Walk and Karen Culture
2-Day Private Excursion
Originally from Tibet and China, the Karen people settled in the hills of eastern Burma over 2,000 years ago. Today, they form the largest ethnic minority in Thailand, with close to one million living in remote villages and mountain regions.
Many Karen fled to Thailand due to the ongoing conflict in Burma since 1949. Their culture remains deeply spiritual — traditionally animist, though today the community also includes Buddhists and around 30% Christians. Religion plays a central role in their identity and daily life.
By meeting the Karen, you’ll discover a resilient people rooted in nature, humility, and ancestral wisdom — a way of life that invites reflection and respect.
First Day Program
- Start around 9:30 a.m. from Chiang Mai Elephant Friends
- Meet your Karen guide
- 2 hours walk
- Picnic by the waterfall
- 30 minutes walk + transfer to the village by car
- Visit the Karen village
- Dinner and night in the camp
On the way, you will stop at a Waterfall. It’s time to rest, picnic, and swim in the freshwater for the bravest. After a short walk, you will reach the Karen Hill tribe village, witness their everyday lives, and learn about their lifestyle, traditions, and culture.
Spend the night in a Karen camp nestled beside the village. Enjoy a tasty Thai meal cooked by your guide.
Accommodation in a bamboo hut without hot water for the shower.
Second Day Program
- Breakfast
- Walk 1.5 hours to another village and a waterfall
- Lunch
- Bamboo rafting
- Finish around 15:00, depending on the weather and the group’s pace.
After a Thai lunch, the way back will be by car and bamboo rafting—a great way to end your adventure in lush nature on a shallow river.
What to Bring
- Water
- A small backpack
- Hiking or sports shoes
- Flip-flops or sandals
- A bathing suit and towel
- Extra changes of clothing (t-shirts, shorts, socks, underwear)
- Hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- A flashlight
- Personal toiletries
- Money for small purchases such as drinks and hill tribe craft
- Long pants, jacket and socks during the cool season (November to January)
- A light raincoat during the rainy season (June to September)
Tour includes
- Transportation from and to Chiang Mai Elephant Friends
- An English-speaking Karen guide
- One night in a Karen camp
- Thai food (vegetarian option available upon request)
- Bamboo Rafting
- Accident insurance
From and to Chiang Mai Elephant Friends Resort (1-hour drive from Chiang Mai City):
3,700 Baht/person if 2 or 3 adults | 3,500 Baht/person if 4 adults | 3,300 Baht/person if 5 adults | 3,100 Baht/person if 6 adults or more | For children 4 to 10 years old, 2,200 Baht
Deposit 3,000 Baht
You can cancel for free at least 7 days before the scheduled date. The deposit will not be refunded if the cancellation is made less than 7 days before the excursion.
If we need to cancel bamboo rafting due to heavy rain or safety reasons, we will refund 200 THB per person. Please note this refund does not apply if the cancellation is requested by the guest. Thank you for your understanding.
SEASONS
The cool season starts in mid-November and ends in February, which is also the high season. During the day, the temperatures are pleasant, around 30°C (86°F), but bring warm clothes because the temperature drops rapidly after sunset, sometimes as low as 10°C (50°F).
The hot season is from March to May. Daytime temperatures are especially hot at this time of year. The smoky season generally occurs during March and April. The burning can cause a lot of pollution.
The rainy season is from June to October when the jungle and the rice fields are green. The rains begin to fall around early June and continue until late October. The temperature is around 32 °C (89 °F) during the day and a pleasant 20 °C (70 °F) at night. It rains almost every day but rarely continuously. Typically, the rain stops after an hour. It’s also the period when you have the most bugs and mosquitoes.
We recommend booking in advance to secure your excursion.
Book via email or Facebook Messenger and pay at the resort.