Chiang
Mai
Information
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When arriving
in Thailand ask for free copies of Thaiways magazine and Thaiways
maps from the information counter at airports or hotels.
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Thailand is a home of the following six major hilltribes: Meo or Hmong,
Yao or Mien, Karen or Kariang, Akha or Iko, Lahu or Musoe and Lisu or
Liso.
These hilltribes live mainly on the mountains in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai
and Mae Hong Son provinces in northern Thailand. For details about the
history, culture and lifestyles of the hilltribes, tourists are recommended
to visit the Tribal Research Institute in Chiang Mai University. Tourists
are strongly advised against exploring the hilltribe areas by themselves,
as the rugged terrain and the vast size of the mountainous regions prevent
the government authorities from closely controlling the areas for security
purposes.
Generally, jungle treks last from two to seven days and consist of two
or three modes of transportation, they are travel on foot or by jeep,
rafting, elephant riding and horse riding. The best time for trekking
is November to February when the weather is refreshing with little or
no rain. Since these hilltribe settlements are a major tourist attraction
of the North, guidelines on trekking in these areas are given below for
the safety and convenience of all visitors:
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In Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, there are many private
companies specializing in trekking tours. Use the services of only
those tour operators or guides licensed and registered legally. Make
sure that they have properly filed their names and registered with
the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Tourist Police to prevent
any possible problems which might arise. See advertisement in this
website or Thaiways publications or ask for a list of licensed
agencies from the TAT office. |
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The best recommendations about trekking companies can be obtained
from those who have made such a trek before. They are more than
willing to express their satisfaction or dissatisfaction according
to the services they have received. You may also inquire of the
Tourist Police about reports of any problems certain companies may
have encountered. |
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Each company has its own itineraries and destinations.
The major areas visited by trekking groups are Chiang Dao, Wiang Papao,
Phrao, Ngao, Mae Chan, Fang, Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son. |
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Unlawful drugs are strictly prohibited. Do not at any
cost get involved with demonstration on an invitation to sample narcotics
or any other types of drugs while on a trek. You can find out from
the Tourist Police which areas have security problems. With this information
in hand, you will know what areas you should avoid. |
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Tourists should have a thorough understanding of the
services the trekking company will provide, such as the number of
days of trek, area to visit, meals to be provided, etc. Should the
trekking company or guesthouse offer to keep your valuables, traveller's
checks, passport, etc., you should prepare a complete listing of the
valuables and ask for a receipt for such. |
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Make a survey of companies that do include the area
you want to visit in their itineraries. Since rates are varied due
to several conditions, e.g. destination, duration and transportation
modes, it is worthwhile to shop around. |
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Under no circumstances should tourists go trekking by
themselves without a registered guide, since you are not familiar
with the terrain of the mountainous areas of northern Thailand. Besides,
some groups of hilltribes do not reside in a specific area but move
from place to place frequently, you do not know which tribal villages
welcome strangers and provide sleeping accommodations. |
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Show respect for religious symbols and rituals. And
always ask permission before taking photos of tribespeople or their
houses. |
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Use your common sense; don't take any unnecessary risk
thereby spoiling your holiday. |
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Help preserve the jungle's natural state by not harming
wildlife or causing unintentionally sparks which might lead to forest
fire. |
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