The Araksa Tea Garden specialises in producing premium Assam tea; a distinct black tea which is named after the most prominent tea-growing region in India. Found in the Mae Tang district in Chiang Mai, the plantation is...
Chiang Mai Nature
Chiang Mai has so many things to see and do when you get out and about in nature, as the area is mountainous and surrounded by jungle.
From waterfalls to mountains, lakes and hot springs, Chiang Mai has a unique span of natural activities and attractions to see during your visit.
Nature Activities, Jungle Walks & Trekking Tours Chiang Mai, Thailand
The best waterfalls to view near Chiang Mai are the Bua Thong Waterfalls (Sticky Waterfalls) and Mae Sa Waterfall. Both are located north of Chiang Mai’s old city, but are certainly worth a day trip.
Take a boat cruise down the famous Ping River which runs just east of the Old City of Chiang Mai. There are cruises available at the river with some short cruises taking you along a short portion for about an hour and others as full-day tours or evening dinner cruises. Many of the full-day tours also include visits to temples, local markets and an authentic northern Thai lunch.
For a relaxing lunch on the water, head to Huay Tung Tao Lake. There are a number of huts surrounding the lake where you can get a hot tasty meal and enjoy a cold drink. The lake is a relatively unknown tourist spot and therefore is rarely busy during the week.
This is just a taste of the many natural attractions in and around Chiang Mai, so click the links below to explore the full range of attractions.
The Bo Kaeo Pine Tree Garden is a peaceful, man-made forest with hundreds of pine trees. Located in the Mae Hong Son province, it is proof that there is so much more to Thailand than the legendary white-sandy beaches...
The Pha Chor Tourist Point refers to a set of towering, majestic canyons located in the Doi Lo District of Chiang Mai. It is one of the incredible highlights of the Mae Wang National Park; a jaw-dropping natural...
The Mork Fa Waterfall is an amazing natural attraction near Chiang Mai. It’s one of the area’s most underrated waterfalls, so don’t expect many travellers here. This is what keeps this place so...
The Siriphum waterfall is one of the most captivating natural attractions south of Chiang Mai. Located within the Doi Inthanon National Park, these are the third and last of all the major falls that you’ll find as...
The incredibly beautiful Monthathan waterfall is located within the Doi Suthep National Park. The nine-tiered waterfall gently flows over a cliff, lands over a pond, and is surrounded by the pristine lush greenery that...
The Pha Soet Hot Spring is a relaxing natural pool bath within Baan Pha Soet in Chiang Rai. There are communal pools, as well as private pools, with rooms also available. These thermal, hot pools provide comforting...
Phu Chi Fa Forest Park is an amazing destination nestled in the jungle, some 1628 meters above sea level. This natural setting is one not to be missed.
The Doi Luang National park is one of the biggest national parks in northern Thailand; encompassing several districts that include Mae Suai, Phan, and Wiang Pa Pao in Chiang Rai, Ngao and Wang Nuea of Lampang, and...
The Khun Chae National Park in Chiang Rai is a breathtaking vast, forested land that is around 270 square kilometres large and has been a Thai national park since 1995. The rich, diverse eco-system here is responsible...
Doi Hua Mae Kham is a picturesque mountainous area that is known for the several tribes who reside by the border between Burma and Thailand. Located in Mae Sai, around a three-hour drive away from Chiang Mai, this is a...
Doi Sa Ngo is a beautiful ecotourism destination in Chiang Rai. What makes this place unique is that from here, you can see Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos all from one spectacular viewpoint; which is called the Golden...
The Tad Kwan Village is a well-loved cultural destination in Chiang Rai. Located 70 kilometres from the city, there are many natural attractions to discover. The village is best known for being the home of the Mien Hill...
Khun Korn Waterfall is an attraction whose stunning beauty earns it a top spot in the list of most beautiful natural waterfalls in North Thailand.
The Doi Khun Tan National Park is an amazing natural attraction in northern Thailand. Tucked right between Chiang Mai and Lampang, it’s famed not just for being one of the country’s oldest national parks...
Land Split Pai is a fascinating attraction nestled in Pai. It also attests to one man’s ingenuity to create a tourist destination out of tragedy.
Pai River traces its source to Daen Lao mountain ranges in Pai, and flows through the town and across the border. Its course offers magnificent sights.
Lod Cave, also known as Tham Lod, is a set of limestone caves and rivers located in the northern-Thai city of Pai. Guided tours are available through the caves for a small price where you will be guided through dark...
The Yun Lai Viewpoint is an incredibly picturesque spot near the heart of Pai. Located just three hours away from Chiang Mai, the viewpoint is best explored when you combine it with Pai’s many other scenic...
Mo Paeng Waterfall is a stunning natural attraction just 6 miles from Pai, and easily one of the most accessible waterfalls in all of Thailand.
The Ang Kaew Reservoir is the main body of water located just by the Chiang Mai University. This artificial lake is a popular morning jogging trail for locals and expats because of its flat roads and the surreal...
The Huay Kaew Arboretum is one of Chiang Mai’s most beautiful gardens. It’s a popular jogging and running spot for the locals because of the open green spaces punctuated by tropical plants and trees that...
The Lanna Rama IX Park is a tranquil green oasis that is perfect for relaxing; far enough from the busy and touristy areas of Chiang Mai. There are tons of grassy open and shaded areas where you can unwind, enjoy a...
The Op Luang Gorge is a scenic zigzagging river found within the national park of the same name. Also known as the Thai Grand Canyon, this incredible lush forest is given life by the river; flanked by amazing teak...
Chiang Rai Beach is a surprising attraction in the northernmost province of Thailand. Tourists generally wouldn’t expect a beach in the landlocked region, so this beach is a must-see while you’re in the area...
The Chiang Dao National Park is a protected wildlife sanctuary located north of Chiang Mai. The town it’s located in is known among the locals as the City of Stars. It’s home to dense rainforests, majestic...
The Chiang Dao Cave is a popular tourist attraction north of Chiang Mai; featuring over 12 kilometres of underground caverns and passages – although only a small portion is accessible to tourists. The sheer size...
Kok River is the major river in Chiang Rai. Its waters originate from the mountains at Burma flowing through the province and draining in Mae Kong River.
Pam Bok Waterfall is an idyllic getaway for a wet adventure if you are looking to experience Pai’s magic in the most beautiful of falls in the region.
Trekking
Many Trekking Options Available, All Over Chiang MaiTrekking Chiang Mai is a popular activity for the quintessential visitor traversing northern Thailand, thanks to its lush jungles on the mountain peaks.
Chiang Rai Trekking
Many Trekking Options Available, Around Chiang RaiChiang Rai Trekking tours are a must-experience for any tourist looking for a natural getaway in northern Thailand. These adventure-packed tours are fun.
- Elephant Nature Park
- Bhubing Palace
- Doi Inthanon National Park
- Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden
- Doi Suthep-Pui National Park
- Kuet Chang
- Suthep
- Ban Luang
- Mae Raem
- Suthep