kh

Has anyone taken this trip with these folks? Would love to have info. Thanx,K

traveler

My wife (of 22 days) and I just returned from Thailand where we spent our honeymoon. We did a 3-day trek with Wayfarers (www.wayfarersthailand.com) and had a terrific experience visiting the hilltribes north of Chiang Mai. They took great care of us and would recommend their services in a second.

cb

Just got back from a Thailand tour that included an afternoon visit to villages of the Karen and Akha tribes. I'm quite disapointed with the hill tribe tour because all it was was a short walk around the villages and contact with the people was limited to those trying to sell you something. Soon as we arrived at the sites, hordes of children and a few elderly women descended upon us selling small items. Even after buying something from 1 or 2 of them, other children stuck to us as we walked around, trying to sell more of the same. We got to see more shops than houses; I guess it's not really possible to visit their homes.<BR><BR>For better appreciation of hilltribe tours, one should visit the hilltribe museum in Chiang Mai.<BR>

pjr

I agree with the above poster. The hill tribe tour that we took was the same. Make sure you have some 10 bahts with you.

Craig

There are many, many tour companies that can take you on a tour or a trek to see hill tribes. On a typical day trip all you will see is tribespeople in costume and their shops. The overnight treks provide a more authentic experience. However, you may wind up sleeping on the floor of a tent and eating nothing but rice. Those who have gone on the longer treks say they are the experience of a life time.

Bill A

I have taken 3 different trips with GT. They are are very good company and their Hilltribes itinerary is a good one.

kh

Bill-Thanx for insight on General Tours. I am not interested in going into peoples' homes - I don't open mine to tour groups. I was looking for info about the quality of the tour as well as any comments. I am too comfort prone to sleep on floors these days, I fear, so a true trek isn't of much interest. Thanx to everyone....

rudy

To see craft shops and hilltribes dressed in their costumes, one does not have to pay those over-priced half day tours. We encountered them in chiang rai, chiang mai, and other places. The night markets are a good place to find them. Khantoke dinner at Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center features real hilltribes performing; the 270 baht spent is worth it (the center even provides transportation from/to your hotel). Agree that the museum is a good place to learn about them. <BR><BR>