Ethnic Hilltribe Eco Trails
Ethnic Hilltribe Eco Trails
5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
Experience real authentic, non-touristic hiking trails. On our trails you can hike in 2 of Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand's most beautiful National Parks. One being home to the Highest mountain in Thailand, Doi Inthanon National Park and the 3rd highest mountain in Thailand, Pha Daeng National Park in Chiang Dao. Rich in fauna and flora. Incredibly scenic and non touristic. Here you will hike one of a kind special hiking trails. Hiking 5 - 6 hours through the heart of the rain forests. Visit waterfalls, view points and even have the chance to see Gibbons in the Doi Inthanon National Park. Visit hilltribe villages and learn about the traditional herbal medicine used for centuries in home made saunas. Our 2 day trails will either take you to sleep in a hilltribe village in the Mountains of Pha Daeng National Park or to the Churkee Farm stay on the rice fields of a Karen Hilltribe Village in Doi Inthanon National Park. In cool season join us on a summit to Doi Luang Mountain.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingSimilar Experiences
Ethnic Hilltribe Eco Trails
Booking unavailable on Tripadvisor
Want other options you can book now?
Show optionsTravelers talk about
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
137 reviews
Excellent
126
Very good
4
Average
5
Poor
0
Terrible
2
RJB
32 contributions
Feb 2020
My wife and I found Ethnic Hilltribe Eco Trails while searching for things to do in Chiang Mai, and it was the best thing we did during our week there. We have commented multiple times since, "Wow, so glad we did that!" We opted for the two-day, overnight experience in Doi Inthanon, and we booked directly through their website (you can Google it).
The flora and fauna, especially the butterflies, flowers, trees, and the gibbons (we were told by our guide, Yod, that they don't always see the gibbons, so I'm grateful we happened upon them - they sound so amazing when they call out to one another!) were beautiful, and the vistas (even though it was the smoky season when all the farmers are burning stuff) were lovely. We went during the dry season, and they told us that there is not much fruit then as in the rainy season. They also said that the leaves on the ground are more plentiful and more apt to make you trip during the dry season, whereas in the rainy season there are less leaves and you're less likely to slip (though I imagine there is more mud in the rainy season, I can attest that those leaves are quite apt to make you slip!). Yod showed us interesting things and shared fun facts along the way. We stopped by a waterfall and ate a delicious lunch halfway through the first day's hike.
Know that this is a pretty arduous hike. You would benefit from cleats in your shoes. As far as hikes go, on a scale of 1 to 10, you're looking at a 6-8 range. There will be moments when you looked down from your tiny little path and think, "Huh, if I trip or lose my footing right now, I'm probably going to die." You won't die, though, if you are careful and take your time when you need to, and it was so worth every minute of the effort needed to complete the trek.
They told us that they don't take folks up to the peak of Doi Inthanon because there are poisonous plants and at least one venomous snake that is more likely to be encountered up near the summit, so they don't go quite that high up the mountain. They said you can take a car up a road to the top on your own and see toucans and other things. Oh yeah, they said more snakes in the rainy season, and we only saw one or two over the two days (dry season). The steam bath on day 2 was great and intense! Oh, one weird thing is that the water on the 2nd day was not included in the cost of the trip, and we had to pay extra for that. I'm kind of rambling with random facts at this point. The gist: Worth it, go for it!
The flora and fauna, especially the butterflies, flowers, trees, and the gibbons (we were told by our guide, Yod, that they don't always see the gibbons, so I'm grateful we happened upon them - they sound so amazing when they call out to one another!) were beautiful, and the vistas (even though it was the smoky season when all the farmers are burning stuff) were lovely. We went during the dry season, and they told us that there is not much fruit then as in the rainy season. They also said that the leaves on the ground are more plentiful and more apt to make you trip during the dry season, whereas in the rainy season there are less leaves and you're less likely to slip (though I imagine there is more mud in the rainy season, I can attest that those leaves are quite apt to make you slip!). Yod showed us interesting things and shared fun facts along the way. We stopped by a waterfall and ate a delicious lunch halfway through the first day's hike.
Know that this is a pretty arduous hike. You would benefit from cleats in your shoes. As far as hikes go, on a scale of 1 to 10, you're looking at a 6-8 range. There will be moments when you looked down from your tiny little path and think, "Huh, if I trip or lose my footing right now, I'm probably going to die." You won't die, though, if you are careful and take your time when you need to, and it was so worth every minute of the effort needed to complete the trek.
They told us that they don't take folks up to the peak of Doi Inthanon because there are poisonous plants and at least one venomous snake that is more likely to be encountered up near the summit, so they don't go quite that high up the mountain. They said you can take a car up a road to the top on your own and see toucans and other things. Oh yeah, they said more snakes in the rainy season, and we only saw one or two over the two days (dry season). The steam bath on day 2 was great and intense! Oh, one weird thing is that the water on the 2nd day was not included in the cost of the trip, and we had to pay extra for that. I'm kind of rambling with random facts at this point. The gist: Worth it, go for it!
Written March 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kim
The Hague, The Netherlands8 contributions
Jan 2020
Our two day Doi Inthanon hike was our fourth hike in the Chiang Mai/Pai area and thankfully, we had saved the best for last. It isn’t an easy hike (some steep parts upwards and downwards) but very doable for anyone who is reasonably fit (easier than most other hikes we did). Your efforts are rewarded with great views. The trek combines views of the forest/jungle, beautiful viewpoints over the valley and walks through farmlands and Karen villages. The guides were very knowledgable about the local flora and fauna. The food was the best we had on any trek. The whole experience is very authentic: no touristic Karen villages but real people living in the Doi Inthanon area. We loved the farm stay, which – perhaps also due to the little amenities – was very peaceful. On the first day the group was relatively large but the second day is only with the people who join the farm stay (i.e. max. 6 people). The herbal steam room is also a great experience (pack a towel!). The contact before the hike with Ethnic Hilltribe Eco Tours via Whatsapp was very quick and helpful. We highly recommend this tour.
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CarysSian
St Helens, UK27 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
Review... I did a 2 day 1 night trek with this company in Doi Inthanon National Park and highly recommend it. I did a lot of research before choosing a tour and was not disappointed with this.
The trek itself is in quite a remote area and you will not see any other tour groups which for me was a huge selling point. Our tour guide, Sak, was great - not only was he super knowledgeable about everything in the jungle (pulling off plants and herbs for us to taste) but he was also very friendly, funny and always smiling.
I would definitely recommend that you for the overnight stay as although more expensive thatn a day trek, you get so much more for your money. The overnight stay was the highlight for me... Staying in a little village with a real fire and looking up at the stars. The trek itself is advertised as medium which I would agree with and as long as you are relatively fit then it's fine.
Last but not least, I found the company to be really helpful. Whenever I had questions before booking they were quick to answer. I also left my rain jacket at the homestay and they arranged to deliver it to my hostel the next day. Do this tour.... YOU WON'T REGRET IT!
The trek itself is in quite a remote area and you will not see any other tour groups which for me was a huge selling point. Our tour guide, Sak, was great - not only was he super knowledgeable about everything in the jungle (pulling off plants and herbs for us to taste) but he was also very friendly, funny and always smiling.
I would definitely recommend that you for the overnight stay as although more expensive thatn a day trek, you get so much more for your money. The overnight stay was the highlight for me... Staying in a little village with a real fire and looking up at the stars. The trek itself is advertised as medium which I would agree with and as long as you are relatively fit then it's fine.
Last but not least, I found the company to be really helpful. Whenever I had questions before booking they were quick to answer. I also left my rain jacket at the homestay and they arranged to deliver it to my hostel the next day. Do this tour.... YOU WON'T REGRET IT!
Written January 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nick B
Wellington, New Zealand31 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We just got back from the 2day trek with an overnight stay with a local Karen Hilltribe in the Khun Phuy Village. We had an absolutely fantastic time and would highly recommend this trip to anyone who comes to Chiang Mai. It is not cheap but it’s absolutely worth it. Our guide Pisak was the best, working tirelessly to make sure we had a good time, and sharing his wealth of knowledge of jungle living and the local culture and traditions (having grown up in a Karen Hilltribe himself). The locals were very warm and welcoming towards us, and despite the language barrier still tried to communicate with us and we had a great evening having dinner and whisky around the fireplace.
Written February 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah K
Chiang Mai, Thailand12 contributions
Nov 2022 • Friends
So refreshing to find a trekking company that completely steers clear of all the tourist claptrap while also taking care of its participants. This was an authentic jungle experience. Nobody was on the trail besides our small group, and we were taken through some stunning and varied unspoiled countryside. The hilltop homestay was also a delight: bamboo huts, shared toilet and cold shower, and a coal and wood-fire kitchen. No electricity!
From start to finish, all the people with us were from the Karen tribes and went above and beyond. Special shout-out to our cook and tour guide Nop, who hiked both days in flip-flops, introduced us to many new plant species, and cooked us an amazing dinner at night under the stars.
My only feedback is that perhaps the trails could be given a bit clearer rating, since they were indeed “physically demanding” on a level I was not prepared for. You need to be in very good shape! Also, bathing suits and towels aren’t necessary—I didn’t feel compelled to plunge into the waterfall—but basic toiletries are (soap, shampoo, a washcloth) if you’re staying overnight.
From start to finish, all the people with us were from the Karen tribes and went above and beyond. Special shout-out to our cook and tour guide Nop, who hiked both days in flip-flops, introduced us to many new plant species, and cooked us an amazing dinner at night under the stars.
My only feedback is that perhaps the trails could be given a bit clearer rating, since they were indeed “physically demanding” on a level I was not prepared for. You need to be in very good shape! Also, bathing suits and towels aren’t necessary—I didn’t feel compelled to plunge into the waterfall—but basic toiletries are (soap, shampoo, a washcloth) if you’re staying overnight.
Written November 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Coline
9 contributions
Aug 2022 • Friends
We did the 2 days in Doi Inthanon trek during the rainy season. We found the trek in a tourist agency in Chiang Mai. Most of agencies are selling the classic "bamboo rafting and elephant sanctuary" trek but we wanted more nature, only walking and less touristic hike and the Hilltribe one was the perfect one to do that.
The hike was a little bit hard, above all because of slippery paths. We unfortunately were not able to see the first viewpoint because of the weather.
Nevertheless guides were perfect. Helpful when needed, they showed us plants and insects, answered all our questions, shared their way of living with us. It was real sharing and they were so nice. The fact that they promote small groups (we were only 3) helps a lot.
We ate a padthai from the morning market and fresh fruits. During the afternoon we saw beautiful rice fields and little villages.
We spend the night with them, cooking, chatting, eating a delicious dinner, it was really great.
The farmstay is not luxurious, but you will have everything you need. There is a shower, toilets, and small private bamboo houses with small maitress and mosquito nets. No electricity or hot water but the fresh fruits (and toasts) in front of the rice field for the morning totally worths it.
The second day was perfect too. Beautiful rice fields, great trek, a beautiful viewpoint and talking. We ate noodles with vegetables they cooked in the morning.
To sum up the trek was a little bit intense but exactly what we wanted.
Thank you very much for everything !
The hike was a little bit hard, above all because of slippery paths. We unfortunately were not able to see the first viewpoint because of the weather.
Nevertheless guides were perfect. Helpful when needed, they showed us plants and insects, answered all our questions, shared their way of living with us. It was real sharing and they were so nice. The fact that they promote small groups (we were only 3) helps a lot.
We ate a padthai from the morning market and fresh fruits. During the afternoon we saw beautiful rice fields and little villages.
We spend the night with them, cooking, chatting, eating a delicious dinner, it was really great.
The farmstay is not luxurious, but you will have everything you need. There is a shower, toilets, and small private bamboo houses with small maitress and mosquito nets. No electricity or hot water but the fresh fruits (and toasts) in front of the rice field for the morning totally worths it.
The second day was perfect too. Beautiful rice fields, great trek, a beautiful viewpoint and talking. We ate noodles with vegetables they cooked in the morning.
To sum up the trek was a little bit intense but exactly what we wanted.
Thank you very much for everything !
Written August 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EB Irish
11 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
Great guides bring you off the beaten track through the jungles outside Chiang Mai. It was a great educational day with lovely food and an amazing trek plus really interesting info from the guides on the trail the jungle, the communities. Only regret is that we could only do the one day instead of the overnight.
The trail was moderately challenging but the guides always set a manageable pace with good stops.
The trail was moderately challenging but the guides always set a manageable pace with good stops.
Written December 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Evie D
1 contribution
Dec 2022 • Solo
What a great trek (I did the one day)… a proper hike up in the hills, through the forest and stopping at waterfalls. The guides really made this trip, being from the tribe and knowing the forest so well… they picked us fruit and lemongrass and told us about their lives. I really appreciated the authenticity of this experience… so glad I picked it over other more ‘sightseeing’ tours… there was great sights, but it was the full day of hiking and learning from another culture which made it great. Thank you Nop and Chai (I hope I spelt right!)
Written December 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kyrhatii
Bangkok, Thailand6 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
Mr.Tin, our guide was kind and lovely. Love the way he collected all plastic garbage someone left behind. The route was nothing you can find as a normal tourist. 5hr for 9km. No toilet until we reach the waterfall around 2:30pm. Great opportunity to surround myself with local Karens . As a Thai, lunch could be better (but not that important ).
Written January 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amanda
Sofia, Bulgaria26 contributions
Jan 2023
I would definitely recommend taking a trip with Ethnic Hilltribe. I went on a day trip to Doi Inthanon. The amount of hiking was great and so were they guides.
Next time I stop by Chiang Mai, I'll be sure to join for another trip.
Next time I stop by Chiang Mai, I'll be sure to join for another trip.
Written January 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, we are coming to Thailand ( 4 persons) and I would like to do some trekking around Chiang Mai. Can you help me what is the best ? I like real trekking, hiking , we will have only half day.
Thanks a lot
Written January 31, 2020
Trying to arrange a trek this week but noticed that it’s only open on Monday? Anyone else contact them other times?
Written July 17, 2018
We booked our trips on site in their shop. That should work . Or via email. They were really fast in response when we were there. We also used WhatsApp.
Written July 25, 2018
Showing results 1-2 of 2