Things to Do in Chiang Mai

While the vibrant city of Chiang-Mai is often looked at as the laid-back capital of Northern Thailand, there are numerous adrenalin pumping activities one can indulge in during their stay. With towering mountains and staggering waterfalls just a stone’s throw away from the city, thrill-seekers find themselves stumbling upon an adventure every now and then. Here are a few you can engage in whilst your stay:

Trekking: Chiang-Mai’s green topography makes it a favourite amongst trekkers and hikers. Tourists find themselves engaging in short, moderate levelled day treks, but you can also look for something more challenging by setting off on an unmarked trail.

Cycling: If travelling on foot is not your style of adventure, pedal away through the soi’s (alleys) of the old city. Apart from the rustic villages located within the city, there are breathtaking rice fields and meadows situated not too far away.

Zip-lining: There’s nothing like exploring the vast jungles of Northern Thailand from a bird’s eye view. Over the years, Chiang-Mai has witnessed a considerable increase in the number of tourists wanting to experience zip-lining as an adventure sport.

River rafting: Visitors can indulge in an exuberant river rafting experience aboard Chiang-Mai’s wonderful Mae Taeng river that flows through the forested mountains, terraced rice fields and colourful village tribes.

Full of surprising experiences hidden in every nook and corner, your stay in Chiang-Mai is incomplete without these activities:

Visit the pristine Doi Suthep temple and Phuping palace to take in the surrounding panoramic views.
Spend a day learning more about elephants in their natural habitat.
Zip-line above the high treetops in the jungle.
Go on a shopping spree in Chiang-Mai’s Sunday night market.
Acquaint yourself with the cuisine by enrolling yourself in a Thai cooking class.
Try out different types of Thai massages in a local spa.
Go temple hopping at the various monasteries and stupas.

Chiang Mai is blessed with a bountiful river Mae Taeng, which flows through the city as well as the verdant forests on the outskirts. The nature of this river allows you to choose an activity best suited for your level of expertise. Here are a few challenging water sports you can enjoy during your stay in Chiang-Mai:

White water rafting
River kayaking
Stand-up paddle boarding

Best known for the longest zip-lining cable in Asia, tourists are often spotted engaging in various zip-lining activities taking place in the forested areas of Chiang-mai. Swoop down through the foliage to experience the adrenaline rush, and admire the mesmerising views of the lush landscape down below. There are various types of zip-lining tours available according to your level of expertise.

You can visit the nocturnal zoo known as ‘Chiang-mai night safari’ located within the city for an exciting experience. This is only the second night safari in the world (after the one built in Singapore) and it consists of three zones: Savannah Safari Zones, Predator Prowl Zone and Jaguar Trail Zone. You will be able to witness animals in their nocturnal habitats during the safari.

There are plenty of trekking opportunities within a short distance from Chiang-mai. While some are circular routes, there are several which will lead you to beautiful destinations. Courtesy Chiang-mai’s verdant topography and landscapes, hikers and trekkers are in for a treat and nature enthusiasts can get the best of the beauty along the way. Here are some of them:

Huay Tung Tao circular hike
Doi Pui to Doi Suthep hike
Doi Inthanon nature trail

Those drawn to Buddhism may find Chiang-mai a place of enlightenment, with monasteries and stupas along the way throughout the city. Chiang-mai houses as many as 30 Buddhist temples where you can find traces of Burmese, Sri Lankan and Lan Na Thai styles. Decorated with beautiful wood carvings, Naga staircases and umbrellas, these stupas and pagodas make a vital part of the culture in Chiang-mai. Here are a few you should add onto your itinerary:

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Wat Chedi Luang
Wat Phra Singh
Wat Suan Dok
Wat Umong
Wat Phra That Doi Kham

The picture-perfect city of Chiang-mai makes an ideal honeymoon destination for the newly weds, with its untouched river banks, charming city-life and tropical jungles. The luminous city has a lot in store for honeymooners wanting to spend some quality time in the lap of nature.

Rediscover history at the graceful white temple (Wat Rong Khun) of Chiang-mai.
Witness a panoramic view of Chiang-mai from the highest peak in Thailand at Doi Inthanon National Park.
Zip-line through the lush forests and landscapes outside the city.
Wander together and explore the magnificent Pha Chor Canyon.
Go cliff-jumping at The Grand Canyon of Chiang-Mai.
See the mesmerising limestones of the Chiang Dao Caves.
Witness thousands of floating lanterns at the romantic Yi Peng festival.

There are several zip-lining operators in Chiang-mai for those wishing to take the leap into nature. You can go zip-lining in the outskirts of the city or near the banks of river Mae Taeng. The price range may vary from 4143 Thai Baht (roughly $125).

Whether you’re an adventurous biker, or just someone who prefers a relaxing pedal once in a while, Chiang-mai has several cycling routes that will fit your bill:

Doi Suthep: A moderately difficult ride, Doi Suthep is a 13 kilometre ride upto the temple from the city. Not too taxing, tourists can embark on this hour long journey that comes with a slight slope on the way.

The Samoeng Ring Road: A 70 kilometer loop around Doi-poi national park, this route requires eight to ten hours of time and is best fit for experienced riders who can take on a treacherous challenge.

The River Ping: Follow a peaceful cycling route alongside the banks of river Ping. While the roads tend to stray away from the river every once in a while, they remain at the side of the river and makes an easy ride for beginners.