The hills and mountains that surround Chiang Mai were once inhabited only by aboriginal people, however, in ancient times the advent of hill tribe people lead to their loss of isolation. More recently, there has been encroachment from the lowland farmers and the use of the hill tribes for tourism purposes. These events have meant that increased access to these areas has occurred. Tourism in the area takes place either individually through hired vehicles or through one of the many companies conducting organized treks.

Dirt Roads into the Hills (All 4WD)

Do not attempt to go into remote areas of the hills without a four wheel drive vehicle, and even with one, do not attempt it in the rainy season. If you do get stuck and are given assistance by local folk, payment is the correct approach.

Ensure that your vehicle has sufficient fuel as it may not be available in remote regions. It is also easy to get lost so if possible, take a Thai speaker with you (about 1,000Bt per day) or at the very least, learn some spoken Thai.

Trekkers' Hut (H118 turn off SE at km63 and continue for 9kms)

Lahu, Karen and Yao villages may be visited along this road. Trekkers Hut offers amenable huts at between 100 and 200Bt.

R1013 (H107 km23)

The road extends westwards from Sanpatong, leading to the high areas northeast of Doi Inthanon. From here it travels north to Ban Bo Kaew on the Samoeng route. The road passes both Karen and Hmong villages.

SAMOENG - WAT CHAN - PAI (96kms + 46kms 4WD)

This road also extends to the west past Karen and Hmong villages. Fuel is available at km33 & km66 & at Ban Wat Chan. R1265 heads to Pai and joins the H1095.

SOUTH OF CHIANG DAO Hl08 turn west 500m past km67)

The road leads to the Hmong village Pa Kia.

Ban Sop Kai (Hl07 km43 west for 24kms)

The area around Ban Sop Kai is best explored by bike. Accommodation is available at the Ban Ta Kham Guest House.

North of Chiang Dao North turn 500m before Wat Pa Plong

The road passes tracks to both Lisu and Karen villages as it skirts Chiang Dao mountain before passing through the fertile valley of the Mae Teng river. The road passes through Haui Nam Dang and on to the Pai road.

Wiang Haeng R1178 and 1322

The road passes Chinese and hill tribe villages. A detour to Ban Piang Luang is interesting before returning to join H107.

To Page Top ©ChiangMai Mall 2001

This page was last modified on