Chiang Rai: The Adventure of Trekking & Bamboo Cooking

Chiang Rai: The Adventure of Trekking & Bamboo Cooking — An Authentic Day in Northern Thailand

Many travelers looking for a genuine experience in Chiang Rai want more than just sightseeing—they crave immersion into local life, stunning scenery, and hands-on activities. This tour, offered by MOONG TOUR, promises exactly that: a full-day trek that combines nature, culture, and culinary surprises, all for around $56 per person.

What we love about this experience: first, the chance to walk through lush forests and mountains while visiting tribal villages—an authentic glimpse into local lifestyles. Second, the bamboo cooking session, where you’ll learn to prepare a meal from scratch using traditional methods. Third, the opportunity to relax at Phasert Hot Springs after a demanding day of exploration.

One thing to consider: the total walking distance is around 10-12 kilometers over 5-6 hours, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with moderate hikes. The tour also involves some swimming and outdoor activity, so it’s not ideal for very young children or those with mobility issues.

This experience is perfect for travelers who want an active day immersed in nature, enjoy cultural exchanges with tribal communities, and are eager to learn new culinary skills. If you’re after a relaxed, sightseeing-only day, this might be a bit intense. But for those craving a hands-on, authentic adventure, it hits the mark.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Good To Know

• Authentic cultural visits: Experience tribal villages and interact with local communities like the Lisu, Chinese, Akha, and Lahu.
• Nature lover’s paradise: Trek through forests, mountains, and visit waterfalls with opportunities to swim.
• Culinary experience: Learn to cook with bamboo and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch in a scenic setting.
• Relaxation at hot springs: Unwind at Phasert Hot Springs after the trek.
• Guided expertise: Knowledgeable guides, praised for their friendliness and insights, make the day richer.
• Value for money: At $56, the comprehensive mix of activities and transportation offers great value for an immersive experience.

The Itinerary: A Day Packed with Nature, Culture, and Fun

Hotel Pickup and Early Start

The adventure kicks off early, with a pickup from your Chiang Rai hotel around 9:00-9:30 a.m. The tour is operated by MOONG TOUR, known for friendly guides who are fluent in English and Thai, ensuring clear communication throughout the day. From here, you’ll set off towards the Pasoet Hot Spring—a perfect warm-up before the real action begins.

Trekking Through Forests and Mountains

The core of this tour is the trek—around 10-12 kilometers in total, taking approximately 5-6 hours. The guides, praised for their expertise, lead you through bamboo forests and mountain trails, giving you a chance to see Thailand’s lush countryside up close. Reviewers like Michael noted, “A hike in the jungle and a meal made in the middle of it. It was good and pleasant.” The scenery is truly a highlight, with dense greenery and occasional glimpses of village life.

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Visiting Tribal Villages

One of the key highlights is the visit to tribal villages, including the Lisu, Chinese, Akha, and Lahu communities. These stops offer authentic insights into the local way of life, with guides providing context about each group’s customs and traditions. Guests mention the guides’ knowledge as a major plus, making the experience both educational and respectful.

Bamboo Cooking Workshop

A standout feature is the bamboo cooking session—an interactive craft that allows you to learn how to prepare dishes using bamboo as a cooking vessel. This is more than just a cooking class; it’s a cultural activity, providing deeper appreciation for local techniques. Afterward, you’ll enjoy the meal you’ve made, often described as fresh, flavorful, and uniquely prepared.

Exploring Waterfalls and Swimming

After lunch, the tour continues with a visit to a waterfall, where you can take a refreshing swim. Reviewers like Michael enjoyed the cooling dip, noting, “Swimming in the waterfall allows you to cool off.” The waterfall setting offers a great photo backdrop and a chance to relax after the trek.

Visiting Tribal Villages and Hot Springs

The journey then takes you through additional tribal villages, such as the Akha and Lahu, enriching your understanding of the region’s diverse cultures. The walk concludes at Pasoet Hot Springs, where you can dip into the hot spa pool—a perfect way to unwind. The hot springs are quite popular, and some guests mention paying a small entry fee of about 100 baht for swimming.

Return Journey

After a full day of exploring, learning, and soaking, you’ll be driven back to your hotel in Chiang Rai, generally arriving in the late afternoon. The entire experience offers a well-rounded mix of outdoor activity, cultural exposure, and relaxation.

What Travelers Say: Authentic, Enjoyable, and Well-Guided

The reviews paint a clear picture of what makes this tour special. One guest calls it a “super nice” day, emphasizing the jungle hike combined with a meal made in the middle of nature. Another reviewer appreciated the “fantastic guides,” who clearly make the experience more engaging and informative. The emphasis on knowledgeable guides is a standout element, ensuring you’re not just walking but truly learning about the environment and communities around you.

The opportunity to cook with bamboo, as highlighted by reviewers, offers a rare and memorable skill that many appreciate taking home. The waterfall swim is also a big hit, providing a fun, cooling break amid the physical activity.

Practical Details and Tips for Your Day

• What to bring: A hat, hiking shoes, sunscreen, water (essential), long pants, and comfortable hiking attire. Pack light but be prepared for outdoor conditions.
• What’s included: Hotel pickup and drop-off, insurance, guided trek, visits to various villages, tea plantation tour, bamboo cooking, water at the waterfall, and the hot spring experience.
• Additional costs: About 100 baht for the swimming ticket at the hot springs.
• Duration and pace: Expect to walk around 5-6 hours, covering roughly 10-12 km. The pace is moderate, suitable for most healthy travelers.
• Group size: The tour requires a minimum of 2 people, making it ideal for small groups or couples.
• Flexibility: You can reserve now and pay later, which adds flexibility to your planning.

The Sum Up: Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

This tour is a fantastic pick for adventurous travelers who want to combine physical activity with cultural discovery. If you enjoy trekking through natural landscapes, meeting local tribes, and trying your hand at traditional cooking techniques, you’ll find plenty to love. The guides’ friendly approach and the authentic experiences make it especially appealing.

However, it’s best suited for those comfortable with moderate walking and outdoor conditions. Families with older children or those seeking a relaxed day might find it a bit demanding, but overall, it offers genuine value for those eager for an active, immersive day in northern Thailand.

For travelers wanting to see more than just the sights and truly connect with the environment and people of Chiang Rai, this adventure offers a memorable slice of life that won’t disappoint.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s generally suitable for children who can handle 5-6 hours of walking and outdoor activity, but very young children or babies under 1 year are not recommended.

What should I wear on this trek?
Comfortable hiking shoes, long pants, sun protection like sunscreen and a hat, and lightweight, breathable clothing are best suited for the trek.

Are drinks or food included besides lunch?
Beverages are not included, so bring water and drinks with you. Lunch is provided, prepared during the bamboo cooking session.

How much does the hot spring visit cost?
Swimming at the hot springs costs about 100 baht, payable on-site.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible for last-minute plans.

Is the tour guided in English?
Yes, guides speak both English and Thai, ensuring clear explanations and engaging storytelling throughout the day.

This trek in Chiang Rai offers a genuine taste of Northern Thailand’s landscapes, cultures, and culinary traditions. It’s a day filled with activity, learning, and relaxation—perfect for those seeking an authentic adventure off the beaten path.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby