Northern Thailand Travel Forum

Im realizing I can save A LOT of money if I go to Chiang Mai on my own-and book a tour there, however I have also heard of some having bad experiences doing this. Should I book a US based company ahead of time that takes you from Bangkok through the whole tour- or would I be better off booking something once I arrive myself in Chiang Mai? I just dont know how to tell if they're reputable through their travel agencies. Also, any idea about what id spend to fly/take train from bangkok to chiang mai?
Thanks!

I would highly recommend doing it yourself. You have a lot more flexibility that way, and could save a bunch of $$$. As for deciding which tour groups are really worth it, I would look for ones that seem to have a larger presence. I believe you can tell by how they conduct themselves, their energy and organization. I booked several tours in Chiang Mai through Penguin Tours (how strange for a tropical country to have a tour group named after an Antarctic animal). They were great. The guides had a lot of knowledge about the area, and were able to articulate that to the trekkers. So they'd be my only concrete recommendation, but there are surely others.

As to getting to Chiang Mai, I recommend taking the train. The Thai railway system is modern and efficient. The countryside is beautiful as well. I took a sleeper car from Bangkok to Chiang Mai which cost 691Bh. That also covered a berth for the night, so it was really worth it for me. And you arrive in Chiang Mai just before 7am, perfect to set out and start your day.

hi

i ve lived in chiang mai for 4 years and i would reccomend you to do it yourself because all the trekking tours are operated by some local agencies and whether you book your trip back home or in chiang mai you are going to take your trip with any of those which means if you book back home that may cost you a high commision so just save that and book directly in Chiang mai even not in bangkok
you can meet some agents or touts which might sell you a tour + room in chiang mai just ignore them keep in mind that chiang mai is a very easy city for foreign travelers to find their way

enjoy your trip

If you book in the US they contract out to a local company anyway... so book when you get here.

I would suggest the overnight train saves on a nights accomodation and it is a great experience no to mention pretty cheap. We took the 2nd class sleepr I would suggest you pay the extra for the bottom bunk as it is much more spacious. I agree book when you get to Chang Mai your hotel I am sure will have brochures or there are plenty of travel agents. We have never had a problem with local agencies.