

Edible Insect Ambassador and Chef Joseph Yoon is a pioneering member of The Explorers Club, Chef Advocate for the UN’s IFAD (International Fund for Agricultural Development), and leads global change as the founder of Brooklyn Bugs. ​

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Chef Joseph Yoon
With Special Guest Expedition Leader:
High above the vibrant city of Chiang Mai, deep into the Doi Inthanon mountains where three separate rainforest ecosystems converge, we venture into one of Thailand’s most biodiverse regions. We’ll be document species in an area rich in culture while we trek through the jungles, hop aboard makeshift bamboo rafts, stop by Karen villages, and even sift through elephant dung for dung beetles! (oh yeah, and we’ll greet the gentle giants who provided it).
This expedition is a celebration of entomophagy and Thai culture rather than specialized research project. Joined by world renowned Edible Insect Ambassador and Chef, Joseph Yoon, we'll learn first-hand why insects are the sustainable food source our planet needs. Using some of the insects we find, along with the freshest herbs and spices (we grind ourselves) from an on-site sustainably integrated farm, we’ll craft dishes bursting with flavors you’ve never imagined.
Overview
Price: $3,499 / participant
Duration: 8 Days / 8 nights
Dates: November 2nd, 2025 – November 10th, 2025
Country: Thailand
Closest Airport: Chiang Mai International Airport
Expedition Language: English
Accommodation type: Family and private bungalows.
Minimum Age: 18
Solo travelers welcome!
Details
Registration opens in new window, hosted by Zeffy
ITINERARY

November 2nd, 2025
Welcome to Chiang Mai!
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Early Arrival & Town Exploration – If your flight arrives early, take the opportunity to explore the town, including local markets, historic landmarks, and cultural sites.
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Welcome Dinner & Orientation – Join the group for a dinner meeting to review the expedition itinerary, discuss goals, and get to know your fellow participants and researchers.
November 3rd, 2025
Kicking things off with food!
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Exploring Chiang Mai’s Old Town – Experience the walled historic district of Chiang Mai, offering a relaxed atmosphere compared to the bustling city outskirts.
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Guided Cultural Tour – Join local guide “Spicy Joe” for an immersive walk through open-air markets, sampling traditional Thai cuisine and learning about local customs.
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Overnight Stay in a Scenic B&B – Spend the night at a charming Bed and Breakfast located across from a stunning temple complex, combining comfort with cultural immersion.

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Morning Departure to Doi Inthanon Mountains – After breakfast, board your transport (including possible pickup truck seating) for a scenic multi-hour journey to Spicy Villa in the Doi Inthanon mountain range.
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Local Village & Market Stop – On the way, we stop at a small village en route to explore the local market and gather provisions for your stay in the jungle bungalows.
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Lunch with a View & Staff Orientation – Enjoy an open-air lunch overlooking rice paddies and lush jungle ecosystems, while meeting the staff and reviewing what to expect during your stay.
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Afternoon Relaxation & Field Prep – Relax in the stunning natural surroundings or begin setting up traps near the on-site waterfall and swimming hole, combining leisure with hands-on fieldwork.
Into the Mountains
November 4th, 2025
November 5th, 2025
Elephant Dung Beetles
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Morning Insect Trap Setup & Jungle Exploration – After breakfast, complete any remaining insect trap setups from the previous day, then explore the surrounding paddy fields, waterfall, and jungle ecosystem. Enjoy a jungle-style lunch, potentially featuring fresh-caught insects.
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Afternoon Elephant Camp Visit & Dung Beetle Collection – Visit a nearby elephant camp to observe Asian Forest Elephants and collect dung beetles, targeting large species in the genera Heliocopris or Catharsius.
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Evening Culinary Experience – Participate in a hands-on cooking session with Joseph Yoon using insects we find and some we brought from the market, learning about local culinary traditions and edible insects in Thailand.
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Nighttime Insect Observation – End the day with UV or Mercury Vapor light sheets to attract nocturnal insects, allowing for observation and documentation from the comfort of the jungle bungalows.
November 6th, 2025
Aquatic Exploration
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Morning River Insect Survey – After breakfast, explore new insect communities in river ecosystems from bamboo rafts, gaining unique perspectives on aquatic habitats and wildlife, recording species to assess stream health and freshwater ecosystem biodiversity.
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Jungle-Style Lunch at Saokaew Waterfall – Enjoy a meal surrounded by lush rainforest and cascading waterfall scenery, combining relaxation with immersive fieldwork.
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Cultural Visit to Wat Luang Khun Win – Stop at the hidden, remote temple to experience traditional Thai craftsmanship and Buddhist cultural practices.
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Evening Return & Nocturnal Insect Observation – Return to the bungalows for dinner, followed by nightly insect observation using UV or Mercury Vapor light sheets.
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Jungle Trek to Secluded Waterfall – Put on your hiking shoes for a deep jungle expedition, exploring remote rainforest terrain en route to a hidden waterfall.
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Arthropod Bioblitz & Tracking – Learn to identify insect tracks and signs while conducting a hands-on arthropod biodiversity survey throughout the trek.
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Jungle-Style Lunch at Waterfall – Rest and enjoy a traditional meal cooked in bamboo shoots and broad leaves at a stunning waterfall location.
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Evening Relaxation & Nocturnal Insect Observation – After a long, physically demanding day, return to the bungalows to relax before dinner and nightly insect lighting with UV or Mercury Vapor sheets.
The Long Trek - Bioblitz!
November 7th, 2025



November 8th, 2025
Khun Puay Karen Culture
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Morning Visit to a Karen Village – Travel to a nearby traditional hill tribe village to learn about the Karen people’s sustainable way of life and harmonious relationship with nature. Participate in hands-on weaving activities and enjoy a communal lunch with the villagers, experiencing authentic local customs.
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Afternoon Leisure or Field Exploration – Return to the bungalows for optional insect discovery, photography, or relaxation in the jungle surroundings.
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Evening Nocturnal Insect Observation – Conclude the day with nightly insect lighting using UV or Mercury Vapor sheets to observe and document nocturnal species.
November 9th, 2025
Nocturnal Discovery
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Morning Leisure Time – Enjoy a relaxed morning to rest or explore the surrounding jungle, conserving energy for evening activities.
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Evening Farewell Dinner Preparation – Collaboratively prepare a special farewell dinner with Joseph Yoon and team while learning traditional northern Thai recipes to bring home as a culinary keepsake.
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Nighttime Arachnid Exploration – Embark on a guided night walk with UV flashlights to observe local spiders and their intricate web-building behaviors in the rainforest.
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Final Nocturnal Insect Observation – Conclude the expedition with one last UV light sheet session, documenting nocturnal insects and reflecting on the biodiversity experienced throughout the trip.


November 10th, 2025
Goodbye Spicy Villa :(
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Morning Departure from the Jungle Bungalows – Pack up and leave the mountain sanctuary, concluding the immersive jungle portion of the expedition.
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Visit to Siam Insect Zoo – Explore a curated collection of insects, including species you may have missed during fieldwork, and browse the gift shop for handmade insect-themed crafts and souvenirs.
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Lunch at a Local Restaurant – Enjoy a final meal in the region before returning to the city.
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Farewell & Departure – Return to the hotel, reflect on the expedition’s highlights, and say your goodbyes to fellow participants and guides.
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.
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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:
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All accommodation. 2 nights in a Chiang Mai hotel, 6 nights in open-air bungalows.
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Pickup/dropoff to/from our hotel in Chiang Mai
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All meals while at Spicy Villa (days 2-7). Dinner on night 1, and breakfast/lunch on the final day.
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Use of entomological research and trapping equipment
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English speaking local guides and Wilderness First Response certified expedition leaders.
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Our Expedition DOES NOT include:
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Flights
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Alcoholic beverages
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Gratuities
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Toiletries
Suggested packing list:​
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Hiking Shoes (high-top preferable)
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Moisture wicking clothing
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Toiletries
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Swimwear
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Light jacket or hoodie, it can sometimes get cool at night.
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Poncho or raincoat
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Small backpack to carry water/lunch/camera on our treks (~20 L)
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Something to protect electronic equipment from humidity
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Sunscreen
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Refillable water bottle/hydration bag (recommended size: 32 ounces/ 1 litre)
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Prescription Medicine





