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Frequently Asked Questions
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Here are some answers to common questions about travel in Northern Thailand and our hilltribe homestay
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How long do I need in the North?
What is the best time of year to go?
Do I need to book hotels beforehand?
Is it recommended for kids?
What will I need to bring?
Is Malaria a problem?
How many days do I need to visit Mae Hong Son?
How many days do I need to visit Chiang Rai?
How can I get to Mae Sariang?
I would like to bring gifts for the children in the village what would you recommend?
What are facilities like at the homestay?
How can I communicate with the villagers?
How long do I need in the North?
Many people ask me how long they need in the north – my personal answer would be ‘it could never be long enough !’, my first visit to Thailand 4 years ago was to the North, and I have been living here for the past 2 years. For those restricted to a travel schedule though, at least 2 days is needed to cover the basic sightseeing of Chiang Mai (the capital of the North) although you could spend a week and not have covered all that the city and it’s surrounds has to offer. If you want to explore the countryside beyond Chiang Mai a recommended 3 days is needed to fully appreciate Chiang Rai province, and a further 5 days for Mae Hong Son.
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What is the best time of year to go?
Winter in Thailand is from November - February, which is also the tourism high season here. Travellers prefer to come during these months as the temperature is slightly cooler, it is also the best weather for trekking.
Whilst many people avoid rainy season (May-Sep), there are advantages -this is when the fields and nature are at their most lush green. Most of the time the rain will come in short spurts, it does not rain heavily all day.
Summer time (March-April) is the worst time to come, when temperatures soar to mid-late 30's. This is also when farmers burn the fields, so air quality is very bad and visibility of the mountain views masked by smoke.
Note that prices for many things such as tours,accommodation,flights are much higher during high season, so it can be cheaper to travel in the low season.
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Do I need to book hotels beforehand?
During high season (Nov-Feb) it is recommended to book hotel rooms beforehand, especially if you want first choice. Throughout the rest of the year it is not as necessary unless it is at a time of a special event such as Songkran (Thai New Year) or Loi Kratong (Light festival). For cities such as Chiang Mai with larger hotels and online booking facilities, it can work out cheaper to book and pay beforehand. Most small – mid size hotels outside of Chiang Mai will not have any online booking facility so you can try calling instead.
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Is it recommended for kids?
Northern Thailand is a fantastic destination for kids, in fact it offers something for all ages. Soft adventure and outdoor activities, opportunities for cultural exploration, nature and animals, are sure to keep the kids entertained and be an enriching experience for all the family.
The hilltribe homestay in particular is great for young children as there are always lots of children in the village they can bond and play with, opening their eyes to how other children in this part of the world live.
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What will I need to bring?
All travel items can be bought easily and cheaply within Thailand. So you don’t need to bring every essential with you. Insect repellant, sunblock, common drugs are all widely available here.
For the hilltribe homestay you don't need to bring a lot, some suggestions are
- Insect repellant
- Flashlight
- A sweater
- Drinking water
- Gift for homestay family (we can take you to buy fruit from markets in Mae Sariang before we go to the villages)
- During the winter months (Nov-Jan) it can get very cold in the early mornings and at night (approx 15 celcius) so please bring a jacket,sweater,long trousers,socks.
- During rainy season, anoraks are recommended (easily purchased in Mae Sariang)
- Bedding is provided for at the homestay so you don't need to bring sleeping bags
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Is Malaria a problem?
Malaria only exists in rural areas in specific zones along the Thai/ Myanmar border most of which are so remote that travelers hardly venture there.
We don't run tours to malarial areas. Whilst certain spots on the Thai/Myanmar border do have malaria we do not go to any of these. The Lawa and Karen hilltribe villages where our homestay is at has no malaria, so there is no need to bring mosquito nets. As with travel through any parts of Thailand it's always an idea to cover up and use insect repellant to protect from insect bites.
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How many days do I need to visit Mae Hong Son?
To do the Mae Hong Son Loop we recommend having at least 4nights/5days. Anything under this feels very rushed, unless you choose to fly one of the legs ie: from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son or vice versa.
From Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son town is an 8hr drive (via Pai or Mae Sariang). Normally broken up by 1 night stay in either Pai or Mae Sariang.
In Mae Hong Son itself we recommend spending 1 day sightseeing in and around the town, and 1 as a day trip to Ban Ruam Thai and Mae Aw. So in Mae Hong Son itself you would probably need 2 nights/1day
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How many days do I need to visit Chiang Rai?
We recommend having a minimum of 2days/1night to explore Chiang Rai. This allows you enough time to explore off the beaten path in Chiang Rai without feeling rushed. Whilst many tour agencies do advertise 1 day tours from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai the reality is that most of the day will be spent in the car, as it takes 4hrs to drive from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai.
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How can I get to Mae Sariang?
- From Chiang Mai there are daily local buses that depart every few hours. Journey time is approx 4 hrs, fan bus (90bt) air-con bus (170bt). Or we offer pick up service for an additional fee.
- From Bangkok there are daily overnight buses. Journey time is approx 12hrs, approx 500bt. The Northern Bus Terminal in Bangkok sells tickets.
- From Mae Hon Son there are daily local buses which stop in Mae Sariang on the way to Chiang Mai. Journey time 3.5hrs, fan bus (90bt) air-con bus (170bt)
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I would like to bring gifts for the children in the village what would you recommend?
We recommend bringing items such as stationery,toys and fruit which can all be bought in Mae Sariang town before heading up to the villages.
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What are facilities like at the homestay?
Facilities at the homestay will be basic. You will be sleeping on layers of blankets on hard wooden floors (there are no mattresses). There is running electricity and the bathroom is outside underneath the house. There is running water but no hot water. You can also get mobile phone reception in the villages.
The villagers drink boiled rain water, we recommend that you bring your own bottled drinking water.
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How can I communicate with the villagers?
Only a few villagers can speak English so communication can be difficult. The best way is to let your guide 'Pat' translate for you.
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