There are plenty of sports and activities available in Chiang Mai. In fact, many tourists come to this town for this very reason.
Trekking is very popular out of Chiang Mai. It is recommended to pay for a guided trek if interested in exploring the jungles outside of town. Not only are the guides informative and helpful, but they know exactly where they are taking their clients, and the prices are usually fair. There are many options available, ranging from single day treks to multiple day/overnight treks, and can be booked through almost any hotel/guest house, as well as through tourist centers. Many treks also involve elephant rides, and although the rides are slow and bumpy, they are truly a once in a lifetime experiences. Visit Trekking to get an idea about what is offered in Chiang Mai.
An exciting new addition to the sports scene in Chiang Mai is the recently opened "Flight of the Gibbon" Combining adventure with sport, nature and education, this involves travelling in the Rainforest canopy for over 2km using zip lines and skybridges. The whole package is about a day trip. See Sports Activities It can also be combined with a night in a remote village for a 2 day adventure package, including rafting, trekking, climbing, mountain biking and elephant riding.
- Biking and cycling trips are organized around Chiangmai by various tour operators.
- Crank Adventures
offers fantastic day trips through to four day adventures. They rent
the newest and best mountain bikes in town and have opened a nice
little bar to relax in as well. Northern-Trails
is organizing only cycling and recommended in many guide books. They
also rent sturdy mountain-bikes, to go explore on your own. www.mountainbikingchiangmai.com
offers comprehensive access to the endless numbers of MTB trails in
Northern Thailand, whether you are a beginner just in for the
sightseeing or an expert expecting top DH equipment.
White Water rafting in Northern Thailand has become a popular tourist attraction in the last few years. There are many companies offering guided trips out of Chiang Mai on the Mae Teang River. Siam River Adventures is the longest going company and is owned by and American from Colorado. For general information, visit Rafting .
For nature lovers, check out the nation park at Jae Son National Park, best reached by passing the hot springs at San Kamphaeng (stop for a wee look) and carrying on up the 1317 and follow the signs to Mae Kompong, this takes you in the back way but the route allows for the most spectacular view acroos Chiang Mai and Lampang Mountain range. See Picture.
