Trekking

Chiang Mai, with its mountainous terrain, offers immense opportunities for trekking adventures. Trekking may be undertaken either on foot or on elephant back. The journey through the dense tropical forest will be unforgettable. Doi Inthanon National Park is a favorite trekking location, where the visitors get to see hundreds of bird species and wild orchids.

Elephant Safari

At Maetaman Valley, located 50km from Chiang Mai, the visitors can see elephants doing work and take a ride on their back as well. The trekking package offered includes trekking on foot, whitewater rafting, bamboo rafting, kayaking, ox-cart ride and overnight accommodation at a tribal village. Contact 053-206047 for more details.

Bird Watching

The tropical forests of Chiang Mai have hundreds of bird species. The wildlife sanctuaries offer observation posts for bird watching. Doi Inthanon and Doi Suthep are the most popular bird watching centers.

Mountain Biking / Cycling

The hilly slopes of Chiang Mai offer perfect opportunity for mountain biking and cycling. There are many travel agencies that arrange expeditions with guides, food, accommodation and necessary equipment. There are many daylong cycling tours to tourist locations. These expeditions usually start from the Asian Games Stadium and head north to Mae Sa Valley.

Those who want to explore on their own can try the route along the banks of River Ping. For a longer route, try the road to Chiang Rai, which passes through tribal villages of Lahu, Lisu and Akha hill tribes. Contact 053-234239 for more details.

Jungle Revving

The rugged slopes of Chiang Mai present huge possibilities for a ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) tour. The imported four-wheel motorbikes are used for the expeditions. Daily treks are organized by MAC ATV Tour. Address: KM 10, Mae Rim Samoeng Road, Near Maesa Elephant Camp, Telephone: 053-939113

Rafting

Chiang Mai has many rivers and streams crisscrossing its countryside. These offer good chance for bamboo rafting and rubber rafting. Mae Kok, Mae Chaem, and Mae Tuen rivers are the most favored by tourists. While going down the river, the visitors get to see the verdant forests and tribal settlements. Your travel agent will arrange a trip for you.

Boat Trip

Boat trips from Nawarat Bridge along River Ping are operated at regular intervals. The boat rides are scheduled at 10am, 12noon, 2pm and 5.30pm. This ride is at a leisurely pace and you get to watch Chiang Mai from a different angle.

Aerial Sightseeing

Micro-light aircrafts are used for this. They are available for tourists daily from 6am to 12noon and 3pm to 6pm. The pilot-cum-guide will point out the places of interest visible from above. A photograph of the visitors, taken from the craft’s wings is given as a souvenir. For more details, visit Chiang Mai Sky Adventure at 143 Moo 6, Chiang Doi, Doi Saket sub-district or contact 053-868460

Go karting

At 254 Mu 8, Hang Dong District, facilities for go karting are available from beginner level to competition levels. Contact 053-430059 for more details.

Bungee Jumping

Bungee Jumping in Chiang Mai confirms to New Zealand standards and is run by a properly licensed and insured company. It is located at 229 Mo 1, Mae Rim District. There is a lakeside restaurant and bar in the premises. Timings: 9am to 6pm, Telephone: 053-298442

Cooking Courses

With Thai cuisine gaining popularity among the international tourists, many who come here want to learn the art of cooking Thai dishes, straight from the horse’s mouth. This demand has given rise to cooking courses for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Banthai Cookery School is a prominent one offering mostly vegetarian dishes. The classes are held at 11 Ratrchadamnern Road Soi 5, opposite Wat Pan On, in a ancient Lanna-styled building. Contact 053-357339 for more details.

Chiang Mai Thai Cookery School offers a comprehensive 5-day cookery course, with introduction to Thai spices and herbs, paste making and vegetable carving. The course also includes a trip to the market to give the participants a first-hand experience. Contact 053-206388 for more details.

Holistic Healing Techniques

Thailand is world-renowned for the massages, acupuncture and aromatherapy for relieving stress and revitalizing the body. Tao Garden located in Doi Saket is an ideal place for this. This spa offers five therapies that include Chi Nei Tsang massage, Ayurvedic Oil massage, acupuncture, aromatherapy and body wrapping. Tai Chi Chuan is another reputed spa, which has an intensive 10-day therapy with three sessions a day – 7am to 9.30am, 1pm to 2pm and 4pm to 6.30pm. Contact 0 5330 6012 for appointments.

Yoga and meditation class

To heal and strengthen your body and mind, learn the techniques of yoga and meditation. Meditation classes are offered at Wat Suan Dok and Wat Phalad, which is a 2-day course. Contact 053 278967 for details. Yoga classes are offered by Hatha Yoga Center. Contact 053 271555 for details.