Mae Wang Valley & Hill Tribe Experience – 2 Days / 1 Night

Tour Overview

Discover Mae Wang Valley over two days with forest trekking, a Karen village homestay, waterfalls, elephants and bamboo rafting.

Tour Information

• Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night
• Style: Authentic Nature & Cultural Immersion

Itinerary

Day 1: Markets, Trekking & Karen Village Stay

1. 08:00–08:30 — Pick-up from your hotel in Chiang Mai
2. 09:00–09:45 — Local Market Visit Wander through a vibrant rural market — fresh produce, local herbs, snacks & daily life Purchase supplies & snacks for the trekking day ahead
3. 10:15–12:00 — Mae Wang Valley Trekking — Part 1 Walk through scenic rice terraces — see how local farmers grow rice Cross small streams & enjoy open valley views
4. 12:00–13:00 — Picnic lunch — Local sticky rice, fresh vegetables & seasonal fruits
5. 13:00–15:30 — Mae Wang Trekking — Part 2 Enter lush forest trails — tall trees, fresh air & wildlife sounds Arrive at waterfall — cool off, swim & relax in the natural pools
6. 15:30–16:30 — Arrive at Karen Hill Tribe Village Traditional wooden houses on stilts — peaceful mountain setting Meet the villagers & settle into your homestay
7. 16:30–18:00 — Cultural Immersion Learn about Karen traditions, weaving, daily life & beliefs Help prepare a traditional meal with local ingredients
8. 18:30–19:30 — Traditional Karen Dinner — Shared meal with the village family
9. 19:30 — Evening by the fire — stories, star-gazing & peaceful silence Overnight in Karen Village — simple homestay

Day 2: Elephant Sanctuary & Bamboo Rafting

1. 07:00–07:30 — Village breakfast — homemade rice soup, tea & fresh fruit
2. 07:30–08:30 — Morning walk around the village — see daily life wake up
3. 09:00–11:30 — Ethical Elephant Experience Feed elephants bananas & sugar cane Walk alongside them in their natural habitat — no riding Help bathe & brush them in the river — gentle & close interaction Learn about elephant care & conservation
4. 11:45–12:45 — Lunch — Northern Thai set meal at a riverside restaurant
5. 13:00–14:30 — Bamboo Rafting on the Mae Wang River Drift gently down the river on a traditional bamboo raft Relax, enjoy the forested riverbanks & watch local life pass by Peaceful, slow-paced — perfect to end your journey
6. 14:30–15:00 — Hot shower & change clothes at the rafting station
7. 15:00–16:00 — Return drive to Chiang Mai
8. 16:00–16:30 — Drop-off at your hotel

What's Included

• Round-trip air-conditioned vehicle + hotel pick-up & drop-off
• 1 night authentic Karen homestay (shared room, basic bedding)
• Meals: 1 breakfast, 2 lunches and 1 dinner (as stated in source)
• Trekking guide + local Karen guide
• Entrance & fees: market visit, village, waterfall, elephant sanctuary, bamboo rafting
• Bottled water, rain poncho & first-aid kit
• Cultural activities & homestay donation

What's Not Included

• Towel & personal toiletries (bring your own)
• Tips & donations (welcome but not required)
• Drinks & snacks at the village
• Travel insurance

Important Notes

• Small backpack, quick-dry towel, toiletries, sandals + trekking shoes
• Light quick-dry clothes, long pants (for forest), change of clothes for rafting
• Sunscreen, insect repellent, hat, reusable water bottle
• Flashlight/phone light — village has limited electricity at night
• Small cash — for snacks & photos
• Trekking level: Easy–Moderate — mostly flat paths, some gentle slopes; approx. 5–6 km total
• Homestay: Simple & authentic — shared bathroom, limited electricity, no Wi-Fi. This is part of the experience!
• Elephant camp: Ethical — no riding, no chains, no hooks. Gentle interaction only
• Rainy season (May–Oct): Rafting more scenic; bring raincoat; trekking may be muddy
• Ask permission before photographing villagers — respect their privacy

More Details

Pricing

• 2 guests: THB 4,200 per person
• 3–4 guests: THB 3,700 per person
• 5–8 guests: THB 3,300 per person
• Child (4–11 yrs): THB 2,500 per person
• Single Room Upgrade — homestay is shared; private bungalow available for +800 THB/person