Trekking & Karen Culture

Two days excursion

During this excursion, you will discover the Karen people. They are believed to have migrated from Tibet and China and settled mainly in the hills bordering the eastern mountainous region of Burma about two thousand years ago. They are considered the biggest ethnic minority group in Thailand, among the 70 other groups, with an approximate population of one million.
Many Karen fled to Thailand to escape the ongoing war since 1949. The traditional faith of the Karen people is animism, which involves a strong belief in the spirit world. Today, the Karen community comprises animists, Buddhists, and approximately 30% Christians. Religion is central to many aspects of their identity and cultural values.

First Day

  • Start around 9:30 a.m. from Tawan Riverside
  • Meet your Karen guide
  • 3 hours trek
  • Picnic by the waterfall
  • Visit the Karen village
  • Dinner and night in the camp

You will walk for 3 hours, and on the way, you will learn about the fauna and the flora with your Karen guide.
On the way, you will stop at a Waterfall. It’s time to rest, picnic, and swim in the freshwater for the bravest.You will reach the Karen Hill tribe village by walking, witness their everyday lives, and learn about their lifestyle, traditions, and culture.
Night in Karen Camp (not at Chiang Mai Elephant Friends Resort)
Spend the night in a Karen camp nestled beside the village. Enjoy a tasty Thai meal cooked by your guide.
Accommodation in a bamboo hut without hot water for the shower.

 

Second Day

  • Breakfast
  • Walk 3 hours to another village and a waterfall
  • Lunch
  • Bamboo Rafting
  • Finish around 16:00, depending on the weather and the group’s pace.
Enjoy your breakfast with a scenic view of the Mae Wang Valley. Walk 3 hours through another Karen village and a waterfall.
After a Thai lunch, the way back will be by car and bamboo rafting—a great way to end your adventure in lush nature on a shallow river.

Tour includes

  • Transportation from and to Tawan Riverside
  • An English-speaking Karen guide
  • Thai food (vegetarian option available upon request).
  • One night in a Karen camp
  • Bamboo Rafting
  • Accident insurance

What to Bring

  • Water
  • A small backpack
  • Hiking shoes
  • Flip-flops or sandals
  • A bathing suit and towel
  • Extra changes of clothing
  • Hat and sunglasses
  • Sunscreen and insect repellent
  • A flashlight
  • Personal toiletries
  • Money for small purchases such as extra drinks and hill tribe craft
  • Long pants, jacket and socks during the cool season (November to January 
  • A light raincoat during the rainy season (June to September)
  • A photocopy of your passport

Price from and to Tawan Riverside Resort (1-hour drive from Chiang Mai City)

  • 3,500 Baht/person if 2 or 3 adults
  • 3,300 Baht/person if 4 adults
  • 3,100 Baht/person if 5 adults
  • 2,900 Baht/person if 6 adults or more
  • 2,100 Baht per child 4 to 10 years old

Private excursion if at least 4 people. If you are under four, you will be in a group of 6 people maximum.

Deposit for 2 people 3,000 Baht | 3 people or more, 4,000 Baht
You can cancel for free at least 7 days before the scheduled date. The deposit will not be refunded if the cancellation is made less than 7 days before the excursion.

Book via email or Facebook Messenger and pay at the resort.

SEASONS

The cool season starts in mid-November and ends in February, which is also the high season. During the day, the temperatures are pleasant, around 30°C (86°F), but bring warm clothes because the temperature drops rapidly after sunset, sometimes as low as 10°C (50°F).

The hot season is from March to May. Daytime temperatures are especially hot at this time of year. The smoky season generally occurs during March and April. The burning can cause a lot of pollution.

The rainy season is from June to October, when the jungle and the rice fields are green. The rains begin to fall around early June and continue until late October. The temperature is around 32 °C (89 °F) during the day and a pleasant 20 °C (70 °F) at night. It rains almost every day but rarely continuously. Typically, the rain stops after an hour. It’s also the period when you have the most bugs and mosquitoes.


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