Thailand is one of the most visited countries in the world. Every single day, the Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok sees an influx of tens of thousands of tourists. The kingdom of Thailand has so much to offer to every kind of traveller in the world and is also a popular honeymoon destination. Want to party or try some water sports? Head to Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya. Want a relaxed, Maldivesesque honeymoon, by the beach on a budget? Krabi and Koh Samui is the answer. But where do you go when you want to soak in nature in all its glory? The answer is Chiang Mai.
Situated in the northern mountains of Thailand, Chiang Mai is a booming centre of nature, culture, and so much more. A beautiful marriage of history and modernity; the city of Chiang Mai caters to both the young and the old. With so much to see, and even more to do, Chiang Mai should sit at the top of your bucket list.
Best things to do in Chiang Mai
Venture into Nature
Doi Inthanon National Park: Northern Thailand is known for its rich natural bounty. The Doi Inthanon National Park, the highest mountain in Thailand is also the Premier national park in the country, in which reside the most ethnic hill tribe of the county; the Karen and Hmong villages. The picturesque Wachiritharn Waterfall at the park offers a panoramic view of the park from the Buddhist stupas. Also take a stroll along the Angkha Nature Walk.
Jungle Trek: To enjoy a more relaxed time by the Mae Tang River, opt for a Jungle Trek. Experience a tranquil bamboo raft ride before going on an elephant ride by the river. Don’t forget to explore the Akha village and plunge into the cool waters by the waterfall.
Chiang Dao: At just a distance of 90 kms, in the north of Chiang Mai lies Chiang Dao. Start your day at the Chiang Dao Elephant Camp, where you can enjoy a 1.5hrs elephant ride to Lisu Hill Tribe Village. Follow it with an hour long journey on a bamboo raft. Chiang Dao is also famous for its incredible cave complex and beautiful temples where you can marvel at countless images of Buddha.
The Baanchang Elephant Park: If you love elephants, the Baanchang Elephant Park, just 74 kms away from mainland Chiang Mai should be on your itinerary. At the park, you can feed the elephants bananas and sugar cane. Make it an educational tour and learn the Baanchang Elephant Park’s mission: the park endeavours to provide elephants with the best possible quality of life. Take a walk with elephants through the hills in the park and ensure you carry clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.
The Chiang Mai Fauna Experience
Chiang Mai Night Safari Park: Don’t miss out on the chance to spot over 1400 animals of 134 species. Animal lovers can rejoice at the sights of giraffes, zebras, red kangaroos and other African animals on a fully enclosed and safe tram ride. after dusk has fallen. Witness predators like the white tiger, lion and spotted hyena and in their element on this hour long tour.
Chaing Mai Zoo Aquarium: The Chiang Mai Zoo aquarium is a living museum in Chiang Mai, which boasts of the most spacious underwater pathway found in South East Asia. It is a one-of-its-kind aquarium. It offers over 20,000 of fresh water and salt water life forms with more than 250 different aquatic species.
Chiang Mai – For Adventure and Adrenalin Rush
Flight of the Gibbon: The Flight of the Gibbon encompasses the beauty, thrill and magic of Thailand’s Rainforests. It is an adventure that will stay with you for the longest time. Located high in the treetops of a beautiful national park, the flight of the gibbon allows you to glide and zipline through the jungle over 5 km, while you view the scenic sky-bridges.
Underground Gibbon: Experience the wonders of cave exploration at Crazy Horse Buttress. Opt an over-night stay at the tranquil Mae Kampong Village and enjoy a morning of ziplining through the jungle.
White Water Rafting on the Mae Tang River: The Mae Tang is the fastest flowing river in Chiang Mai, which makes the 10 kilometre white water rafting around canyons and rapids an incredible experience.
Enjoy the Chiang Mai Culture
Chiang Mai Temple tour: While there are many temples in Chiang Mai, the Wat Chedi, constructed in 1411 and the Wat Phrathat Doi Sutep, a 600 year old temple, atop the Doi Suthep Peak are a must see. Get a history lesson about these structures and use it as trivia to show off to your friends.
Khantoke Dinner and Cultural Show: If you wish to embark on a cultural Thai adventure, opt for the Khantoke Dinner and Cultural Show. Witness time honoured dance and music performances from local hill tribes. No cultural experience is complete without an authentic, homemade Khantoke dinner comprising of dishes such as curry, meat and fried pumpkin.
Chiang Mai Street Food
For all you street food lovers, the Chiang Mai night market is the place to be. Make this a daily to-do on your itinerary, simply because there is just so much to choose from. Chang Puak Gate, Chiang Mai Gate, Warorot Market, Night Bizarre and of course, the Saturday and Sunday Walking Streets for shopping for great deals, while enjoying yummy food make for a great evening. Some of the best dishes to try include pad thai, chicken satay, steamed pork buns, fish, beef and mango with sticky rice. Also visit the Wat Chedi Luang Temple; an ancient temple in the middle of the city.
When in Thailand, indulge in a Spa: No trip to Thailand is complete without a visit to the spa. Thailand offers a variety of spa treatments that help you relax and rejuvenate. Select an authentic Thai Spa experience, preferably on the last day of your trip and return home, relaxed and rejuvenated.
The city of Chiang Mai never disappoints. So the next time you think you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy tranquillity in nature, give Chiang Mai a try. You will be glad you did
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