Guided Walking in Northern Thailand

Fly out to Chiang Mai, gateway to Thailand’s culture-rich north. 

On arrival in Chiang Mai, we transfer to our hotel, check in, and meet our local leader for a welcome briefing and a run-through of the week ahead. This evening, we head out together for a traditional Khantok dinner – a Northern Thai (Lanna) dining experience with low, round tables and authentic local dishes. 

A guided walking tour offers a wonderful introduction to Chiang Mai, from the historic Old Town and its temples to the quieter lanes where everyday life hums along. We walk out from the hotel to begin our tour, with a choice of distances. 

Option 1 – Old Town highlights and backstreets 

Distance: 2.5 miles (4km)

Descent: 50 feet (20m)

We begin with a gentle-paced walk through the Old Town, taking in temple courtyards, small markets, and café-lined streets. We then wander into the backstreets to spot family-run eateries and local workshops, with plenty of time to pause and soak up the atmosphere. 

Option 2 – Extended Old Town and backstreets 

Distance: 5 miles (8km)

Descent: 100 feet (30m)

Following the same theme as Option 1, we range further through the Old Town and its quieter neighbourhoods, uncovering more tucked-away lanes, local life, and artisan corners as we go. It’s an easy way to feel at home in the city while stretching your legs a little more. 

After breakfast, we travel by private van into the forested hills to Mae Kampong. A walk here is all about slowing the pace – wooden houses on stilts, a stream running through the village, and a landscape shaped by tea and coffee growing. There’s a choice of walks, with different lunch arrangements. 

Option 1 – Gentle village walk with a local meal 

Distance: 2 miles (3km)

Descent: 500 feet (150m)

We enjoy an easy walk on village paths, taking in the peaceful setting and everyday rhythms of Mae Kampong. Lunch is a sit-down local meal in the village – a chance to try authentic Lanna flavours and enjoy time together before we return. 

Option 2 – Longer forest walk with packed lunch 

Distance: 4.5 miles  (7.5km)

Descent: 1,500 feet (450m)

For a more testing day, we head further into the forested hills, with a longer route that brings more time on woodland trails and higher viewpoints. A high-quality packed lunch is provided to enjoy out on the walk, helping us keep going without breaking the flow of the day. 

Today blends nature and spirituality as we follow the monks’ trail through forest to the serene temple of Wat Pha Lat, with the longer option continuing to the famous hilltop Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. We take a songthaew to the start of the walk and choose our option. 

Option 1 – Monks’ trail to Wat Pha Lat (easier) 

Distance: 2 miles (3km)

Ascent: 800 feet (250m)

Descent: 150 feet (50m)

We climb steadily through shaded forest to Wat Pha Lat, a peaceful temple tucked into the hillside. After the walk, we head to a specially selected local restaurant at the base of the mountain for lunch. 

Option 2 – Continue to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (harder) 

Distance: 4.5 miles (7.5km)

Ascent: 2,000 feet (620m)

Descent: 350 feet (100m)

We follow the same trail up to Wat Pha Lat, then continue on a more challenging climb to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, perched high above Chiang Mai. We dine at the same restaurant as the easier group, giving everyone a chance to regroup and swap stories. 

After several walking days, today is yours to enjoy at leisure. You may choose to potter through Chiang Mai’s markets and little shops, pause in a café, or simply relax at the hotel. If you fancy a treat, there’s the option to book a local spa, with hand and foot massages available to ease tired legs. 

We travel by private van into the countryside for a refreshing day among forest paths, streams, and the waterfall area. Everyone shares the same setting, with a choice of distances and different picnic spots. Later, if you’d like an extra leg-stretch, there’s the option of an additional stroll in Chiang Mai with your leader. 

Option 1 – Reservoir-side walk with packed lunch 

Distance: 2.5 miles (4km)

Descent: 150 feet (40m)

We follow gentle trails in the Huai Tueng Thao area, enjoying open views and an unhurried pace. The easy group enjoys their packed lunch by the scenic reservoir – a lovely spot for a relaxed break. 

Option 2 – Longer forest walk towards the waterfall with packed lunch 

Distance: 4.5 miles (7.5km)

Descent: 1,200 feet (380m)

We take a longer route that brings more time on forest paths and closer to the waterfall area, with a deeper sense of being out in nature. The hard group enjoys their packed lunch further into the forest near the waterfall. 

A change of pace as we step into rural northern Thailand. Walking along quiet village paths and through open countryside, we pass rice paddies, fruit trees, and traditional wooden homes, with mountains rising in the distance. Packed lunches are provided for everyone due to the remote nature of the trails. 

Option 1 – Easier Mae Wang countryside walk 

Distance: 2.5 miles (4km)

Descent: 400 feet (120m)

A gentler-paced route focusing on the village surroundings and easy-going trails, with time to enjoy the calm rural setting. Packed lunch is provided for the group to enjoy at a scenic lookout point. 

Option 2 – Longer Mae Wang walk into more remote trails 

Distance: 5 miles (8km)

Descent: 1250 feet (380m)

A longer route that takes us further along the quieter trails, with more time immersed in the landscape. Packed lunch is provided so we can pause at a scenic lookout point and keep the day flowing. 

After a transfer by van, we enjoy a guided walk through villages of the Long Neck Karen people, offering a closer look at traditions, daily life, and local craft. We also spend time by the river, where long-tail boats glide along the water, before visiting a local farmer’s house to learn more about rural life. A traditional sit-down lunch is served at the Thai farmer’s house, featuring fresh, farm-to-table ingredients. 

Option 1:

Distance: 1.5 miles (2.5km)

Descent: 32 feet (10m)

A shorter route that leads us through an authentic Karen village. We’ll meet local people and walk along the riverbank before hopping in a traditional longtail boat for an hour-long cruise down the waterway.  

Option 2: 

Distance: 4 miles (6.5km)

Descent: 262 feet (80m)

A longer walk through the village and along the riverbank that allows us more time to see a snapshot of authentic local life before hopping in a traditional longtail boat for an hour-long cruise down the waterway. 

A wonderful day in nature as we walk among limestone cliffs, jungle trails, and river scenery in Ob Khan National Park. Expect dramatic rock formations and peaceful streamside sections, with plenty of time to pause and take in the views. Packed lunches are provided for everyone so we can enjoy the day fully within the park. 

Option 1 – Easier Ob Khan National Park walk 

Distance: 2.5 miles (4km)

Descent: 330 feet (100m)

An easier-paced route focusing on the river gorge scenery and gentler trails, with time to enjoy the sound of flowing water and the impressive limestone landscape. Packed lunch is provided to eat within the park. 

Option 2 – Longer Ob Khan National Park walk with extra climbs 

Distance: 5 miles (8km)  

Descent: 1150 feet (350m)

A longer option that adds extra walking time and some more demanding sections, rewarding the effort with broader views across the valleys and surrounding hills. Packed lunch is provided to eat within the park. 

After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for our flight home. 

We arrive back home in the UK.