Life with the Lahu 1 Day Trek and Bamboo Rafting

Join Trailhead Thailand for a unique hiking and bamboo
rafting 1 day adventure in an area seldom visited by tourists.  Hike across a beautiful, forested mountain to
a remote Lahu hilltribe village – whose only access to is via the Teang river
and narrow mountain trails.  Relax with
the locals and enjoy a delicious traditional lunch before bamboo rafting
downstream along the deep gorge to the end point.

This unique 1 day tour starts in Mae Teang district, 1.5
hours drive from Chiang Mai city and starts with a challenging hike up a steep
mountain.  As you crest the summit, there
will be fantastic views of Mae Teang valley and a chance to rest before the
descent to the Lahu village, which is nestled in a valley with the Teang river
flowing past.  In total, the hike is 5km
with approx. 300m of elevation gain. 

There is no road access to the village, residents rely on
the river for transportation as well as the hiking trail to reach civilization.  Home to just 200 people, residents live off
the land and reside in rustic wooden houses, many overlooking the river
below.  We will enjoy lunch in one of the
houses, cooked over an open fire and wander around the village to take photos
before preparing for part 2 of the journey – bamboo rafting on the Teang river.



We jump aboard the bamboo rafts and cruise down the Teang river at a leisurely
pace.  Despite some sections of class 1 /
2 rapids it is generally calm and flat for the majority of the journey.  Along the way you will see amazing birdlife
in this remote part of Chiang Mai and incredible mountains rising up from the
valley.  Large overhanging trees provide
shade and we can stop off for a refreshing swim at various points along the
river.  A captain from the village will
help steer the raft but you’re welcome to help steer from the back of the
raft.  After approx. 10km we will reach
Sop Kai which marks the end of the trip and from here it is an hour back to
Chiang Mai.