The Golden Triangle Multi-Challenge 2010

The Golden Triangle Multi-Challenge 2010

Chiang Mai – Chiang Rai – Northern Thailand 

November 11 -20, 2010

This will be G4G’s 31st challenge.

Roam high amongst the hills of Northern Thailand and visit the remote hill tribes without disturbing their way of life, passing through villages that foreigners rarely see. Cycle on rural back roads through rolling hills, kayak through the jungle past remote riverside villages and stay in a jungle camp and village longhouse. The chance to see temples, limestone peaks, caves, elephants, waterfalls and an amazing mix of different cultures, all make this a fascinating cultural as well as physical adventure.

Level:  This will be a HARD test of fitness and determination, but it’s achievable by anyone who maintains a certain level of fitness, i.e.: regularly in the gym, swimming, walking. G4G will run a number of free training sessions before the challenge.

Number of participants: Maximum 25 per group.

Registration Fee: AED 1,850/-

Minimum Sponsorship: AED 17,000/- 

Assistance provided in advance by G4G: Fund-raising ideas; training & fitness suggestions; safety & medical advice; clothing & equipment advice.

What G4G provides on the Challenge: flights and transfers, hotels/tents (on a double-occupancy basis), food, guides, medical & vehicle back-up.

Essential to leave behind: Day-to-day problems.

Essential to bring: Determination & a sense of humour!

Closing date: As soon as the first 25 sign up.

Day 1:  

Depart Dubai in evening or late night – exact timing to be confirmed 

Day 2:

Arrive in Bangkok, visit the charity we are supporting (the Human Development Foundation) in the slums of Bangkok, then return to the airport to fly to Chiang Mai, where we will be met by our local guides and transferred to the hotel. 

During the afternoon we will have a short Chiang Mai city orientation tour, and an insight into general Thai customs and culture.

The evening meal will include a tour briefing in which the tour director will give us details of the ride/paddle/hike logistics, how safety and escort vehicles and boats are positioned and the formation of the trekking group, echelon, paddle train

Overnight at hotel 

Day 3:

Trekking: 10-15 km  

Transfer out of Chiang Mai into our entry point for the Mae Taeng valley.  Today we will catch glimpses of the Mae Taeng River as we trek through farmland and forests.  Lunch will be carried with us and the hike follows a small stream through mostly teak forest and jungle.  Then a steep climb will bring us to a hill top, Lahu village.  From there we can see another village on the other side of the mountain and that will be our overnight destination.  Another hour’s walk down the valley and up the hill will see us come into the hill-tribe village where we will spend the night. 

Overnight at hill tribe village, basic communal longhouses with mosquito net 

Day 4:  

Trekking: 10-15 km 

Today our trek is long and strenuous. We shall walk over 20km through mountain and jungle.   After a filling breakfast, our first part will be a long climb, probably in the morning mist. Then we reach a jeep track, which follows the mountain ridges. Eventually, when the sky is clear, we can have excellent views of the valley, stretching all the way to Doi Luang, the country’s third highest peak.  We will then go through bamboo forest and single trails to reach another village, after some 6 our 7 hours’ walk.  We meet our vehicles and are transferred for 1/2 hour to reach our hotel for the night.  Hopefully, we will have a good rest in this comfortable place, which is the start of our biking section of the challenge starting next day.

Overnight at hotel

Day 5:  

Cycling: from Mae Ping to Chiang Dao: 80km – some off road sections 

An early rise and after breakfast before we do our bike fitting. 

Departure on the main road for a few kilometers, before turning onto little used roads.

We eventually arrive at the Chiangdao caves and Buddhist sanctuary, for a visit and lunch at a local restaurant.   After lunch, we continue North on small roads, with a few rolling hills, riding through forest, passing a few hill tribe villages and more hills! Our last part is a downhill, which leads to the Chiangdao Hill Resort for our overnight stop. This resort has basic facilities, but the jungle setting is fantastic, amongst limestone mountain formations.

Overnight at hotel

Day 6: 

Cycling: from Chiang Dao to Thaton: 95km 

This stage is all tarmac road, with a few hills.   Heading north, we will be in the forest to start with, soon tackling a 5km moderate uphill, before a great, rewarding downhill!   We continue then in the valley passing Chaiprakarn, Fang and Mae-Ai districts, riding on small back roads, before we reach Thaton.   The valley ride is mostly flat, passing many villages.   Many rice fields cover this area and the main plantations grow lychees and mangoes. 

Overnight in a simple hotel

Day 7:  

Kayaking: 25km downstream 

This morning we take to the river.   After a short visit to the village, we will have a basic skills session and safety briefing on kayak use, after which we will begin our journey downstream, led by the river guides.   Lunch will be carried aboard the escort boat and we will stop on the riverbank to eat before returning to our single and double kayaks to paddle to our riverside campsite, arriving in the late afternoon. 

Overnight at jungle camp under tents, on the riverbank

Day 8:  

Kayaking: 30km downstream 

Today is a full day of paddling, stopping at another river beach for lunch.   We will have the chance to observe the riverside villages and small boats that make up the river traffic, before paddling into a riverside Hotel in Chiang Rai, late afternoon. 

Overnight at hotel

Day 9: 

Cycling: Chiang Rai to Chiang Saen and Golden Triangle. Gala dinner. [85 km] 

Returning to our bikes for the last leg, we will cycle from our hotel along the river.   Then the road turns into countryside, traversing rural villages and plantations, eventually reaching a small artificial lake in Chiang-Saen.   We will continue cycling to reach the point of the “Golden Triangle” and our overnight destination.   This is the end of the challenge and we will form up for a group shot as we ride through the arrival arch. 

This great final stage will be followed by a gala dinner in peaceful surroundings in the heart of the mystic Golden Triangle.   We will stay tonight in a well-deserved comfortable hotel to finish this great challenge. 

Overnight at hotel

Day 10:  

There will be some free time in the early morning to explore the Golden Triangle at our leisure.   We can stroll around or visit the interesting Opium museum.   We will then take a coach transfer to Mae-Sai, the Burmese border and visit Thailand’s northern-most point and the interesting local market with lunch at local restaurant. 

Subject to the border opening conditions at the time, it might be possible to cross into Burma (border pass fees 10$ extra). 

Transfer by vans/coach to Chiang Rai airport (CEI) for the flight to Bangkok and then on to Dubai – exact timing to be confirmed.

Climate

In February, the temperatures can range from a minimum of 23s°C to a maximum of 35s°C. The day temperatures approximate 28s°C to 35s°C and nights vary between 23s°C to 25s°C.

Health

The most important and simple thing you can do to prevent illness is to be properly immunized. Our medical advisor recommends that travellers should be immunized against Hepatitis A and B, a series of three injections, advising the first and second doses at least 6 weeks before departure. Typhoid and Tetanus are a must. Malaria risk is extremely low. The Dubai London Clinic will provide vaccinations to challengers on a cost only basis – contact 04 344 6663 to make an appointment.

Cleanliness precautions such as regular hand washing and the use of hand cleaning gel prior to eating can prevent passage of viruses and germs.

The challenge is rated as Hard, so good fitness is required – start training as early as possible. Keep hydrated on the trek by drinking water regularly.

Second most important – follow food and drink guidelines.

Training

You will be walking/biking/kayaking for several hours per day, so it is important that you start a gym or training programme at least three months prior to the Challenge.

You do need to be fit and healthy to participate.

Most gyms will be happy to assist you in achieving your fitness (and some may even help you fundraise!) We can also supply names and numbers of personal trainers; some recommended by previous Challengers and some who are ex-Challengers themselves.

Visa information

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after you arrive in Thailand. You should also have a couple of clean pages (no stamps!) left in the passport. All foreigners entering Thailand require a visa. Currently, visas for most nationalities may be purchased on entering at Thailand. All applicants must submit a completed application form along with a 4×6 cm recent photograph attached. The application fee is 1,000 Baht per person.

Travel & Medical Insurance

Please make sure you have suitable coverage before leaving for Thailand. If you already have a travel/medical insurance policy we will require a photocopy of your card/details on registration. If you require insurance for the trip we can arrange this for you, provided we have your premium two weeks before departure. Further details are available on request.

Fundraising

Enclosed is a comprehensive fundraising booklet, containing hundreds of ideas. It is always preferable to arrange fundraising “events” rather than ask family, friends and colleagues for money. Fundraising in this way increases your profile, creates more goodwill and raises awareness of the work of the nominated charities. The G4G office can give you names of previous Challengers who will be happy to offer advice and maybe even assistance.

Safety

We take your safety very seriously. It is our first and never forgotten priority. Please listen to your guides and follow their instructions.

Respect for the Environment

We maintain a firm commitment to conserve the areas we work in and ask you to do the same. Take only photographs and leave behind only footprints!

What We Supply

Dubai-Bangkok return flights, internal flights from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai to Bangkok, daily meals, accommodation (on twin sharing basis) and all trip equipment including Mountain Bikes (28 speed mountain bike, trek 4400 or similar) and Kayaks (double or single sit on top kayaks). All your gear will be transported each day to the night stop, except daily necessities carried in your own daypack.

A Typical Day

During the typical challenge day participants will be cycling, trekking or kayaking for an average of 7-8 hours. During this period support vehicles will supply snacks, refreshments and meals. The exception being some trekking sections where participants will need to carry their own water.

Bike specific bottles will be supplied for the cycling sections.

Boiled water is available throughout the day.

Personal Equipment

Travel light! Do limit the weight of your luggage on the trail to less than 15 kgs and less than 20 Kgs overall. All bags are to be clearly marked and lockable. Do not take or wear any valuables on the trip, it is best to leave them at home. Light clothing is recommended for hiking and should dry quickly, thus synthetic fibres are preferable to cotton. Be aware that the nights and early mornings can be cold.

• Sarah Algate
• Anita Tuyo
• Kelly Jane Pugin
• Tracey Hubble
• Leanne Conn
• Ross Norman

Funds raised will support the Human Development Foundation’s work with disadvantaged Thai children.

Please follow this link to really see first hand what they do…     

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFHucS4aEW0&feature=player_embedded

With your help HDF transforms lives of poor communities through community mobilization training, education, micro-loans, health clinics, and physical infrastructure creation. Your generous support enables HDF to help people help themselves.

Read More…

Cycle, Kayak and Trek 345 km through the remote jungle and hill tribe villages of the Golden Triangle in Northern Thailand and raise funds for the Human Development Foundation in Thailand.

Charity supported – Human Development Foundation – www.mercycentre.org

Kit List 

The best way to ensure that you are dressed correctly is to wear the correct fabrics, against the body. The biggest mistake made by people is to have cotton against the skin. Cotton absorbs moisture perfectly, but has absolutely no wicking properties. “Wick” means that the fabric draws moisture away from the body and allows it to evaporate on the outside. Cotton against the skin will trap moisture, so your body could be chilled by the wind (esp while cycling). So, don’t take chances with incorrect clothing.

Camera

Taking pictures with a fully automatic camera at altitude is perfectly possible, but always have a new battery in your camera when going into cold areas. A mechanical camera works just as well, provided you have the knowledge to operate it successfully. Cameras exposed to cold do not cease functioning, but if you keep it inside your jacket and the lens is warm, it will likely form condensation when suddenly exposed to cold. This condensation will freeze under certain conditions. Therefore, keep your cameras dry at all times.

There are numerous classic photo opportunities.

Packing

Remember that you will be on the go for at least 9 days. You need to take enough clothing, especially socks to last for this period.

You clothes and equipment should fall into the following categories:

1. What you are going to wear on the trail
2. What you are going to carry in your daypack
3. What you would like the porters to carry for you

Mental  Preparation

It is well within you to complete this challenge. Remain in a positive state of mind, without being overly confident. This mental stamina will make the more difficult parts easier to complete.  Always focus on your goal and do not get involved in inconsequential matters that will rob you of your concentration. Being physically prepared assists a great deal in being mentally confident for the physical part of the Challenge.

DayPack

Make sure your daypack is properly packed and complete by the time you start each day You will be unlikely to see the rest of your luggage during the day.

Miscellaneous 

Electricity – 220V 50 cycles/sec

Electric Plug Details – They accommodate both flat prongs (like in the U.S. and Japan) and round prongs (like much of Europe and Asia).

Outlets in Thailand generally accept 2 types of plug:

Flat blade plug  

Two round pins  

Chiang Mai, is 3 hours ahead of UAE time.

Take US$ in cash to change.

USD 1 = 33.45 Thailand Baht (THB) (as on Nov 2009)

A good reference book is “A rough Guide Special: First Time Asia”, available in Dubai from Magrudy’s and other book shops. We have a copy in the office – for reference, not for borrowing!

Check list – tick as you collect

Mandatory

• Walking poles
• 2 Season Sleeping Bags (Nights can be cold)
• Cycling Helmet & Cycling Gloves. Gloves can be used for Kayaking too (padded or with gel)
• Sun Glasses for all days

Footwear

• Medium weight hiking boots (Gore-tex recommended or treated leather boots or equivalent) with new lace
• Trainers or running shoes for biking
• Several pairs of lightweight socks
• 1 pair strap on sandals for wearing whilst Kayaking (they will g et wet) and also to wear at night to suit hotel and camping terrain

Bags:

• A lockable, good sized duffle bag or suitcase with a top length zipper & name tag (name tag provided by G4G)Suitcase is not applicable
• A 25-30 ltrs light, small and comfortable daypack with outside pockets, preferably waterproof, to carry all small personal items needed during the day

Outerwear

• Lightweight Waterproof, breathable jacket/Rain coat/Poncho
• Warm jacket
• Wind shell/wind breaker

Additional Gear:

• Wide-brimmed hat for sun and rain
• Gel Saddle
• Sunscreen min SPF 15+
• Lip Balm /chap stick with sunscreen/sun block
• 1 Headlamp or flash light, pocket sized
• Personal wash bag (include wet wipes & a water free ‘hand wash’)

Pants:

• 1 pair walking shorts, supplex nylon or similar.
• 2 pairs of cycling shorts for cycling and kayaking. Padded shorts are advisable to prevent rubbing
• 1 Pair long hiking pants, light weight  not cotton (avoid jeans)
• Tracksuit bottom (essential for winter)
• Long Trousers or Skirt and long sleeved top for  visiting Temples

Trekking shirts/t-shirts:

• 3 T-shirts (or more), preferably quick-dry material.
• 1 long sleeve shirt, lightweight and light coloured for sun protection
• 1 long sleeve shirt, warm
• Sweatshirt (essential for Winter)
• 2 water bottles: 1 Lit size
• 4 extra passport-sized pictures for visas and permits (just in case!)
• Travel documents, including copy of passport
• Cash currency (US$ and a few Thai Bahts)
• Toilet Paper
• Personal toiletries and medication
• Plastic bags for packing & zip-lock bags – assorted sizes are very useful for storing and keeping dry all sorts of things!
• Wet Wipes