Chiang Mai tourist information - what to do
Visitors to Chiang Mai often stay longer than planned as there’s a surprising amount to do, facilities are cheap and the options for short trips are numerous. In addition to wandering in awe among 700 years of history in the old town, soft adventure in nearby national parks can have you elephants, hiking to remote hilltribe villages, and lots of fun for families.
Multi-day mountain treks are a major reason the adventure tourist visits Chiang Mai, while other popular activities include mountain biking, white water rafting, and zipping through the jungle canopy on the Flight of the Gibbon. Doi Suthep Mountain, to the west of the city, and the Mae Sa Valley, 20kms north, both offer excellent choices for adventure. More sedate activities include an afternoon of pampering in a spa, or shopping for handicrafts, silk and antiques at the markets