November to February is the easiest walking: dry paths, clear air and comfortable temperatures. June to October is green with full waterfalls but muddy underfoot and leeches are common. March and April bring haze from agricultural burning, which affects both the views and breathing on a climb.

Difficulty grades are not standardised between operators, so ask for distance, height gain and hours walking per day rather than trusting a label. As a rule, a day hike near Chiang Mai is a few hours on forest paths, while a two-day trek involves five to six hours of walking on each day.

You walk in during the day, stay in a village homestay, usually Karen, and walk out the next day. Bedding and meals are provided, facilities are simple, and there is often no hot water or reliable electricity. It is the part people remember, and it is why an overnight trek is a different experience from a day hike.

Shoes with grip that you accept will get wet, long trousers for undergrowth, insect repellent, and more water than feels necessary. In the wet season add leech socks or long socks. For overnight treks, a head torch and a dry bag for a change of clothes.

Almost always, since trailheads sit an hour or more outside the city and are not reachable by public transport. Pickup is normally from your hotel. That transfer is part of the day: a five-hour trek usually means seven or eight hours away from town.