Stray Away Travel

I did this trek with my girlfriend and this was my second time to Thailand but first time to Chiang Mai. I was recommended to do a jungle trek with Alex at stray away by a friend. Our plans changed a lot and in the end at short notice Alex took us out on a trek. Only then did we realize that it was Alexs day off and he was taking us out especially just so he could show us how beautiful the hills, jungle and villages of Chiang Mai can be.

Alex picked us up from our hostel then took us to a local market where we grabbed a quick bite to eat whilst he went and got food for lunch. After that we drove into the outback and started trekking. This was the highlight of my entire trip and also my girlfriends.

The views were beautiful on the way to the "secret" (shhhh) waterfall. Alex stopped at different points not only for water breaks but to tell you more about the country, nature and wildlife. We saw all sorts of things that we would of just walked past for example the Mimosa leafs that hide when you touch them.

The second waterfall was incredible to swim under, we had a beer and then Alex came out with the most amazing lunch. Fresh fish, pineapple and rice. There are plenty of dogs around this waterfall and infact i took more photos of dogs than anything else on this trek.

On the way back up we walked through a village which Alex has been helping. He helps fund raise for the school so they can have clean water and vaccinates/fleas the dogs so they can have a better standard of life. Alex is one of the kindest, honest and self less person i've ever met. I highly recommend his trips if you want a personal, off the tourist track adventure. You may have see other treks in Chiang Mai but trust me nothing will come close to this.

What an awesome day with Alex! I would highly recommend this company. Super unique experience with a knowledgeable guide trekking through the hills to waterfalls and villages that they only have access to. Away from any other groups which made us feel private and personal. Oh, and some of the best food I have had in Chiang Mai! Thank you Alex and Niki!

Crossing rice fields, the village, waterfalls and trekking around the river trough the jungle sounds amazing, but with Alex as our guide it was even better than that. A trek full of settlements history, traditions on rice growing and community philosophy made this day a one to remember and always recommend. Hope you like fish cause lunch is unbelievable. Extra tip, you better know your countries, cause the guide will put you up for a test!

Absolutely wonderful trek — a true highlight of my trip! Alex started Stray Away because of his passion for visiting the mountains and giving back to local villages. You’ll get to see two scenic waterfalls, talk with villagers and even play soccer with them! The actual trek part is perfect — we walked downhill for an hour and then uphill after lunch for about 20 minutes (with another 20 minutes of flat walking). I did the trek in my sneakers and had no problem. There were very few other travelers on the trek, making it the perfect secluded getaway from Chiang Mai. Highly recommend!

What an incredible day trek this was! Picked us up at our hostel at around 8am and we were off. I recommend eating breakfast beforehand but if you don't have time he stops in a location that has local food and coffee or there's a 7/11.

The roads are a bit bumpy and winding once you get closer but he drove slow enough that it was fine. Once we get there our guide Alex gave us a run down of the trek, offered water and walking sticks for anyone who wanted them.

The trek itself was probably a medium trek (I did it in flip flops so wasn't too bad if you've hiked before). The first waterfall was beautiful and the second one was even better (you swim at the second one). The lunch was very delicious and filling, we had chicken fried rice with peppers and fruits (vegetarian and vegan options available).

Alex was very informative the whole time and really funny which made the trek way easier and felt like time flew by. My favourite part was visiting the school children and seeing how the hill tribe community operates.

Amazing trek from Chiang Mai. The one day jungle trek was a perfect way to get out into nature, learn about the local farming villages, and experience Thailand's natural beauty. The guide, Alex, is incredibly knowledgeable, hilarious, and fun. The hike wasn't too difficult. We saw rice farms, walked through small villages, swam in a beautiful waterfall, and cooked a fresh fish over an open fire for lunch. Highly recommend.

This trekking is amazing! We went with a group of 5 and Alex was our guide, he gives you so much information about the jungle and the local villages. You visit a beautiful waterfall and end up in a village in the mountains. This was one of the best things i did in Chiang mai. + They give a part of their profit to the village. So join these beautiful People and go on a trekking!

Had an absolute amazing day with Alex! One day jungle trekking with a great small group of people. After the first part walking we had an amazing lunch with fresh fish! The lunchspot was a cool waterfall where you could swim (even in dryseason!!). During the trek Alex has a lot to tell about Thailand and the nature. He knows the local villages and even feeds the puppies! Organisation of the day was perfect! Thanks Alex!

Went on the jungle trek with Alex. He was a phenomenal guide! He knew so much about the nature of the area and the local people who lived there. Showed us cool plants and animals, and the trek itself was a great workout.

I’ve not been on a trek before and was recommended Stray Away by people at my hostel. I went on this trip as solo traveller but made some really good friends by the end of it. The water falls we visited were beautiful and we went for a swim in one of them and then had dinner next to it. The guide was a really cool guy that had a lot of information about the local area and kept us laughing all day. I would definitely recommend this trek to anyone who has a spare day in chiang Mai. I managed the trek with a massive hangover so you can too !

It was such a fun day out! Our guide Alex is extremely knowledgable about the Hilltribe and the local area which made the trek so much more interesting. This is our first trek in Thailand and cannot recommend it enough! We were two people joined with two solo travellers so our group was small. We got to see some amazing scenery and have a joke and a laugh with our group and guide which made it all the more enjoyable. Thanks!

A must do while in Chiang Mai. Alex does a wonderful job with the trek. The views are amazing as well as the waterfalls you see on the way. The lunch provided was great. Interacting with the locals and playing football with the kids was probably my favorite part.

This was the best trek ever!! Alex was an awesome and knowledgable guide. We met up with a local villager and he joined us throughout the whole trek. It was really special and genuine. We had lunch by a waterfall that was cooked by locals. It was soooo good. I bought a musical instrument from them and haven’t put it down since. It is the best purchase of my entire trip! Overall this trek was incredibly amazing and I am so happy i was able to experience it :)

Alex is the man! His passion for giving back to the local village you trek to is very admirable. We got to trek through to a village of a few hundred people, talk to locals, see their housing, and played football with the local kids. Everyone knew Alex and we felt very welcomed! Got to eat a great lunch at the waterfall, take a dip, and see the mountains. It’s a MUST DO for your trip!

Was an awesome day doing the jungle trek. Had great leaders who new a ton about Thailand and were able to answer any questions we had. They really care about connecting with the community, and that is what makes the trek that much better! Highly recommend!

Brilliant trek with Alex and Niki! Been raving about it to everyone I’ve met since.

This trip was so incredible!!! Alex and Niki are super knowledgeable and have such a good relationship with the locals who invite you into their neighborhood. What a great way to explore Thailand. Bonus - you get to see tons of cute puppies and baby pigs. 😍

Awesome day discovering the mountains of Chiang Mai! Beautiful landscape, waterfalls and cute little animals in the village. Thank you Niki and Alex for an amazing experience - I will see you next time I’m in Chiang Mai!

Excellent experience. Alex is clearly invested in the well-being of the hill tribes and is a fun and knowledgeable guide. Fully recommend.

Best part of our trip to Thailand. The guide was super fun and incredibly knowledgeable about the locals, nature and history of the place.