Chiang Mai, the mountainous city of Thailand, is world-famous for its cultural and religious enigma. The city still carries those cultural and religious vestiges from ancient times and boasts of several Buddhist temples dating back to the 14th and 15th-century.
Located in northern Thailand, this impressive city of Chiang Mai indeed offers a rewarding travel experience as well as is a haven for adventure junkies. One will come across the most remarkable tourist sites and incredible adventure to explore. Do not miss the opportunity to explore some of the most sacred places in the world and impressive religious sites. Take advantage of the adventurous attractions that keep your adrenalin levels high throughout your visit.
Here is a brief list of some of the most exciting and adventurous things to do and explore in Chiang Mai. Let the fun begin!
1. Off-roading on ATV’s
Image source: malloo-holiday.com
Get ready for an adrenaline-pumping ATV tour that is a must for the hardcore adventurers. You can pick from a wide variety of moderate to difficult terrains in Chiang Mai that take you on rough jungle roads and slippery rocks. ATV’s and Vehicle options include manual or semi-automatic, and there is added gear and equipment for your safety and protection. With 8Adventures guides who take you off-roading, you need not fear about your safety or worry about getting lost.
2. Hike through Doi Suthep National Park
Challenge yourself in this hiking trip that takes you through highland jungles and enjoy amazing views of the Mae Ping Valley. This is indeed one of the best trekking spots that start from Wat Doi Suthep and take you through the stunning highland jungle. On the way, you come across the hill tribes and the huge Mai Yai trees that are indigenous to this area.
3. Horseback ride in the jungle
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Getaway from the crowds and noise of the city and travel on horseback through the jungles of northern Thailand. Admire the picturesque world of the mountain and the lush greenery that surrounds you and envelops you with a calm and magical experience. The experienced stable guys show you how to ride those magnificent Himalaya horses as they lead you to the most remote wilderness areas in the mountains and jungles. Spot the local flora and fauna as you come across teak trees, gigantic acacia, wood trees, and more.
4. Trek to the Bua Thong Waterfall
Enjoy the wonderful trek that will take you through a tropical jungle and arrive at the hidden waterfall, the Bua Thong Waterfall. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the lake and jump into the clear, cool lagoon for a soothing experience after a long trek. The multi-tiered waterfall is known as “The Sticky Waterfall” because of the fantastic limestone deposits that stick to your feet. You can walk up and down the waterfall and feel the rushing water all around. It is indeed one of the most fun and adventurous activity to enjoy.
5. Camping in Elephant Sanctuary
Image source: maeklangelephantconservation.org
Another fantastic and fun experience to enjoy and explore in Chiang Mai is meeting those adorable elephants in an Ethical Elephant Sanctuary. Be a part of Meaklang Elephant Sky Camp and observe the adorable creatures from very close and see how they are taken care of. During the adventurous tour, you get to visit the highest point of Thailand, Doi Inthanon, where you can admire the beautiful King and Queen pagodas.
6. Explore Doi Inthanon National Park
If you want to experience the nature and culture of the region from close, do visit the Doi Inthanon National Park. Take a full-day trip from Chiang Mai and explore the National Park to see and enjoy spectacular waterfalls and hike through the vast landscape filled with paddy fields and coffee farms. Browse local handicrafts and meet the local tribes and people on the way as you pass through the remarkable mountain scenery. Shop for crafts and enjoy local delicacies at nearby restaurants.
7. Kayaking Trip on the Mae Ping river
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Enjoy kayaking on the creek like Mae Ping river that meanders through the Chiang Dao Jungle. As you kayak, you get a fantastic view of the Northern Thai wilderness as you go through the bamboo jungles and temperate forests. This Kayak Hike Trip will take you away from the beaten path into the undisturbed woods with overhanging trees, that indeed make for a unique environment and experience. Spot an abundant birdlife that seeks refuge in these lush woods.
8. Caving the Chiang Dao Cave
Another adventurous trip not to be missed is to explore the most prominent cave system in Thailand, the Chiang Dao Cave that is located in the base of Chiang Dao mountain. Get into those vast caverns with headlamps and flashlights and see the numerous bats within the caves. This is truly a trip of a lifetime and presents you with a unique and memorable experience. Marvel at the Buddhist shrines and be well prepared as you would be walking for quite some time.
9. Zipline Rainforest Adventure
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Take the flight with one of the leading Zipline tour operators in Thailand and get ready for an action-packed adventure experience. Book a Zipline tour and enjoy a remarkable and safe Ziplining experience as you glide over the treetops of the stunning Thai rainforests and enjoy a wonderful view. Learn more about the rainforests and the people living here from the tour operator and plan a treetop canopy adventure. Ziplining through the Thai rainforests is indeed one of the most exciting activities to enjoy while in Chiang Mai.
10. A drive to the Doi Suthep Peak
It is indeed a unique experience to take a short drive up the slopes of Doi Suthep and visit the Meo hill tribe who live on the mountain peaks or plateaus. Interact with them and observe their simple way of life in the hill tribe villages. Wat Phra Thad Doi Suthep is considered the most sacred temple here as it contains a holy relic of Lord Buddha. Enjoy the panoramic views of the city from the above, and the experience is indeed genuinely spectacular.
