Looking to see Chiang Mai off the beaten path? A chance to connect with the local community and see something that might generally be off the tourist radar? You should definitely try hiking in Chiang Mai with the Chiang Mai Hiking Club!
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What is the Chiang Mai Hiking Club?
The club is an informal group of individuals that generally gathers on Sundays to tackle some of the best hikes in Chiang Mai and the surrounding countryside.
Hikes are posted the on the previous Friday, and any changes in plans or cancellations are posted on the website (so check before you leave). Hikers meet at a predetermined meeting point to travel together to the start of the hiking trail.
There is no cost for participating (except for an expected donation for gas if you get a ride to the trail with someone else) making this one of the best cheap things to do in Chiang Mai.
Hiking with the Chiang Mai Hiking Club
On the day we visited, there was a solid group of about 40 local Thais and foreign expats living in Chiang Mai excited to head by songthaew up to the top of Doi Pui for spectacular views and a hike down the ridge to a Hmong village, ending at Doi Suthep Temple.
We had a great experience hiking in Chiang Mai with the club! We met some great people. The hike met at the appointed location and left at the appointed time, giving the impression of an organized and well run group.
This was a budget friendly way to see some beautiful scenery that we wouldn’t have seen otherwise. There is no reason to consider more expensive Chiang Mai hiking tours. It was one of the best cheap things to do in Chiang Mai and turned out to be one of the most memorable parts of our trip!
The Chiang Mai Hiking Club organizes a number of trips to various trails around Chiang Mai through out the year, all of which are posted on their website.
This is truly one of the more unusual things to do in Chiang Mai and it will almost certainly add a new layer of richness ad depth to your visit. If you like hiking and beautiful scenery and your visit to Chiang Mai corresponds with a hike that interests you, I recommend that you check it out.
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If you are planning a visit to Chiang Mai, you really ought to pick up this map before you go. it is a MUST!
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I love hiking and Thailand has some great trails! I think Mae Sariang (not far from Chiang Mai) offers great hiking activities. There are beautiful landscapes and hill tribes to visit. And it’s almost unknown by most foreign visitors.
Keep it up!
Miguel.
Thanks for the tip! When we get back to Thailand (which might be a few years with two little kids in tow) we will definitely add that to our list! It is always nice to have a less touristy suggestion.
I love hiking but not sure the hiking club is suitable for me mainly I hope each time the hike is easy walk, hopefully have walking trail for I am an elderly lady. and if climbing up and down not suitable for me.
I do hope to hear from your group.