FACTS & HIGHLIGHTS
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TREKKING DIFFICULTY
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AUTHENTICITY
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TOUR DURATION: 3 DAY
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CHANG DAO CAVE
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BEAUTIFULL WATERFALL
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JUNGLE STYLE LUNCH
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3-HOUR TREKKING
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KAREN HILL TRIBE VILLAGE
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KAREN CEREMONY
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SCENIC VIEWS
STUNNING VIEWS + WATERFALL + TREK
+ KAREN HILLTRIBE VILLAGE
3-day tour, Wiang Haeng 5.700 thb per person
Experience a unique combination trip through Wiang Haeng, located in most the northern part of Thailand, close to the Myanmar border. You will sleep at a homestay in an authentic Karen hill tribe village, hidden between the hills and mountains, of the beaten track.
This tour invites you to explore Wiang Haeng district and it’s history. Mae Paem village
is blessed with the most beautiful nature, inhabited by people from the Karen and
Shan hill-tribes.
During this adventure, you will discover off the beaten path tracks, the lush jungle, medicinal herbs and the tour guide will share all his knowledge about the history of the
hill-tribes, Myanmar and Thailand.
INCLUDED
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PICK UP AND DROP OFF
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TRANSPORTATION
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ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDE
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ENTRANCE FEES
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LOCAL THAI LUNCH
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DRINKING WATER
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COMPULSORY INSURANCE
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OVERNIGHT STAY
NOT INCLUDED
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(SOFT)DRINKS & SNACKS
PERSONAL EXPENSES
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OPTIONAL TIPS FOR THE LOCAL TOUR GUIDE(S)
ITINERARY
This trip is well organized but relaxed. In order to give you the best experience and maximum time doing your preferred activities, there’s not a set schedule. We are flexible to accommodate a different order should you want to spend more time on an activity or change your schedule. The day may feel less structured than what you’re used to but rest assured, you’ll get a chance to experience everything!
PICK UP TIME & DROP OFF TIME
We will pick you up from your accommodation or any convenient location in Chiang Mai city. Pick-up time ~8:00 am.
- CHIANG DAO CAVE
One of Thailand's most famous mountains is the Chang Dao mountain with its beautiful caves. The caves run deep into the mountain that broods over the small town of Chiang Dao. The cave complex is made up of five caves extending more than 10 km into the Chiang Dao mountain.
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- WAT THAM PHA PLONG TEMPLE
If you would like to know more about Buddhism we can do a short hike to the Picturesque Wat Tham Pha Plong (forest temple) in Chang Dao. The temple can be reached by 500 steps, along the trail there are posted inspiring Buddhist quotes which are also written in English. The golden stupa is located on a mountain and offers breathtaking views from the top, the actual temple is inside a cave.
VISIT LOCAL MARKET
Stop to visit the Mae Malai market on the way, this is a colorful and exotic market, where the local people and the hill tribes meet and trade their goods like fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
SRI SAN WAN STICKY WATERFALL
This multi-tiered waterfall in the Chang Dao National Park is a perfect place to relax, and experience the magnificent Thai jungle without large groups of tourists. The stones are made from limestone and mineral deposits which makes them very easy to climb.
LOCAL LUNCH
Picnic near the waterfall in the jungle
PA DENG NATIONAL PARK – HOTSPRINGS
The Pong Arng Hot Springs contains three different natural springs: two hot springs (51 C and 58 C), and one cold spring. You can enjoy the springs in an area with two stone pools filled with fresh sulphuric spring water. Locals use a technique of alternating between soaking in a hot pool and stepping into a cold shower to achieve an ultimate state of relaxation.
VIEWING POINT WIANG HAENG
Make a stop at a beautiful viewing point at Wiang Haeng, after enjoying some
tea or coffee we will continue our drive.
MAE PAEM VILLAGE
Late in the afternoon, we will arrive in Ban Mae Paem, a traditional Karen village where you will stay overnight. You will meet your host family and cook together with them.
STAY OVERNIGHT IN THE HOMESTAY
You can stay overnight in the house of the host family, a traditional wooden Karen house on poles, or in a cob-house next to the host family's house.
BREAKFAST
Wake up by the sound of the roaster and enjoy a freshly made breakfast by your tour guide.
VILLAGE
After breakfast, we will walk around the house, feed the chickens and pigs, and continue our walk through the village. The tour guide explains more about the different hill tribes in Thailand and the Karen culture.
LOCAL SCHOOL
Part of the tour includes a visit to the hill tribe school in the village. This small local government (kindergarten) school is a 10-minute walk from the homestay. We can buy some snacks for the children and play games with them. *The school is not open on the weekends
TREKKING
Go deep into the jungle and learn how to survive! Trek, cook, explore and enjoy being in nature at its most alive and exciting. The local tour guide from the village will explain more about the medicinal herbs they are using.
JUNGLE STYLE LUNCH
Learn how to prepare a jungle-style lunch, and cook over the fire in bamboo.
DINNER AND SLEEP IN THE HOMESTAY
We will cook a few different, delicious Thai dishes together with the host family and play some jungle games.
BREAKFAST
Wake up by the roaster's sound and enjoy a freshly made breakfast by your tour guide.
KAREN CEREMONY
After walking around through the village to meet more people of the Karen community we will do a Karen wrist tying ceremony. This is one of the ancient traditions of the Karen hill tribe people.
The white thread is tied on the wrists while chanting to call back your spirit. This ceremony is done for many different reasons. It's done with wedding ceremonies, celebrating New Year, when someone is sick, or wishing someone safe travels.
RETURN TO CHIANG MAI
After that, we will head back down to Chiang Mai and arrive at approximately 6 pm.
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How can I book a tour?To book a tour you can fill out a booking form on our website. Click on the ‘Book now' button on the page and you will be redirected to a booking form. Fill out the form and submit it. We will be in touch as soon as we can. If the booking form gives you any trouble, please send us an email with a booking inquiry to darotours@gmail.com and include the tour start date, tour name or link to the tour on our website, and the number of guests in your group. We will get in touch with you as soon as we can.
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Can we pre-book the tours from oversea ?Pre-Bookings can be made worldwide via e-mail, our contact form, or on our website (www.darotours.com). We recommend you book in advance. We always run private tours, many tours have limited space and will sell out sometimes before you arrive at your destination.
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How can I pay?We request a deposit payment at the time of your booking in order to confirm your booking. As soon as your deposit is paid, your booking is confirmed and we start booking your activities, transportation, guide, and accommodation. We will send an invoice with a PayPal link by email. PayPal payments are always secure and possible with a credit card (processed by PayPal). No PayPal account is needed. Click here to transfer a deposit with PayPal We would like to ask you to pay the rest of the amount in Thai Baht to your tour guide at pick-up (before the tour starts).
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Do's and dont's in ThailandThe Thai culture and habits are still practiced widely by its people, especially in the rural areas in Northern Thailand. As a traveler you may find it difficult to navigate the many cultural norms of Thai culture. You don’t have to worry, you can always ask your tour guide if something is appropriate. This are some Do's and Don'ts for first timers in Thailand: - Greet with the 'Wai'. The people in Thailand greet and thank each other with a 'wai', instead of shaking hands. A wai consist of a slight bow with your hand palms pressed together. - No shoes allowed indoors It's polite to take your shoes out before entering a house or a temple in Thailand. - Remember the sacred and taboo parts of your body: head and feet. The head is the most sacred and cleanest part of the body, it's offensive to the Thai people if you touch their head or hair. Your feet are the lowest and filthiest part of the body, never show the soles of your feet to anybody, or use your feet to point at something or step over something. - Be culturally sensitive. If you spend some time in local (tribal) villages, a village school or a Buddhist temple, you should consider more modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
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What do I need to pack?The less luggage you have to carry around, the more you enjoy the tour, so keep it simple. You should always pack a light backpack with essentials that you need during the activities/tour. Here is a recommended packing guideline for a 2-day trek: - Shoes with a good grip - Mosquito repellent - Towel - Swimwear - towel - Comfortable clothing/clothes that cover your knees and shoulders to visit temples and the local villages - Change of new clothes - Torchlight - Overnight wear - Sunscreen - Toilet paper - Fully charged devices - Cash for personal expenses
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How do I pack according to the season?The cold season is from November untill February, temperatures can drop as low as 5 Celsius overnight in the mountains, so be prepared with warm clothes! During the raining season (April untill October) a poncho which can also cover your backpack will be worthwhile to bring along.We recommend stuffing your belongings into a dry bag inserted inside your backpack to protect your valuables from the rain.
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Where do you pick us up/drop us off?All tour prices are included pick-up/drop-off. We can pick you up and drop you off at your accommodation, at a bus or train station, at the airport, or at a convenient meeting point. If you require a pickup or drop-off outside of Chiang Mai city, we can organize it for you, but additional charges will apply.
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What is the transport like?You will be picked up by your tour guide directly from your hotel or guest house. Transport to and from the activities will be by an SUV car (7 seater with airconditioning). However, if you are in a group that's bigger than 6 persons we can also offer you a van.
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What do we do with the baggage?You can ask your hotel or guesthouse to store your luggage in their office. Most of the hotels and guesthouses in Chiang Mai offer this service. However, it is also possible to bring your luggage with you. We will store it in the car during activities, and transfer it to your accommodation afterwards. Please let us know beforehand if you want to bring your luggage with you so we can prepare this for you.
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Do the tour guides speak English? Who are they?Our tour guides are English-speaking and TAT (Tourist Authority of Thailand) trained and certified. The tour guides are natives of the area you will trek in and most of the time speak a few different languages (Karen, Thai, English, Shan). They share a love for nature and culture. Our experienced, friendly, and knowledgeable tour guides are the driving force behind Daro Tours!
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What kind of food do we eat?Main meals are either served at our accommodation or in a local restaurant where your guide selects a delicious variety of local cuisine with rice. Nutrition is important on our adventure tours so there is always plenty of food including fruits and vegetables. If you book an overnight stay, the tour guide prepares a Western/Asian breakfast for you with seasonal food. We can prepare vegetarian, vegan meals, and more. Let us know what your dietary requirements are in advance and we will make sure to prepare appropriate meals for you.
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Is the tour suitable for children?Northern Thailand is a fantastic destination for families with kids. The customized (family) tours we offer include outdoor activities which most of the kids love! From soft adventures and opportunities for cultural exploration, nature and animals, making a campfire in the jungle and swimming in a waterfall. There are plenty things to keep the children entertained!
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What is the accomodation like?With the multiple-day tours, we stay overnight in hill tribe villages, which is a basic yet wonderful experience. Most houses and homestays are traditionally built on stilts, usually using split bamboo or wood for walls and floors. Chickens, pigs, and cattle are kept around the house at night. The houses usually consist of 1-2 rooms, one of which is used as a sleeping compartment. We sleep on thin mattresses on the floor. Mosquito nets are provided at most of the accommodations, as well as bedding. Washing and toilet facilities are also basic and situated outside the main accommodation.
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Are there ATMs?We recommand to use one of the ATMs in the city. During the tour there is limited access to ATM's. Please tell your tour guide before you leave that you want to visit an ATM.
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What are the risks involved with a tour/trekking? Do I need a personal travel insurance?Trekking in this part of Thailand is very safe and accidents are very rare, but still safety is always a priority. We provide a very limited coverage accident insurance. It is advised that you have your own comprehensive medical insurance. Make sure the insurance contract covers 'accident' and stipulates no restriction of outdoor activities such as mountain biking, cycling or trekking. We require our customers to sign a 'liability release' form before trip departure, stating their agreement to absolve all responsibility from the tour operator and/or its affiliates for any causes. Participants are fully responsible for eventual damages to the equipment used during the trip.
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Do you provide an insurance?We provide accident insurance (limited coverage) for every traveler for the duration of the booked trip. For your insurance, we will need the following information: Full name, gender, age, nationality, and passport number. It is advised that you have your own comprehensive medical insurance. Make sure the insurance contract covers 'accident' and stipulates no restriction on outdoor activities such as mountain biking, cycling, or trekking.
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Do I get a refund in case of cancellation?We cannot refund a full amount in a case of tour cancellation. As soon as we receive your deposit payment, we start booking your activities, transportation, guides, and accommodation and these bookings are not refundable. We do however offer a partial refund on canceled bookings as follows: If you cancel your booking at least a week (seven days) before your tour is scheduled to start and you have paid a 30% deposit for the booking, we will refund 50% of the deposit paid. If you cancel your booking at least a week (seven days) before your tour is scheduled to start and you have already paid the full tour price, we will refund 85% of the full price of your tour. If you cancel your booking less than a week (seven days) before your tour is scheduled to start and you have paid a 30% deposit for the booking, we will retain your deposit. If you cancel your booking less than a week (seven days) before your tour is scheduled to start and you have already paid the full tour price, we will refund 70% of the full price of your tour. Please send us a request for a refund to darotours@gmail.com.
CONTACT
TRAVELER
Tel: +66 (0)80-675-8299
Tel: +66 (0)99-239-4729
Tambon Nam Phrae 67, Moo 4,
Amphoe Hang Dong,
Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50230