Chiang Dao 3-Day Mountain Trek from Chiang Mai
Activity provider: ActiveThailand
Reviewed Nov 2026
Highlights
- Ridge trails in the hills around Chiang Dao
- Market stop to buy ingredients for the trek
- A night in a village homestay
- Three-hour descent to the Mae Taeng valley
- Waterfall stop and riverside lunch
This three-day trek heads north from Chiang Mai into the mountains around Chiang Dao, on trails the villagers use between settlements. It is a proper hike: long days on ridges under forest canopy, a night in a village homestay, and a final descent to the Mae Taeng river valley. Groups are capped at 12. Meals and Chiang Mai pickup are included.
- Duration: 3 days, 2 nights
- Group size: up to 12
- Difficulty: strenuous, 5 to 6 hours of hiking a day
- Includes: pickup and drop-off in Chiang Mai, guide, all meals, overnight stays
- Excludes: drinks, tips
The Route
Day one starts with an 8:30am pickup and a stop at a local market, where the guide buys ingredients for the meals on the trek. Then you drive north to the trailhead and walk in to a village homestay for the night. Day two is the long one, six hours or more down into a valley, back up, and along ridges where clearings open onto views over the lowlands. Day three is a three-hour descent, mostly downhill, to a waterfall and lunch by the river before the drive back.
Watch out: This trek does not climb Doi Luang Chiang Dao, the limestone peak above the town. The route follows ridges in the range and drops to the Mae Taeng valley.
Who It Suits
It suits fit walkers who want more than a day hike and don’t mind basic village beds. It isn’t for children under 10 who aren’t used to long hikes, or for anyone with heart problems.
Insider Tip: You carry everything, so pack light: one change of clothes, a warm layer for the nights from November to February, a headlamp and rain cover in the wet season.
Itinerary
Day 1: Chiang Mai to the trailhead
Pickup at 8:30am, a market stop to buy food for the trek, then a drive north and an afternoon walk in to the first overnight stop.
Day 2: Ridge trails
The longest day, about six hours or more: down into a valley and back up, then along forested ridges with views over the lowlands.
Day 3: Down to the Mae Taeng valley
A three-hour descent, mostly downhill, with a waterfall stop and lunch by the river before the drive back to Chiang Mai.
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Chiang Mai (inside the second ring road)
- Guide
- All meals on the trek: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Overnight stays on the trek
Not Included
- Drinks at homestays and restaurants
- tips
- personal spending
Good to know
Cancellation
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
What to bring
Hiking boots or trail shoes, outdoor clothing, and a backpack of 45 litres or less, which you carry for the whole trek. The operator sends a seasonal kit list after booking.
Before you go
Strenuous: you need to hike 5 to 6 hours a day on uneven ground and carry your own pack (45 litres or less). Not suitable for children under 10 unless they are used to long hikes, or for anyone with heart problems. Hiking boots or trail shoes needed. Ask for vegetarian meals when booking.
