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Tour Overview
On this Thailand trekking tour, trek through one of the oldest trade routes in Northern Thailand in this 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.Departing from Chiang Mai, head to the border town of Mae Hong Son. Embark on a long tail boat ride to a small village, home to the Longneck Karen people, your first glimpse in to the lives of the area's ethnic minorities.
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 w ith traditional hilltribe life is an unforgettable experience.
As you return to Chiang Mai at the end of the trek, rest your legs, indulge in a massage, and reflect back upon your incredible journey along The Old Elephant Trail.
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. This challenging trail 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.
Guiding and support
- English speaking tour guide - Local expedition staff (porters, cook, guides) - Drinking water, snacks & fruits
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Tour Highlights
Challenging trek through one of the oldest trade route between Mae Hong Son and Chiang Mai, along Thai- Myanmar border - The trek traverses over ridgelines and through dense forests, yet rewards the adventurous traveler with sweeping views of natural scenery - Having a glimpse into the lives of the area's ethnic minorities.
Our Old Elephant Trail Trek Tour includes:
* Accommodation at selected hotels/villages or in tent as mentioned * Meals as mentioned (B = Breakfast, L= Lunch, D = Dinner) * English speaking tour guide * Local expedition staff (porters, cook, guides) * Expedition camp * Tours and transfers as mentioned by private vehicle * Entrance fees for mentioned visits * Drinking water, snacks & fruits
Itinerary
Day 1 | Chiang Mai - Mae Hong Son
Fly north of Chiang Mai to the town of Mae Hong Son, situated on the Burmese border. Travel by long tail boat up to a local village, home to the Longneck Karen minority. Walk through the village and observe the local lifestyle and traditional culture of the people before returning to town for dinner and a trip briefing.
Overnight in Mae Hong Son.
(D)
Day 2 | Mae Hong Son - Mae Surin National Park - Nam Hu
This morning visit the local market where an array of insects are for sale including crickets, worms and ant eggs and continue to a spectacular local temple. Reach Mae Surin National Park where local Karen guides are waiting to start the trek! Trek uphill and along the spectacular Three Skies mountain ridge before descending to your campsite for the evening.
Overnight in Nam Hu.
(B,L,D)
(Trekking time / difficulty: 4h / Moderate)
Day 3 | Nam Hu - Huai Hi - Nong Kao Glang
Trek through lush woodlands and along mountain ridges on today's trek. Pass through the villages of Huai Hi and Doi Pui, ascending and descending the area's rolling hills. Reach a remote Karen village late this evening for your overnight stay.
Overnight in Nong Kao Glang.
(B,L,D)
(Trekking time / difficulty: 7h / Moderate to Difficult)
Day 4 | Nong Kao Glang - Huai Mai Dam - Huai Pu Loei
After a gentle uphill trek to the village of Huai Mae Dam set off to Huai Pu Loei, the most ambitious leg of the trek. As you climb over the two passes of Doi Yao Mountain stop to savor the spectacular scenery in one of Thailand's most beautiful natural environments. The last stretch of today's trek is a descent in to Huai Pu Loei village.
Overnight in Huai Pu Loei.
(B,L,D)
(Trekking time / difficulty: 10h / Difficult)
Day 5 | Huai Pu Loei - Huai Tong - Daen - Wat Chan
Your sore legs will receive a bit of a respite with today's trek. The day is mostly flat and downhill, passing through Karen villages to Wat Chan, the midpoint of the Old Elephant Trail. Upon reaching Wat Chan, enjoy a short city tour, including the charming main temple with its wooden compound, before feasting on a delicious dinner..
Overnight in Wat Chan.
(B,L,D)
(Trekking time / difficulty: 6h / Moderate)
Day 6 | Wat Chan - Mae Chaem Noi - Dong Sam Mun
To start the second half of the Old Elephant Trail track, head south east towards Chaem Noi, a large Karen village where a picnic lunch will be served. This afternoon, cross the valley bottom and ascend in to a pine forest on the way to a Blue Hmong village for an overnight stay at a local school.
Overnight in Dong Sam Mun.
(B,L,D)
(Trekking time / difficulty: 6h / Moderate to Difficult)
Day 7 | Sam Mun - Mae Daet - Mae Tala - Chiang Mai
Start early this morning for the last day of trekking. Trek along the edge of Khun Kan National Park, filled with mountains, streams, and a variety of wildlife. After lunch, continue along ridgetops to the Mae Tala village. From here, rest your legs as you transfer back to Chiang Mai by road completing your journey along the Old Elephant Trail.
(B,L)
(Trekking time / difficulty: 6h / Moderate to Difficult) (Transfer time: 2h-2h30)
Our Trusted Partner's Responsible and Sustainable Travel Policy
As guests to this region, we all have a responsibility to protect Southeast Asia’s unique natural and cultural heritage. We must all find ways to minimize and eliminate the damage done to this beautiful part of the world.
We work with local charities to support community development. As part of our long-term commitment to this region, we have listed some simple things you can do to have an enjoyable trip while still preserving the area for generations.
About our Trusted Partner
Exotissimo Travel was established in 1993 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. We were the first foreign company to be granted a tourism operating license in Vietnam. We are now one of the longest established inbound tour operators in Indochina, Myanmar and Thailand and one of the best known. Today we have 14 offices and over 380 full-time staff working from our destination based offices in Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand. We have the expertise and connections to create your perfect trip at the best possible price in Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar.
Old Elephant Trail Trek, Mae Hong Son, Thailand : Old Elephant Trail Trek at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)
Old Elephant Trail Trek, Mae Hong Son, Thailand
Old Elephant Trail Trek, Mae Hong Son, Thailand : Old Elephant Trail Trek at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)
Old Elephant Trail Trek, Mae Hong Son, Thailand
Old Elephant Trail Trek, Mae Hong Son, Thailand : Old Elephant Trail Trek at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)
Old Elephant Trail Trek, Mae Hong Son, Thailand
Old Elephant Trail Trek, Mae Hong Son, Thailand : Old Elephant Trail Trek at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)
Old Elephant Trail Trek, Mae Hong Son, Thailand
Old Elephant Trail Trek, Mae Hong Son, Thailand : Old Elephant Trail Trek at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)
Old Elephant Trail Trek, Mae Hong Son, Thailand
Temple in Mae Hong Son, Thailand : Old Elephant Trail Trek at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)
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