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2nd Nov 2024 - 12th Nov 2024
11 days/Thailand /Moderate to Challenging
Join Worldwide Veterinary Service as they visit Thailand’s irresistible combination of breathtaking natural beauty, inspiring temples, renowned hospitality, exquisite cuisine and ruins of fabulous ancient kingdoms. From the lush jungles and wildlife of Chiang Mai and the verdant limestone islands of the Andaman Sea to the tranquil villages along the Ban Huia Tong Kaw, the ‘land of smiles’ offers something for everyone. After 5 days of trekking, 2 days will be spent at WVS projects in the area.
The trip is rated moderate to challenging for someone of a reasonable fitness level due to the hot and humid climate and active nature of the trip. You will be trekking for 5 consecutive days, over varying and sometimes challenging terrain. You will cover approximately 15-20km per day which will take around 6-7 hours. An ideal candidate would be an open minded person who enjoys trying something new, experiencing different cultures and making a difference.
No experience is required to take part, just an open-minded adventurous spirit, a willingness to get involved and ambition to make a difference. For optimal enjoyment of the trip, we suggest that participants have a good level of fitness and are in good health to be able to cope with the hot, humid climate and activities undertaken. This is an adventure trip rather than a holiday so you should expect active days.
You must be at least 18 years old to participate on this trip unaccompanied. It may be possible for you to participate if you are 16 or 17 years old but you must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. There is no upper age limit.
You will be accompanied by English-speaking local guides, a Different Travel Company tour manager and a World Veterinary Service staff member who together will support you and make your trip memorable.
Having a good overall level of fitness is recommended to maximise your enjoyment of this trip. You will be trekking long hours over consecutive days with little rest in between. General fitness training can includes hill walking, running, cycling, swimming, gym workouts, boot camps etc. You can download a number of free apps which help you train and track your progress. E.g. MapMyWalk, C25K (couch to 5k run), MyFitnessPal.
In Chiang Mai you will stay in a 3* hotel in twin or triple share rooms with en-suite facilities. During your time on the trek you will stay in basic homestays.
You are advised to bring ear plugs so you can block out snoring and other noises which may disturb your sleep.
Please try earplugs in advance so you know you are comfortable using them as there are a variety of shapes and types. It cannot be overstated how important earplugs are while staying in shared accommodation.
Thai toilets are generally of the squat variety, although Western toilets are often found in hotels, guesthouses and restaurants catering to foreign visitors. You should always carry toilet paper with you as it is rarely provided in public toilets. Always put used toilet paper into the bin provided – never put it in the toilet.
If you need to use the toilet during the trek and while you are away from the accommodation, you will need to utilise a private place along the trail. If using the toilet along the trail, never leave toilet paper on the ground; you must put it in a sanitary disposal bag (e.g. nappy sack), and carry it to the accommodation for proper disposal in the bin. Please bring your own nappy sacks with you.
Thai food is one of the world’s most popular cuisines and it’s easy to understand why. Thai cooking is complex with the intention to engage at least three of the five fundamental food tastes in every dish; sour, sweet, salty, bitter and spicy. Fresh, locally sourced ingredients such as meat, fish and vegetables are paired with aromatic spices and herbs to create astonishing meals. These dishes are usually served with steamed vegetables and rice or noodles to form a typical meal. The distinct flavours of Thai food come primarily from coriander, lemon grass, coconut, lime, shrimp, fish sauce, ginger, black pepper, garlic and basil. Northern Thai cuisine (Lanna) is slightly different in style to that which is found in the rest of the country. Some popular dishes include Khao soi curry, sai oua (Thai sausage), kaeng hang lei (pork curry), miang kham (leaf wrapped snacks) and much more.
The majority of special diets, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc., can be catered for if we are notified in advance. Please ensure that you notify us of any dietary requirements at the time of booking or as soon as possible. Please note that we cannot guarantee that food preparation will have taken place in a contamination free environment.
November is considered the ‘cool’ season in Thailand however you can still expect highs of 32˚C during the day, dropping down to 24˚C at night. Weather conditions vary and may be unpredictable but in general you can expect hot, cloudy days with a 35% chance of rain and moderate humidity. It’s important to be prepared for all weather conditions and temperatures so ensuring you have suitable lightweight clothes which keep your skin protected from the sun. When the sun comes out it can feel very hot so wearing sunglasses and a hat,and keeping well hydrated is crucial.
Please note that the above climate details are based on historical averages and may differ due to climate change and the unpredictable nature of the weather. We cannot be held responsible for weather conditions which differ to this.
London – Chiang Mai
Depart London on an overnight flight to Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai
Upon arrival in Chiang Mai we will transfer to a central hotel. Depending on flight times there may be some time to explore the city before enjoying a welcome dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Chiang Mai – Mae Hong Son
After breakfast we set off for the journey to Mae Hong Son (approx. 6 hour drive). Here we will meet the rest of the team for a trek briefing this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Ban Nam Hoo – Huay Hee
After a hearty breakfast, we set off for our first day’s trekking! It’s a short drive to reach the start of the trek, and then we begin our hike through the Ban Ham Hoo Valley.
We’ll be passing through different layers of the forest and learning about the traditional lifestyles of the Karen people as we go. Our base this evening is a homestay in the Karen ethnic village of Houy Hee.
Trekking: Approx. 5 hours / 5 kms
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Houy Hee – Doi Pui – Houy Hee
Today’s trek sees us reach the highest point in the Mae Hong Son province, the summit of Doi Pui! After a tough day of trekkie we return to the village for a second night with our Karen hosts.
Trekking: Approx. 6 hours / 10 kms
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Houy Hee – Huai Tong Kaw
We say goodbye to the villagers after breakfast and continue along the trail, passing more small villages as we enter the mountainous area of Ban Huia Tong Kaw. Tonight’s base is another Karen village where we have the opportunity to experience more of their traditional culture and dancing after dinner.
Trekking: Approx. 8 hours / 12 kms
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Huai Tong Kaw – Huai Goong
We set off this morning down into the Mae Samad river valley, stopping to visit a large waterfall on the way. Our destination is the Buddhist village of Huai Goong, located on the river.
Trekking: Approx. 7 hours / 11 kms
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Huai Goong – Mae Hong Son – Chiang Mai
We depart early this morning for our final day of trekking. We walk through a variety of landscapes, including some river crossings and both teak and bamboo forests, before reaching Pa-Bong Village. From here we return to Chiang Mai by minibus (approx. 6 hours), to be reunited with your main luggage and enjoy a comfortable night back in a hotel!
Trekking: Approx.4 hours / 10 kms
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Chiang Mai
We will spend the next two days visiting WVS projects in the area. On Monday evening there will be a farewell dinner to celebrate your achievements over the past week.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Chiang Mai – Bangkok – London
Enjoy some free time to explore the city of Chiang Mai before transferring to the airport for the flight home, via Bangkok (arrives following morning).
Meals: Breakfast
We will do our best to keep to the itinerary however we cannot be held responsible for changes that might occur outside of our control.
In all such circumstances your guide and tour manager will have the final say in the interest of the health and safety of the group. Adventure travel is often unpredictable so flexibility and an open mind is recommended.
Registration fee: £350
and then…
Sponsorship: £4900
or
Flexi: £2450 trip costs and £2450 sponsorship for Worldwide Veterinary Service
This option is for those who wish to raise sponsorship to cover both the costs of the trip (flights, accommodation, food, guides etc.) and a donation to Worldwide Veterinary Service. There is a minimum sponsorship amount for this trip that you are required to raise in order to participate.
This option is for those who choose to pay the trip costs (flights, accommodation, food, guides etc.) themselves while still raising some funds for the charity.
NB. Trip costs are based on the overall group size, dates of travel and UK airport destination and are subject to change.
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