My girlfriend and I are going to Thailand this November
We both are serious walkers and want to find a good trekking destination. We carry our own camping gear, and prefer self-guided trails. However, we don't mind joining a trip with a small group of travellers. Appreciate your advice. Richard
Thailand has a number of trekking destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. I can give you a small sample of some of the numerous trekking trails in Thailand. These tend to be less known to international travellers and require special permission from the National Park headquarters in the area before you can set foot on the paths.
Halfway between Bangkok and Chiang Mai is Mae Wong National Park covering both Nakhon Sawan and Kamphaeng Phet provinces. Its highest peak is called Mokoju and stands at 1,965 metres. The national park authority opens the trail to Mokoju for five months each year between October and February. Each trekking group is allowed five days and four nights, and porters are available for hire too. For details, call (055) 766024.
Many trekkers go to Umphang in the Western province of Tak province where they can enjoy trekking and rafting to the Tee Lor Su waterfall and stay in a Karen village. You can contact a local tour operator in Mae Sot or Umphang to rustle up other trekkers.
If you’re looking for a location near Chiang Mai, Doi Luang Chiang Dao, at 2,225 metres above sea level, is a dream destination for trekkers. Nearby Nan province is home to six national parks. Doi Phuka National Park is most popular with trekkers with Phu Vae peak standing at 1,837 metres and Phu Kha peak at ,1980 metres.
Now that Myanmar opening up, how far can I travel into the country if I cross the border at Chiang Rai's Mae Sai checkpoint? Thanks. LL Ravie
Three Myanmar-Thai border checkpoints were scheduled to open for entry and exit as of yesterday. August 6. Under a Myanmar-Thai Border Crossing Agreement, these three designated points are Tachilek-Mae Sai, Myawaddy-Mae Sot, and Kawthaung-Ranong. Categories of visa granted include Entry Visa, Diplomatic Visa, Gratis Official Courtesy Visa, Tourist Visa, Business visa, Transit Visa and Multiple Journey Special Re-entry Visa.
However, due to the current flooding in Mae Sot, the opening of the checkpoints has been being pushed back and a new date will be announced again soon.
Once these entry points are open, visitors will be allowed to visit any attractions in Myanmar. Enter through Mae Sai to Tachilek and you can fly from Tachilek on Yangon Airways, among other airlines. Tachilek is also the best gateway to visit Myanmar's Shan state. You can fly to Heho Airport to visit Inle Lake and to Taunggyii, the capital of Shan State.
For an overland trip, you can visit Kengtung by car from Mae Sai. The road trip takes four hours, and if you want to continue to the Chinese border at Mong La, you’ll need another three hours. Many travel operators in Mae Sai can arrange vehicles and hotels. Have fun!
