Chiang Mai is a welcoming haven from the hustle and bustle of its southern sister, Bangkok. The slower pace of life is appreciated by residents and visitors alike as the city radiates a tranquil and carefree aura. Despite the throngs of sightseers to this historic city, Chiang Mai has kept its cultural roots while growing as a creative city.
However, the metropolis has more to offer than the scrumptious food and friendly smiles enclosed within its walls. Delve beyond the rising buildings nestled in the centre of Chiang Mai and you’ll find yourself surrounded by lush greenery unspoilt by civilisation. Mountains, valleys, waterfalls, and rivers beckon to the heart of every adventurer to explore this pristine and untamed land.
Here are 10 adventures you can have outside the city walls:
Hit the dirt on a set of wheels
1. Get down and dirty on an ATV ride
Start your adventures in Chiang Mai by exploring the mountainous terrain surrounding the urban landscape. On this 42-kilometre (26-mile) ATV ride, you will navigate on roads, jungle trails, and streams as you discover the beautiful countryside of Chiang Mai. Rice fields and farm-terrace landscapes await you as you traverse through nature on a track that follows a high mountain trail to the summit of Mount Khom Long. Practise your handling of the vehicle on a training track before heading up the mountain. This track is suitable for riders of all levels, so beginners need not be afraid to give this activity a shot.
Mountain View ATV Adventure
Price: from 56 USD
Duration: whole day
Contact: +65 6850 5065
Adrenaline Day Tour (Rafting+ATV+Zipline)
Price: from 198 USD
Duration: whole day
Contact: +65 6850 5065
2. Pedal your way through the forest on a trail riding adventure
Put your legs to work as you embark on a 20-kilometre (12-mile) expedition through the valley of Mae Taeng and surround yourself with dense foliage. Enjoy the scenic views while riding on paved roads and along hidden trails. This tour isn’t for everyone though, as the journey demands a certain level of athleticism. Children must be 12 years old and above to participate and should be fit and in good health. Dress appropriately in comfortable clothing and, of course, wear a pair of track shoes for the trip.
Full Day Bike And Zipline Adventure Around Chiang Mai
Price: from 129 USD
Duration: whole day
Contact: +65 6850 5065
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Get your hands dirty
3. See the landscape up close while rock climbing
Rock climbing is a fun way to keep fit and a great way to build strength. And Chiang Mai’s Crazy Horse is one of the world’s most sustainable and user-friendly crags!
Climbing on a natural rock face provides a whole different experience than climbing walls. The Crazy Horse Buttress is a great place to be introduced to the sport of climbing, offering a range of routes suitable for beginners to intermediate climbers. Courses vary between 1-day and 3-day options. The 1-day course covers the basics of climbing, belaying, and rappelling, while the 3-day course covers the basics as well as advanced movements and climbing skills.
Introduction To Rock Climbing
Price: from 80 USD
Duration: whole day
Contact: +65 6850 5065
Fundamentals Of Rock Climbing
Price: from 258 USD
Duration: 3 days
Contact: +65 6850 5065
4. Abseil down a natural waterfall
Fence yourself within cliffs, waterfalls, and tall trees, and get ready to descend a near-vertical limestone cliff as water rages past you just inches away. Bring along a waterproof camera, or get a waterproof housing, because this activity is a great opportunity for taking amazing photos. Once you’ve reached the bottom of the waterfall, bring your accelerated heartbeat to a calm as you soak in the springs below.
Enjoy a thrilling activity in the midst of beautiful scenery. This is bound to be a memorable experience!
Chiang Mai Outback's Abseiling Adventure (65 metres / 213 feet)
Price: from 99 USD
Duration: whole day
Contact: +65 6850 5065
Chiang Mai Outback's Abseiling Adventure (100 metres / 328 feet)
Price: from 113 USD
Duration: whole day
Contact: +65 6850 5065
Enjoy the sights from above
5. Zip-line through the air and get a gibbon's-eye view of the jungle
Experience the dense jungle through a whopping 7-kilometre-long (4.3-mile-long) zip-line course. This complex also features an 800-metre-long (2,625-foot-long) sail, the longest single flight in Asia. The maze of cables links 33 stations, some suspended 70 metres (230 feet) above the floor. For those with a fear of heights, fret not as the first 2 platforms are intended to ease you into the high-rise adventure. Apart from being a thrilling and exciting way to experience nature, the zip-lines support a conservation project that re-introduces gibbons to the forest. Join in the fun and help some gibbons now!
Zipline Tour Around Chiang Mai
Price: from 114 USD
Duration: half a day
Contact: +65 6850 5065
Adrenaline Day Tour (Rafting+ATV+Zipline)
Price: from 198 USD
Duration: whole day
Contact: +65 6850 5065
6. Soar over the land on a helicopter tour
Enjoy a helicopter tour over Chiang Mai in an EC-130, a helicopter that can accommodate up to 6 people for each flight. See more in 15 minutes on this scenic flight than you can in several hours travelling on foot. For those who are unable to take part in activities that are more physical in nature, this tour is a great alternative to consider. Don’t miss out on this picturesque tour of northern Chiang Mai!
Private Helicopter Charter Service
Price: from 1210 USD
Duration: around 1 hour required
Contact: +65 6850 5065
7. Sit back and relax on a microlight flight
Microlight planes are lightweight fixed-winged aircraft ith 1 or 2 seats. These flights are more affordable compared to helicopter flights and provide a less obstructive view. Fly over the beautiful paddy fields and Mae Kueng Dam on this 15-minute introductory flight. Experienced pilots will ensure a safe and exhilarating flight so sign up now!
Chiang Mai Sky Adventure Introductory Flight
Price: from 63 USD
Duration: around 1 hour required
Contact: +65 6850 5065
8. Glide among the clouds in a hot air balloon
Explore Chiang Mai from the skies in this balloon expedition. Watch the sunrise from the safety of your basket as the pilots skilfully steer the balloon over plains and through the valleys. Look out for the villages, lakes, and wildlife that you’ll float over during your tour. Balloon rides are quieter and more peaceful compared to travelling in a helicopter or a propeller craft, so if you’re looking for tranquillity, this is the ride for you. The duration of the flight is slightly longer than an hour, so remember to pack your sunglasses, camera, adventurous spirit, and an empty bladder! And to end it off, the landing will be celebrated with champagne, honouring a long-lived ballooning tradition!
Hot Air Balloon Sky Adventure
Price: from 252 USD
Duration: around 3 hours required
Contact: +65 6850 5065
Get soaked
9. Conquer the rapids of Chiang Mai on a white water rafting voyage
The experience starts 5 kilometres (3.1 miles) away from its end point and takes about an hour to raft from start to end. The surrounding is a mountainous and tropical paradise that provides excellent conditions for an unforgettable rafting experience along the Mae Taeng River. During the south-east monsoon season, from June to December, the monsoon rain rushes through the tropical rainforest and down the mountains, stirring into brilliant white water. By the time you’ve reached the end of your journey, you’ll be craving for more!
Trekking, Rafting & Elephant Riding Day Tour
Price: from 126 USD for adults and from 63 USD for children
Duration: whole day
Contact: +65 6850 5065
Adrenaline Day Tour (Rafting+ATV+Zipline)
Price: from 198 USD
Duration: whole day
Contact: +65 6850 5065
Explore Chiang Mai on foot
10. Go trekking to discover the natural wonders of Chiang Mai
Adventures need not always be fast paced. After all those heart-pumping and exhilarating activities, it’s good to slow it down and just appreciate the serenity of Chiang Mai. Several national parks surround Chiang Mai and offer an unparalleled experience of an untouched forest. Behold magnificent views atop the summit of each mountain when the skies are clear. Walk alongside waterfalls, and enjoy the cascades and the soothing melody of flowing water. Your legs will start to ache before you can get bored of the stunning landscapes.
Doi Mon Lan Summit Trekking Experience
Price: from 94 USD
Duration: around 7 hours required
Contact: +65 6850 5065
Doi Inthanon National Park Adventure Tour
Price: from 118 USD
Duration: whole day
Contact: +65 6850 5065
Trekking, Rafting & Elephant Riding Day Tour
Price: from 126 USD for adults and from 63 USD for children
Duration: whole day
Contact: +65 6850 5065
Spoilt for choice?
Pick an activity, pick 2, maybe even choose 3! Just give your inner explorer a chance to see something outside the city walls. The comforts and conveniences of the city can be alluring, but the Land of Smiles has much more to offer than tasty food and cheap shopping. So hop out of town and see the rest of beautiful northern Thailand in its natural light and colours. After all, there’s nothing quite like stepping out of your comfort zone and embarking on an adventure, is there?
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12 Most Amazing Things To Do In Udon Thani, ThailandMaria Cristina -
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