Mae Sot Nature trail, Umphang district Thailand

Mae Sot nature trail

This unusual hike takes place in the dense jungle of the Umphang district, which runs alongside the border with Burma. You'll traverse a large remote area and sleep overnight in tents, giving this module a real expedition feel. During the journey, you'll travel by pickup truck, elephant, bamboo raft, and, of course, on foot.

The trip also gives you the opportunity to travel through a region that few tourists ever reach. You'll walk cross-country to one of the biggest and most beautiful waterfalls in Southeast Asia- the Thi Lo Su Waterfalls. You’ll also meet the various mountain peoples who live along the Burmese border, staying amongst them in small village huts. All of these amazing ingredients will add up to a true Thai adventure.

Duration	6 days / 5 nights Departs Thursday	Accommodation	2 nights in a double room with bathroom, 3 nights simple accommodation with limited facilities. Comfort levels 2 and 1 (see accommodation)
Price	£198 per person - based on two people	Includes	Accommodation with breakfast, lunch and dinner plus an English-speaking guide during the trip.
Travel	Săwngthăew (converted pickup truck taxi), elephant and bamboo raft	Excludes	Drinks, other meals, excursions, and entrance fees, sleeping bag and sleeping mat (available to hire in Mae Sot for a small charge)

Day 1: Arrival at Mae Sot

You'll arrive in Mae Sot by bus from either Bangkok or Chiang Mai. If you're arriving from Bangkok, you can take the night bus that leaves at 10pm, or, if you're coming from Chiang Mai, you can travel to Mae Sot by day bus. If you wish, Thailand Travel Plan can book these journeys for you- just ask one of our travel specialists for more information.

Mae Sot is a lively community situated on the Burma-Thailand border. You’ll notice a variety of peoples- Burmese, Mons and a host of other ethnic mountain tribes, often trading Burmese goods. There are far fewer tourists in this area of the country, giving you a glimpse of an authentic Thailand unseen by western eyes. You'll spend your first night in a lovely and comfortable hotel, located in the centre of Mai Sot.

Day 2: Mae Sot - Nature Trail

After an early breakfast, you’ll be picked up from the hotel and set off towards the Umphang district. The scenic road will weave its way through mountainous jungle, offering panoramic views and passing through rural villages. You'll take a bamboo raft trip downriver and visit a hot spring- a completely organic source of really hot water, buried deep within the jungle. After this, you'll venture into a well-hidden bat cave to see these strange creatures in their natural habitat. You'll have dinner in a local restaurant and stay overnight in a romantic spot alongside the riverbank.

Day 3: Nature Trail - Rafting, Trekking and Waterfalls

What could be more wonderful than waking up in the jungle with monkeys busily chattering in the trees and a freshwater stream babbling in the background? After a hearty breakfast, a bamboo raft trip down the Umphang River is next on the agenda. The river twists and turns through the jungle and you'll come across several sparkling waterfalls. Sometimes, you'll even have to duck to avoid the low hanging stalactites. Back onshore again, you'll walk for about four hours through dense rainforest to the breathtaking Thi Lo Su waterfall. This is considered by many Thais to be the most beautiful in Thailand, with torrents of water tumbling for about 300m over various levels. During the rainy season (November and December) the falls are fuller and even more spectacular. You can swim in the pools formed by the falls or simply wander around enjoying the views. Around midday, your guide will seek out a suitable picnic place for a traditional lunch of nasi (rice cooked with pieces of meat and vegetables) packed in banana leaves. You'll stay overnight by the waterfall.

Day 4: Nature trail - Mountain village

Your bread for breakfast will be baked over the smouldering remains of the campfire. Today's programme involves a scenic hike to an isolated village of the Karen people. During the walk, you'll come across several clear pools of water and small waterfalls. You can take a quick dip, completely refreshing you for the next few kilometres. You'll arrive in the village at about midday. The Karen are a semi-nomadic tribe, the majority of whom now live in Burma. You'll stay overnight in one of their huts, and get to know the residents, who will be extremely excited to receive you as guests. This evening your guide will cook you a healthy, wholesome meal. With a full stomach, you will drift off to sleep feeling tired but happy.

Day 5: Nature Trail - Elephants, Umphang, and back to Mae Sot

After breakfast today, you'll climb aboard your awaiting grey colossus- your transport for the morning. The friendly elephant will carry you through the thick jungle, taking you up to the top of a mountain with remarkable ease. Perched high on its back, you'll get incredible views of the jungle canopy that surrounds you. On the way, the elephants will munch anything edible that crosses their paths. If they come across a pool of rainwater, you might even get a surprise shower as they fling water onto their backs to cool off! In the afternoon, you'll ride back towards Mae Sot where this unusual trek comes to an end.

Day 6: Mae Sot - Departure

After breakfast in Mae Sot, you can take a quick look around the local market, where there are plenty of Burmese products on sale. You'll then board the bus back to Chiang Mai full of lasting memories of your trekking adventure.

From Chiang Mai, you can begin one of modules in northern Thailand. Alternatively, you can take the night bus back to Bangkok, to continue your trip with another central Thailand module that begins in the capital. Or, if you'd rather put your feet up on an idyllic island, take a look at our modules for southern Thailand.

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