DOI PHA HOM PHOK NATIONAL PARK - a great hike but at times hard and thus requiring a good level of fitness.

Day 1; Duration 8 - 9 hours

Beginning at some hot springs, you spend the day ascending from 500 metres to 1900 metres. The track takes you through a variety of vegetation types as you climb - from sub-tropical rainforest through bamboo forest and into high altitude pine forest. The track, steep at times offers some great views of the valley below and the surrounding mountains. Campsite is at a ranger station where you will be ready for your dinner and a good night's sleep.

Day 2; Duration 6 hours

After a breakfast it's time to make for the summit. After some squeezing between fallen trees and a little light "gardening"! The summit is reached through a scrubby vegetation which is all that can survive on this windswept peak. Being called 'The mountain blanketed in cloud', you can understand why chances of views might be limited!

After lunch you drop down the side of the peak and make a steady decent through the cloud forest. As you begin the final descent you should be able to hear the faint sound of the distant waterfall, this indicates you are only 1km away from the campsite. The last section is steep and slippery. A rope may or may not be required but careful foot placements are advised. The slope ends at a stream; from which the rest of the trek follows a straight forward path down to the camp site.

The campsite is located on a flat grassy area. The waterfalls are located at the other side of the camp. It cascades down at various levels. You can walk up the old 4x4 track for an easy to-get-to shower, or if you prefer go down one level for a swim, or for the best experience go to the bottom tier for a powerful water massage.

Day 3 Duration 3 hours

The final stage takes you along an old 4x4 track heading North East up to "The Queens Project". The walking is pleasant with its shares of both up and downhill but nothing extreme. You will come across refreshing streams to cool you down.

As you round the top of one hill you will see a mixed hill tribe village with paddy fields. The end of the trek is on the other side of the village. You make you way across the top of the paddy fields which provide excellent views of the park. Carry on down a short section, over a small stream and up the final slope for a well deserved rest.

Here it is a 1 hour 4x4 drive down the mountainside back to the main road. So just sit back, relax and enjoy the sights of The Fang National Park and relish in your accomplishment of scaling Thailand's 2nd highest mountain.

PHA HOM PHOK TO CHIANG RAI - Hike, bike, canoe and ride and elephant!

This is an increasingly popular expedition with its variety of 'transports'

Day 1

Drive to Doi Pha Hom Phok National Park (about 45 minutes).The hike (about 12km) takes in jungle, caves, gorges and waterfalls. It is a moderately difficult route, but quite accessible to most people. Camp at the Hot Springs with the opportunity to swim in a safe stream and to have a sauna at the hot springs.

Day 2

AM Cycle about 45 km along quiet rural back roads to the resort. We have high quality bikes and a support vehicle will accompany the group.

PM After lunch, paddle canoes for a few hours and camp near to the old temple of Wat Prathert Sob Fang. Here there is plenty of opportunity to safely swim in the river. Camp overnight next to the river.

Day 3

Continue canoeing to the village of Pha Tai where you disembark. From here take a pleasant hilltribe track along the river. In this section, the Mae Kok River has entered a steep-sided valley with gorge like sections. The scenery is very impressive and the walking easy. Camp over night at the village of Pha Kwang.

Day 4

Walk a few hours (6 km) to a point where elephants meet the group for the final 6 km section of the journey to the Karen village of Ruam Mit. After lunch, vehicles will return you to the resort or take you to Chiang Rai.