Mae Kampong Gibbon Spotting and Jungle Hike from Chiang Mai
Activity provider: Eco Tours Chiang Mai
Reviewed Nov 2026
Highlights
- Short walk to look for gibbons released by a rehabilitation project
- Time in the lanes of Mae Kampong village
- 3 km forest trail with a local guide
- One of the oldest trees in Chiang Mai province
- Climb beside Mae Kampong waterfall
- Free cancellation
- Instant confirmation
This small-group day out from Chiang Mai heads an hour east into the hills to Mae Kampong, a village of wooden houses strung along a stream. The day mixes a short walk to look for wild gibbons, time in the village and a 3 km forest trail. Groups are capped at 8, and hotel pickup and lunch are included.
- Duration: about 7 hours
- Group size: up to 8 (4 per booking at most)
- Includes: hotel pickup and drop-off, local guide, lunch, a donation to the gibbons’ caretaker
- Excludes: coffee and tea, tips
- Fitness: moderate
The Day
The first stop comes before the village: a short walk into the forest where a group of gibbons, released years ago by a rehabilitation project, now lives wild. Sightings depend on the animals, so treat this as a chance rather than a promise.
In Mae Kampong you get time to wander the lanes before the main hike, a 3 km trail through forest that few visitors use. The local guide points out plants and wildlife along the way and stops at one of the oldest trees in Chiang Mai province. After lunch, you climb beside the Mae Kampong waterfall, with a break to cool off in its pools, then finish at a café overlooking the village before the drive back.
Watch out: Coffee isn’t included, and the village cafés are part of the appeal, so carry some cash in baht.
Who It Suits
It suits walkers who want forest and village life rather than a temple circuit, and anyone who has already done Doi Suthep. It isn’t for travellers with heart or back problems, or for pregnant travellers.
Insider Tip: The trail is slippery after rain from June to October. Wear shoes with real grip, not sandals.
Itinerary
Mae Kampong Village
About an hour’s drive from Chiang Mai. Time in the village lanes, then a guided walk on a little-used forest trail past old trees and streams.
Mae Kampong Waterfall
A climb beside the waterfall with time to cool off in its pools, then a stop at a café that looks over the village (drinks not included).
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Chiang Mai
- Local guide
- Lunch
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Donation to the gibbons’ caretaker
Not Included
- Coffee and tea
- tips
Good to know
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Before you go
Needs a moderate level of fitness. Not recommended for pregnant travellers, or for anyone with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health. Infants sit on an adult’s lap.
Frequently Asked Questions
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