mchristian

We will be visiting Thailand for the first time in February. We have a 6 days in Northern Thailand. Would you suggest getting a tour company to help us or a tour guide? How do we go about getting a good tour guide or company and how much can we expect to pay for such services. We've always planned by books what to do in the other countries we have traveled to. Thank you! M

Kathie

You can certainly hire a tour company, but you can do without one as well. It just depends on what you want to do. Are you planning on staying in one place for the 6 days or are you planning on making a loop through the rural areas, stopping in places like Mae Hong Son and Pai, or a combination of Chiang Mai and Chaing Rai?

You may well need a car and driver (different from a guide). Are there particular activities you are intersted in?

Gpanda

The typical things to do in Northern Thailand are:

Trekking-hill tribes that are easy to get to by car are overrun with tourists. Hiking in on an overnight is the recommended way to visit

Elephants-the conservation Center had gotten great reviews on this forum

Doi Tung-the Queen Mother's villa outside Chiang rai is worth a peek

Going into Myanmar or Laos for a quick visit-this is pretty much useless, but many people do it

River rafting-very touristy, but enjoyable

Driving/flying to Mae Hong Son from Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai Night market-we think this is a waste, but many people love it

Doi Suthep-this wat outside Chiang mai is a must see. It's stunning.

Visiting the Golden triangle-this not great in itself, but is somewhat amusing when combined with a visit to Doi Tung.

rhkkmk

north of chiang mai is very easy to drive in so i suggest a car rental from CM with a loop up to the golden triangle and back with stops along the way...

the anantara in the golden triangle is a fabulous hotel...near chiang saen...

CM is a huge city which many people love...for me 2 days there is plenty..

two guides/drivers who are frequently mentioned are sgt. kai and rat's sister poon (at least i think that is her name).... costs vary depending on what you schedule but 3000 B per day is what many in bangkok charge.... $75-105.

mchristian

Thank you for the replies! (fun)We want to go to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai. Love to trek, hiking in on an overnight to visit the hill tribe sounds great but how does one go about arranging that?! Should we hire a driver or contact some tour company? We want to visit Doi Suthep-this wat, Doi Tung-the Queen Mother's villa. Nothing else is planned.
M

jenskar2

I used a Karen guide (licensed with TAT -- 20+ years) several years ago and he can arrange for overnight treks, also for transportation. I met him through a woman who sells tribal artifacts (he has helped her and others with an interest in museum quality work). His language skills are a real asset with the various hill tribes. He works with a driver and his rates were very reasonable. Chaiya can be reached via email at chaiyaone @ yahoo.com (just take out the spaces) He and his driver at the time made our trip really special. You could tell him of your interests and he could make suggestions -- his rates then were competitive so I'm sure they would be now.