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At a glance
Trip Duration: 7 Days, 6 Nights
Days of Running: 5
Total Running Distance: +/- 90 kilometers
Average Daily Running Distance: +/- 15-20 kilometers
Group size: 6-20 runners
Departures: 28 October 2023 & 20 January 2024
Single Supplement: Yes
What to expect?
This weeklong Thailand trail running holiday in Chiang Mai strikes the perfect balance between running on breathtaking trails and discovering diverse local cultures. We'll take you deep into the mountains to hidden temples, through local villages, and to sensational viewpoints and hidden natural gems. But a visit to Chiang Mai wouldn't be complete without a visit to the city's old town and opportunities for unforgettable sightseeing experiences. The itinerary for the week is carefully crafted by experienced professionals, combining a wealth of knowledge in hospitality with sports events organization. We take care of the most essential things like accommodation, transportation, and even some meals to assure a seamless experience, both on and off the trails.
The Running Routes
The routes are carefully selected for their variation and diversity and are sure to appeal to both beginning and advanced runners. The different runs build up in difficulty so that everyone can ease into and get used to the climate and trails. Each run is led by experienced running leaders, and we'll provide enough opportunities to rehydrate and refuel so that you can focus on enjoying the trails. For safety and convenience, we also provide a backup by a vehicle on the longer runs. The trail runs throughout the week are no races or competitions, the goal is not to be first or the fastest. The objective is to explore beautiful Chiang Mai and its trails with like-minded people. Check them out below:
Valleys & Views
- Distance: 17 kilometers
- Elevation: +/- 600 meters
For this run, we'll head deeper into the countryside to explore an interesting mix of different sceneries. Forests, agricultural settlements, and dense jungle trails provide the background for this run. With a relatively modest elevation profile and mostly easy trails, this is the perfect run to push the distance a bit. Along the way, there will be plenty of spots where we'll be rewarded with amazing views, perfect to take a breather.
Trails & Tribes (overnight running trip)
- Distance: 21 kilometers (Day 1) & 23 kilometers (Day 2)
- Elevation: + 880 meters, - 1,100 meters (Day 1), +940 meters, - 1,140 meters (Day 2)
This overnight trip will be the highlight of the week, as we head far out of the city into the mountains to immerse in local culture. From a hidden mountain temple, we will run through amazing scenery with terraced rice paddies, local villages, and green forests as we make our way to a charming mountain lodge where we'll stay the night. With comfortable rooms and even a swimming pool, the lodge offers all the comfort we need to recover from our run.
The next day we'll start running early to make use of the beautiful morning light as we run to a viewpoint. With the right weather conditions the views here are absolutely breathtaking! After taking in the views, we have an exhilarating downhill in front of us back down to the valley.
The Champions' Run
- Distance: 24 kilometers
- Elevation: +/- 1,250 meters
For the last run of the week, we have something special in store. We will use some of the trails that were used for the inaugural edition of the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships and are part of other top-notch competitions that take place in Chiang Mai, including Doi Inthanon by UTMB. The route is considerably more challenging than the ones we used so far, but lots of fun and very beautiful as well. After a steep climb up to a local village it's a rolling downhill to a scenic lake. As it's the last run of the week, after the run we'll take the time to relax at the lake and enjoy a delicious local lunch.
Accommodation Options
For this trip, we have carefully selected 2 hotel options for you to choose from, taking into account the location, facilities, and level of service. See the selected hotels below:
Standard
The standard hotel choice for this trip, offering the best value for money, is De Lanna Boutique Hotel. It is conveniently located in the heart of Chiang Mai's old town, and with comfortable rooms and a swimming pool, it is the perfect base for your trail running adventure.
Superior
For those who are looking for more comfort during their trip, Chala Number 6 offers the perfect balance between luxury and convenience. Like the Standard option, it is located in the heart of the old town, but the rooms and facilities are at another level.
Questions?
Make sure to read the FAQ section, if you still need more assistance do not hesitate to reach out!
What's included?
- 6 nights of accommodation with breakfast
- 5 nights in a comfortable hotel in downtown Chiang Mai (choice of Standard or Superior option)
- 1 night in a charming mountain lodge
- Transfers to/from all the runs
- 5 trail runs led by an experienced run leader
- Support by vehicle and refuel points at strategic locations throughout the runs
- A guided visit to Wat Phrathat DoiSupport with an expert English-speaking guide
- 5 meals (2 dinners, 3 lunches)
- 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?
- International flights
- Transfers from/to Chiang Mai Airport (we're happy to arrange this at an extra cost)
- Optional excursions (we're happy to arrange these at an extra cost)
- Meals on free moments
- Personal expenses on spot
- Any trail running equipment
- Tips and gratuities
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 28, 2023
Time : 9:00 am
Arrival in Chiang Mai
Get ready to discover the ancient temples, the rich culture and, of course, the world-class trail of Chiang Mai!
In the afternoon we'll meet up for a short briefing about the trip. It's the perfect time to get to know your running buddies, guides, and support team. Once that is out of the way, we'll go to the centuries-old Wat Prathat Doi Suthep to take in the sights and experience a blessing ceremony for some extra karma points for the trip.
We'll finish the evening with dinner at a nice local restaurant in town.
Day 2
Date : October 29, 2023
Time : 7:00 am
The Temple Run
We will start the day early for a first short introduction to the trails of Northern Thailand. The starting point for our first run will be a local temple on the outskirts of town. The staircase up to the pagoda makes for the perfect warm-up. We'll take in the views before heading onto some fun single-track trails through the forest. As we make our way down to the valley, we'll get to enjoy some amazing views to keep us going.
Day 3
Date : October 30, 2023
Time : 7:00 am
Valleys & Views
Today we're heading out a little bit further out of the city for a slightly longer run. The relatively easy trails and elevation profile make this run a good opportunity to get more used to the trails and the climate as we pass interesting scenery. We'll make our way through forests, agricultural settlements, and some dense jungles, while regularly being rewarded with some amazing views. After the run you will head back to your hotel where you can freshen up and relax the rest of the day.
But if you would like to enjoy some of the amazing things that Chiang Mai has to offer, we've also got you covered! These are some optional activities we think you should try:
- Embark on a food adventure with a guide to discover all the best local gems around the city.
- Cook up your own dinner and learn the secrets of Thai cuisine during a cooking class.
- Reward your muscles for their hard work with a traditional Thai massage
Day 4
Date : October 31, 2023
Time : 6:00 am
Trails & Tribes - Overnight running trip
Today we're heading out into the remote mountains of Chiang Mai for n overnight adventure that will take you along forgotten trails, scenic mountain roads and remote villages. Thanks to the support team you don't need to worry about anything, and you can just enjoy the trails and the beautiful surroundings. We'll start the trip at a surprisingly opulent temple tucked about at the end of a mountainous road. From there we'll head into the forest until we reach a ridgeline which we'll follow into a valley lined with terraced rice paddies. We'll stop for a fuel break in a local village before following snaking trails over another ridge to the next valley. Along the way, we pass more forests and fruit orchards, while the views only get better.
At the end of the afternoon, we will arrive at a charming mountain lodge where we stay for the night. Take the time to relax and recover, and refuel in the evening with a delicious barbecue dinner for another day of running ahead.
Day 5
Date : November 1, 2023
Time : 6:00 am
Trails & Tribes - continued
Today we will leave before daybreak, but we'll make sure snacks and coffee are available to get you going. After a short drive to the trailhead, we start going uphill along mountain roads toward one of Chiang Mai's most epic viewpoints. Along the way, with the first light of the day breaking you may already get a taste of the views that are waiting. But they can't compare with what's waiting at the top, where with clear skies you can oversee different valleys and districts around Chiang Mai, and of course iconic Doi Suthep.
We'll take some time to refuel and enjoy the views before taking on the downhill section. It is fun and technical in some parts, but before you know it you will be back in the valley where we'll head to a local cafe to relax and enjoy a delicious lunch.
After lunch we'll head back to the hotel where you can relax and recover. Maybe now it the time for (another) Thai massage? It can do wonders for recovery, and after all, we still have 1 day of running ahead!
Day 6
Date : November 2, 2023
Time : 10:00 am
Free day at leisure
Today is wide and open, to allow you to enjoy some well-deserved rest and recovery. Or to enjoy some more of the amazing things that Chiang Mai has to offer. These are some of the most memorable optional excursions we recommend:
- Visit an elephant park where you can meet these gentle giants up-close
- Explore some of Chiang Mai's local areas by bicycle on a half-day cycling trip
- Head out into the countryside for a day of living like a local. Learn about rice farming, agriculture, and local beliefs while participating in fun activities.
Day 7
Date : November 3, 2023
Time : 7:00 pm
The Champions' Run
For the last day of running, we've got a special run in store for you. After an early breakfast we'll head to a monastery on the edge of the forest to start making our way up to Doi Suthep mountain. We'll use trails that were part of the inaugural edition of the Wold Mountain and Trail Running Championships. The first part is a climb to a Hmong village, located roughly 1000 meters higher up the mountain. After pushing through the seemingly never-ending steep sections, the village is the perfect place to refuel and unwind as you take in the local atmosphere. From there, a long, flowing downhill dirt road leading towards a lake allows you to cruise down the mountain. To keep things interesting, we'll hop onto some fun single tracks that lead you past a hidden waterfall and to a collection of floating bamboo huts on the lake. The perfect place to enjoy a local meal and look back on an amazing week.
At the beginning of the afternoon, you will return to you hotel, bringing an end to this epic trail running adventure in Chiang Mai.
No. 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 competitive half marathon (21km) trail race with more than 1000m of elevation.
To allow for a more tailor-made approach, we don't have a direct booking function on the website for this trip. You can get in touch with us by clicking on the "Trip Enquiry" 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).
Just provide us with the important details and other relevant info (number of travelers, choice of accommodation level, special needs/requests,...) and we will be in touch to finalize your booking and payment right away.
Unless otherwise agreed by Easia Travel, payments shall be made by bank transfer, to the Easia Travel Thailand's bank account which will be clearly noted in all the invoices.
Every party shall take care of any bank transfer fees occurring with its according bank.
It is possible to pay by credit card but we need to apply a 4% bank fee.
We will charge a non-refundable deposit of 50USD per person to cover administration fees, with the rest of the due amount to be paid no later than 30 days before the departure date.
Please check the cancellation terms for more details about cancellations.
If you want to cancel more than 31 days prior to the group arrival, no cancellation fees will be charged (except the non-refundable deposit). After that, the following terms apply:
- Cancellation between the 30th and 16th day prior to the group arrival: 35% of the total tour price less the deposit paid.
- Cancellation between the 15nd and 09th day prior to the group arrival: 50% of the total tour price less deposit paid.
- Cancellation between the 8th and 4th day prior to the group arrival: 90% of the total tour price less the deposit paid.
- Less than 72 hours before arrival date: 100% of the total tour price.
Yes. We provide hydration and fuel points at strategic places along the routes. The number of stops depends on the distance and difficulty of each route.
Besides that, we also have identified strategic points where vehicles can pickup any runners who don't want to, or can't, continue running.
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 25 days before the departure.
For this tour, there is a single supplement of 200 USD. Please let us know if you need a single room when making your inquiry for the tour.
This trip is organized by Chiang Mai Trail Running, with the services on spot organized and taken care of by 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
Optional but useful:
- Smartphone or watch with GPS function
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Mosquito Repellent
For the moments you won't be running, you will need all the things you normally take on a holiday.
Of course!
Except for the overnight running trip, the runs will usually take less than a half day, so there will be plenty of time to spend together off the trails.
If you plan on traveling together with non-runners, please mention when making an inquiry, we are more than happy to tailor their stay and recommend suitable activities.
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