You are met on arrival at Chiang Mai airport and transferred to the Chiang Mai Plaza Hotel (transfers cannot be arranged on arrival, please advise flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to departure). Check-in time is 12 noon.

The remainder of today is free for you to explore charming Chiang Mai or just laze by the pool. Chiang Mai is the second largest city in Thailand and has become the modern and cosmopolitan capital of the north. The friendliness of the people, the vibrant Night Bazaar, the interesting old town bounded by moats and the many glittering temples enthral travellers from around the world. Chiang Mai is small enough to get around by bicycle and this is a great way to see this happening city!

This morning you are picked up from the hotel by your local guide at approximately 9:00 am and, with other travellers in your group, depart from Chiang Mai by road in an open pick-up truck, heading north to Mae Malai. Here you visit the local market and then continue to Pong Dued hot springs for lunch.

Tucked away in the hills of northern Thailand, the most colourful ethnic minority villages can be found and for the next couple of days you walk through forests and rural terrains to visit some of these hill-tribes villages. You visit a variety of villages, often with their own language, clothing style and belief system. It is an unforgettable experience to meet and interact with the wonderful people of the hill-tribes and it is a great way to learn about and appreciate their fascinating cultures and way of life.

Please remember you will carry your own necessities - clothes, sleeping gear, toiletries, camera (see 'What to Take' section for luggage requirements), so pack lightly! Your local guides prepare all meals and carry the food. Take into account that the ground will be muddy and slippery during the rainy season (around July - October) though the scenery will be at its most lush and spectacular to compensate.

The exact itinerary of the walking on this trip may change from time to time, taking into account the weather and local conditions. Also please note there may be times when the use of video and/or still cameras may be inappropriate. After lunch on day 2 you walk for a couple of hours through tropical forest to the first village. You have time to explore the village and you may wish to help your guide prepare the evening meal. Tonight you enjoy your first dinner in the jungle followed by an evening talk with the villagers. You spend the night in a bamboo hut. Remember - although the conditions are basic this is an experience of a lifetime!

After breakfast, you walk for 2-3 hours through the forest, visiting the rice and vegetable fields of the villagers and learning about their methods of cultivation. You also have time to explore the surrounding forests, study the local environment and learn how to survive in the forest. 

Next you’ll stop at an elephant camp and see how the elephants live and learn about the life of the mahout. After lunch you enjoy an elephant ride over hilly terrain to the next village where you will spend the night. In the afternoon you can learn to fish the local way as well as learning all the special techniques necessary to construct a bamboo raft. There will still be time for a swim in the Mae Tang River before your guide serves up another delicious dinner.

Note trekking routes may change due to environmental conditions.

There is lots of fun to be had this morning as you take an exciting 2 hour trip on your bamboo rafts down the Mae Tang River. You stop at a Lahu village then continue rafting for 1-2 hours to a Shan village for lunch. Here you will be met by a pick-up van and driven back to Chiang Mai. The evening is free for you to try your hand at bargaining in the bustling night bazaar or settle back at one of the riverside restaurants or bars to enjoy enchanting Chiang Mai and reflect on your few days in the hills of northern Thailand.

On day 5 your time is your own until your transfer to Chiang Mai airport or railway station for your departure/onward travels (please advise flight departure details at time of booking). Please note hotel check-out is normally 12 noon.