Eco Trekking with Karen People & Doi Inthanon – 2 Days in Thailand

Looking for a refreshing escape in nature?
Treat yourself to a 2-day / 1-night private eco-adventure to Doi Inthanon, the highest peak in Thailand! Not only will you explore breathtaking landscapes, but you'll also gain insight into the traditional lifestyle of the Karen hill tribe, who cultivate rice on stunning terraced fields.

Day 1 – Immersion and Jungle Exploration

Your guide will pick you up from your Chiang Mai hotel between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m., with a quick stop at a local market for last-minute items before your jungle trek begins.

Upon arrival at your Karen guide’s village, the day unfolds at your pace. Since this is a private experience, the trek can be tailored to suit your preferences — whether you want a more relaxed village immersion or an active jungle hike.

If you choose to trek, your guide will lead you through lush forest trails, past terraced rice fields (best seen between May and October), and to refreshing waterfalls where you can take a dip — don’t forget your swimsuit!

After a local lunch, the adventure continues with more trekking followed by a traditional bamboo rafting experience on a nearby river. You’ll then return to the village for the night.

Your accommodation is a private bamboo and wooden house, built in the local style. Share a homemade dinner with your guide — and you’re welcome to help cook, too — before relaxing for the night.

Day 2 – Doi Inthanon National Park and Summit Hike

Wake up refreshed for a full day in Doi Inthanon National Park, located close to the village. Get an early start to enjoy the summit of Thailand’s highest mountain (2,565 m) before the crowds arrive.

You’ll take a gentle 20-minute walk on the Angkha Trail, a serene path through the cloud forest, followed by the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail — a 2-hour loop famous for its breathtaking views. At 2,200 meters above sea level, the scenery changes with the weather: clear blue skies, mystical fog, or even a sea of clouds. (Note: this trail is closed during the rainy season; you'll do the scenic Pha Dok Siew trail instead, surrounded by rice fields.)

Next, visit the twin pagodas of the King and Queen, and admire their beautiful gardens. Your guide will explain their symbolism and cultural significance.

After lunch, stop by the impressive Wachirathan Waterfall, then continue to the National Royal Agricultural Station Inthanon, where you'll learn about sustainable farming projects that support the local hill tribes through research on highland agriculture, fish farming, and crop development.