Umpang Travel Guide (Umpang, Thailand)

The focus of all Umpang treks is the three-tiered Tee Lor Su Waterfall , which flows all year round and is said to be the sixth highest in the world. During the dry season you can get half-way to the falls by road, but at other times they're reached by a combination of rafting and walking. A variety of other attractions in the area combine to make Umpang treks some of the most genuine organized wilderness experiences in Thailand; there is more emphasis on walking than in the more popular treks around Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. The three main trek leaders operating out of Umpang are Mr Tee, at Trekker Hill (tel 055/561090), 700m northwest of the wat; Cocoh, based at BL Tour at Umpang Guesthouse (tel 055/561021); and Mr Boonchuay, who operates from his home, 500m west of the wat (tel 055/561020). They all charge B2500 to 4000 per person (minimum two people) for four-day treks, which include rafting, camping at hot springs, a jungle trek to Tee Lor Su waterfall, an elephant ride and a night in a Karen village. Guides should provide tents, mosquito nets and sleeping bags, plus food and drinking water, though trekkers may be asked to help carry some of the gear. The main drawback with arranging things from Umpang is that you may have to wait for a couple of days for the trek leader to return from his last trip; the best time to contact them is after 6pm. You can usually stay at the trek leader's home for about B50 a night before and after your trek.