Thailand Independent Short Break: Chiang Mai & Hilltribe Trek
Pull on your walking boots, stretch those leg muscles and take to the hills on this hiking adventure through Thailand's hilltribe country. Walk along winding jungle tracks and through green fields, observing what life is really like for villagers in this remote area, then sleep in traditional bamboo huts. Make friends with welcoming tribespeople as you hike through this remote region where each tribe has its own distinct language, style of dress and religion, and learn the secrets to jungle survival from those who know best. If you like, you can also stay on a few extra days to explore ancient temples in Chiang Mai (there are over 300!).
Why you'll love this trip
Three-day hilltribe trek — Discover real Thai countryside the best way, on foot, with a three-day trek into the hills of Northern Thailand.
Learn the local way — Local guides deepen your understanding of different villages, each with their own language, clothing style and belief systems.
Hilltribe village stays — Stay in atmospheric wooden houses in different hilltribe villages each night.
Traditional village life — Explore remote villages, help prepare evening meals and feast on traditional hilltribe cuisine.
Chiang Mai start and finish — Begin and end in the temple-studded city of Chiang Mai, making this Short Break Adventure an easy add-on to a Northern Thailand journey.
Itinerary
DAY 01
Chiang Mai
Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. The most vibrant city in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai has many famous temples and an interesting old city area. Renowned for its beauty and welcoming locals, this city is known as the ‘Rose of the North.’ When you arrive, you’ll be met by a local representative and taken to your hotel. Your adventure then begins with a welcome meeting at 6.30 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe wander the spectacular temples, try some delicious food, explore the enormous night market and walk along the picturesque riverfront. Chiang Mai is a great place to hire a bicycle, sign up for a Thai cooking class or treat yourself to a traditional Thai massage, so you might want to arrive a few days early.
DAY 02
Hilltribe Trek
Begin your hilltribe trekking adventure through the beautiful countryside of northern Thailand. Follow jungle tracks and green fields as you make your way towards remote hilltribe communities, experiencing the landscapes and traditional way of life of the region.
DAY 03
Hilltribe Trek
Continue trekking deeper into the hills, following winding jungle trails and passing through traditional villages. Meet local communities and gain a deeper appreciation for their distinct languages, clothing styles and belief systems while enjoying the spectacular scenery of northern Thailand.
DAY 04
Hilltribe Trek / Chiang Mai
Complete the final stage of your hilltribe trek before returning to Chiang Mai. After days spent walking through remote countryside and staying in traditional villages, return to the city and enjoy some well-earned time to relax and explore.
DAY 05
Chiang Mai
Your Thailand Short Break comes to an end this morning. If you have time, consider extending your stay in Chiang Mai to explore its many temples, markets, food experiences and historic old city sights.
Inclusions and activities
Destinations
Chiang Mai
Hilltribe Trek
Meals
4 breakfasts
3 lunches · 2 dinners
Transport
Songthaew
Private vehicle
Accommodation
Hotel (2 nights)
Homestay (2 nights)
Included activities
- Complimentary Arrival Transfer
- Hilltribe village visit
- Hilltribe - 3 days trek
- Complimentary Airport Departure Transfer
Optional activities
- Chiang Mai — Thai cooking class
- Chiang Mai — Traditional Thai massage
- Chiang Mai — Bicycle tour
When you travel with us, The Intrepid Foundation gives you more opportunities to support important causes in destinations you visit.
Before you book
Is this trip right for you?
- On Short Breaks, you maintain a good level of independence and freedom, with the added bonus of having the details sorted out for you. You’ll have lots of free time and you won’t be accompanied by a Trip Leader. This means that all included activities and tours will be run by different local Intrepid partners, and these may operate independently from each other.
- This trip includes treks of moderate difficulty of 4 to 5 hours on Days 2 and 3 and requires you to carry your trek pack and any additional personal items required for two nights. Therefore, a good level of fitness is required to maximise your enjoyment of this trip.
- There is 2 nights spent in hilltribe villages in traditional wooden houses on this trip. Conditions are basic with share facilities, but this is a truly unforgettable Intrepid experience!
Important notes
Visas
Accommodation notes
Joining point
Dates and prices
| Departs | Returns | Availability | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thu 27 Aug 2026 | Mon 31 Aug 2026 | On request | $548 |
| Sat 29 Aug 2026 | Wed 2 Sep 2026 | On request | $548 |
| Sun 30 Aug 2026 | Thu 3 Sep 2026 | On request | $548 |
| Tue 1 Sep 2026 | Sat 5 Sep 2026 | On request | $548 |
| Thu 3 Sep 2026 | Mon 7 Sep 2026 | On request | $548 |
| Sat 5 Sep 2026 | Wed 9 Sep 2026 | On request | $548 |
| Sun 6 Sep 2026 | Thu 10 Sep 2026 | On request | $548 |
| Tue 8 Sep 2026 | Sat 12 Sep 2026 | On request | $548 |
| Thu 10 Sep 2026 | Mon 14 Sep 2026 | On request | $548 |
| Sat 12 Sep 2026 | Wed 16 Sep 2026 | On request | $548 |
Reviews
What an amazing 3 days with the most wonderful guide Rit. We would highly recommend it to everyone.
My wife and I loved our trek into the hill tribes of Thailand! It was great to leave the city, see traditional Thai lifestyles, and have an adventure!
It was cool to learn about the various tribes of northern Thailand! On this trip we stopped through 3 or so villages, two of them one tribe and one of them a different tribe. The hike is a lot of up and down, and if it rains it can get a bit slick. I recommend some good waterproof hiking boots!
Amazing experience with lovely locals in the authentic Thai hills. Could not have asked for more. Our trip Leader Rit, our porter and all our hosts were amazing. Hike was challenging and a bit slippery, but very doable. Delighted, enlightened, and already dreaming of our next Intrepid adventure.
A great Hilltribe Trek. Not for the casual hiker, but so worth it — over 20kms and 1300m of elevation gain over the 3 days. 3 villages, amazing home cooked meals, amazing trails and views. Korn or tour leader and Rody our trekking guide were exceptional. Well worth it to learn about another side of Thailand.