Jungle Trek, Chiang Mai

This towering waterfall, about 250m high at the top, is an awesome sight. You approach it near Doi Inthanon National Park, and as you're hiking through the jungle (about a 10 minute hike) you can hear the water pounding the rocks way before you actually see it. As you come around that last bend, the sight does not disappoint. The wide water cascades over the edge, framed by the jungle in all directions. It is a photographic classic of the area, and be sure to bring a camera and tripod.

This waterfall, near the entrance to Doi Inthanon National Park, has easy access to all. A short hike from the parking lot leads you to this multi-tiered waterfall, which is always pouring with water. It is a beautiful waterfall, with granite rock hanging off to one side so you can explore it a bit closer. It is popular with the Thai people, who often come to picnic and swim. There is also a trail to the side which leads up through the jungle to the visitor's center. Enjoy!

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Chiang Mai is a great place to have some jungle adventures. From a day trip to whole week, there are plenty of trekking routs and possibilities, just check out the local tour agents and what they offer.

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According to the guide these people are nomads from outside Thailand. So these gentle people are not Thai citizens and cannot move out of designated settlements, even if they were born or have long been here. But the Thais are good people and allow them to stay on.

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This was a fantastic family activity. My kids are fairly typical computer bound Western adolescents, who require mobile phone social outreach and screens to absorb them. However, they all enjoyed the 4 day, 3 night trek we embarked on - and all managed the uppy bits with packs on quite well - better than their mother anyway!

We passed through and stayed in some interesting Karen tribe villages - and saw how the hilltribes really live - having the privilege of staying in them for the nights, and the meals prepared by the villagers then and during the day.

The diversity of standards in the villages was interesting - and it seemed that the further away from sealed roads etc., the neater and cleaner the environment was, and there was undoubtedly a greater adherence to the "traditional" ways. We were always greeted with friendliness and felt welcome - no full-on peddling either - although we were invited to visit houses and see the village crafts. We loved it, one and all - and actually did some talking and spent real time together as a family.

Doi Inthanon National Park is in the heart of the jungle of northern Thailand. Here many hilltribe villages dwell, as well as all of northern Thailand's flora and fauna. Many good trekking companies will take you deep into Doi Inthanon National Park to see more authentic hilltribe villages (Hmong and Karen), however due to the high levels of tourist many of the villages have been "more westernized".
Doi Inthanon National Park is also home to Chiang Mai's mountains and waterfalls. Mount Doi Inthanon is located here and is the highest mountain in Thailand (2565 meters). The Mae Ping River also runs through the National Park, providing a waterway and lush green surroundings.

To get here you need entrance passes (normally you have to be with a trekking company see www.3rdeyetravel.com). (Along Highway 107

To experience some Thai trekking and see and interact with some of Thailand's minority groups a Chiang Mai trek is perfect. I'll have a bunch of tips coming up on trekking with photos. I really recommend this. It is a great way to have some hiking and adventure travel in the green mountains of northern Thailand. Bamboo or rubber rafting was fun as well. Elephant riding is only OK, it is really a cruel practice to the poor elephants and really isn't as good as it may look. Visiting and sleeping in minority camps and villages is a must on any trek (if you have more time go to MeaHongSon, excellent trekking there also). When you visit these villages make sure to bring pens, paper, and stickers for the local children!!!!

To experience some Thai trekking and see and interact with some of Thailand's minority groups a Chiang Mai trek is perfect. I'll have a bunch of tips coming up on trekking with photos. I really recommend this. It is a great way to have some hiking and adventure travel in the green mountains of northern Thailand. Bamboo or rubber rafting was fun as well. Elephant riding is only OK, it is really a cruel practice to the poor elephants and really isn't as good as it may look. Visiting and sleeping in minority camps and villages is a must on any trek (if you have more time go to MeaHongSon, excellent trekking there also). In a ceremony these village elders had a bit too much rice whisky (strong stuff).

To experience some Thai trekking and see and interact with some of Thailand's minority groups a Chiang Mai trek is perfect. I'll have a bunch of tips coming up on trekking with photos. I really recommend this. It is a great way to have some hiking and adventure travel in the green mountains of northern Thailand. Bamboo or rubber rafting was fun as well. Elephant riding is only OK, it is really a cruel practice to the poor elephants and really isn't as good as it may look. Visiting and sleeping in minority camps and villages is a must on any trek (if you have more time go to MeaHongSon, excellent trekking there also).
If you are lucky you may get the chance to participate in some local animist ceremonies. Like completely devouring a pig head (ok...that one was a little tough and gross).

To experience some Thai trekking and see and interact with some of Thailand's minority groups a Chiang Mai trek is perfect. I'll have a bunch of tips coming up on trekking with photos. I really recommend this. It is a great way to have some hiking and adventure travel in the green mountains of northern Thailand. Bamboo or rubber rafting was fun as well. Elephant riding is only OK, it is really a cruel practice to the poor elephants and really isn't as good as it may look. Visiting and sleeping in minority camps and villages is a must on any trek (if you have more time go to MeaHongSon, excellent trekking there also).
Enjoy the mountains, patties, and trees as you trek through them!