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Details

Price: $2,980
Dates: September 18th-27th, 2026
Country: Thailand
Closest Airport: Chiang Mai International Airport
Expedition Language: English
Accommodation type: 2 nights hotel, 7 nights Family or private bungalows.
Minimum Age: 18
Solo travelers welcome!

This expedition is a celebration of beetles in Thai and Karen culture, where we’ll explore the long-standing tradition of beetle wrestling; a practice that may sound unethical, but actually mimics the natural pushing matches male beetles perform in the wild and results in no harm to the animal. In fact, the well-being of beetles for battle is of the utmost regard as they are carefully tended and well-fed, with even the "losers" being released unharmed while winners are gifted the female they fight over before also being released. We'll seek to uncover how this practice has shaped the culture, history, and politics of Southeast Asia. Along the way, we’ll dive into traditional insect trapping techniques, junglecraft skills, and the many ways insects weave through the region’s stories, livelihoods, and identity.

Project Summary

High above the vibrant city of Chiang Mai, deep in the Doi Inthanon mountains, we’ll be based in hand-built, cliff-side bungalows overlooking terraced rice fields, a cascading waterfall, and a mosaic of convergent forests in the northernmost reaches of Thailand’s mountainous interior. Here, habitats transition from humid lowland tropical jungle to cooler montane and pine-dominated forests, each supporting its own distinct insect communities. You’ll move through steep forest trails, dense closed-canopy jungle, and riparian corridors of streams and waterfalls, experiencing the full ecological gradient that makes northern Thailand such a biodiversity hotspot.

Where We Work

Activities

  • Beetle collecting, care, and husbandry

  • Learn Traditional Beetle Training Techniques

  • Build Traditional Beetle Homes

  • Construct bamboo beetle arenas

  • Participate in Kwâang Chon (beetle wrestling) Tournaments

  • Jungle insect surveys (day & night)

  • UV light sheets

  • Jungle Bioblitz

  • Night jungle walks with UV Flashlights

  • Waterfall treks & swimming

  • Jungle Treks

  • Elephant dung beetle search (and meet the elephants)

  • Visit a Karen village and learn cultural beetle & weaving traditions

  • Temple visit (Wat Luang Khun Win)

  • Northern Thai cooking experiences

  • Junglecraft & Jungle Cooking

  • Visit to the Siam Insect Zoo

Gallery

Our Partners

For this one we've partnered with Next Step Thailand and Spicy Villa - experts in sustainability and Traditional Thai Culture!  Click their logo to check out their awesome tours throughout southeast Asia! 

Important Disclaimers

We will be spending a majority of our time in dense and humid jungles in wildlife rich areas. We’ll be wading through rivers, climbing trees, and trekking through brush and mud.  You’ll get dirty… and that’s half the fun, however, please consider the disclaimers below.  And keep in mind, all activities are optional, so if you need a rest or don’t feel like participating one day, you’re more than welcome to relax on the property.

COMFORTABILITY: We do have limited electricity and wifi, but cell service may be spotty or non-existent at times. The bungalows are open air with mosquito nets and private bathrooms. They are beautifully hand-made cabins with cieling fants, but no A/C - so please bring whatever else you may need to ensure your comfort in this environment.

 

MEDICAL: Biting and painful stinging insects as well as venomous snakes and other predators are present. There has never been an incident or medical emergency, but please exercise caution and follow our safety instructions at all times.  We cannot control the wildlife, terrain or weather. If you have any allergies to hymenoptera venom (bees, ants, wasps) please reconsider participation or bring your doctor prescribed epinephrine. While we are Wilderness First Responder Certified, this really only means we’re certified to assess emergency situations and provide extremely basic emergency care… we are not medical doctors.

Our Expedition Includes:

  • All accommodation. 2 nights in a Chiang Mai hotel, 6 nights in open-air bungalows.

  • Pickup/dropoff to/from our hotel in Chiang Mai

  • All meals while at Spicy Villa (days 2-7). Dinner on night 1, and breakfast/lunch on the final day.

  • Use of entomological research and trapping equipment

  • English speaking local guides and Wilderness First Response certified expedition leaders.

Our Expedition DOES NOT include:

  • Flights

  • Alcoholic beverages

  • Gratuities

  • Toiletries

Suggested packing list:

  • Hiking Shoes (high-top preferable)

  • Moisture wicking clothing

  • Toiletries

  • Swimwear

  • Light jacket or hoodie, it can sometimes get cool at night.

  • Poncho or raincoat

  • Small backpack to carry water/lunch/camera on our treks (~20 L)

  • Something to protect electronic equipment from humidity

  • Sunscreen

  • Refillable water bottle/hydration bag (recommended size: 32 ounces/ 1 litre)

  • Prescription Medicine

Meet Your Expedition Leaders

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