Overview
Chiang Mai - Samoeng - Khun Mae Talaa - Dong Samun - Mae Chaem Noi - Wat Chan - Huai Tong - Huai Pu Loei - Huai Ma Dam - Nong Khao Glang - Huai Hee - Nam Hu - Mae Hong Son
JOIN-IN DATES : Sat 28 Nov09; Sun 27 Dec09; Sat 31 Jan10; Sat 27 Feb10
Hike through one of the oldest trade routes in Northern Thailand in this join in, week-long expedition along the Thai-Myanmar border. This challenging trek traverses over ridgelines and through dense forests, but rewards the adventurous traveler with sweeping views of natural scenery and visits with ancient hill tribe cultures.
The Old Elephant Trail was once a very busy trade route over the mountains between Mae Hong Son and Chiang Mai. It was established around 1831 but was abandoned when roads were built in the 1950s and is now one of the more remote trekking routes in Northern Thailand.
Travel to the Mae Surin National Park for the start of your trek. Over the next five days you will be trekking through some of Thailand's most pristine natural areas. The terrain is tough- filled with high peaks and long ridgelines- but the experience is worth it.
Your days are filled with spectacular walks. Pass through national parks and along mountains such as the Dao Yai, where you can see in to Burmese territory. Keep an eye out for indigenous wildlife such as gibbons, wild boars, and a plethora of bird species.
In the evenings, you will reach remote villages where the culture and lifestyle have remained unchanged for hundreds of years. Spend the evenings amidst the locals as you camp down in tents, homestays, and one night in the local school. This up-close experience with traditional hilltribe life is an unforgettable experience.
The journey ends in Mae Hong Son where there is an optional extension to explore this pristine region. Join Exotissimo as we show you the best of Northern Thailand on this exciting trekking journey. Private tours are also available.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Chiang Mai - Samoeng - Khun Mae Talaa - Dong Samun (L,D)
Join the group in Chiang Mai and transfer by road to the Hmong Village of Khun Mae Talaa, the start point of the trek. Hit the trail and start hiking across ridgetops, through hilltribe villages and surrounded by breathtaking scenery. This evening, camp is set up within the grounds of a local school in a Blue Hmong Village, Dong Samun. (Today's Trek is 6 hours; Moderate to Difficult)
Overnight camping, Dong Samun.
Day 2 - Dong Samun - Mae Chaem Noi - Wat Chan (B,L)
The second leg of the expedition traverses through elevated conifer forests to the village Chaem Noi, a large Karen village situated in a lush valley. Stop and rest your legs while enjoying a picnic lunch. Continue this afternoon to Wat Chan, a small town located in the middle of the Old Elephant Trail where an overnight stay in a hotel awaits. (Today's Trek is 7hours; Moderate to Difficult)
Overnight in a local hotel, Wat Chan.
Day 3 - Wat Chan - Huai Tong - Huai Pu Loei (B,L,D)
Old Elephant Trail Trek - 7 Days / 6 Nights - itinerary
Return to the trail this morning and head in to more remote areas. The first part of today's trek is along an easy flat dirt-road, but quickly changes into mountainous terrain, rice fields and green jungles. Late this afternoon reach Huai Pu Loei where camp is set up at the local school grounds and dinner is served in the tranquil surroundings. (Today's Trek is 6hours; Moderate)
Overnight camping in Huai Pu Loei.
Day 4 - Huai Pu Loei - Huai Ma Dam - Nong Khao Glang (B,L,D)
Awake early this morning to catch the sensational sunrise over the Huai Pu Loei valley and then set off on the most challenging day of the Old Elephant Trail. Mostly uphill, the trail takes you through lush forests and over the challenging Doi Yao peak. The hard work is rewarded by panoramic views of northern Thailand's lush terrain. (Today's Trek is 10 hours; Difficult)
Overnight in Nong Khao Glang.
Day 5 - Nong Khao Glang - Huai Hee - Nam Hu (B,L,D)
The first leg of today's trek crosses rolling mountain ridges and valleys to the Karen Village of Huai Hee. After lunch, continue through lush jungle to the evening's campsite at Nam Hu. Arriving early this afternoon, there is plenty of time to explore the nearby caves, streams and waterfalls. (Today's Trek is 7 hours; Moderate to Difficult)
Overnight camping in Nam Hu.
Day 6 - Nam Hu - Mae Hong Son - Departure (B)
This last day of hiking starts with an early morning climb up to Saam Fah mountain ridge for sweeping views across the valley to the Myanmar border. After enjoying the scenry, descend to the entrance of Mae Surin National Park where vehicles are waiting to transfer you to Mae Hong Son airport for your onward flight. (Today's Trek is 5 hours; Moderate)
Optional 1N extension in Mae Hong Son: Transfer to the eco-friendly 'Fern Resort' in Mae Hong Son. Enjoy a well deserved rest in the tranquil surroundings. The next day, embark on a full day exploration of the area including a boat trip to the longneck village of Nam Piang Din and tour of the ancient temples of Mae Hong Son. Departure late afternoon for the flight to Chiang Mai.
Price and Notes
Extension to Mae Hong Son:4,090 THB per person (based on 2 persons travelling together and sharing accommodation; contact us for pricing based on larger groups)
Our Old Elephant Trail Trek Tour includes:
* Accommodation at selected villages (tent)
* Professional support team to manage all logistics and set up camps
* Meals as mentioned (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
* Drinking water, snacks & fruits for trekking days
* Entrance fees for mentioned visits
* English speaking expedition guide
* Transportation and transfers as mentioned
* Local guides tips
Our Old Elephant Trail Trek Tour does not include:
* Meals other than mentioned
* Porters to carry personal belongings
* Services other than mentioned
* Domestic flights
* Laundry, telephone calls, drinks, and expenditure of a personal nature
* Driver and guides' tips
Notes
* Minimum number of participants is 4. Maximum is 12.
* On trekking days, guests carry their own daypack (water for the day, extra clothes, medicines, camera, etc.)
* Travelers to Thailand are required to have a travel insurance
* We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance covering emergency helicopter evacuation
* This itinerary may alter due to local conditions, the strength of the group and other unexpected circumstances. We will do our very best to adhere to the set itinerary, however we cannot be held responsible for any last minute changes that might occur. In all such circumstances, your trekking guide will have the final say.
Creating Unique Touring Experiences
All the touring itineraries on this website have been carefully crafted by our in-country management teams and represent a series of experiences we can certainly recommend. However, we understand that every travel experience should be as unique and individual as each traveler. Our consultants are waiting to hear from you so that we can tailor or custom design a Thailand tour to your individual specifications.
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