Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai hotels and travel guide, Thailand. Hotel reservation for Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.

Magnificent virgin forests and ecological diversity are just some of the charms that attract visitors to Chiang Mai. Every year thousands of tourists from all parts of the world flock to Chiang Mai to admire the natural beauty to be found in the north. One activity which has gained increasing popularity over the past few years, especially among genuine nature lovers, is bird watching.

Because of its unique topography of low lying valleys and soaring mountain ranges, Chiang Mai has won the attention of bird watchers. Diverse forest conditions including timber forests, virgin forests, mixed forests, pine forests and rain forests combine with a rich natural environment to make Chiang Mai more suitable than other provinces for discovering a wide variety of birds species. Chiang Mai is also home to a large number of bird watching sites.

	Doi Inthanon National Park Location : Amphoe Chom Thong Tel.: 0 5328 6728, 0 5328 6729		Doi Chiang Dao Wildlife Conservation Centre Location : Amphoe Chiang Dao Tel.: 0 5326 1466
	Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park Location : Amphoe Fang Tel.: 0 5331 7496, 0 5345 3517-8		Doi Suthep-Doi Pui National Park Location : Amphoe Mueang Tel.: 0 5321 0244, 0 5321 2065

Amid a naturally beautiful location in a mountainous area of Mae Rim, Chiang Mai, you can enjoy such extreme sport as bungee jumping. The bungee jump here is operated by the owner who has been involved in bungee since its earliest days as a commercial industry in New Zealand.

Having been closely involved in its development into a mature and safe sport with a well-conceived code of practice, this bungee jumping site is equipped with all those required to safely develop and operate bungee jumping including expertise in tower structures, bungee cord fabrication, safety management and staff training. Conquer your fear by jumping 165 feet (50 metres) above a jungle lagoon. A purpose-built electronic lift rated for 750 kg. will take you to your jump height with comfort and safety.

Chiang Mai X-Centre Location : Amphoe Mae Rim Tel.: 0 5329 7700, 08 7833 6655

For those who come and visit Chiang Mai, cruising along the Ping River by the scorpion-tail vessel is another interesting activity. The trip is guided by experts in Chiang Mai historical events who will take you to trace back to the remote antiquity of Chiang Mai. During the cruise, the vessel passes through the Chiang Mai's biggest wholesale market before approaching the peaceful scenic beauty of Chiang Mai's outskirts. The boat stops at the important historical landmarks. First stop is at the Wat Gate area, Chiang Mai's oldest trading and commercial center. Visit Wat Gate and its historical museum and see several old buildings on Charoenrat road.

Boat information: there are 3 different boat sizes for 15, 30 and 50 passengers. Life vests are provided.

Konthai Tour Location : Amphoe Mueang Mae Ping River Cruise Tel.: 0 5321 8661, 0 5341 2859, 08 1386 8314

Mae Ping River Cruise Location : Amphoe Mueang Mae Ping River Cruise Tel.: 01 884 4621, 01 885 0663, 0 5327 4822

Chiang Mai is a centre for treks into the mountainous northern areas which are home to hilltribes. The verdant hills and forests provide the natural setting for trekking by foot or on elephant back as well as for watching birds and wildlife. The most popular trails are in Doi Inthanon National Park where over 300 bird species and a wide variety of orchids and other flowers can be seen. Many tour agents offer choices of hilltribe treks consisting of trekking on foot, on elephant back, mountain biking, bamboo rafting and kayaking. Some programmes include overnight stays at hilltribe villages.

	Tha Phae Ban Mae Taman Location : Amphoe Mae Rim Tel.: 0 5329 7060		Maesa Elephant Camp Location : Amphoe Mueang Tel.: 0 5320 6247, 0 5320 6248, 0 5320 6247
	Pang Chang Mae Tang Location : Amphoe Mae Taeng Tel.: 0 5384 4818		Pong Yaeng Elephant Camp Location : Amphoe Mae Rim (Km.18)
	Chiang Dao Elephant Training Centre Location : Amphoe Chiang Dao Tel.: 0 5329 8553, 0 5386 2037

Believe it or not you can also go fishing in Chiang Mai at lakes out in San Kamphaeng that are well stocked. Dream Lake and Paradise Lake are two places that you can visit, hire rods and have some success in hooking a variety of species such as catfish, carp, pike and tilapia among others. For visitors it’s most practical to arrange a day trip with Dream Lake  Fishing tours, who lay everything on and know where the fish are biting. There are several other smaller lakes that Thais like to try their luck in with their own equipment, usually there is a small fee, but the more they charge the better stocked the lake.

	Mae Ngud Dam Location : Amphoe Mae Taeng Tel.: 0 6182 7069		Nong Sam Ka Location : Amphoe Mueang Tel.: 0 6114 8779
	Bor Sang Fishing Park Chiang Mai Location : Amphoe San Kamphaeng Tel.: 0 5333 8597

Hilltribes Trekking Of particular interest to most are the six major hilltribes which inhabit the Northern Highlands. The largest group is Karen, followed by the Meo, Lahu, Yao, Akha and Lisu. They share  animism beliefs and honour numerous forest and guardian spirits. Each tribe has distinctive ceremonial attire, courtship rituals, games, dances, agricultural customs, languages or dialects, aesthetic values and hygienic habits.

	Konthai Tour Location : Amphoe Mueang Tel.: 0 5321 8661, 0 5341 2859		Asian Plus Service Location : Amphoe Mueang Tel.: 0 5381 2106, 08 6192 5299, 08 1993 1866
	Treetop Adventure Location : Amphoe Mueang Tel.: 08 9970 5511, 08 9970 5511		Amesanity Travel Location : Amphoe Mueang Tel.: 0 5381 2106, 08 6192 5299, 08 1993 1866
	Nit Tour 55 Location : Amphoe Mueang Tel.: 0 5387 2499

The mountainous terrain of this province is really suitable for mountain biking. Many tour companies offer biking tour programmes that include guides, food and overnight equipment.

Konthai Tour Location : Amphoe Mueang Tel.: 0 5321 8661, 0 5341 2859

Crouching Tiger Tours Location : Amphoe Hang Dong Tel.: 0 5343 0880

With a lot of rivers and streams flowing throughout the province, Chiang Mai provides a good opportunity for rafting, both bamboo and rubber rafts. Some interesting routes include Mae Kok, Mae Chaem, and Mae Tuen rivers, all of which flowing through virgin  forests and hilltribe settlements. Rafting trips are also organized by most tour agents.

Konthai Tour Location : Amphoe Mueang Tel.: 0 5321 8661, 0 5341 2859

Amesanity Travel Location : Amphoe Mueang Tel.: 0 5381 2106, 08 6192 5299, 08 1993 1866

Rock climbing enthusiasts are also spoilt in Chiang Mai and there are three climbing walls and great climbing at Crazy Horse Buttress east of Chiang Mai in the Mae On district. Here you'll find some first class climbing on good faces and crags. You can practice on the Peak Climbing Wall, which is adjacent to the Night Market, but we recommend three-day courses (for beginners) with Chiang Mai Rock Climbing Adventures. Run by Josh Morris and his pro team, these are the best crowd to hang out with if you are serious about climbing, and they can arrange trips to the face, and provide equipment and support.

	Treetop Adventure Location : Amphoe Mueang Tel.: 08 9970 5511, 08 9970 5511		Standard Tour Location : Amphoe Mueang Tel.: 08 9756 2651, 0 5381 8600
	Amesanity Travel Location : Amphoe Mueang Tel.: 0 5381 2106, 08 6192 5299, 08 1993 1866

This ancient Thai martial art has gained prominence throughout the world thanks to a few hollywood blockbusters. It’s also popular with foreigners here in Thailand, who come specially to train, learn and fight. There are camps in all tourist areas of Thailand including several in Chiang Mai that offer various programs and schedules. Lanna Muay Thai, run by a Canadian and local teachers is one option if you want to stay and focus on learning or improving your skill.

Another is Muay Thai Sangha, whom we recommend and which has an impressive lineage of teachers and follows ancient methods. Both offer accomodation and full training programs, entering their fights in bouts regularly. If you would rather just spectate then it’s worth the 300-400 baht entry to the regular Friday night matches at the Thai Boxing stadium near Kawila barracks. The fights are exciting and real spectacles with a great atmosphere egged on by the unique ‘snake-charming’ minstrels who traditionally accompany the action.

	Sitdabwad Muaythai Gym Location : Amphoe Mueang Tel.: 08 3207 4844, 08 9852 8438		Muay Chaiya Location : Amphoe Mueang Tel.: 08 2614 8915
	Lanna Muay Thai Boxing Camp Location : Amphoe Mueang Tel.: 0 5389 2102, 01 951 3164

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