Gibbon Spotting & Hiking Tour from Chiang Mai: Mae Kampong

The gibbons here were released as part of a rehabilitation project and now live in a secluded area known only to locals.

This 7-hour tour from Chiang Mai takes you into the rainforest east of the city to hike a seldom-visited 3km trail through Mae Kampong, spot wild gibbons in their habitat, and explore a mountain village nestled among towering peaks. A local guide leads the hike, explains the flora and fauna, and takes you past one of Chiang Mai's oldest trees. Lunch and an air-conditioned vehicle with hotel pickup are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Mae Kampong village and jungle hike

• Drive one hour to Mae Kampong village
• Explore village alleys
• Hike seldom visited jungle trail
• Visit Mae Kampong waterfall
• Cool off in waterfall pools
• Enjoy coffee overlooking village

The experience

After an hour's drive from Chiang Mai, you arrive in Mae Kampong village and wander through its intricate network of alleys before the main hike begins. The trail itself is a 3km route through the forest that sees few visitors outside the locals who know it. You'll pass streams, ancient trees, and dense jungle canopy while your guide points out the plants and animals along the way. The oldest tree in Chiang Mai stands somewhere on this path, a detail your guide will explain as you walk.

Before the village hike, there's a shorter trek to try spotting the resident gibbons. These majestic creatures were released years ago as part of a rehabilitation project and now live in a secluded area that only a handful of people know about. It's not a guarantee (wildlife spotting never is), but the guide knows where they're most likely to be. After the main hike, you'll climb up to Mae Kampong waterfall, cool off in the refreshing pools, and sit in a local coffee shop with views over the village before heading back to the city.

Lunch is included, as is the donation to the gibbon caretaker program. The guide speaks English and will walk the whole day with you. The vehicle is air-conditioned for the drive and the pace is built for moderate fitness.

What’s included

• Local guide in English.
• lunch.
• air-conditioned vehicle with hotel pickup from Chiang Mai.
• donation to the gibbon caretaker program.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 to 80 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (under 4)

GroupUp to 8 · max 4 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Eco Tours Chiang Mai

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English throughout the day, so you follow the commentary on the gibbons, the forest ecology and the village history without translation delays. Book this tour if you want to hike a genuine backcountry trail and have a real chance at spotting wild gibbons, not a staged animal encounter.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (under 4).

Can I actually see gibbons on this hike from Chiang Mai?

The tour includes a dedicated gibbon-spotting trek before the main hike, and the guide knows the secluded area where the rehabilitated gibbons live. Sightings are not guaranteed (they are wild animals), but the guide has the knowledge of where they're most likely to be found.

What is the Mae Kampong waterfall like?

Mae Kampong waterfall has refreshing pools where you can cool off after the hike. The tour includes time to swim and then relax at a local coffee shop overlooking the village before the return drive to Chiang Mai.

How difficult is the 3km forest hike?

The trail is seldom visited and passes through dense jungle with streams and ancient trees. The tour requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness. It is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or during pregnancy.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes the local guide, lunch, air-conditioned vehicle transport, and a donation to the gibbon caretaker program. Hotel pickup from Chiang Mai is included. Coffee and tea are not.

How long is the drive from Chiang Mai to Mae Kampong?

The drive takes about an hour each way. The full tour runs 7 hours from pickup to return, with the bulk of time spent hiking and exploring the village and waterfall.

Do I need any special equipment for this hike?

Wear sturdy hiking shoes suitable for forest trails with streams and uneven terrain. Bring water and sun protection. The guide will advise on what else to bring when you book.