Chiang Mai tours
Bicycle tours
Click & Travel runs half-day cycle tours of Chiang Mai, while Chiang Mai Mountain Biking operates more rugged mountain-biking trips.
Tel: +66 53 281 553; +66 081 024 7046.Website: http://www.mountainbikingchiangmai.com
Adventure tours
Chiang Mai Rock Climbing Adventures organises thrilling caving and climbing trips around the limestone cliffs east of Chiang Mai. Other adventure tour options include white-water rafting trips with Siam River Adventures. These include jungle homestay, hill tribe trekking excursions, elephant treks, canyoning, full moon rafting and multi-sport trips.
Tel: +66 53 207 102 ; +66 89 515 1917.Website: http://www.siamrivers.com
Chiang Mai excursions
The Mae Sa and Mae Tang Valleys
Deeper into the hills north of Chiang Mai, the Mae Sa and Mae Taeng valleys are famous for their elephant camps, hill tribe villages, scenic waterfalls and plantations of exotic flowers. Many people visit on organised tours, but it’s easy to explore the area with a rented car or motorcycle.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
The most popular excursion around Chiang Mai is the ascent of Doi Suthep Mountain, 16km (10 miles) northwest of the city, which is cloaked in jungle foliage and crowned by the most sacred temple in northern Thailand. Reached via a 306-step, naga-lined staircase, or an easy tram ride, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep was founded in 1383, and its courtyard is dominated by a famous gold-plated chedi. There are fabulous views across the hills and the city on clear days.
For a quieter alternative, head 5km (3 miles) southeast of the city to the ruins of Wiang Kum Kam, the original settlement at Chiang Mai, which was abandoned in the 16th century and still sees relatively few visitors today.
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