The Summit of Lahu

The Summit of Lahu is more than a trek — it's a journey through living history. The trail you walk was once a forbidden opium route, now transformed into a landscape of rice terraces, cornfields, and hill-grown crops — a quiet symbol of resilience and cultural pride. Over two days of six hours of hiking each day, you'll move through jungle, thriving hill tribe plantations — rice, corn, avocado, banana, pumpkin, chilli, passion fruit and more — Lahu villages, and pine forest that exists completely off the tourist map. The destination is a 1,650-meter summit with sweeping panoramic views across Northern Thailand's layered mountain ranges. Challenging, beautiful, and deeply authentic.

Day 1 — Waterfall, village and sunset in the rice fields

11 km · 6 hrs hiking · 900 m elevation gain.

The trail begins along the Mae Tang river, winding through jungle before opening up at a hidden waterfall — perfect for a swim and a moment to breathe. From there the path climbs through a charming Lahu village where lunch is waiting, then follows the historic opium route — now transformed into a landscape of rice, corn, and bean fields. By late afternoon you arrive at your bamboo homestay perched in the rice terraces, just in time for sunset. In the evening, join an optional Lahu cooking class before dinner — or simply relax by the campfire under the stars.

Day 2 — Rainforest, plantations, pine forest and the summit

17 km · 6 hrs hiking · 800 m elevation gain · 1,700 m elevation loss.

You wake up to the sounds of birds, roosters, and mist rolling over the rice fields. After breakfast, the trail climbs through lush rainforest and past thriving hill tribe plantations — rice, corn, avocado, banana, pumpkin, chilli, passion fruit, and more — before entering cool pine forest on its way to the summit at 1,650 meters. Sweeping panoramic views of Northern Thailand's layered mountains stretch in every direction — a moment of real achievement before the descent back through the forest to a final waterfall, where you refresh before the drive home.

  • Duration: 2 days, 1 night
  • Total distance: 28km
  • Daily hiking: 6 hrs
  • Total trekking: 12 hrs
  • Elevation gain/loss: 1,700/1700 m
  • Difficulty: Intermediate
  • Price: THB 5,500 (per person)


Highlights

  • No crowds, guaranteed
  • Pure hiking — 6 hours every day, deep into the mountains
  • Two waterfalls — one for swimming, one to close the journey
  • Summit at 1,650 m — panoramic mountain views
  • A once-forbidden opium trail, now alive with thriving farmland
  • Thriving hill tribe plantations — rice, corn, avocado, banana, pumpkin, chilli, passion fruit
  • Authentic Lahu village — real life, no tourist setup
  • Bamboo homestay in the rice terraces with sunset views
  • Optional Lahu cooking class
  • Homecooked meals every day

Day 1

  • 8.00-8.30 am. Hotel pick up.
  • Drive 1.5 hour to the north where our fun trip begins.
  • Trek through the jungle along the Mae-Tang river.
  • Arrive at a stunning waterfall, relax and get yourself refreshed.
  • Continue trekking to the first charming Lahu village where our lunch is served.
  • Take 1 hour break and explore around the villager.
  • Continue trekking through the opium route where now full of plantations and crops.
  • Arrive at our homestay, enjoy participating Lahu embroidery workshop, walking around and exploring the village.
  • Dinner with Lahu cuisine
  • Campfire, fun out hunting for crickets and frogs as our supper (depending on seasonal)
  • Bed time

Day 2

  • 6.30-8.00 am. Wake up and have breakfast
  • Leave from the homestay and get on the trek.
  • Trek through the lush forest, though villager's farmland where the whole mountain is full of plantation and crops.
  • Trek through the pleasant pine forest where the weather cool all year round.
  • Summit point, 1650 meters above sea level. Enjoy the stunning view layers of mountains.
  • Lunch break in the jungle.
  • Continue trekking through the pine forest to a waterfall.
  • Refreshing yourself.
  • Trek back to the pick up point.
  • 6.30 pm. Back to hotel.

What's included

  • Round-trip hotel transfers (Chiang Mai city area only)
  • Local guide, full two days
  • All meals included — lunch on the trail, homecooked dinner and breakfast at the bamboo homestay
  • Drinking water and soft drinks throughout
  • Towel, soap and shampoo provided — though we recommend bringing your own
  • One night at bamboo homestay in the rice terraces
  • Sleeping equipment
  • National park and protected area entrance fees
  • Trek insurance
  • Phone charging available at all homestays

What's not included

  • Personal travel insurance
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Tips for guides, drivers, and homestay hosts (appreciated but never expected)
  • Personal expenses — souvenirs

What to bring

  • Sturdy hiking shoes — expect muddy and wet trails, especially in rainy season
  • Lightweight layers — temperature drops as you gain elevation
  • Light rain jacket or poncho - essential during rainy season
  • Hat and sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Trekking poles — helpful on descents
  • Energy snacks or bars
  • Your own towel, soap and shampoo — provided but we recommend bringing your own
  • Camera
  • Any personal medication or first aid items
  • Small amount of cash — no ATMs in the mountains
  • Light daypack — pack as little as possible