Thailand Hilltribe Trek

On Short Breaks, you maintain a good level of independence and freedom, with the added bonus of having the details sorted out for you. You’ll have lots of free time and you won’t be accompanied by a Trip Leader. This means that all included activities and tours will be run by different local Intrepid partners, and these may operate independently from each other. The included activities and transfers will operate on a join-in basis, which means that you could have your Adventure all to yourself, or others may join you along the way. If you would prefer to travel in a group with a dedicated Trip Leader, just get in touch with your booking agent and they will take you through some alternatives.

This trip includes treks of moderate difficulty of 4 to 5 hours on Days 2 and 3 and requires you to carry your trek pack and any additional personal items required for two nights. Therefore, a good level of fitness is required to maximise your enjoyment of this trip.

There is 2 nights spent in hilltribe villages in traditional wooden houses on this trip. Conditions are basic with share facilities, but this is a truly unforgettable Intrepid experience!

1. Complimentary airport arrival and departure transfers are included with this trip. Please advise your flight details at time of booking.
2. This trip is operated by one of our local partners in Thailand and therefore you may be joined by a mixture of Intrepid-booked passengers and other travellers during activities.

Most travellers prefer to take a small to medium wheeled suitcase, which is a great size for the packing capacity in our private vehicles. Whatever you take, be mindful that you will need to be able to carry your own luggage, handle it at airports, take it in/out of accommodation and perhaps even walk short distances. We recommend you pack as lightly as possible.

If your trip includes travelling on overnight trains or primarily using public transport, the smaller your luggage, the easier it will be to store under or above bunks. Large suitcases may not be able to be taken on board. A lockable bag or small padlock for your bag will be useful, especially when travelling on public transportation as well.

When you're exploring during the day, you'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water, a camera, a jacket and activity-specific items like a swimsuit, a waterproof pouch/bag for your phone, or hiking shoes.

Below we have listed the essentials for this trip:, https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list, A sleeping mat, sleeping bag and backpack will be delivered to your hotel the evening (around 6pm) on day 1. It is recommended that you bring a sleeping bag liner or inner sheet. The backpack is 35 to 40 litres and should be big enough to carry a spare set of clothes and basic necessities for the few days in the jungle. Baggage which is not required may be left at the hotel in Chiang Mai and collected upon your return from the jungle adventure.

We do not recommend bringing video cameras when walking through the hilltribes as they can be perceived by the local people as highly intrusive., Due to the limited electricity at the homestay on this trip you may want to bring your own torch.

For the trek on this trip the general rule is the more preparation you have done for it, the more you will enjoy it! Although we are not walking at altitude or setting any distance records each day, the trek can still be demanding, as we walk through hilly terrain with our packs, and the temperature is often hot and humid. We recommend that you undertake regular aerobic exercise in the weeks before you travel, particularly if you are not in the habit of being active regularly. Walking, jogging, swimming or riding a bike are all good ways to increase your aerobic fitness, which will allow you to enjoy the trek to its fullest.

People Place 2 Hotel, 5 Soi 8 Charoen Prathet Road, Chiang Mai, 50100, THAILAND, Phone: 6653 274652, Fax: 6653 818296

Centrally located the People Place 2 hotel is within short walking distance to the famous Chiang Mai night bazaar, as well as the flower market and the Ping river. Rooms are equipped with private en-suite, AC, TV, phone & mini-fridge. The hotel has 24hr reception, and safety deposit boxes. The People Place 2 Hotel is located directly next to the People Place Hotel. www.people-place.com

Alternate Joining Point

An airport arrival transfer is included. Please advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to your departure. If you plan to arrive earlier, this arrival transfer can only be offered in conjunction with pre trip accommodation booked through Intrepid.

If you have advised your flight arrival details, you will be met at Chiang Mai Airport (CNX) by a transfer representative holding an Intrepid sign as you exit the terminal.

A taxi from the airport to your hotel in Chiang Mai costs about THB150-200. Buy a ticket at the taxi kiosk outside the baggage claim area in the airport.

People Place 2 Hotel, 5 Soi 8 Charoen Prathet Road, Chiang Mai, 50100, THAILAND, Phone: 6653 274652, Fax: 6653 818296

Centrally located the People Place 2 hotel is within short walking distance to the famous Chiang Mai night bazaar, as well as the flower market and the Ping river. Rooms are equipped with private en-suite, AC, TV, phone & mini-fridge. The hotel has 24hr reception, and safety deposit boxes. The People Place 2 Hotel is located directly next to the People Place Hotel. www.people-place.com

Alternate Finish Point

Intrepid can assist with pre-booking a departure transfer to the airport - enquire with your agent. Please advise your flight details at least 14 days prior to the start of your trip.If you have a confirmed departure transfer your group leader or local representative will advise your pick up time the day before your trip ends. Alternatively, please ask your group leader or local representative or hotel staff for assistance in arranging a taxi or instructions to reach the airport by public transport.

If you have a transfer to the Chiang Mai Airport your transfer driver will collect you from your Guesthouse 1.5hrs (90mins) before your flight time for domestic flights and 2.5hrs before your flight time for International flights. If your transfer has not arrived within 15minutes of the scheduled pickup time please call the Thailand 24hr emergency number +66 89 810 3722

Breakfasts included: 4

Lunches included: 3

Dinners included: 2

While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader or local representative will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where and what to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility.

MEALS ON TREK:
Meals will be prepared by the porter/guide during the trek. We will stop for a simple lunch of rice or noodles and a rest during the day. Bottled drinking water is not included on this trip.

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.

We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager.

You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.

For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us

In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below:

If you have arrived in Chiang Mai and are having issues finding your group or leader, or are unsure about the joining point etc, please call +66 818423554 from 8am to 8pm Monday to Sunday

Available for phone call or WhatsApp call on +66 89 810 3722

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in your selected accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.

Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for your arrival, especially if you're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible, which means you won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, you can store your luggage and explore the new destination.

If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.