TREKKING

Northern Thailand has long been a magnet for trekkers, who come to see the tapestry of hill tribes such as the Hmong, Karen, and Akha, along with the region’s protected forests and idyllic countryside. Doi Inthanon National Park—centered on the eponymous 2,565-meter peak that is Thailand’s tallest—is one of its most popular hiking destinations. The moss-covered montane forests here are easily accessible from Chiang Mai, and with midday temperatures hovering around 1012°C at the top, it makes for a refreshing escape from the heat. Active Thailand ( activethailand

.com) adds a dash of authenticity to the experience with a night in a Karen village homestay, but you can always go off the beaten track by heading 60 kilometers north to Chiang Dao, where the operator guides trekkers into several villages inhabited by the Lahu, Lisu, Akha, and Palaung tribes, not to mention its otherworldly Buddhist caves. The trek is a family-friendly experience that promises some comfort; you’ll stay at an intimate eco-lodge equipped with hot showers and western toilets. Another Chiang Mai–based provider is Trekking

Collective ( trekkingcollective.com). Founded by a Thai-British couple in 1988, it offers one- to sixday programs that are tailored to the interests of its clientele. Everyone from the novice walker to the serious hiker in search of rare flora and fauna is welcome. While trekking conditions are especially favorable from December through February, times to avoid are March to April, when the dry heat causes temperatures to reach the midthirties in Chiang Mai, and the rainy season from June to October.