Khun Nam Ngao Trek
Mae Hong Son, Northern Thailand
Season: October – February
Price: 1550 AUD / person
This multi-day mountain traverse leads you deep into the wild ridgelines of Mae Hong Son, connecting five iconic peaks across one of Northern Thailand’s most remote trekking regions.
The journey unfolds slowly—sunrise to sunset, camp to camp—through untouched forests, narrow ridges, and vast open viewpoints where seas of mist drift endlessly below. With no permanent facilities and limited access, the landscape remains raw, quiet, and profoundly immersive.
This trek is designed for those who seek more than scenery. It is about effort, presence, and earning every view along the way.
Trip Overview
Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Difficulty: ★★★★⭑☆ (4.5 / 5) — Very Challenging
Distance — 50+ km
Trekking Style: Expedition trekking · Mobile camping · River journey
• 5–7 hours of hiking per day
• Steep ascents and long descents
• Dense forest and remote terrain
• Carrying personal gear
• Limited facilities and no showersAccommodation: Camping & local camp stay
Season: October – February
This expedition is suitable only for experienced trekkers with strong fitness and comfort in remote, self-supported environments.
What Makes This Trek Special
One of the longest continuous treks in Mae Ngao National Park
Deep wilderness with minimal human presence
Multiple ridge sunrises and mountain camps
True expedition-style camping
Unique bamboo rafting finale on the Ngao River
Camping Style
This is a fully mobile camping expedition. We set up camp in a new location each night, often in remote forest clearings or ridge-top sites. Tents are shared, and all camps are simple, functional, and designed for wilderness travel rather than comfort.
Food
Meals are freshly prepared by the trekking team and focused on energy, warmth, and recovery. Expect hearty local dishes, rice, vegetables, and simple proteins. Food is nourishing and practical rather than elaborate, suited to long days on the trail.
Facilities
There are no showers during the trek. Toilet facilities are basic and set up at campsites where possible. A proper shower and changing facilities are available at Mae Ngao National Park headquarters at the end of the expedition.
Trail Conditions
Trails include steep ascents and descents, narrow ridges, dense forest, river valleys, and uneven ground. Some sections may be muddy or slippery, especially after rain. This is a remote trekking area with minimal infrastructure and limited trail signage.
Experience Level
This trek is for experienced and physically strong hikers. Participants should be comfortable trekking multiple long days in a row, managing fatigue, and adapting to remote conditions.
Weather & Environment
Mountain weather is unpredictable. Expect cool mornings, warm afternoons, humidity in forest sections, and occasional rain. Mist and low cloud are common, especially at higher elevations.
Pack Weight
There are no porters on this expedition.
Each participant carries their own backpack with personal gear, water, sleeping equipment, and daily essentials. Typical pack weight ranges from 10-15 kg, depending on personal gear choices. Packing light and efficiently is essential.
Respect for Nature
We follow strict Leave No Trace principles. All waste is packed out, campsites are left untouched, and wildlife is respected at all times. This expedition travels through sensitive ecosystems and remote communities where minimal impact is essential.
Trip Itinerary
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The expedition begins at Mae Ngao National Park headquarters, where we prepare our gear and make final checks before heading into the forest. From here, 4WD vehicles take us deep into the park, marking the last point of easy access.
The trek starts gently, weaving through dense forest and along remote ridgelines. The sense of isolation grows with every step as the sounds of civilization fade behind us. Lunch is taken on the trail, surrounded by towering trees and untouched jungle.
By late afternoon, we reach our first campsite at Jolue Kee / Mon Kong Khao. As night falls, we settle into camp and welcome the New Year beneath a sky filled with stars—quiet, remote, and unforgettable.
Trekking time: ~5 hours
Distance: ~9 km
Overnight: Jolue Kee / Mon Kong Khao campsite (tent)
Meals: Lunch, Dinner -
We wake to cool mountain air and drifting morning mist. After coffee and breakfast, we continue the journey toward Doi Rong, climbing steadily through forested slopes and open ridges.
The trail rewards us with increasingly wide views as we gain elevation. By midday, we pause for lunch along the ridge before making the final push to the summit.
Doi Rong offers sweeping panoramic views—especially magical in the late afternoon light. We set up camp near the summit, enjoy golden-hour photography, and spend the night high above the valleys, surrounded by silence.
Trekking time: ~5 hours
Distance: ~8 km
Overnight: Doi Rong summit campsite (tent)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
An early sunrise reveals a vast sea of mist below Doi Rong, one of the most memorable moments of the expedition. After breakfast, we begin the longest and most demanding day of the trek.
Today’s route descends and climbs through deep forest, remote ridgelines, and hidden valleys. This is a true endurance day, testing both physical strength and mental focus. Lunch is taken on the trail, with time to rest before continuing.
By early evening, we arrive at the campsite near Ban Mae Hat School. Tents are set, dinner is prepared, and the group settles in for a well-earned rest.
Trekking time: ~7 hours
Distance: ~19 km
Overnight: Ban Mae Hat campsite (tent)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
The terrain eases slightly today, but the journey remains remote and immersive. We trek through forest corridors and along river valleys, passing areas rarely visited by outsiders.
The rhythm of walking, resting, and sharing meals on the trail defines the day. By afternoon, we reach Sob Khong village, where we set up our final campsite.
The evening is relaxed and celebratory—a final night together in the wilderness before transitioning from mountains to river.
Trekking time: ~6 hours
Distance: ~13 km
Overnight: Sob Khong campsite (tent)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
After breakfast, we pack up camp and prepare for the expedition’s final highlight: bamboo rafting on the Ngao River.
Drifting downstream on traditional bamboo rafts offers a completely different perspective of the landscape—calm, reflective, and deeply connected to local tradition. Lunch is enjoyed along the riverbank or on the raft itself.
By afternoon, we return to Mae Ngao National Park headquarters for showers and a chance to change before beginning the journey back—ending the expedition tired, proud, and deeply connected to this remote corner of northern Thailand.
Activities: Bamboo rafting
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Upcoming departure dates
| Departure | Finish |
|---|---|
| 13 Nov 2026 | 17 Nov 2026 |
| 25 Dec 2026 | 29 Dec 2026 |
