Reliable Trekking Companies

[veevee1904]

Hi,

My husband and I will be in Chiang Mai for 2 days in January and would like to spend the time trekking. Any good trekking companies that you could recommend?

We are looking for something more authentic and non touristy.

Regds

VV

[Flatouthruthefog]

Hi,

My husband and I will be in Chiang Mai for 2 days in January and would like to spend the time trekking. Any good trekking companies that you could recommend?

We are looking for something more authentic and non touristy.

Regds

VV

Hi. Obviously you are very welcome here. But giving Chiang Mai city less than 4 days of your time (let alone the many lovely rural spots around) is a bit like doing Europe in a week. ("Hey, this is Tuesday, this must be Belgium!").

As an expat resident of 14 years here I can only warn you that on your stated time scale you are heading for a disappointing rip-off. To do a good ONE day trek you need 2 days HERE to research, choose, book and prepare.

I really think you'd be happier - and safer - on the beach in Phuket.

[SomNamNah]

This company is good: http://www.geckotravel.com/

they do high end tours, but i think they also do local trips.. im sure they can help you anyway.

Recommend this place if its rugged nature you are after http://www.cavelodge.com/

I think most places will be quite a bit of travel away from here.. possibly around Pai - for such a short time here, maybe you should look around there (cavelodge is near there).. you can get a light aircraft here in CM that will get you to Pai in 20mins. - otherwise its 4? hours by bus

good luck

Edited December 12, 2008 by SomNamNah

[realthaideal]

I'd say 'tripadvisor' probably has some good CM trekking reviews. Locals often make it out on their own more than with a tour company. Or we just don't make up to the hills at all sometimes.

[JuniorExPat]

This company is good: http://www.geckotravel.com/

they do high end tours, but i think they also do local trips.. im sure they can help you anyway.

Recommend this place if its rugged nature you are after http://www.cavelodge.com/

I think most places will be quite a bit of travel away from here.. possibly around Pai - for such a short time here, maybe you should look around there (cavelodge is near there).. you can get a light aircraft here in CM that will get you to Pai in 20mins. - otherwise its 4? hours by bus

good luck

Gecko Travel. as recommended by SomNamNah, is now called All Points East, they are friends of mine but even accounting for that bias they are an excellent tour outfit - they just won 1st prize in the Specialist Tour Operator category in the 2008 Tourism Authority of Thailand, Green Travel awards (yes, I lifted that from their website!). An incredibly helpful team with an office in Chiang Mai as well as in the UK they specialise in South East Asia, responsible travel and adventure tours and treks.

Take a look at their site it has some superb images of the region, when you go to the site make sure that you either download or order a copy of their brochure, it's beautiful.

Anyway, enough already(!), I'm guessing that even if they don't suit your needs they will be able to point you in the right direction.

JxP

Edited December 12, 2008 by JuniorExPat

[veevee1904]

Hi All,

Thanks for all the valuable suggestions. I agree that I am not doing justice to Chiang Mai by being there for only 2 days, however, I really don't have the luxury of too much time at this point. Will definitely spend more time the next time I get to Chiang Mai.

I am trying to figure out the different things that one can do in and around Chiang Mai......Any suggestions?

[SomNamNah]

see FAQ's

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Chiang-Mai-I...en-t200681.html

regards

If you are here for the 'toy ride' jan 4th? - that would be a good way to see the place.

The closest place i can think of where you can see a glimpse of the tropical forests is here: http://www.treetopasia.com/

Expensive (dam_n them!) but located in a lovely area. There are so many national parks around CM. Especially out towards this range of mountains...

trekking? im sure you can, but if you really want isolation maybe you have to travel for an hour or two from CM?

(bikes are better!)

Edited December 14, 2008 by SomNamNah