Hi there, I am planning a trip in November to either
Thailand or Indonesia. I want to do some trekking and want
to know anyone's advice of good places. The volcanoes in
Indo sound pretty awesome, do you think more exciting than
say, Chiang Mai in Thailand?
Anyone who has had a good trek please tell me where.
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Chiang Mai is like Disneyland. If you're into the unbeaten
track, you were beaten to it here. Indonesia has a ton of
volcanoes, and aside from Merapi and Bromo in Java, they
don't see much traffic. However, given the current political
situation in Indonesia, it's hard to recommend it. You might
come in from Manado in Sulawesi, and work down the peninsula
it's on to Poso. There are lots of treks in that area
(Bada), and also from Rantepao or Makale in Tanah Toraja
(more touristed, but nothing like Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai.)
Also, West and North Sumatra have more possibilities, with
quick exits from Padang or Medan to the Malay Peninsula.
If you want a true adventure go to Indonesia's Siberut Island. You can arrange to go there via a town called Bukkitingi (sp?). It is very heavy and wet trekking through the rainforest for approx. 5 days (approx. 6 hrs a day trekking). Your guides are indigenous Medicine men - clad only in loin cloths. You stay in Medicine men's stilt homes which house their pigs underneath the structure. If you are into incredibly rustic surroundings and the best experience of your life go to Siberut.
Chiang Mai is a large city in the north of Thailnd, great
place to visit for a short time (2-3 days). If you are
looking to get a little more remote then try Chang Rai or
Mae Hong Song. Keep in mind that trekking is big a tourist
business there the longer treks will take you into more
remote places. I would reccommend at least a 3-day trek.
Shop around for a guide and ask him exactly what tribes you
will see.
If given the choice I would chose Indonesia as a
destination. Much cheaper, people are very friendly (no that
Thai's are not), culture, night life, the level of english
is good, so many things to do. Thailand is a close second
choice, it is more travelled and easy to get around.
Feel free to e-mail me if you want more information.
I personally found both Thailand and Indonesia (the
miniscule porportion of it I saw)to be magic. Both
countries have it all - good beaches, lush jungle scenery,
excellent hill trekking and, in places, good partying.
Having said that, and although I never ventured beyond Bali
and Lombok, I felt Indonesia to be more raw and adventurous
than Thailand and with a bit of searching I have no doubt
you could find a beautiful secluded spot to youself.
Thailand on the other hand is more touristy but don't let
that put you off - there are still places to be found off
the beaten track (or kind of at least). Apparently the
trekking in Sulawesi is brilliant (Ihope so - I'm going
there soon)but the trek I went on in ther north of Thailand
was also very good - beautiful views, very friendly people,
some lovely waterfalls...I'm sorry if I haven't really
helped you answer the question. Ideally, my answer would be
for you to go to both Thailand and Indonesia. Good luck and
hope you enjoy. Robin.
If you want true adventure, I'd recommend East Timor with
the independance/autonomy referendum expected in early
August. Whilst it may not resemble the commodified
'Adventure' of tour brochures, the political environment
will guarantee an unforgettable experience. If you are an
experienced traveller, keep your head down and go. The
local people will recieve a tremendous vote of encouragement
to see that their present turmoil does not disuade the
adventurous, curious and conscientious traveller from
recieving their hospitality. I will be there, hopefully at
the Hotel Tourismo , which is the nicest hotel. jangan
takut!