Top Northern Thailand Outdoor Activities - page 3

Watch the sun rise over Northern Thailand on this private hiking tour to Mount Doi Inthanon National Park. You'll head out from Chiang Mai early in the morning and drive out to the park, where you'll watch the sunrise before heading out on a hike with a local guide. You'll see a waterfall, rice paddies, and a flower garden, with stops to sample local coffee and have lunch.

When visiting Chiang Mai, it can be tricky as an outsider to know the safest places to trek through the jungle. Eliminate the guesswork and ensure a safe hiking adventure by opting for a guided tour. As well as being led through the wild and beautiful landscape, the trip also includes a stop at Trad Monk waterfall, and a chance to try out tubing down a river.

Discover Chiang Mai's perfect blend of thrill and relaxation on this unforgettable day trip. Thrilling ATV Ride in Mae Taeng Start with an exhilarating ATV adventure through the Mae Taeng jungle. Navigate dirt trails, rice paddies, and mountain landscapes. Our guides ensure a fun and safe experience for all skill levels. Scenic Mountain Café Stop After the ride, slow down at a hidden mountain café. Enjoy a complimentary, refreshing drink while taking in panoramic views of rice fields and rolling hills. It's a perfect lifestyle moment where adventure meets relaxation and great photo opportunities abound. Climb the Sticky Waterfall The final stop is the famous Sticky Waterfall (Bua Thong Waterfall). Unique limestone allows you to safely climb barefoot against the flow of water. Cool off and explore this truly one-of-a-kind natural wonder. This tour is about balance: Ride, Relax, and Refresh. Perfect for anyone seeking a day of exciting adventure and soothing downtime.

Spend the day admiring elephants that have been rescued from terrible conditions during a half-day trip to the Elephant Rescue Center in Chiang Mai. You’ll learn about how the elephants are cared for and what they do on a day-to-day basis, and watch the taking baths in conditions close to their natural habitat.

This tour is a great pick for time-tight travelers visiting Chiang Mai. Get more out of your day by combining a visit to an elephant sanctuary with Wat Ban Den temple and a stop at the Sticky Waterfall.The tour includes hotel pickup and transport, so you avoid arranging your own logistics, and the group size is kept small for a more personalized experience.

Get ready for an unforgettable day as you meet gentle elephants and climb the amazing Sticky Waterfall on a full-day tour from Chiang Mai. Begin at an elephant sanctuary where five elephants, including a playful baby, enjoy a life of freedom. Feed them bananas and bamboo, walk beside them in the jungle, and join in the fun of a mud bath and river splash. With no riding, no chains, and no performances, this sanctuary offers a rare, hands-on connection in a cruelty-free setting. The journey continues at the famous Sticky Waterfall, a limestone cascade where you can climb directly up the flowing water without slipping. Surrounded by lush jungle, it is a refreshing and unforgettable highlight, making this tour the perfect combination of culture, adventure, and nature in one day.

Enjoy a thrilling white water rafting adventure on the Mae Taeng River in Chiang Mai on this full-day adventure tour. Following the river’s meandering path through tropical jungle, lush rice paddies, and steep, towering mountains, this small-group rafting tour offers adrenaline-seekers and nature-lovers a chance to experience the plunging rapids and explore the incredible scenery around Chiang Mai at the same time.

Take in fantastic views over the countryside around Chiang Mai with this sunrise hot air balloon experience. You'll head out to a launchpad outside of town, where you'll board a shared hot air balloon for your 50- to 60-minute morning flight. After you land, you'll join your fellow passengers for a champagne breakfast before returning to your Chiang Mai hotel.

Get a taste for the unique flavors of Thai and Akha cooking with this Chiang Mai cooking class. Learn about the culture and cuisine of the Akha people, visit the local market to buy ingredients (morning class only), and learn to prepare several different dishes, both Thai and Akha. A souvenir cookbook from your session is also included, as are transfers from central Chiang Mai hotel.

Explore the lush mountain scenery Chiang Mai is renowned for on this refreshing half-day adventure to the Bua Thong “sticky” waterfalls. A one-of-a-kind experience, the limestone walls of this waterfall are truly sticky, letting adventurous swimmers climb right up its face without slipping. Make a splash and cool off before enjoying a picnic of local Thai cuisine alongside the tranquil natural pool.

Beat the crowds and see a spectacular sunrise from one of Chiang Mai’s highest points during an early-morning tour to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. This unique tour offers you the chance to experience an alms-giving ceremony in the early morning and explore the famous temple without daytime crowds. Plus, a former-monk guide provides insight into Thai culture and the Buddhist religion.

Visit Doi Inthanon National Park, home to Thailand's highest mountain, on this day trip from Chiang Mai. Stop for photo ops at the peak, check out Ang Ka Nature Trail to enjoy the area's lush landscape, visit the Twin Pagodas, see the Wachirathan Waterfall, visit the Karen Hill Tribe village and more. Lunch, entrance fees, and hotel transport are included. Private option is available.

A protected area on Thailand’s highest mountain, Doi Inthanon National Park is a treat for bird-watchers, home to green-tailed sunbirds, silver-eared laughingthrushes, and many more. Get there in good time and visit several spots at different levels on this intimate tour led by a driver-guide. There’s no need to arrange a breakfast box: Your package includes a simple breakfast as well as an authentic local lunch.

Doi Inthanon National Park is one of Chiang Mai’s most well-known nature spots and it’s also the home of the highest peak in Thailand. If you want to explore this stunning natural landscape without having to study a map, then a guided trek is a great choice. During the tour, follow the guide through the jungle to see mountains and waterfalls, and visit a Karen Hill Tribe village too.

Escape the crowds and heat of the day, and see Chiang Mai at its most atmospheric, on this guided group tour at night. See the city magically illuminated on an evening tour that reveals two of Chiang Mai’s most-popular temples—Wat Umong and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep—at night, with a guide to provide enriching commentary.

Speed up your sightseeing when exploring Chiang Mai with this guided half-day bike tour. You can cover more ground than a walking tour, and benefit from having a guide to lead the way so you don’t get lost. Places showcased on the route include Warorot Market, the Silver Temple, and off-the-beaten-sites, including a vintage pharmacy.

If you only have limited time in Chiang Mai, this efficient half-day tour helps you check off multiple temples in a day. Visit the jungle temple of Wat Pha Lat and the famous Wat Phra That Doi Suthep—with hassle-free red truck transportation included to help you get between sites effortlessly. The trip also includes a forest walk to Huay Kaew Waterfall, with entrance fees not included at the waterfall and temples.

Check out Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail and Doi Inthanon National Park on this small group tour from Chiang Mai. Your guide will show you the way, passing by rivers, villages, farms, and much more. You’ll see much more on this walking tour than you would on your own, and also visit two different natural areas.

Visit the Big Boy Elephant Sanctuary for a unique half-day experience. Observe elephants in a natural setting where there is no touching, no bathing, and no direct feeding, ensuring the animals can behave naturally without forced interactions. Take part in habitat care activities, and enjoy the chance to learn how to cook authentic Pad Thai in a hands-on cooking session. Expert local guides share insights into elephant behavior, welfare, and conservation, creating a meaningful experience that combines education with Thai culture. This tour is ideal for families and animal lovers seeking a responsible and memorable wildlife encounter. Highlights: - Observe elephants roaming freely in a respectful sanctuary setting - No touching, no bathing, and no direct feeding of elephants - Participate in habitat enrichment activities such as planting banana trees - Enjoy a hands-on Pad Thai cooking workshop with a local recipe - Round-trip transfers from Chiang Mai included

Reaching Thailand’s highest peak independently can be challenging, especially with the distances and winding mountain roads. This small-group tour makes it easy to explore Doi Inthanon National Park in one day. Visit scenic waterfalls, take in sweeping mountain views, and learn about the traditions of local Karen communities while discovering the landscapes around Doi Inthanon.

Uncover the hidden soul of Chiang Mai on the Mae Ping River Cruise! Depart from Wat Chai Mongkol jetty and drift through lush riverbanks, passing local scenes of kids splashing in the cool waters. Choose from three options: One Way Mae Ping River Trip (Wat Chai Mongkol to Farmer’s House) with a herbal drink and fruit platter or premium ice cream, Mae Ping River Trip (2-hour cruise with serene views and local life), or Mae Ping River Trip + Khao Soi, featuring a bowl of creamy curry noodle soup at the Thai Farmer’s House. Explore rice fields, herb gardens, and tropical fruit orchards—all grown naturally without chemicals. Enjoy fresh fruits and local coffee before your scenic journey back. Ideal for families, couples, and groups. Hotel transfer included for a hassle-free start.

Discover the scenic beauty of Doi Intanon with ease, thanks to this comprehensive full-day tour. Benefit from round-trip transportation from downtown Chiang Mai, to save you the hassle of planning a route to Doi Inthanon. Then, enjoy a well-planned schedule of highlights including a waterfall stop, a hill tribe village visit, royal pagodas, and panoramic views from Doi Inthanon National Park.

Get more out of your time in Chiang Mai—especially if you’re an adventure lover—thanks to this exciting zip lining experience. Enjoy hotel pickup and round-trip transfers from Chiang Mai city. Get the help you need with safety training, then enjoy soaring above jungle scenery, with views of nearby mountains and valleys.

Visit three Buddhist temples around Chiang Mai, including Wat Doi Suthep—one of northern Thailand’s most important temples—on this private half-day tour. Your guide shows you the lesser known Wat Umong and Palad Temple (Wat Pha Lat), then continues to Wat Doi Suthep where you can hear monks chanting and watch the sun set over Chiang Mai. You also have the option to practice meditation at Wat Umong.