Gibbon Trek and Mae Kampong Village Small Group Tour Chiang Mai
- Duration7 hours
- Daily
- Group
- Pickup available
- Fair, honest prices
- Real people, not bots
- Confirm, then pay
- Secure payment
Overview
This small group day trip takes you up into the cool hills east of Chiang Mai to the village of Mae Kampong. With a local guide you follow a jungle trail in search of wild gibbons, visit the village waterfall and wander its lanes among tea and coffee gardens. Hotel pickup, an air-conditioned vehicle, a local lunch and coffee are included, and the group is limited to seven guests. It suits nature lovers, couples and families with active children who enjoy a quiet, unhurried day out.
Highlights
- Trek a secret jungle trail with a local village guide and a chance to see wild gibbons
- Small group limited to seven guests for a calm, personal experience
- Wander the lanes of Mae Kampong, a cool mountain village in tea and coffee country
- Visit the Mae Kampong waterfall on the way
- Local lunch and complimentary coffee included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle
- A donation to the gibbon caretaker is part of your booking
Full Description
Wild gibbons on the jungle trail
The forests around Mae Kampong shelter wild white-handed gibbons, agile apes that swing through the canopy and announce themselves with long, echoing calls. Seeing them is never guaranteed, because they are wild animals, but a gibbon trek in Chiang Mai province is one of the most rewarding ways to spend a day in nature.
Your local guide leads you along a hidden jungle trail and knows where the gibbons are most often spotted. Move slowly, keep your voice low and bring a camera with a zoom lens if you have one. A donation to the gibbon caretaker is included, so your visit helps the people who look after the forest.
Mae Kampong village and its waterfall
Mae Kampong is a small village high in the hills, well over a thousand metres above sea level, so the air is noticeably cooler than in the city. It is known for its tea and coffee gardens and for miang, the fermented tea leaves that villagers have long produced. Wooden houses line the stream and narrow paths wind between the gardens.
After the trek you wander through the village with your guide, stop at the Mae Kampong waterfall and enjoy a local lunch with complimentary coffee. Many people who search for a Mae Kampong day trip want exactly this: a slow morning in a real village rather than a rushed photo stop.
A small group day trip from Chiang Mai
The drive from Chiang Mai to Mae Kampong takes around an hour and a half on a winding mountain road, which is one reason we include hotel pickup and an air-conditioned vehicle. The whole day lasts about seven hours, and the group is limited to seven people, so the guide can set a relaxed pace.
Wear closed shoes with a good grip, because the jungle trail can be muddy after rain, and bring insect repellent and a light layer for the cooler village. Opening times, the pace of the trek and the best time to visit can change with the weather, so follow the guide's advice on the day.
Itinerary
- Hotel pickupOur vehicle collects you from your hotel in the pickup area; your confirmation shows the pickup time.
- Drive to Mae KampongA scenic mountain drive of around an hour and a half, with the guide sharing background on the area.
- Jungle trek for gibbonsFollow a secret trail through the forest with your local guide, watching for gibbons in the trees.
- Mae Kampong waterfallStop at the waterfall for photos and a rest in the cool air.
- Village walk and local lunchWander the village lanes, then enjoy a local lunch with complimentary coffee.
- Return to Chiang MaiDrive back and be dropped at your hotel, about seven hours after the start.
What's included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Transport in an air-conditioned vehicle
- English-speaking guide and local village guide
- Local lunch and refreshments
- Guided walk along a jungle trail
- Visit to Mae Kampong waterfall
- Donation to the gibbon caretaker
- Complimentary coffee
Not included
- Additional snacks
- Tips
Is this right for you?
Great for
- Families with children — a child price for ages 4–11
- Travellers without a car — hotel pickup is included
- Travellers who want a proven choice — rated 4.9/5 by past travellers
Think twice if
- You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
- Walking is difficult for you — expect active parts
Not suitable for
- Travellers who cannot walk for an hour or more on uneven forest trails
- Guests who need step-free access
- Anyone hoping for a guaranteed gibbon sighting, as they are wild animals
Meeting point
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in the Chiang Mai pickup area, and your confirmation gives the pickup time window. Please wait in your hotel lobby about ten minutes early, with a phone that can receive messages from our team. The tour lasts around seven hours and ends back at your hotel.
Important information
- Wear closed, grippy shoes and light, comfortable clothing suitable for a forest trail.
- Bring insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat, a camera and a light layer for the cooler village.
- Carry some cash for tips and small personal purchases.
- The group is limited to seven guests, so book early in busy seasons.
- Gibbon sightings are not guaranteed, and the trail can be slippery after rain.
- Keep your voice low and do not feed or touch wild animals.
- Extra snacks and tips are not included.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the gibbon trek and Mae Kampong tour cost?
The price depends on the date and option you choose. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for your selection.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in the Chiang Mai pickup area, in an air-conditioned vehicle.
How long is the tour?
The full day lasts about seven hours, including the drive to and from Mae Kampong.
Are gibbons guaranteed?
No. Gibbons are wild animals, so sightings cannot be promised, but your guide knows where they are usually seen.
Is the trek suitable for children?
Active children who can walk on forest trails are welcome. Check the age information in the booking panel and choose this tour only if your family enjoys walking.
What should I wear and bring?
Closed shoes with good grip, light clothing, insect repellent, sunscreen and a light layer for the cooler village.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Often yes, subject to availability. The group is small, so the booking panel shows which dates still have places.
Is lunch included?
Yes, a local lunch and complimentary coffee are included in the tour.
How big is the group?
The tour is limited to seven guests, so you get a personal experience with the guide.
Is Mae Kampong worth visiting?
Yes, if you like cool mountain air, tea and coffee gardens, waterfalls and quiet village life.
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