Pooh Eco-Trekking

Pooh Eco-Trekking is an independent Chiang Mai trekking company that has been operating since 1999. It runs its own treks rather than selling through travel agents, and it does not accept commissioned sales. It also steers clear of the elephant-riding combination packages that are sold by many other trekking outfits, which makes it a sensible choice for travellers who want a hill trek without animal rides tacked on.

The company's featured trip is a multi-day trek in the Sop Moei and Mae Sariang area of northern Thailand. It includes camping beside a river, cooking in the jungle, a visit to a bat cave and homestays in Karen hill tribe villages. Treks like this are a chance to experience rural life away from the main tourist routes, and to understand how communities in the hills live today.

After the COVID-19 period the company moved its office from central Chiang Mai to the owner's house in a suburb of the city, so contact is now by WhatsApp, office telephone or mobile phone through the website's contact page. Arrange your start point and pick-up when you book.

Multi-day treks suit fit, adventurous travellers who are comfortable with simple accommodation, basic facilities and long days on foot. They are a good fit for solo travellers and small groups of friends who want something more personal than a mass-market day tour. Ask about the expected walking times, terrain and what is included, such as meals, water and transport, before you commit.

Pack light but carry good walking shoes, a rain jacket in the wet season, insect repellent, a torch and a small first-aid kit. Respect local customs in the villages: dress modestly, ask before taking photographs of people, and follow your guide's lead. Book well ahead so that the company can confirm dates, guides and pick-up.

Before you go, ask the company to explain the daily route and the type of homestay accommodation, so you know what to expect. Carry some cash for small purchases in villages, and bring a sleeping layer for cooler nights in the hills. Learning a few words of greeting can help break the ice with host families.