Full Day Trekking & bamboo cooking Tour in Chiang Rai

If you’re looking for a way to truly connect with Chiang Rai’s natural landscape and local cultures, the Full Day Trekking & Bamboo Cooking Tour offers a compelling mix of outdoor exploration and hands-on culinary fun. This tour, rated a perfect 5.0 based on five reviews, promises an engaging day immersed in forests, hill tribes, and some delicious bamboo-crafted foods.

What we love about this tour is its emphasis on authentic experiences: from trekking through lush forests, learning traditional bamboo crafting, to visiting vibrant hill tribe villages. Plus, the comprehensive itinerary packed with nature, culture, and food makes it great value at just over $50 per person. However, it’s a full day, so be prepared for a physically active schedule. This adventure suits travelers who enjoy outdoor activities, cultural insights, and trying genuine local foods.

Key Points

• Authentic Cultural Encounters: Visit hill tribes and explore their lifestyle firsthand.
• Diverse Activities: Combine trekking, bamboo cooking, village visits, and hot springs.
• Expert Guides: Well-reviewed guides like Sammy, Marley, and Moe add local insights.
• Incredible Nature Views: Expect stunning mountain vistas, waterfalls, and lush forests.
• Full-Day Experience: Lasts about 9 hours, perfect for a comprehensive day trip.
• Value for Money: Includes transportation, lunch, and guiding, with optional spa soak.

Exploring the Rich Landscape of Chiang Rai

This tour offers a well-rounded look at Chiang Rai’s diverse environment and local communities. Starting in the city, you’re picked up from your hotel between 8:30 and 9:10 am—an easy start that ensures you don’t have to worry about logistics. Private transportation means comfortable travel between stops, and the small group size (up to 15 travelers) fosters an intimate, engaging atmosphere.

Doi Hang: The First Glimpse of Nature

Your adventure kicks off with a short stop at Doi Hang, a scenic spot that’s mainly a photo-op but sets the tone for the day’s natural beauty. With just a brief 40-minute visit, it’s enough to get you excited for what’s ahead. The area is free to explore, making it a perfect quick start.

Mueang Chiang Rai Park: Starting the Trek

Next, you’ll head to Mueang Chiang Rai Park, where the trekking begins. The park serves as a gateway into the forested mountains, with about 30 minutes allocated for this part. The terrain here is manageable but still offers enough of a challenge to get your heart pumping. Reviewers mention that guides are attentive, and the scenery is worth the effort.

Trekking to Wat Pong Nam Ron and Lisu Hill Tribe

The trek then continues up to Wat Pong Nam Ron, where you’ll ascend through boomboo forest—a lush, green canopy that makes you feel like you’re in another world. Afterward, the tour takes you to explore the Lisu hill tribe, offering a peek into their traditional way of life. Reviewers like Fred praise the guides, Sammy, Marley, and Moe, for their knowledge and friendly approach, making the hike both informative and enjoyable. Expect stunning views and some photo opportunities during this 1-hour segment.

Bamboo Cooking at Huai Kaeo: A Culinary Highlight

One of the standout parts of this experience is the bamboo cooking session at Huai Kaeo. Here, you’ll learn to craft chopsticks and bamboo cups—skills that connect you directly to local traditions. The activity isn’t just about cooking; it’s about understanding how bamboo is woven into daily life. The lunch, served in the forest, features food eaten with bamboo cups and chopsticks, giving you a genuine taste of local ingenuity. The 2-hour stop has been described as both interesting and tasty, with reviewers emphasizing how much they enjoyed the hands-on experience.

Exploring Hill Tribes and Waterfalls

Post-lunch, the tour takes you to the Lisu Hill tribe village, where you can walk among the locals and see their tea plantations—another highlight for tea lovers. The nearby waterfall offers a refreshing stop, and some reviewers mention enjoying a cool bath here, which is perfect after a morning of hiking.

Walking from Akha to Lahu Villages

In the afternoon, the walk continues from the Akha village into a Lahu village, offering scenic views of the surrounding mountains and forests. The walk, about an hour long, is a great way to absorb the landscape and appreciate the rural charm of Chiang Rai’s hill tribe communities.

Relaxing in Nature at Lam Nam Kok National Park

The day’s nature immersion peaks at Lam Nam Kok National Park, featuring a bamboo forest and a hot spring. Taking a 30-minute soak in the hot pool is a relaxing reward after hours of hiking. Reviewers mention that the hot spring experience is a highlight, providing both relaxation and a chance to unwind.

Final Stops and Return

From the hot spring, the journey concludes with a quick visit to Phasoet Hot Spa, where you can indulge in a soothing hot spa session. Then, your guide will return you to Chiang Rai city, arriving back at your hotel around 5 pm.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included in the tour are private transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and a well-prepared lunch—elements that significantly add to the value, especially considering the diverse activities. The tour is designed for most travelers, with a maximum group size of 15, ensuring personalized attention.

Extras like drinking water cost just 10 Baht per bottle, and the hot spa session is an optional additional charge of 100 Baht. It’s worth budgeting for these small extras to enhance your comfort.

Authenticity and Reviewer Insights

Multiple reviews highlight the quality of guides—Fred describes the guides as “great,” while Dominique emphasizes how “precious” Sammy, Marley, and Moe were. Their local insights make the experience richer and more engaging.

The trekking portions receive praise for their scenic views and manageable difficulty, with Fred calling it a “jungle hiking” adventure that tested his climbing skills in a fun way. The bamboo cooking, in particular, resonates with visitors; Dominique highlights the great views enjoyed over coffee, and Antonio calls the experience memorable. Several reviews mention the deliciousness of the bamboo-crafted foods, emphasizing how this adds a truly local touch to the day.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Wear sturdy, comfortable hiking shoes—the terrain involves forest walks and mountain trails.
• Bring sun protection—hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are advisable as some stops are exposed.
• Carry a water bottle—while water is available for purchase, staying hydrated is essential.
• Prepare for a full day—the tour lasts around 9 hours, so pace yourself and wear layers.
• Be open to learning and participation—especially during bamboo crafting and cooking activities, which are hands-on and memorable.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventurous travelers who enjoy outdoor activities and cultural encounters. It suits those who are comfortable walking, climbing, and engaging with local traditions. It’s especially appealing if you want to see Chiang Rai’s rural areas, taste authentic foods, and learn about hill tribe lifestyles—all in one day.

If your goal is a relaxed, low-effort tour, this might feel a bit intense, but for active explorers, it offers a rewarding and well-rounded day in northern Thailand.

The Sum Up

The Full Day Trekking & Bamboo Cooking Tour in Chiang Rai offers a balanced mix of nature, culture, and culinary delights. From scenic mountains and waterfalls to hill tribe villages and bamboo crafts, the experience provides depth and authenticity that’s hard to match in a short tour. The guides’ local knowledge and friendly demeanor make it even more special, adding insights and making the day flow seamlessly.

At just over $50, including transportation and lunch, it’s a fantastic value for travelers eager to explore beyond the usual sights. It’s perfect for active, curious travelers who want to soak in Chiang Rai’s natural beauty and traditional way of life in one memorable day.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
It runs approximately 9 hours and 10 minutes, starting around 9 am and returning to Chiang Rai city in the late afternoon.

Is transportation included?
Yes, there is private transportation from your hotel in Chiang Rai to all the stops and back.

Do I need to bring my own food?
No, lunch is included, and it features local dishes served in the forest, along with bamboo cups and chopsticks.

What is the difficulty level of the trek?
The trek involves forest hiking and mountain walking, manageable for most active travelers. Guides are attentive and helpful.

Are all activities suitable for children?
Generally, yes, but keep in mind the full day and physical activity involved. It’s best suited for children comfortable with outdoor walking and mild hikes.

Can I join if I’m not an experienced hiker?
Absolutely. The hikes are described as manageable, and guides ensure safety and enjoyment for all fitness levels.

What should I wear?
Comfortable hiking shoes, lightweight breathable clothing, sun protection, and possibly a hat and sunglasses.

Are there any additional costs?
Hot spa visits cost extra (100 Baht), and bottled water is also available for a small fee.

Is there free time during the tour?
Most stops are structured around planned activities, but there’s time to enjoy the scenery and take photos.

How do I book?
Booking can be done ahead of time, with most travelers reserving about 9 days in advance, via the tour provider or platform like Viator.

This tour blends natural beauty, cultural richness, and fun hands-on activities, making it a genuine highlight for those wanting to experience Chiang Rai’s authentic side.