Journey through the rainforest, high up in the mountains east of Chiang Mai on this day trip in and around Mae Kampong.  We'll explore a stunning village nestled among towering mountains, meet and have a chat with the locals, learn about the flora and fauna, enjoy some local treats and even have a chance at spotting gibbons in the wild!

After picking you up from Chiang Mai city, we'll drive an hour east into the mountains bordering Lampang province to Mae Kampong - a pretty village located at 1300m / 4200ft above sea level.  Before we arrive at the village we'll go for a short hike to try and spot the resident gibbons, these majestic creatures were released in the past as part of a rehabilitation project and now live in a secluded area known to only a few people.  10% of the tour price will be donated to the caretakers who provide food for the gibbons in times of scarcity and also ensure their protection and safety as well as provide a source of income for the caretaker and their family.

We'll hire the help of the caretaker to take us to the viewing area and you'll learn all about their lives in the forest of Chiang Mai.  Please note that they are wild animals and free to roam the forest so sightings are not guaranteed and we may adjust the schedule depending on whether the caretaker hears them nearby for the best chance of spotting them.

We'll continue to journey up into Mae Kampong and enjoy a wander around the network of streets before visiting the local waterfall.  After a coffee break overlooking the village we will enter the forest and walk along a secluded 3km trail through the forest, which is seldom visited and not well known except to locals. We'll see one of the oldest trees in Chiang Mai, and another local guide will explain about the flora and fauna along the way.  As you wander through the beautiful forest, the local guide will point out some plant species grown locally and you'll get to taste and smell along the trail. As we emerge from the forest it's time for an amazing local lunch before heading back to the city.

Is this activity suitable during the cool season?
This activity is perfect year round and the cool season between November - February is perhaps the best time to visit. At an elevation of 1300m / 4200ft it is several degrees cooler than the city and can be quite chilly in the mornings but as soon as you start walking it is a joy to be surrounded by the forest.  The forest remains a vibrant green color after the rainy season months and chances of rain are slim.  We recommend wearing loose fitting long sleeve top / pants and closed shoes such as hiking boots or running shoes.  The cool season is the peak tourist season so it is the busiest time of year in the village especially among local visitors which can lead to traffic congestion.