Hidden Jungle Trek in Mae Kampong
Price
Overview
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 rain season?
This activity is perfect year round with the jungle coming alive in the rain season. At an elevation of 1300m / 4200ft it is several degrees cooler than the city and the dense jungle canopy provides some protection if it rains, which often consists of quick downpours in July / August and longer showers in September. We recommend a rain jacket and closed shoes during the hike as well as mosquito repellent and sunspray.
Included/Excluded
- Chance to see gibbons in the wild!
- Air conditioned transportation
- Pick up and drop off from your accommodation
- Lunch and snacks
- Gibbon caretaker fee and local guide
- Village fee to support local projects
- Guide gratuity
- Soft drinks, coffee / tea, smoothies
Tour Plan
08.00am - 08.30am - Pick up
We will pick you up within Chiang Mai city limits and drive 1 hour east of Chiang Mai to the village of Mae Kampong
09.30am - Arrive in village
Head to secret area where there is a chance of seeing rehabilitated gibbons! Sightings are not guaranteed but we'll hire the help of the caretaker to look for them in the jungle canopy. Part of your fee will go towards supporting the gibbons and the caretaker and you're welcome to donate fruit for the gibbons. Please note we may change the order of the viewing if the caretaker informs us of their presence.
11.30am - Explore village
Wander through the village and up to the waterfall along a secluded trail.
12.30pm - Coffee break
Stop off at local coffee shop for a break and admire the amazing views.
13.00pm - Continue jungle trek
Wander along forest trails, visit the oldest tree in the area and learn about the plants from the local guide.
13.45pm - Finish trek and have lunch in the village
Stop off in a local restaurant for a delicious and filling lunch.
14.30pm - Finish lunch and return to Chiang Mai
After lunch we'll head back down the village and back to Chiang Mai.
16.00pm - Drop off at hotel
We'll drop you off at your hotel of choice and conclude the tour.
Additional Information
What to Expect
Mae Kampong has become a must see destination for many visitors to Chiang Mai and certain times of the year can be very busy. Despite this, it retains a wonderful atmosphere and charm with plenty to do and see. The vast majority of people will only stop in the village therefore we'll have the hiking trails to ourselves more often than not. The hike is very gentle so only moderate fitness is required, the trail is steep and uneven in places so sturdy shoes are recommended. We'll stop at plenty of places along the way to learn about the various uses of the plants and you'll have the chance to smell, touch and taste some of the plants.
The gibbons were once cared for by a local zipline operator which has since closed leaving no financial support. For every booking, we'll provide some food for the gibbons and funds to help the caretakers continue to protect these amazing animals. Please note, as with any wild animal, sightings are not guaranteed.
Calendar & Prices
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Reviews
4 Comments
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This was the best Airbnb experience I have done. Our guide made personalizations and accommodations for our group which were fabulous. Our guide was lovely and after a day of telling stories and laughing together we felt like old friends. It was a really wonderful day and I felt like I got a little window on a special part of the world. Our host had a good personal relationship with the locals which made our visit exceptional. Oh, and we also were gifted wonderful photos of our day!
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Golf is very nice, and his driving skills are also great~ During the itinerary, we will be accompanied by a local villager, and we have tried various local edible leaves, fruits or other herbs on the way. During the itinerary, I also learned about the changes in the lives of the local villagers, and tourists can help the local villagers live a better life. 10% of our travel expenses will be used to help gibbon, which is also a great thing.
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Hello
My boyfriend and I came on this amazing tour with the incredible Suwanus back in May and I am currently in Mae Kampong with my sister. I am just wondering if you are doing this tour tomorrow and whether we could join for the gibbons and the trek and how much this would cost 🙂
Kind regards
Leanne
ThaiTraveller 
John 
Leanne Howes You must be logged in to post a comment.
4 Comments
-
This was the best Airbnb experience I have done. Our guide made personalizations and accommodations for our group which were fabulous. Our guide was lovely and after a day of telling stories and laughing together we felt like old friends. It was a really wonderful day and I felt like I got a little window on a special part of the world. Our host had a good personal relationship with the locals which made our visit exceptional. Oh, and we also were gifted wonderful photos of our day!
-
Golf is very nice, and his driving skills are also great~ During the itinerary, we will be accompanied by a local villager, and we have tried various local edible leaves, fruits or other herbs on the way. During the itinerary, I also learned about the changes in the lives of the local villagers, and tourists can help the local villagers live a better life. 10% of our travel expenses will be used to help gibbon, which is also a great thing.
-
Hello
My boyfriend and I came on this amazing tour with the incredible Suwanus back in May and I am currently in Mae Kampong with my sister. I am just wondering if you are doing this tour tomorrow and whether we could join for the gibbons and the trek and how much this would cost 🙂
Kind regards
Leanne
You must be logged in to post a comment.
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4 Comments
5Wonderful day in the jungle around Mae Kampong village! We were lucky enough to see gibbons and hiked along a stunning trail with no other people around. The village was beautiful and we had some coffee, snacks and an amazing lunch to cap off a brilliant day. Highly recommended.
5This was the best Airbnb experience I have done. Our guide made personalizations and accommodations for our group which were fabulous. Our guide was lovely and after a day of telling stories and laughing together we felt like old friends. It was a really wonderful day and I felt like I got a little window on a special part of the world. Our host had a good personal relationship with the locals which made our visit exceptional. Oh, and we also were gifted wonderful photos of our day!
5Golf is very nice, and his driving skills are also great~ During the itinerary, we will be accompanied by a local villager, and we have tried various local edible leaves, fruits or other herbs on the way. During the itinerary, I also learned about the changes in the lives of the local villagers, and tourists can help the local villagers live a better life. 10% of our travel expenses will be used to help gibbon, which is also a great thing.
5Hello
My boyfriend and I came on this amazing tour with the incredible Suwanus back in May and I am currently in Mae Kampong with my sister. I am just wondering if you are doing this tour tomorrow and whether we could join for the gibbons and the trek and how much this would cost 🙂
Kind regards
Leanne