My parents are coming over for March and we want to do 3-4 days & nights hiking.

- I live in Chiang Mai so if the place of start would be within reasonable (4-5 hrs drive) from CM that would be great.

- Most likely we would stay overnights in tents if this is possible, if not then... hmm.. hotels =)

- beautiful views, mountains, waterfalls, jungle etc...

- It can be pretty demanding, even my parents are closer to 60s they are pretty fit. (except if my wife comes with us then for sure she would be the "weakest link".... )

any ideas?

Kaph Khun Maak Kraph =)

May I suggest Pha Daeng National Park.

The headquarters is located in Ban Na Wai, Muang Na district, Amphur Chiang Dao, far from the asphalt road at Km. 24.5 road no. 1178 Muang Ngai-Ban Na Wai section about 150 meters and far from Amphur Chiang Dao about 35 kilometers.

Take bus to Chiang Dao and then a songthaew to Ban NaWai.

Contact them about renting tents.

My wife's family comes from there.

Pha Daeng National Park

Edit: The info on website is little out of date.

There is now asphalt on road no. 1178 Muang Ngai-Ban Na Wai.

Edited February 15, 200917 yr by PoorSucker

May I suggest Pha Daeng National Park.

The headquarters is located in Ban Na Wai, Muang Na district, Amphur Chiang Dao, far from the asphalt road at Km. 24.5 road no. 1178 Muang Ngai-Ban Na Wai section about 150 meters and far from Amphur Chiang Dao about 35 kilometers.

Take bus to Chiang Dao and then a songthaew to Ban NaWai.

Contact them about renting tents.

My wife's family comes from there.

Pha Daeng National Park

Edit: The info on website is little out of date.

There is now asphalt on road no. 1178 Muang Ngai-Ban Na Wai.

thank you PoorSucker!

looks very interesting indeed... any idea about the scale? I got the map, but there is no scale at all... any idea where I can get better map so I can see the size of the area. Also do you know about the routes there... do they have some marked hicking tracks between the different places of interest.

My parents are coming over for March and we want to do 3-4 days & nights hiking.

- I live in Chiang Mai so if the place of start would be within reasonable (4-5 hrs drive) from CM that would be great.

- Most likely we would stay overnights in tents if this is possible, if not then... hmm.. hotels =)

- beautiful views, mountains, waterfalls, jungle etc...

- It can be pretty demanding, even my parents are closer to 60s they are pretty fit. (except if my wife comes with us then for sure she would be the "weakest link".... )

any ideas?

Kaph Khun Maak Kraph =)

I expect that you can find places in Chiang Mai that would help you organise such a trip. Might be more orientated to tourists howevr. Treking trips for tourists are getting more popular. They might wonder at the age of your parents however. They are probably used to a younger cientele.

I've seen an article in a Thai magazine of Thai university students who did a 3 or 4 day trek in one of the National parks. Started from BKK and drove to the park. then did a hiking trk for a couple of days. So it is possible.

If you're looking for something less touristy then maybe a personalised trekking tour (which might be nice to accommodate your parents and wife -instead of joining a group) then consider heading to Mae Hong Son 4 hours from Chiang Mai.

The nature and trekking routes are some of the most pristine in the North, away from the large tourist groups in Chiang Mai and so a more authentic experience. PM me if you need more info or recommendations for guides/itineraries.

Be very careful with Pha Daeng National Park. I camped there and they unbelievably allowed a swimming club from Chiang Mai to arrive around 6:00 pm and set up a huge karaoke sound system on the campsite which they played till 3 am. Also the dry dipterocarp forest there is not hugely impressive. Try Huay Nam Dang or Nam Tok Mae Surin National Parks. They would be more impressive in my opinion. Also the higher altitude would be cooler. Of course Doi Inthanon and Doi Suthep-Doi Pui are always there as reliable fallback positions.