- Overview
- Trip Outline
- Trip Includes
- Trip Excludes
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- FAQ
Trip Duration: 2 Days, 1 Night
Date: TBA
Day 1 Running Distance: 21.5km (1560m gain, 570m loss)
Day 2 Running Distance: 28.5km (860m gain, 1630m loss)
Group size: 6-12 runners
Single supplement: No
What to expect?
If you love mountains, trail running, and coffee, look no further! This multi-day trail running adventure, organized with the support of Easia Active, takes you way off the beaten track to some of Chiang Mai's most remote mountains. You'll pass sleepy villages, run on forgotten jungle trails and scenic mountain roads, and taste unique ethnic cuisine prepared by friendly hosts. You'll also learn all about coffee production as you get hands-on experience with dehulling, roasting, and brewing your own coffee. Tasting is not optional 😉.
This adventure is not a race or a competition, the goal is not to be first or the fastest. The objective is to go out and explore beautiful trails in a remote region with like-minded people. We will stay overnight in a homestay setting in a remote Akha village that is powered only by solar energy. But what the accommodation lacks in comfort is more than made up for by the hospitality of the hosts and the priceless views.
Check out this video of the zero edition to get an idea of what to expect.
Day 1
We will leave Chiang Mai city early and head to Phrao, a small town located in a fertile valley north of Chiang Mai. We'll make a brief stop to stock up on water and fuel if needed, before getting on a local truck that will take us to the trailhead. This is where the trail running adventure really starts. We start the run at a scenic reservoir and we soon start making our way up a mountain road. The double-track road leads to a small secluded village inhabited by ethnic Lahu people. From there, we'll head onto a steep but fun single-track section that takes us through the jungle. When we arrive at another double-track road ahead we'll be rewarded with views of green mountains all around. Our transportation will also be on standby here for water, fuels or other support if needed. We cross a small creek, a great place to cool down a bit before starting the longest and steepest climb of the day that takes us through dense jungle forest. We know we are close to our final destination when the jungle makes place for coffee plantations.
A tasty lunch, prepared by the locals is the perfect way to recover from the running. In the afternoon there is time to relax a bit before joining one of the coffee farmers to learn all about coffee, from bean to cup. Coffee is the main source of income for the village, and you will learn about how it grows, the different ways of processing the beans, and enjoy a true "slow coffee" experience as you get to dehull, roast, and brew your own coffee by hand.
Our hosts will prepare another delicious local meal for dinner. Since the village runs on solar power, there is not much to do in terms of entertainment. But good company and good conversations go a long way to make for a memorable night.
Day 2
We wake up early as we have another nice stage of running ahead. After a simple but delicious breakfast, we start running along mountain roads along the border of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai provinces. The route for today has some climbing, but it will be mostly downhill running today.
Enjoy the fresh mountain air as you run through pine forests. As we near other remote Akha villages the trees make way for spectacular views. If the weather is right you can see the majestic Doi Luang Chiang Dao in the distance.
After a short fuel stop at one of the villages, we will head onto an amazing single-track section through forests and farmlands with breathtaking views to keep you going. This little piece of trail paradise takes us to another village where we can take a breather and relax before starting the final part. The last part of the route is along a nice and wide double-track road, along orchards and streams, the perfect way to conclude our running adventure.
Our transportation will be waiting near the trailhead and will take us back to Phrao where we can enjoy a nice lunch to recover from all the running. After that, it is time to head back to Chiang Mai city where we will arrive in the course of the afternoon with great memories of a unique trail running experience!
Questions?
Make sure to read the FAQ section, if you still need more assistance do not hesitate to reach out!
The below timings are approximate, they may be adjusted depending on the group's requirements or the conditions on the day of running.
Itineraries
Day 1
Date : October 29, 2022
Time : 5:00 am
Departure from Chiang Mai city
Leave Chiang Mai by minivan and head out to Phrao, a sleepy town North of Chiang Mai
Day 1
Date : October 29, 2022
Time : 6:45 am
Arrive in Phrao, prepare to go to the trailhead
Upon arrival, we will leave the minivan behind and change to a local truck that will take us to the trailhead. This is the time for a quick visit to the bathroom and to stock up on fuel, because from here on out we will be heading off the grid.
Day 1
Date : October 29, 2022
Time : 7:30 am
Trail time!
Time to hit the trails! We will start climbing right away as we start running on a double-track road that leads us to a remote village, deep in the forest. From there, some serious climbing is waiting for us!
Day 1
Date : October 29, 2022
Time : 10:00 am
Halfway break
At the halfway mark of the route we still have most of the elevation to cover. In order to make sure we are ready for more climbing, transportation will be waiting for us here with water and fuel.
Day 1
Date : October 29, 2022
Time : 1:00 pm
Arrival and lunch at a remote village
Upon arrival at the village, it is time to relax, refuel and recover as we enjoy a simple but delicious lunch of local specialties. Afterward it is time for everyone to head to their homestay to freshen up change.
Day 1
Date : October 29, 2022
Time : 3:00 pm
Bean to cup coffee experience
As you are now in "coffee country", it would be a crime to not take the opportunity and learn all about one of the world's most popular beverages. We will spend time with a local farmer who will explain the whole coffee growing process, from bean to cup. The experience would not be complete without trying out some of the most important steps, like roasting and brewing coffee.
OVERNIGHT
Date : October 29, 2022
Time : 7:00 pm
Homestay in a remote village
Because the village is so remote, there is not much to do in the evening. So after another delicious local meal, it is time to settle down and relax before calling it an early night. After all, amazing trails are waiting for us tomorrow!
Day 2
Date : October 30, 2022
Time : 6:00 am
Breakfast & early start
We will wake up around sunrise and after an early breakfast head straight onto the trails. We've got most of the running still in front of us, and by leaving early we avoid the heat of the day.
Day 2
Date : October 30, 2022
Time : 8:30 am
Mountain running with stops in local villages
A big part of the route will be downhill, and if the weather is our friend, we will get to enjoy some amazing views along the way. Throughout the route, we will pass more villages where we can take a break and refuel as needed. Of course, the backup vehicle is available at these points for extra support.
Day 2
Date : October 30, 2022
Time : 12:30 pm
Lunchin Phrao
Our transportation will be waiting for us at the end of the trail and will bring us to Phrao town where we will have a final lunch before returning to Chiang Mai town by private minivan.
END OF THE TRIP
Date : October 30, 2022
Time : 3:30 pm
Arrival in Chiang Mai city
We will be back in Chiang Mai city in the afternoon, tired but fulfilled and with lots of memories to take home.
What's included?
- Return transfer from/to Chiang Mai city to Phrao
- Two trail runs with an experienced run leader
- Support by a licensed English-speaking tour guide
- Support vehicle on stand-by at strategic points along the route
- Overnight in a remote village (homestay in basic conditions)
- Half board meals (2x lunch, 1x breakfast, 1 dinner)
- A hands-on coffee learning experience with dehulling, roasting, and of course tasting!
- Trail snacks for each day (500Kcal per day)
- Water refill at the start of each run and at support points
- Accident insurance as per legal minimum
What's not included?
- Personal expenses on spot
- Any trail running equipment
- Tips and gratuities
Add a review
Definitely not. Because we will cover considerable distances running on trails with challenging elevation profiles, this tour is not for beginners.
It is also important to keep in mind that perceived effort may be higher if you are not used to the heat and humidity of Thailand.
On the other hand, we do keep the tempo leisurely with time to rest and take photos along the way as necessary. So the tour is more accessible than a competitive trail race, for example.
As a guideline, we suggest that any participant has at least comfortably finished a half marathon (21km) trail race with more than 1000m of elevation.
You can book via this website, by clicking on the "Book now" button on the right hand side of the page (if you are on a computer), or on the bottom of the page (if you are on a mobile device).
During the check out process you have to fill out your contact details. We will then contact you back with payment instructions.
Your booking will only be final when we received your payment in the account.
Yes. On the first day there is a refuel stop around the halfway point of thev route, and on the second day there will be 2 points where the van is on stand-by for backup. At those points, you can refill with water if needed, or cut the run short if you really don't want to continue.
- You can cancel without any charge up to 14 days before the departure date. If you already made the payment we will reimburse it to you. - If you would like to cancel later than that, we will charge 50% of the amount.
- In case of cancellation of less than 7 days we will keep the full amount.
In such a case we will reimburse you 100%. In case there are not enough participants we will inform you about this not less than 14 days before the date of departure.
For this tour there is no single supplement. There is no hotel or guesthouse in the village, we will stay overnight on a homestay basis. This means you will be sleeping in a room in someone's house. While the villagers will try to accommodate requests regarding who shares a room with who, this cannot be guaranteed, and it is possible that you may share the room with other runners.
This trip is organized by Chiang Mai Trail Running, with the support of Easia Active, a fully TAT licensed tour operator.
Yes. You are covered by the minimum required insurance which covers hospitalization up to 500.000THB and 1.000.000THB for death or permanent disability.
However, we strongly suggest to take out a comprehensive travel or accident insurance that covers hiking and trail running.
For the running:
- Trail running shoes
- comfortable clothes for running
- Rain jacket (also useful for cold mornings)
- Hydration vest or flasks (2 liters of total capacity recommended)
- A buff, hat or cap for sun protection
For the overnight and general:
- A change of fresh clothes
- A towel
- Personal items like toothbrush, soap, etc.
- Some cash to cover small expenses
- A powerbank to recharge electronic devices
Optional but useful:
- Smartphone or watch with GPS function
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Mosquito Repellent
There are of course more things you could bring, but you should be good with the above.
We will stay overnight in a remote Akha village. The village does not have electricity and runs on solar power only, meaning that after dark electricity is extremely limited. Therefore, a flashlight and power bank are very useful items to bring.
There is no hotel or guesthouse in the village, we will stay overnight on a homestay basis. This means you will be sleeping in a room in someone's house. While the villagers will try to accommodate requests regarding who shares a room with who, this cannot be guaranteed, and it is possible that you may share the room with other runners.
In the rooms, a mattress with bedding and a mosquito net is provided. There is a shared bathroom in each house.
Because there is no electricity at night, the village is very quiet very early.
Alex– :
Want something authentic ? Off the beaten trails ? With amazing views and a good challenge ? I think this is it. Can only recommend this great adventure and superb organisation who will cater to your level of fitness and make sure you have lifetime memories (I do!). Thanks Bram !
Matt James– :
I was fortunate to participate in the zero edition of this adventure weekend of trail running and coffee. The routes to and from the homestay are simply stunning with countless breathtaking views. The running is challenging but worth the effort and possible for people with a reasonable base fitness. The time up at the coffee farm was unique with welcoming friendly people and exceptional coffee and food. Certainly a series of special memories this trip stands out as one of the best I have participated in.
ray– :
i was lucky to be part of the dry run and had an absolute blast! the course was a pretty good mix of jeep trails and single track. day 1 was sunny but mostly under cover. challenging yet definitely manageable. the coffee farm/experience was great with the hosts absolutely welcoming. day 2 rained on us but added to the joy of running in and atop clouds. it was actually refreshingly keeping you cool during the run. watching the clouds pass through the valleys were just as stunning. if you’re looking for a little adventure and shared laughs with like-minded enthusiasts, then it’s a must do!
Chris Norris– :
This is an authentic adventure through some of the most beautiful terrain in the world. With an amazing “bean to cup” coffee experience, delicious and unique hill tribe food that was literally like nothing I have tasted in my life (in a good way)! This one has it all; trails, views, adventure, food, adrenaline, and relaxing. 5/5 HIGHLY RECOMMEND