Forests and Tribal Culture of Doi Inthanon

This trip was, hands down, one of the richest experiences of my life. Just a few months after turning the big 5-0, Mouse, the kids, and I headed to Thailand for a couple of weeks of touring. Our first stop was Chiang Mai, and on day three, we set off on a private tour with Green Trails that would take us deep into the forests - and into the heart of Karen tribal culture.

Day 1: Into the Highlands

Our guide and driver (from Green Trails) picked us up from our hotel and we drove south toward Doi Inthanon National Park. Rising 2,565 metres above sea level, Doi Inthanon is Thailand’s highest mountain and the source of many rivers. Its forests - moist evergreen, pine, and mixed deciduous - are home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including the largest number of bird species of any site in Thailand (around 362, many unique to the area).

After visiting the spectacular Vachirathan Waterfall and a stop at the park’s visitor centre, we learned more about its history and ecology. Named after King Inthawichayanon, the park is dotted with iconic landmarks like the King and Queen Pagodas, Mae Ya waterfall, and several nature trails.

Sparkling Vachirathan Waterfall

For me, the standout realisation was that we were in the foothills of the Himalayas. Just knowing we were connected to the mountain range that holds the tallest peaks in the world stirred something deep inside me - a longing to one day stand at Everest Base Camp, a bucket-list dream I’m still chasing.

The changing tree line reflecting multiple aligned ecosystems

From there, we were dropped seemingly in the middle of the jungle, ready for a 5 km trek to a Karen village. The Karen, an ethnic group native to Myanmar and northern Thailand, are known for their traditional weaving, deep connection to nature, and peaceful, community-based way of life. That night, we stayed off-grid in a simple hut overlooking rice paddies and a distant mountain range. The calmness and harmony with nature our hosts embodied left a lasting impression.

The morning view from our hut in the Karen village. Simply breathtaking and off grid. But with a mobile signal...

Day 2: Village to Village

We woke early to birdsong and a golden sunrise over the fields. After a hearty breakfast, we set off on a full-day trek. The morning’s route was mostly downhill to the White Karen village, where we explored the community while our guide cooked lunch.

In the afternoon, the trail wound up and down through the forest until we reached Huay Khao Lip, a small, quiet Karen village where we would spend our second night. The rhythm of life here felt unchanged for generations - a humbling reminder of simpler ways of living.

Day 3: Waterfalls and Bamboo Rafting

After breakfast, we began our final trek - an hour uphill, then another downhill to a beautiful waterfall where we swam, rested, and soaked in the last moments of this remote landscape. From there, we continued to Baan Mae Sa Pok village for lunch.

Our journey ended with a gentle bamboo raft ride along the Mae Wang River - a peaceful, almost meditative way to close the trip - before heading back to Chiang Mai.

Final Thoughts

This experience combined everything I love about travel: raw natural beauty, cultural immersion, and moments that shift your perspective. The forests of Doi Inthanon and the generosity of the Karen people left an imprint I’ll never forget. If you ever find yourself in northern Thailand, take the time to step off the tourist trail - it might just be the most rewarding part of your trip. If you want to know more about this trip, then click here.

Rating: 🎒🎒🎒🎒☆ - I cannot recommend this 3 day trek more, and I would absolutely support Green Trails as a partner. Breathtaking and beautiful in equal measures, this was a great experience.

One of the younglings celebrating his ascendancy to adulthood

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