Trekking information

There are many things you have to think about before you go trekking. This trekking information section gives information about the logistics, transportation, accommodation, what you need to bring, what to wear, etc.. This section also covers transportation. We either use a traditional trekking truck or an air-conditioned minivan on our tours.

Our transportation

Safety

Transportation is an essential element of our tours. We use the same group of drivers for many years. They have strict instructions regarding driving standards, maximum speed and safety. We have a perfect safety record and regularly check our vehicles. We have indicated under each tour which transportation we use. Our guides regularly attend a first aid refreshing course.

Trekking Truck aka songtaew

We use trekking trucks for our join-in trekkings and some private programs. It is the traditional vehicle for trekkings. They have two benches on the side of the passenger compartment of the truck. These vehicles are open vehicles which are excellent in a tropical climate. They have no air-conditioning except on the driver’s compartment. A trekking truck is part of the experience, but for some people, it might not be comfortable enough. A trekking truck can accommodate a maximum of ten persons and a guide.

Minibus or minivan

We use minibuses or vans for most of our tours. They are air-conditioned. There are seat belts in these buses. There are various sizes of minivans, but most of them can accommodate nine persons and a guide. They are more comfortable than trekking trucks. If your program indicates that the transportation is a trekking truck and you want to upgrade to a minibus, please let us know. There are some extra costs involved, depending on the program.

Four-wheel drive vehicles

We also use four-wheel-drive vehicles of various types. These are very comfortable, air-conditioned and have safety belts. Usually, these vehicles can accommodate two persons and one guide. Some models can accommodate four persons and one guide as well. The Toyota Fortuner is such a car. We also use other four-wheel-drive vehicles such as the Isuzu Sportrider and the Honda CRV. Transportation on any of our private tours can be upgraded to these luxury vehicles.

Overnight in the village

In most cases, the accommodation will be in tribal village houses. The accommodation in the village is usually quite primitive. There is no air conditioning, and there are no electric fans. In some communities, there is no electricity. It’s a bit like camping. Don’t expect any luxury. You will spend the night like the villagers do. It might cause some hardship but all the more you will enjoy sleeping in our own bed afterwards.

What to bring

We have an extensive list of things to bring with you. Bring as little as possible. In some villages there is electricity but don’t count on being able to charge your phone.

We think it is essential that you are very well prepared before you go on a trip. Dress lightly but also politely. We will pass through areas where people are quite conservative. We spend time in villages where people are sometimes not impressed with the way Westerners dress nowadays.

Code of conduct in the villages

We also have a code of conduct in communities and during our hikes through the forest. Always remember we are the guest in this country. We are the guests in the villages where we spend the night. At all times, we would like to ask you to behave quietly and respectfully. Please limit the consumption of alcohol to the minimum. In some villages beer is available but please be modest.

Trekking with overnight in tribal villages is still one of the great experience in Thailand. We hope this trekking information has been useful.