Chiang Mai Travel Forum

Hi
I've read a bit about various hilltribe treks from Chiang Mai and most seem to be 2-3 days. Do any companies do treks that are a bit longer (about 5 days) that won't be overpopulated by other tourists along the way and maybe pass in to Laos. Difficulty of the trek and price is not a problem.
If so, which trek company is best/most reliable.
I'm planning on booking once I arrive in Chiang Mai (From the general consensus on these fora, it seems the best, most cost effective way)

Any help and advice is most appreciated

I would suggest you go with a company that offers responsible trekking tours. I have some suggestions in my Chiang Rai page that may be useful to you. Also, try visiting the hill tribe museum in Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai first before you go. A lot of times the locals are being exploited and treated unfairly by tour companies.

I suggest u look into my Chiangdao page. chiangdao is the 3rd highest mountain in thailand about 1 hour drive north of chiangmai. u may stay at chiangdao nest. go goggle or yahoo and type "chiangdao nest 1" or "chiangdao nest 2". You're bale to view the guesthouse on my chiangdao page. nice place to stay for 500baht a night and its owned by a UK guy. his wife is an excellent cook of fine western crusine. this guesthouse does jungle trek, mountain hiking, bamboo rafting, etc. the routes they use are often not popular with those routes offered by travel agencies. i can't explain it all as i have lots to say but u should do some search since i've given u the advice. cheers !!