Chiang Mai Travel Information

Chiang Mai Horse Trekking

In the relatively un-visited province of Phrao, not too far from Chiang Mai, a guy called Boris Mimietz runs a horseback trekking service.

A few years ago Boris discovered that the Phrao Valley and surrounding mountains are best navigated on horseback. With this in mind he set up the Thai Horse Farm in 2003, and soon after began leading small adventure groups through streams, down gullies and up mountains for anything up to a fortnight at a time.

Smaller than other breeds, the Asian mountain horses that carry Boris and friends on the treks are unique, since they can tackle any kind of terrain; winding slopes, steps and ridges, fallen trees, everything is but a stroll in the park for these animals since remote mountains are their natural habitat - you'll be in safe hooves, so to speak.

Boris plans the routes to suit his customer's level of riding - that's to say that complete novice riders are welcome. But for anyone who does know what they're doing then expect some serious galloping on the open flat.

However, do be careful, since you are heading right into the heart of the forest; there will be times when you have to lean right down onto the horse's neck to get under spider webs and branches, and don't be surprised if Boris has to dismount and hack away at foliage from time to time.

Be aware that Phrao is not (as yet) on any commercial trekking route, so you won't encounter such things as elephants chained to trees with its owner conveniently placed with a barrel of bananas (the idea is that you buy them to feed his elephant and he makes a profit), nor will you be accosted by hill tribe kids in full tribal gear harassing you to pay 10 baht for a photo.

What you will see is the real Thai countryside, with people working the fields as they have for centuries. It's safe to say it doesn't get much more "off the beaten track" than this.

By the way, Boris is also a trained cook and so you'll have the opportunity to marvel at his campfire cooking skills; a few dishes of authentic Thai food served with whatever wild fruits you managed to pick earlier in the day.

For some people that's better than anything a five-star restaurant could knock up. Food and gear all provided by Boris, including tents and something decent to sleep in (no, we don't mean Thai silk pajamas).

Phrao is incredibly easy to get to from Chiang Mai and has some really stunning scenery.

To arrange horseback trips its best to contact Boris directly at Thai Horse Farm

Chiang Mai