Update and Trek Question
 

Well, we've decided to definitely stay at Anantara. This means that we will fly into Chiang Rai and eventually fly out of Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang.

So the question is: Where can we find the most beautiful trekking? Based in Chiang Mai? Chiang Rai? Somewhere else in the Golden Triangle area?

Second question: What kind of trekking experience is best? Are they all guided? Any particular guides or companies people recommend?

Any help would be appreciated as always. Thanks again.

I haven't used this company, so this isn't an endorsement of them...but their general information is very good I think. http://www.all-thailand-exp.com/eco.htm

Though Chiang Mai is more well know for trekking, I suspect it may also be more touristed, be that good or bad. The village of Sop Ruak (just about 2 km from the Anantara) has some people there who can take you places. The Anantara itself uses a network of guides who get very good reviews. They actually offer a short trek to (I forget where now) and seem to be doing it quite right by giving a portion of your fee to the village and not allowing tourists to directly hand out anything to people...it's much better in the long run this way. They also have mountain biking, a nice hike to see the sunset, and more. You might write to the Anantara and ask them to send you their activities information...it's quite a bit of information, and even if you don't book with them you can use the information and itineraries to help you decide. You can also make your own itinerary of course.

Thanks. That's helpful. We really are much more interested in seeing nature than intruding on villages (which all-thailand seems to understand). But in general, most of the places on the boards seem to still be relatively village-based. If anyone knows places that places that really focus on the flora and fauna it would be great!

What about some of teh national parks in the north? Would they be what you are interested in?

Kathie,

Yeah, we think maybe so. Are there any good guides specifically for the parks folks know of?