Water sports

Mountain Sports

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Other helpful information

Trekking

If you are planning to go trekking by yourself, I would serious recommend starting by getting your hands onto a copy of Trips Magazine. Every month they feature a different region and they are the definitive knowledge on undiscovered waterfalls and excellent nature treks in far flung places. A good book shop such as Asia Books will stock a copy - there is a Thai and English version and whilst the quality of the translation is a bit "rough and ready" the quality of the information is excellent. They are currently putting together a website www.tripsmagazine.com but it is not yet live and it’s not clear whether it will be in Thai only or English as well.

However, if you want to go on an "organised" tour, then some of the popular options are listed below.

The best trails are generally in northern Thailand, particularly the remote provinces of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son. This is also the region of the infamous Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet and from where much of the world’s opium originates. Treks usually run for three or four days through a scenery consisting of forested mountains inhabited by hill tribes whose small villages offer basic overnight accommodation for trekkers. Guides are widely available, but visitors should ensure that, besides English, they speak some of the hill tribe languages and have good contacts with the tribal communities.

Chiang Mai

"Doi Chiang-Dao" mountain range is the country’s third highest mountain (2000 meters). This area is located around 70km north of Chiang Mai. At the foot step of the mountain lie the beautiful Chiang Dao caves, which are part of an ancient Buddhist sanctuary. The trekking area, further north, features lush forest and shady trails. Following small streams along the way make it refreshing and during the trek you are likely to see hill-tribes villages of the Lisu, Karen and Lahu tribes.

Doi Inthanon

This is the country’s highest mountain with a peak of 2565 m. above sea level. As part of a the national park, this area is covered with evergreen forest, splendid views, refreshing waterfalls and few hill-tribe villages. It is the perfect trek for nature lovers.