivated hikers seeking a true challenge, yet remains accessible to those in good physical condition.
Each stage reveals iconic peaks , panoramic ridges , and breathtaking landscapes offering stunning views of the surrounding terrain. Nights spent in remote mountain villages punctuate the journey and foster authentic encounters with the Lahu, Hmong, and Lisu communities, guardians of preserved traditions.
This three-day immersion combines sporting adventure , cultural discovery , and unspoiled nature in a province renowned for its highest peaks in the region. A concentrated dose of emotion for trekking enthusiasts looking to explore the Thai mountains off the beaten track.
The highlights
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The Lahu highlands and their charming bamboo villages
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The climb and the view from the summit of Triangle at 1700m
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Panoramic ridges and iconic peaks of northern Thailand
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
This trek is a true adventure, taking place in remote, high-altitude regions on wild and pristine trails. It's a challenging trip (4/5): expect long ascents and descents, as well as substantial days of hiking. You don't need to be an athlete, but good physical fitness and strong motivation are essential to fully enjoy the experience.
In figures
Trekking
- Average duration/day: 6h30
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 Mae Taeng River to the Lahu Villages
- Transportation Minibus - 01h30 - 60km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Accommodation Staying with a local resident
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Your trek begins along the Mae Taeng River , renowned for its rapids and considered one of the most beautiful in Chiang Mai province. In the heart of a dense rainforest , you progress on foot along a trail sometimes overgrown with vegetation, occasionally requiring the use of a machete to advance.
After about 5km through a wild jungle, you leave the main river to follow a narrower tributary. The terrain becomes easier and you walk along a flat path, punctuated by several fords, until you reach a 25m waterfall where you take a break.
The rest of the day focuses on a long climb of 600 to 700 meters of elevation gain leading to the Lahu village of Kup Kap for lunch, served overlooking the valley. The afternoon is gentler, with a few gradual ascents offering beautiful mountain views before reaching the Lahu village of Pha Daeng .
Day 1 -
Ascent towards the Chiang Dao ridges
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Accommodation Staying with a local resident
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Perched at an altitude of 1,100m , the village offers an unobstructed view of the surrounding valleys. At sunrise, you enjoy breakfast facing the mountains, bathed in the first light. You then leave the ridge for a path that winds through fields and hills.
The main challenge of the day begins with a 700m ascent to reach the summit at 1,650m . The climb is long and sustained, alternating between rainforest and sections through pine forests. You progress along a distinct ridge before the final meters to the summit. Up there, the view opens up onto a succession of verdant hills, with the Lahu villages you left behind that morning visible below.
The descent brings a change of scenery. You cross a vast pine forest , the ground covered in needles, along a wide ridge that's pleasant to traverse for several kilometers. At the end of the day, you reach the Hmong village of San Pakhia , at the foot of Chiang Dao, for an overnight stay in a bamboo house.
Day 2 -
Panoramic ridges and final descent into the valley
- Transportation Minibus - 02h - 80km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
The day begins with a long descent on a track before tackling a steep forest trail , considered the most demanding section of the trek. The ascent is direct, alternating between gentler sections and steeper stretches until reaching the ridge. The effort is sustained before reaching the summit at 1,500m , where you'll have lunch overlooking the Chiang Dao Nature Reserve .
You then continue along a long panoramic ridge . To the south, you can see the Hmong village of San Pakhia, which you left this morning, a reminder of the journey you've made. Further on, the northern slope reveals Lady Mountain and the Chiang Dao range rising on the horizon.
The final section of the route involves a steep and technical descent into the valley. Vigilance is essential, especially as the fatigue of the three days is starting to set in. You'll pass through a Lisu village before a short climb to the finish point, offering a final view of the Chiang Dao landscape.
Day 3
Note
Enhance your trip by booking this excursion. However, we do not recommend flying for such a short duration.
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 stay.
Accommodation
Perched on a ridge at an altitude of 1,100 meters, this small, isolated Lahu village is a true haven of peace. Preserved from tourism, it offers us the privilege of enjoying absolute tranquility.
The view is spectacular, with an unobstructed panorama of the surrounding valleys and mountains, enhanced by breathtaking sunrises and sunsets.
We will spend the night in bamboo huts, furnished with comfortable bedrooms and beds, which we built alongside a local family with whom we have collaborated for over ten years. Our hosts will prepare delicious traditional dishes for us in a warm and friendly atmosphere… making us feel almost at home.
Located at an altitude of 1,400 meters, San Pakhia is one of the few villages in the Chiang Dao Controlled Zone. This Hmong village, home to approximately 80 families, once relied on opium cultivation in the Chiang Dao highlands. Those days are now over, and the community is now dedicated to traditional agriculture.
Since 2013, TMT has maintained lasting and respectful relationships with the local population. Thanks to this trust built up over the years, we are the only foreigners – including Thais – to have received permission from the village chief to build our own bungalows.
We will spend the night there in comfortable conditions, enjoying delicious Thai cuisine and rooms with a view, for an authentic immersion in the heart of the mountains.
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 Lahu and Hmong tribal villages
- 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
- 3 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
