 Chiangmai Known as the “Rose of the North”, this northern province is one of the top adventure destinations with its lush forested-mountain landscape, fascinating high-altitude flora and fauna, and various ethnic hilltribes
How to get there
It is accessible by road, rail and plane. Buses leave the Northern Bus Terminal on Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd. at 20-minutes intervals. Trains leaves Hua Lum Phong station in the morning and evening. Thai Airways International has several daily flights to and from the city. Minibuses ply the route between downtown Chiang Mai and adventure hubs in outer districts from early morning to dusk. Car rental services are also available
Travel Tips
Bring warm clothes during the cool months (November-February) or if you are heading for the mountains. On jungle treks, pack light and bring insect repellant.
Chiangmai Known as the “Rose of the North”, this northern province is one of the top adventure destinations with its lush forested-mountain landscape, fascinating high-altitude flora and fauna, and various ethnic hilltribes
How to get there
It is accessible by road, rail and plane. Buses leave the Northern Bus Terminal on Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd. at 20-minutes intervals. Trains leaves Hua Lum Phong station in the morning and evening. Thai Airways International has several daily flights to and from the city. Minibuses ply the route between downtown Chiang Mai and adventure hubs in outer districts from early morning to dusk. Car rental services are also available
Travel Tips
Bring warm clothes during the cool months (November-February) or if you are heading for the mountains. On jungle treks, pack light and bring insect repellant.
Adventure in Chiang Mai
• Birdwatching
Doi Inthanon, the highest peak in Thailand at 2,565 metres above sea level, is a mecca for birdwatchers. It forms the southerly end of the Himalayan range and thus provides a home for 364 species of birds, many of them not seen elsewhere in the country. The best time for birdwatching is from November to February.
• Mountainbiking
The most scenic route is from Doi Inthanon to Ob Luang Gorge via Mae Chaem. The first leg, about 20 km. long, is strictly for experienced mountainbikers while the second section, 30 km. long, is less demanding and suitable for bikers of intermediate skills and higher.
• 4 WD Trek
Hilltribe trek by off-road vehicles are most enjoyable along the Chiang Mai-Ban Mae Saket route via Mae Suai, Ban Huai Krai and Doi Wawi with stops at different tribal villages
• Elephant Rides
At Chiang Dao Elephant Camp in Chiang Dao district, elephants are trained to perform for tourists and available for rides in the nearby forest. Mae Taeng Elephant Camp, Mae Taeng district, offers ocart rides and bamboo rafting in addition to elephant-back rides.
• Whitewater Rafting
Rafting down the Mae Chaem through Ob Luang Gorge in inflatable boats is available through Mae Sot Travel Chiang Mai (see Directory). Another challenging route is the Mae Tuen in Omkoi district, which rushes through virgin forests to end at the thunderous Pha Dam Waterfall. No rubber raft is available at the site, so it’s best to book a trip with a tour agent in Chiang Mai.
• Hiking
The best trails are found in Doi Inthanon National Park, where over 360 bird species, spectacular butterflies, wildlife, orchids and other distinct flora vie for the hiker’s attention
 • Hilltribe Treks
These consist of stretches trekked on foot, on elephant back, mountainbike, bamboo raft and rubber kayak. Popular programmes include stops and overnight stays at ethnic villages: Karen, Lahu, and Shan.
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