But if you'd rather travel in more comfort, there are 4WD safaris which stop at out of the way places, or if you just want to get close to nature, there are plenty of opportunities for simple hiking , birdwatching , Rock Climbing , Camping and Horseback Riding.
It's easy to hire a car and explore by yourself, but most tour companies offer inexpensive tours, complete with transport, equipment, guide and often lunch. Both day and overnight trips are available. See below for details.
Elephant Trekking
At Chiang Dao Elephant Camp in Chiang Dao district, elephants are trained to perform for tourists and available for rides in the nearby forest. Tours include elephant riding, and a demonstration of skills by these amazing reatures. Full day tours combine a visit to the Chiang Dao caves, bamboo rafting and trekking to nearby a Lisu hilltribe villages.
Jungle Treks
Popular 'Jungle Treks', lasting from 2 to 7 days, going through forested mountains, high valleys and meadows. Longer treks tend to visit more remote high-altitude hilltribe settlements for overnight stays. The best guides are hilltribe youths who usually speak English, Thai and at least three tribal dialects. Most treks involve a lot of walking but also are often a combination of bamboo raft, rubber kayak, elephant ride, horse-back or jeep. Prospective trekkers are advised to shop around companies offering the best conditions. All treks must be registered with the Tourist Police for trekkers' protection. Avoid narcotics, essentially everything from 'soft drugs' such as marijuana to 'hard drugs' such as opium and heroin, both during travel and at hilltribe villages. There are severe penalties for such usage. Valuables, such as passport, jewelry and money, should be deposited in the safe of your hotel or guest house while you are trekking upcountry.There are many tour operators in Chiang Mai specializing in trekking. Most of the smaller ones have offices along Tha Pae Road, and along the major tourist routes in the city. Many adventure tours combine activities like mountain biking or motorcycling with tribal village tours, so check what's on offer. Transport, guide, and meals are usually provided. Treks from Chiang Mai stop at Lisu, Lahu, and Karen villages. Costs vary from around 1,300 Baht for a 2-day/1-night trip if you join their regular tour, or 3,900B per person for a private group trip. A 3-day/2-night trip, which takes you to a greater variety of villages, costs 4,300B per person for their regular tour, 5,900B per person for a private group.
Bamboo Rafting
A very gentle way to see the countryside. These basic bamboo rafts glide down the river in total peace and quiet. A popular rafting route starts at Ban Tha Ton in Mae Ai district and continues down the Mae Kok River. Rafting in Mae Taeng River is available through the local Elephant Camp, or offered as an activity on many local tours.
Whitewater Rafting
Rafting down the Mae Chaem through Ob Luang Gorge in inflatable boats is available through various travel agencies in the area. 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 chiangmai.
Mountain Biking
-: A number of specialist bicycle tour agencies offer 3 and 4 day biking trips through the mountains with all equipment supplied. If you want to pedal by yourself, there are several shops in the city where bikes can be bought. 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 mountain-bikers while the second section, 30 km. long, is less demanding and suitable for bikers of intermediate skills and higher. There are also some routes (with not too many hills) around the city.
Moterbike Tours
Northern Thailand has great tarmac roads with beautiful mountain scenery perfect for sightseeing, as well as great accommodation to clean up and relax in the evening. In the last few years, motorcycle circuits of northern Thailand lasting about 7-10 days have become popular. They offer a great way to experience the great outdoors up close, going from place to place on excellent roads bringing you closer to the land, people, and generally life around you. Adventures down back roads, and even along jungle trails (for off-road riders), open up worlds unseen to the general tourist. Several tour operators offer guided motorcycle tours from Chiang Mai and while its tempting to go it alone and rent your own bike, it's probably better to go with a guided tour. The Myanmar (Burma) border is close and not open to tourists. In addition road conditions change frequently, and maps of off-road paths are not all that accurate, even guide books on the subject are generally not up to date.
Birdwatching
Doi Inthanon, the highest peak in Thailand at 2,565 metres above sea level, is a mecca for bird-watchers At the southern edge of the Himalayan range it provides a home for 364 species of birds, many of them unique to the area. The best time for birdwatching is from November to February.
Camping and Horseback Riding
The Army Pack Division Headquarters on Chotana Rd. in Mae Rim district offers camping trips and horseback riding along with basic jungle survival skills training. Contact (66-53) 297-478 ext. 205. You can camp in the national park but you must obtain permission first from the Park Authority.
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.
Rock Climbing
Yannawut Barracks in Amphoe Hang Dong offers rock climbing on artificial cliffs. Contact (66-053) 432-069
Chiang Mai Rock Climbing Adventures is a small guide shop dedicated to the safe development of rock climbing in Northern Thailand. We provide current information on northern crags, equipment rentals and sales.
8 Soi 1 Suriyawongse Road T. Haiya A. Muang Chiang Mai, Thailand 50100
