The River Wild: Chiang Mai's
Wild Ginger Loop
2 OCTOBER 2023
As Chiang Mai's outdoor adventure spots gain popularity, Smiling Albino takes you on an exciting journey further into the rugged beauty of the Mae Taeng river valley. Our newest day trip, the Wild Ginger Loop, promises an authentic and remote experience, offering a blend of hiking, encounters with hill tribes, and an unforgettable rafting expedition. Join us as we venture off the beaten path to uncover the hidden corners of this enchanting region.
Our adventure begins with a scenic one-hour drive north from Chiang Mai City to the town of Mae Taeng. Here, we kickstart our day by exploring a vibrant wet market, where we gather fresh ingredients for our upcoming lunch. The market is a sensory delight, brimming with local produce and even wild jungle edibles. Keep an eye out for surprises like silk worms, a local specialty. And beware of playful hosts who might trick you into buying lottery tickets instead of national park entrance tickets – laughter is all part of the experience!
A further 45-minute drive up a winding local road takes us to the trailhead, marked by a cluster of humble huts. Our 1.5 to 2-hour hike commences with a challenging 250-meter (820-ft) ascent that rewards us with breathtaking views.
As we continue along the ridge, your knowledgeable host will introduce you to the diverse local flora and fauna and quite possibly stop to harvest a bamboo shoot here and there to supplement the lunch menu. And, of course, there’s lots of wild ginger that can be seen in various states of spectacular bloom.
The trail descends to a Lahu hill tribe settlement perched above the Mae Taeng river. Here, we’ll have the opportunity to interact with the women of the village, who diligently manage their daily chores while the men are off hunting and foraging in the surrounding jungle. A spontaneous market springs to life as they showcase their beautifully crafted goods.
While our scrumptious lunch simmers over an open fire in the village kitchen, we can observe the final touches being put to the construction of our custom bamboo rafts below by the river’s edge.
A side note regarding the rafts: it is enlightening to learn that they are handmade from fallen, dried out bamboo, collected from the jungle and lashed together with dry reeds. There is no possible way to transport these 25 foot long rafts back up to the village, so they are single use only and sold at the end of their 8 kilometer journey down river as construction material.
Our adventure culminates as we reach a serene village where you can change into dry clothes and savor a refreshing beverage. The memories of this incredible day will linger in your heart as you hop back into the van for the return journey to Chiang Mai.
The Wild Ginger Loop by Smiling Albino offers an immersive and unforgettable experience, allowing you to connect with nature, local culture, and your adventurous spirit. As you bid farewell to this picturesque region, may the echoes of laughter, the beauty of the landscapes, and the warm encounters with the hill tribes stay with you, serving as an enduring reminder of the magic of Northern Thailand’s untamed beauty.