Chiang Mai Activities, Chiang Mai Trekking, Spas, Massages, Golf and Sports

There is a multitude of things to do in Chiangmai. For example, aerobics, ballooning, bird watching, bungy jumping, cinema, cooking classes, cricket, cycling, elephant riding, fishing, flying, golf, go-karts, hill-tribe treks, horse riding, karaoke, line-dancing, massage schools, pool, rafting, river boat trips, swimming, tennis, walking, water sports, zoo. Three of the most popular tourist activities are learning the art of Traditional Thai Massage, learning to cook Thai food, and bargaining at the many local markets.

There are several social and politcal concerns with trekking in Chiang Mai - for which the "non-touristy" treks will not help you to escape. Many of the treks will see you visiting villages already destroyed by tourism, and expecting you to purchase many of thier "handicrafts" - much of which are manafactured in Chiang Mai.

Be aware that the highly promoted "long neck" tribes are actually refugees from Myanmar.

Bicycle tours :

Bicycle tours or exploration either on your own, renting a bike, or joining a well organized bicycle / mountain-biking tour is a great way to see the North and the country side. Crank Adventures has fantastic off the beaten track single day and multi-day mountain bike adventures. Northern-Trails is a reputable cycling operator offering many cycling programs, from day trips to multi-day circuits.

Cinema :

• Chiang Mai Vista Cinema (Kad Suan Kaew)
• Major Cineplex (Airport Plaza)

Cricket :

The North of Thailand may seem an odd place to find an international cricket tournament. Every year since 1988 more than 200 cricketers from around the world gather at Chiang Mai for the tournament. The week long tournament for amateur players, with a sprinkling of Test stars, it is held at the historic Chiang Mai Gymkhana Club, generally at the start of April.

Elephant Rides :

Many tour companies in Chiang Mai offer elephant rides alone or as part of a larger package. If you're uncomfortable seeing trainers throw rocks at the disobedient ones or guide them by hitting their heads with pointed barbs, you'd probably prefer Elephant Nature Park. The Park is a sanctuary for abused animals, and while you can't ride the elephants, you can spend a day or a few days bathing and feeding them. The Park's director was named an Asian Hero by Time Magazine in 2005 for her work to save these giant and friendly creatures. Information and tour arrangements can be found online or at Taste from Heaven restaurant, 237 Thapae Rd, where the proceeds go to supporting the park.

Elephants are a large part of Thailand's tourist trade, and the smuggling and mistreatment of elephants for tourist attractions is quite a widespread practice. Be aware that elephants are often separated from their mothers at a young age to be cruelly trained under captivity for the rest of their lives. Organizations such as The Elephant Nature Park are an ethical alternative for elephant tourism.

Fishing :

Spend a half day or more game fishing with your own guide Suvit. Note that the half day trip takes you to a fishing park, not "proper" fishing as such but landing a 15kg+ Giant Mekong catfish is a lot of fun.

Chiang Mai Golf :

This region of Thailand is renowned for its magnificent rolling mountains and cool crisp weather, especially during the cool season when a jumper is needed. The Chiang Mai Lamphun Golf Club is a championship course which was the venue for the 18th SEA Games. The Lanna Sports Club offers the golfer a spectacular view of the area. Other places include:

• Royal Chiang Mai Golf Resort
• Mae Jo Golf Club & Resort
• Gassan Khuntan Golf and Resort
• Gassan Lake City Golf and Resort
• Gassan Marina Golf Club and Resort
• Bhumibol Dam Golf Club Tak
• Santiburi Country Club Chiang Rai
• Waterford Valley Chiang Rai

Karting, bungy jumping, off road buggies, and paintball :

Certainly a very popular option for thrill seekers although slightly pricey compared to other tours that local companies offer. A bonus however is that the adventure company provides pick-up and drop-off services from and to your hotel.

Massage :

• Let's Relax, 2F Chiang Mai Pavilion and B1F Chiang Inn Plaza, Chang Khlan Road. Does professional massage in very clean if not downright sterile surroundings complete with air-con, the sound of running water and gentle scents. A 45-minute foot reflexology session costs 350 baht, nearly twice the price of the competition, but is worth every satang after a long trek.
• Nantana Massage Shop, (near Sompet Market on Soi 6). Has very knowledgeable and friendly staff, and air-con. Thai massage 150 baht/hour; oil, foot, and neck/shoulder massage also available.

Motorcycling :

• Motorcycle touring (Enduro-Moto Cross) is a great way to explore Northern Thailand - the GT-Rider website has a wealth of information, including routes and maps for both short and long rides. One route out of Chiang Mai not mentioned is a day trip up and over Doi Suthep, which will take riders up to Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, and beyond the mountain to the reservoir.
• Motor-scooter touring is another great way to explore the region going out as far as Mae Hong Son and suitable for the less experienced motorcyclist. Motorbike Thailand offers great tours using Honda 125cc scooters riding into some of the more remote regions and also offer rider training on route.

Muay Thai :

• Kawila Boxing Stadium not far from Narawat Bridge, has real Muay Thai fights every Friday at 20:00 with 10 bouts ranging from young debutant fighters, local champions, and locals vs foreigners. Entry is 600 baht (as of March 2008).
• Lanna Muay Thai on Soi Chiang Khian, off Huay Kaew Road, near Centre of the Universe Chiangmai Swimming Pool. Muay Thai coaching.

Rafting :

Rafting down the Maetang river is offered by several companies and can often be combined with elephant riding or mountain biking. During the dry season (Jan-Feb) water levels are relatively low with only grade 2-3 rapids, but during the rainy season (Jun-Oct) higher water levels make for a more exciting grade 4-5 trip.

Rainforest Canopy Tours :

An activity normally associated with Central America, Thailand is now emerging as a world-class canopy tour destination. Flight of the Gibbon Adventure Tour zips people through spectacular old-growth rainforest high above the forest floor. 2km of ziplines connect tree platforms, lowering stations and skybridges. Located in the mountains outside of Chiang Mai, the area is also much cooler than in the city. After the tour you can hike up alongside the Mae Kompong Waterfall.

River Cruise in Scorpion Tailed Boat along Ping River :

A pleasant way to get a feel for the Chiang Mai city and its layout is to take a boat trip on the Ping River. Cruises operated by Scorpion Tailed River Cruises Cruise down the river you'll know more about the history of Ping river and local people life by the describer who show you the old picture of places which located near the river bank. And stop at the a riverside local village for a look around garden,here have fruit, herb and flower , plus a yellow mango and sticky rice for the customer. Tours depart from a jetty 200 meters north of Nakorn Ping Bridge every two hours between 9AM and 5PM. Trips take about 90 minutes and cost 500 Baht, including transportation to and from your hotel.

Rock Climbing :

Approximately 35 miles east of Chiang Mai lies Crazy Horse Buttress, a 60-meter, orange- and black-streaked monolith jutting out of the green Mae On farming valley. Crazy Horse boasts more than 130 bolted routes between (French system) grades 5 and 8a, which makes it an ideal destination for beginners and experienced climbers alike. Spend multiple days exploring every part of the crag, or just spend a day or an afternoon above ground as a break from exploring the magnificent caves of the region. More information on the area is available in the Guide to Rock Climbing in Northern Thailand; climbing guides and information are also available from Chiang Mai Rock Climbing Adventures and The Peak

Swimming :

There is an Olympic Pool at the Seven Hundred Year Stadium - a huge sports complex built for the SEA Games, which were held in Chiangmai in the early 1990's, and now a public sports and recreation center. This is located along the Irrigation Canal Road, Route 121, towards Mae Rim. It takes about fifteen minutes to get there by taxi from the city center. The pool is sanitized using chlorine.

In the same area as the 700 Year Stadium there is a private swimming club which tourists can use on a temporary membership basis. This relatively new Chiangmai swimming pool (opened 2008), known as the Centre of the Universe, opens at 6.30AM everyday. From 6.30-9.00AM, and 5.00-7.30PM, the main pool is reserved exclusively for lap swimmers; it is possible to book a lane in advance. In addition to the main pool there are two children's pools, bar and restaurant. The website has a map and directions to the pool in both English and Thai. This is a good choice for tourists staying in accommodation without a swimming pool in Chiangmai. The pool is sanitized using a salt water system.

Chiang Mai land Swimming Pool is in "Chiang Mai Land" off Chang Klan Road. Open to the public current (2008) prices are 50 Baht per Adult and 30 Baht per child. It has a pool deck and also has a restaurant and pool-side service. The pool is sanitized using chlorine.

Some hotels, e.g. The Orchid and the Amari Rincome Hotel on Huay Kaew Road, allow "outsiders" to use their pools on payment of a fee. These older hotel pools are sanitized using chlorine.

For 20 Baht entrance fee you can take a dip in the lake at Huay Tung Tao. This is a reservoir within surrounding woodlands, and is located further along the Irrigation Canal Road than the Centre of the Universe and the 700 Year Sports Stadium, as you head towards Mae Rim (Route 121)

There are also water falls and natural pools at the foot of Doi Suthep on Huay Kaew Road. Look out for a large Buddhist Shrine on your left after travelling past the the entrance to Chiangmai Zoo. Turn left into the market at the back of the Shrine, and keep walking up the hill. You will come to the waterfalls after about 5 minutes. There is no charge for entry. The pools at the bottom of the water falls are not really big enough for swimming but are a great place to cool off at the height of the summer. During the dry season some of the water falls dry up - head for the high ground and you will still find pools full of fresh water! There are usually quite a few students hanging out there from the nearby university, who will happily practice their English conversational skills with you.

Tennis :

There are several places to play tennis in Chiang Mai. Three of the more popular with tourists (as they are relatively easy to find) are Chiang Mai Land Sports Center has 3 courts, the 700 year stadium has 6 courts and the Amari Rincom Hotel has 1 court. At each of these locations, which can all be booked in advance, floodlighting makes it possible to play in the evening when it is cooler. There is an additional charge to cover the cost of electricity.