The hike is going ahead.
This is a relatively easy hike we last did a bit over 2 years ago. We are starting from the Thung Roeng Royal Project, famous for its various types of avocado orchards (sorry, not in season now), but also cultivating many other produces.
We will follow the farm roads to an Elephant camp (always in season 😊) and will stop there for a break. Bring some cash to buy bananas if you like to spend some time and feed the pachyderms. Alternatively, there is also a coffee shop.
From there we follow a dirt-road into the Khanin valley. The first part will lead us along open farmland. Buffalos are normally in residence. A bit further, as we head deeper into the valley there will be a fair number of streams crossings. Depending on the water level, we may get across dry by resorting to some rocks hopping, but be prepared for wet feet.
We then will make a snack stop before starting the only steep part of the hike. The climb is on a dirt road and is not overly hard or prolonged. From there we return to our starting point along some more orchards and vegetable patches of the Royal Project.
After hike refreshments will be in a restaurant back on Samoeng road.
This hike is around 11km long and 310m ascent. The hiking loop should take us around 4 1/2 hours including some time with the elephants and snack break.
Hike leader: Othmar
Meeting point/time: The open area in front of Wat Wutthi Rat (Wat Ban Fon) on the ‘Southern Samong Road’ (#1269) at 07.20am for 07.30am departure. > Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/cHgJ1dqkpKrAG4eb6
Or ready at 8:00am by the Thung Roeng Royal Project parking area. > Google maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/9N3jJzZgEQePHgqj8
If you want to join, read our general advice on the above tabs, then if you are sure the hike is for you, just turn up at the meeting point on time. No groups please. No need to let us know you are coming. Note that places in cars cannot be guaranteed but are usually available. If you need a lift, offer your driver 100 baht towards fuel costs and bring a change of clothes/shoes for the return journey.
Please bring: As per usual advice (see tabs above), especially noting:
- Plenty of water and/or electrolyte drinks.
- Protection from the heat (start and end sections are exposed).
- Energy snacks and/or light picnic.
- Some cash if you like to buy some bananas for the Elephants.
- Plenty of energy, enthusiasm, good humor, smiles and team spirit.
Filed under: All posts | Tagged: Buffalos, Chiang Mai, Elephants, Hiking, Mae Khanin, Royal Project, Stream |