Hiking & Trekking Tours & Trips in Northern Thailand
Imagine Northern Thailand's top trek winding through hill tribe communities, staying with Lahu and Karen families in actual homes. It gets hands-on since you help cook meals and learn traditional crafts. Float through Tham Lod cave 1666m deep on bamboo rafts before hiking to hidden waterfalls. Explore mountain villages where traditional ways haven't changed, showing you the true side of the country.
10 best hiking & trekking Northern Thailand tours
Compiled by
MelissaNorthern Thailand travel expert at TourRadar
- Beautiful Northern Thailand
- Trekking in Chiang Mai - 9 days
- One Week in Northern Thailand
- Thailand & Laos 12 Days
- Thailand - Heritage of the North 14 Days
- Thailand - The Charm of Northern Thailand 7 Days
- Journey of discovery through Thailand 11 Days
- Umphang Wildlife Explorer
- Trekking & Culture, Bangkok & Chiang Mai 6-nights
- Embark on a thrilling trekking adventure in Chiang Rai - 3Days/2Nights
Beautiful Northern Thailand
17 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The trip itself incorporated lots of different activities but with also a reasonable amount of free time to do what you wish.”
James, traveled in January
Duration 13 days Destinations Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Erawan National Park, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, Lahu, Doi Mae Salong, Chiang Rai, Golden Triangle Park, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Age Range Ages 15+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 827 mi Operator Intrepid Travel From $1,970
15% Off- US$1,675You save $296
Duration 9 days Destinations Bangkok, Damnoen Saduak, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, Doi Inthanon, Doi Suthep Pui National Park, Lahu Age Range Ages 14+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 583 mi Operator On The Go Tours From
15% Off- US$1,790
Duration 7 days Destinations Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Lahu Age Range Ages 18-35 Physical Rating Moderate Distance 426 mi Operator Intrepid Travel From $495
20% Off- US$396You save $99
Duration 12 days Destinations Bangkok, Chiang Rai, Chiang Khong, Chiang Saen, Pakbeng, Houay Xai, Nong Khiaw, Luang Prabang Age Range Ages 16+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 2067 mi Operator ASI Reisen From
20% Off- US$3,695
Duration 14 days Destinations Bangkok, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Lampang, Phrae, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai Age Range Ages 16+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 1479 mi Operator ASI Reisen From
20% Off- US$1,424
Duration 7 days Destinations Bangkok, Lampang, Phrae, Chiang Mai Age Range Ages 16+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 537 mi Operator ASI Reisen From
20% Off- US$793
Duration 11 days Destinations Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son Age Range Ages 16+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 1384 mi Operator ASI Reisen From
20% Off- US$2,785
Umphang Wildlife Explorer
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very good. Lovely people.”
Jessica, traveled in May
Northern Thailand's Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary beckons as you join mahouts tracking Asian elephants. The pristine jungle leads to Thi Lor Su Waterfall, while nights are spent camping at Ko Tha waterfall. Karen culture comes alive at Palatha village. This 6-day moderate adventure welcomes travelers aged 18+.
No departure dates availableDuration 6 days Destinations Bangkok, Mae Sot, Chiang Mai Age Range Ages 18-59 Physical Rating Moderate Distance 386 mi Operator Go Beyond Trekking & Culture, Bangkok & Chiang Mai 6-nights
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The highlights were the trek, village stay where the fresh pineapple, watermellon, and mango was to die for, followed by the fun river rafting to washing & feeding the elephants.”
Larry, traveled in March
The rugged paths of Northern Thailand wind from Mork Fa waterfall through dense jungle, ascending to 1,400m elevation. Karen village wooden huts provide overnight shelter, with views of Doi Chiang Dao peak. A bamboo raft ride on Mae Tang river precedes a 1-hour morning trek to Shan village.
No departure dates availableDuration 7 days Destinations Bangkok, Chiang Mai Age Range Ages 18+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 723 mi Operator Trunk Travel 
The challenging trails from Chiang Rai weave through bamboo forests and mountain rice fields. Daily 2½-hour treks lead to Huay Mae Sai waterfall, visiting Karen, Lahu, and Akha villages. The moderate hiking route ends with camping overlooking Chiang Rai's panoramic vistas.
No departure dates availableDuration 3 days Destinations Chiang Rai, Lahu Age Range All Ages Welcome Physical Rating Moderate Distance 163 mi Operator Bee Gng International Joint Stock Company
What our customers ask about Hiking & Trekking Tours & Trips in Northern Thailand
What are the best hiking trails in Northern Thailand?
trails range from gentle walks to challenging mountain paths. The Mae Taeng region features shorter 5km waterfall trails perfect for beginners. Doi Inthanon's network of paths stretches up to 18km through mountain forests. The Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary offers mid-range treks spanning 10-15km daily that work well for average fitness levels. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The first day of trek is intense uphill in 30+ degree weather but subsequent days are more moderate" during their trek through Mae Hong Son province.
What's the best time of year for hiking in Northern Thailand?
November through February stands out as the prime hiking period in Northern Thailand with cool dry conditions. Mae Hong Son's trails are at their best from December to February with pleasant temperatures around 20-25°C. Doi Inthanon welcomes hikers year-round though the cool season offers the most comfortable conditions. One TourRadar traveler noted: "Bring layers it gets cold at night in the mountains" while trekking near Chiang Mai's Karen villages during peak season.
Where do I sleep during multi-day treks in Northern Thailand?
Rest stops range from local homestays to tent camping. Karen villages near Doi Inthanon provide traditional wooden houses with basic amenities including mosquito nets. Lahu Village offers straightforward but comfortable overnight stays while treks near Mae Hong Son include nights at the Fern Resort. A TourRadar reviewer noted: "The host families were amazing preparing delicious foods and sharing their culture and customs. Facilities may be limited such as electricity indoor plumbing or showers."
What wildlife might I encounter during Northern Thailand treks?
The region's forests especially Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary house wild Asian elephants in their natural setting. Mae Taeng's trails offer chances to spot local birds and small mammals. According to one TourRadar traveler: "We got to see elephants in their natural environment while trekking through the jungle and our guide taught us about local flora and fauna throughout the journey."
How physically demanding are Northern Thailand treks?
The physical challenge depends on your chosen route. Doi Inthanon paths usually involve 5-6 hours of daily walking reaching heights of 1700m. Mae Hong Son routes include 4-5 hours of hiking across mixed terrain. A TourRadar reviewer noted: "You need a decent physical strength to do the hike carry your own luggage and don't mind being bitten by the ants/mosquitoes. Some parts can be very steep and narrow so we take our time."