A Father-Son Journey – Trekking Northern Thailand

The mountains of Northern Thailand beckoned, and we answered. Over five unforgettable days, Nevan and I embarked on a father-son trek deep into the hill tribes of Chiang Mai’s remote regions. With our intrepid guide, Buddy, we left behind the comforts of the city and ventured into bamboo forests, hidden villages, and breathtaking landscapes, experiencing the warmth and hospitality of the Dara Ang and Karen communities along the way.

Day 1: Into the Jungle and Arriving at Baan Pang Daeng Nai

Our adventure began with a briefing from the Chiang Mai Tourist Police before meeting our guide, Chai, who prepared us for the journey by carving walking sticks and bamboo chopsticks—which we would later use for our meals.

A short stop at Wat Tham Chiang Dao Temple to visit the caves and the Buddhist temple, before a hearty lunch of Pad Thai fueled us before the hike began. We started on an undulating trail through agricultural farmland, with towering limestone mountains providing a dramatic backdrop. The first day’s trek led us to Baan Pang Daeng Nai, a Dara Ang village home to 58 self-sufficient families who migrated to Thailand in the 1980s. Our accommodation? Traditional bamboo stilt huts, surrounded by lush vegetable farms and rolling misty hills.

Just as we settled in, five weddings were taking place in the village—an unexpected but incredible cultural experience! The villagers welcomed us to join the music, feasting, and the Baci ceremony, where we tied blessed strings to the bride and groom for good fortune. It was a rare and humbling experience to be included in such a personal and significant tradition.

Day 2: Staying at Baan Pang Daeng Nai

The morning greeted us with thick fog, adding a mystical feel to the early village stroll. The sounds of roosters crowing and the scent of wood smoke filled the air as the village slowly came to life.

The day was spent immersing ourselves in village life—learning about their farming techniques, helping with small daily tasks, and simply observing the rhythm of life in Baan Pang Daeng Nai. We were welcomed into homes made of bamboo, where we watched how the locals went about their days. The children, always eager for company, played games with us, their laughter echoing through the hills.

That evening, under a sky filled with stars, we sat around a small fire, listening to Buddy and Chai share tales of their own treks and adventures. It was a moment of connection—not just between father and son, but with the people who had welcomed us into their world.

Day 3: Into the Bamboo Forests and Arriving at Baan Pang Hor

After a final breakfast in Baan Pang Daeng Nai, we said our goodbyes and set off for Baan Pang Hor.

The trail wound through dense bamboo forests, with a surprise companion joining our hike—a friendly village dog that followed us for the entire four-hour trek! Along the way, we took breaks in small hidden clearings, one of which brought an impromptu game of hacky sack between Nevan and Chai’s son—a reminder that language barriers don’t exist when there’s fun to be had. They cooked us an incredible but simply meal for lunch, in what we can only describe as authentic 2-minute noodles on speed!

Arriving in Baan Pang Hor, we found the village alive with energy. Children ran through the dirt paths, some helping with chores, others just curious about our presence. One little boy, especially cheeky, struck a perfect pose for a photo. That evening, we explored the village, played games with the kids (including a thumb war Nevan lost spectacularly), and contributed to the local temple fund via a money tree—a practice both familiar and deeply rooted in Buddhist traditions.

Day 4: Staying at Baan Pang Hor

With an entire day to experience Baan Pang Hor, we spent the morning learning about the Karen people’s way of life. The village elders showed us traditional crafts, while younger villagers demonstrated their skills in weaving and blacksmithing. The hospitality was overwhelming—every meal was a feast, prepared with love and ingredients sourced from the surrounding mountains.

That evening, we gathered once more for a farewell dinner, where the villagers expressed their gratitude with a final Baci ceremony, sending us off with prayers and well-wishes for safe travels.

Day 5: Farewells and Final Moments

Every morning in the village started the same way—mist rolling over the mountains, slowly revealing the world around us.

Meals were a communal experience, prepared by our guides with fresh, local ingredients. Even breakfast was an explosion of flavors and spices, a far cry from our usual morning meals back home.

On our final day, local women set up small stalls outside our hut, selling handmade goods. We wished we could buy more, but our hiking packs could only hold so much. One touching moment came as we said goodbye—one of the village boys was visibly upset when it was time for Nevan to leave. That simple connection made in just a couple of days spoke volumes about the warmth and openness of the people we met.

This father-son journey into Northern Thailand’s hill tribes was more than just a hike—it was an immersion into a way of life completely different from our own. From the rugged beauty of the mountains to the heartfelt connections with locals, every moment was an adventure.

We set out to explore, but in the end, we were welcomed like family.