Hill thibes community based

Ban Raummit >> Ban Yafu

At the elephant camp in Ban Raummit, have a meal by the river before deciding whether you’d like to walk or ride an elephant to your destination – Ban Yafu. The hike should take you about two hours whereas the elephant ride would take about an hour and a half. Both would give you the opportunity to experience the magnificent views of the surrounding hills.

Though the way can be tiring to man and beast alike, you will be treated to the rich traditions of the Lahu of Ban Yafu. Marvel at the spirit houses that line the path to the village and sample the local fruit and cuisine in the homes of the villagers. This is an experience not to be missed.

Should you decide to spend the night, you may be witness to a traditional Lahu dance that replicates the one danced during their annual harvest festival. Join in the dance to celebrate with the village.

Ban Yafu >> Doi Boa Viewpoint

If you’ve spent the night at Ban Yafu, do remember to set your alarm clocks to wake you up early. Take a short trek up to a viewing platform near the village and witness the beautiful sunrise over the sea of clouds near the village. Truly a great way to begin any day.

The Doi Boa Viewpoint is a short hour and a half hike away. The initial section may seem steep but that soon gives way to a more gentle grade that would bring you straight to the open grassy field that is the Doi Boa Viewpoint.

Pitch your tents and rest by the fire as you and your guides prepare an al fresco dinner under the stars. Turn in early so that you won’t miss another magnificent sunrise that the Doi Boa Viewpoint is so famous for.

Doi Boa Viewpoint >> Ban Apa

Have a hearty breakfast at the viewpoint before starting the trek down and up towards Ban Apa. Do take care as you walk through the narrow trails that would bring you down to a nearby valley before ascending the relatively steep path up to Ban Apa.

Be treated to a traditional Akha village atmosphere as you explore the village to see the spirit gate, village swing and even speak to the village blacksmith. If all seems bewildering to you, visit the village information centre that would help to enlighten you about what goes on there.

Wait for your transport to pick you up from here or take a short walk over to Ban Jalae to visit the hilltribe museum or to Huey Mae Sai Waterfalls to experience the magnificent view there.

Doi Boa Viewpoint >> Huey Mae Sai Waterfall

Hunger sated after breakfast and the amazing views at Doi Boa, it’s time to make your way down towards Huey Mae Sai Waterfall. The trail down to the waterfall is a relatively easy one that brings you through the jungles straight to the thundering 20 metre high waterfall that is one of the highlights of the sub-district. Soak or swim in the pool in front of the falls before taking a short walk towards Ban Jalae.

Do stop by the Hilltribe Museum and information centre in Ban Jalae where you’ll be treated to a wealth of informration about the various tribes in the area. Chat with the Lahu villagers in Ban Jalae while waiting for your transport.

Ban Huey Khom >> Ban Huey Chom Poo

Start your trek at the idyllic village of Ban Huey Khom. After a hearty breakfast of rice and hot tea, chat with your guides about the upcoming trails and possibly even learn a Thai word or two in the process.

The trek starts quite easily on open trails that lead up to the Akha Village of Ban Sukkasem. Take a short break and chat with the villagers and find out more about the various medicinal plants that grow in and around the village.

The trek continues through the jungle where you’ll pass the ruins of an ancient temple. Built over 700 years ago, all that remains are bricks and what used to be the main altar area. Though overgrown, the place is still revered as a holy site by the people living around.

The trail continues down steep slopes towards Ban Huey Chom Poo. Be greeted by rice fields and the smells of cooking fires as you approach the village.

Ban Huey Chom Poo >> Ban Jatae

The trek to Ban Jatae is shorter but more challenging than the pevious route. Expect to hike through virgin jungles with steep incines and off-camber slopes that would bring out the adventurer in you.

You will be duly rewarded with breathtaking views of mountain vistas and the verdant rolling hills of the area. There’s even the chance to cool your feet or have a picnic by the small waterfall that you’ll see along the way to the next village.

The first hint of civilisation that you’ll encounter upon leaving the jungle is Ban Janoo. This collection of 4 huts is the remains of an older village that has since moved closer to the river. A short walk from this settlement would lead you to the river where you’ll reach a larger village, Ban Jatae. You may choose to spend the night here in this Lahu village or move on to the next village that’s just over the hill.

Ban Jatae >> Ban Song Kuey

Do not be alarmed by the steep slopes that surround Ban Jatae – the way to the next village is not as difficult as it seems. You’ll start the trek with several steep uphill sections but these don’t last very long. You’ll soon be treated to the breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside that you’ll soon grow accustomed to.

After reaching the top of the hill, it’s a gentle downhill walk all the way down to the next village – Ban Song Kuey. This a relatively large Akha village situated next to a river. Do take your time to soak in the river or chat with the locals about their unique cultures and traditions.

If you’ve the time, do take the short half hour walk to the Song Kuey waterfall. The easy trek by the side of the river would lead you to the breathtaking falls where you can rest, swim or have a picnic lunch.

Ban Song Kuey >> Ban Leepa/ MAG

The trek back to the main road where you can get picked up is a relatively easy albeit long one. The trails are wide and relatively gentle after the initial uphill section. You’ll walk along the top of a ridge where you’ll enjoy great views on both sides of the trail. Notice the slight change in vegetation as the train winds down the hills as the plants get thicker and more lush.

Take a leisurely walk downhill along an old logging trail to the pick up point where you’ll be met with your vehicle. Stop to speak to some of the Akha villagers in Ban Leepa that’s situated along the road where your transport will meet you.