Joanna James
Thailand is a great country for exploring on foot thanks to some brilliant hiking routes that will take you through some of the most beautiful districts and areas of the country. Whether you are making your way through emerald green rainforests or towering misty mountains, it's bound to be a joy.
This is an ancient trade route that will take you through Thailand's northern hinterland. The forest-tipped hills and mist-covered mountain trek is one of the country's most remote natural locations. Start the hike in Chiang Mai and make your way up to Mae Hong Son. The whole hike will take you up to six or eight hours during the day. You will get to see a traditional village, learn about Thai tribes and their lifestyles and how they live in harmony with the lands.
To understand the culture that is ingrained in the country of Thailand, you can make this slow, mindful trek from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai along the north of the nation. The hike is created so that you will be resting in homestays on the way, be hosted by locals and get some in-depth insight into village life. The hike will begin in Baan Tha Sob Van and ends in the northern capital of Chiang Mai. You will get to spend some time learning about the Thai Lue community before heading to see the organic farming communities of Ban Dok Bua who are almost entirely self-sufficient.
Often, a trek doesn't mean you have to rough it, as the Sri Phang Nga National Park trek in Khao Lak will find you staying in luxury boutique hotels. The national park specialises in extreme trekking adventures and is one of Thailand's largest national parks. It covers 8 km of wild country and is part of the conservation of Thailand's last blocks of pristine rainforest. You will get to travel in the deep jungle, swimming past waterfalls and navigating your way amidst thick bamboo forests.
Thailand's most popular island is not just about sitting around all day on the beach. You can also choose to explore the island in a way that tourists rarely do. Apart from the spectacular beaches, Ko Samui is home to the verdant wilderness where you can make your way through lush mangroves, forests and up to the 635-metre high peak of Khao Pom. It gives you breath-taking views of the island and the beautiful ocean that surrounds it.
The good thing about picking an adventure in the Kanchanaburi jungle is that you can enjoy a good meal in a restaurant in Sukhumvit in the morning before driving up to the jungle for a hike. Thailand's most well-known tribe of indigenous people, the Karen, live in this region and the two-day trek is a great way of getting to know more about their culture and lifestyle. You can drive back to your hotel the likes of Maitria Hotel Sukhumvit 18, at the end of the second day and be home in time for dinner.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
