Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TREKKING
Trekking in the mountains of northern Thailand differs from trekking in most other
parts of the world, in that the emphasis is not primarily on the scenery but on the
region's inhabitants. More than a hundred thousand travellers now trek each year, most
heading to well-trodden areas such as the Mae Tang Valley, 40km northwest of Chiang Mai,
and the hills around the Kok River west of Chiang Rai. This steady flow of trekkers creates
pressures for the traditionally insular hill tribes. Foreigners unfamiliar with hill-tribe
customs can easily cause grave offence, especially those who go looking for drugs. Most
tribespeople are genuinely welcoming to foreigners; nonetheless, it is important to take
a responsible attitude.
The hill tribes are big business in northern Thailand. Chiang Rai is the second-biggest
trekking centre after Chiang Mai, and agencies can also be found in Nan, Mae Hong Son
and Pai , although these usually arrange treks only to the villages in their immediate
area. Guided trekking on a much smaller scale than in the north is available in Umphang
(see p.743).
THE BASICS
On any trek, you'll need walking boots or training shoes, long trousers (against thorns and
wet-season leeches), a hat, a sarong or towel, a sweater or fleece, plus insect repellent
and, if possible, a mosquito net. On an organized trek, water, blankets or a sleeping bag,
and possibly a small backpack, should be supplied. It's wise not to take anything valuable
with you; most guesthouses in Chiang Mai have safes, but check their reputation with
other travellers, and sign an inventory - theft and credit-card abuse are not uncommon.
TREKKING ETIQUETTE
As guests, it's up to farangs to adapt to the customs of the hill tribes and not to make a
nuisance of themselves.
Dress modestly and wear a sarong when showering; no bikinis or swim suits.
Before entering a hill-tribe village, look out for taboo signs of woven bamboo strips on the
ground outside the village entrance, which mean a special ceremony is taking place and
that you should not enter. Be careful about what you touch. In Akha villages, keep your
hands off cult structures such as the entrance gates and the giant swing. Do not touch or
photograph any shrines, or sit underneath them. You'll have to pay a fine for any violation of
local customs.
Most villagers do not like to be photographed, in keeping with their spiritualist and animist
beliefs. Be particularly careful with pregnant women and babies - most tribes believe
cameras affect the soul of the foetus or newborn. Always ask first, and accept that you may
have to offer a “donation” for any photos taken.
Offering gifts is dubious practice: ask your guide what the village actually needs and follow
their advice; clothes are always useful but avoid sweets and cigarettes, as they may
encourage begging.
ORGANIZED TREKS
Organized treks usually last for three days, have six to twelve people in the group, and follow
a route regularly used by the agency. There will be a few hours' walking every day, plus the
possibility of an elephant ride and a trip on a bamboo raft. The group usually sleeps on the
floor of the village headman's hut, and the guide cooks communal meals. A typical three-day
trek costs B1500-3000 in Chiang Mai, sometimes less in other towns, and much less without
rafting and elephant rides.
Word of mouth is often the best way to choose a trekking agency. If you want to trek with a
small group, get an assurance that you won't be tagged onto a larger group. Meet the guides,
who should speak reasonable English, know about hill-tribe culture and have a certificate from
the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT ). Check how much walking is involved per day, and ask
about the menu. Also enquire about transport from base at the beginning and end of the trek,
which sometimes entails a long public bus ride. Before setting off, each trek should be
registered with the tourist police.
10
 
Search WWH ::




Custom Search