Thailand is an adventure trekker’s paradise, and the greatest issue you will face, is what and where to choose? Chiang Mai in the high North lures with its accessible wild jungle trekking; Khao Sok in the South with its ancient rainforest. In the West, at the border to Burma you can trek to Thailand’s largest Waterfall, Tee Lor Su, in the UNESCO certified Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary; and in the East you will countless national parks incl. Khao Yai, where a former poacher is ready to take you into the wild. So where, and when should you go trekking in Thailand? Read on to find answers to your questions.
Thailand is home to many different kinds of street food and every street in every city will have various different stalls selling their wares. From Pad Thai to Som Tam (papaya salad) to grilled meats it is all available at any time of the day. Thai’s rarely cook at home as the cost of eating out is so low compared to cooking at home, when looking for a food stall to eat at a good choice is to follow the locals to see where they are eating.
Khao Sok National Park is a unique mix of very diverse ecosystems. Home to rain forest that's older than the Amazon, the park also contains a limestone mountain range covered in karst formations, many kilometers of trails, and even a river you can explore on canoes or bamboo rafts. The park is home to Malayan sun bears, tigers, and wild elephants—and sightings aren't rare once you get deep into the evergreen rain forest.
The park is also famous for its eco-luxury camps, where tents come with en-suite bathrooms, deluxe bedding, their own kayak, and some of the best meals you'll try in Thailand.
The point where the Mekong River meets the Ruak River is known locally as Sop Ruak, but to the rest of the world it's the Golden Triangle: the point at which Myanmar (Burma), Laos and Thailand meet.
Even standing on the Thailand river bank, you can look across to Myanmar and Laos, though you may wish to hire a boat for an even closer look. You won't get lost: there are plenty of market stalls, Buddha and elephant statues, and plenty of signage to confirm that, yes, this is in fact the Golden Triangle.
Sop Ruak was once known as a prolific opium-growing area, and the exhibitions at the Hall of Opium in Golden Triangle Park, offer a solid introduction to the local history and effects of the industry, as well as the potency of the drug.
If you fancy venturing further off-course, see our guide to alternative itineraries in Thailand. Likewise, once you've seen all Thailand has to offer, keep cruising along the Mekong to visit Myanmar or Laos. The choice is yours...
Akha, Lisu, Hmong and Karen tribes are found all across the north of Thailand. Take a break from the tourist trail, and spend a day or a few nights with a local family to learn and experience their way of life.
Choose your tour guide wisely – ensure that they operate in an ethical and sustainable manner.
Situated within the Erawan National Park the Erawan Falls are a group of seven waterfalls (the drop from the top waterfall to the bottom one is over 1500m) each having its own distinctive character. The water plunges over lime stone cliffs and into beautiful plunge pools, this has led to the landscape being sculpted by the water and it is truly beautiful. You can spend a whole day in the park trekking from one waterfall to the next, stopping to take a swim in the pools where the water gathers to cool yourself down.
Khao Yai National Park was the first national park to be established in Thailand and is the third largest in the country. Covering an area of 2,168 square kilometers it is a huge site to visit. The park comprises of rain forests as well as grasslands which all adds up to the large number of animals you can see. There are an estimated 300 species of birds in the park as well as bears, elephants, deer’s, gibbons and macaques. There are a couple of waterfalls in the park which are well worth a visit as well and are easily accessible by car.