From sacred temples to ethical elephant encounters - explore Northern Thailand's natural beauty and rich culture
Chiang Mai serves as the perfect base for exploring Northern Thailand's stunning landscapes, ancient temples, and hill tribe villages. The region offers everything from peaceful temple tours and ethical elephant sanctuaries to adrenaline-pumping adventure activities like zip-lining through jungle canopies and white water rafting.
Most tours operate with English-speaking guides, offer hotel pickup/drop-off, and include lunch. Book directly with operators for the best rates, or use platforms like Klook and GetYourGuide for convenience and reviews.
💡 Tour Booking Tips:
Multiple operators
Visit Chiang Mai's most sacred temple, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, perched on a mountain 1,073m above sea level. Climb the 309 steps (or take the tram) to reach the golden chedi containing Buddha relics. Stunning views over Chiang Mai city, especially at sunset. Most tours include stops at Bhubing Palace (winter residence of the royal family) and Hmong hill tribe village.
Various local guides
Explore the historic Old City's most important temples on foot or by tuk-tuk. Visit Wat Chedi Luang (1391) with its massive partially ruined chedi, Wat Phra Singh housing the revered Phra Singh Buddha, and Wat Chiang Man (oldest temple from 1297). Learn about Lanna Kingdom history, Buddhist architecture, and local customs. Morning tours often include monk blessing ceremonies.
Mindful tours
Discover the tranquil 700-year-old forest temple of Wat Umong, featuring unique underground tunnels with Buddha images and ancient inscriptions. Walk peaceful forest trails feeding the temple's fish and pigeons. Optional meditation session with monks. Much less touristy than other temple tours. Perfect for those seeking a contemplative, serene experience rather than grand architecture.
True elephant sanctuaries focus on rescue, rehabilitation, and retirement of elephants from tourism and logging industries. They prohibit riding, harsh training methods (bullhooks), and performances. Instead, visitors observe elephants in natural settings, help prepare food, and may participate in mud baths and river bathing.
Avoid facilities that offer riding, tricks/performances, or have elephants in chains. Look for sanctuaries certified by organizations like World Animal Protection or Asian Elephant Projects.
60km from Chiang Mai
The most famous ethical elephant sanctuary in Thailand, founded by Lek Chailert in the 1990s. Home to 80+ rescued elephants from tourism, logging, and circus industries. Observe elephants in natural habitat, help prepare their food (they eat 200kg+ per day!), learn about each elephant's rescue story, and participate in mud spa and river bathing. Strict no-riding, no-tricks policy. Vegetarian buffet lunch included.
Multiple locations
Community-focused sanctuary with several locations around Chiang Mai. Smaller groups (max 8-10 people) for intimate experiences. Walk with elephants through jungle to natural mud pits and waterfalls. All elephants are retired from logging or rescued from poor conditions. Karen mahouts (elephant caretakers) share traditional knowledge. Half-day and full-day options available.
30km from Chiang Mai
Smaller, more affordable sanctuary run by Karen hill tribe family. Home to 10 elephants rescued from street begging and logging. Very hands-on experience - prepare herbal vitamins, make rice balls, walk through jungle, mud bath, and river bath. More rustic facilities but authentic experience. Proceeds directly support elephant care and Karen community.
40km from Chiang Mai
Unique "Elephant Owner for a Day" program focusing on elephant health and care. Learn to check elephant health (eyes, skin, feet), clean elephants, and participate in comprehensive mahout training. Includes bareback riding in natural setting (controversial - while claiming ethical practices, riding is generally discouraged by welfare organizations). Best suited for those wanting in-depth elephant care education. Breeding program onsite.
Highest peak in Thailand
Explore Thailand's highest mountain (2,565m) with its cool climate (10-15°C even in hot season), stunning twin pagodas (King & Queen chedis), Wachirathan and Sirithan waterfalls, and hill tribe coffee villages. Visit Royal Agricultural Station project growing organic vegetables. Walk the Ang Ka Nature Trail through cloud forest and moss-covered trees. Often misty morning views.
Si Lanna National Park
Unique limestone waterfall where mineral deposits create grippy surface allowing you to climb UP the waterfall barefoot! Three tiers totaling 100m height. The limestone's texture makes it feel like walking on slightly rough carpet. Swim in pools at base. Best visited during rainy season (May-November) for best water flow. Less crowded than mainstream attractions.
Mae Rim district
Popular 8-tier waterfall just 30 minutes from Chiang Mai. Easy 30-minute hike through forest to reach multiple tiers with swimming spots. Often combined with visits to nearby attractions: Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden, Monkey Cave Temple, or Mae Sa Elephant Camp. Good for families with children. Picnic areas available. Best water flow July-November.
Various mountain regions
Immersive trekking experience through Northern Thailand's mountainous jungles. Stay overnight in hill tribe villages (Karen, Lahu, or Akha), sleep in basic bamboo huts, enjoy home-cooked meals. Trek 4-6 hours per day through rice paddies, bamboo forests, and mountain trails. Often includes bamboo rafting, waterfall visits, and cultural exchanges. Small groups with English-speaking guides. Moderate fitness required.
Flight of the Gibbon
Thailand's longest and highest zip-line course through Mae Kampong rainforest canopy. 33 platforms, 3km of zip-lines up to 800m long, including Thailand's longest single zip-line at 1km! Professional guides, all safety equipment included. Enjoy treetop views 50m above ground. Lunch and hotel transfer included.
Skyline Adventure
New attraction combining jungle luge ride (like go-kart downhill track), zipline, and sky bridge. Control your own speed down 2.1km track through forest. Chairlift takes you back up. Multiple packages available. Great for families and those wanting thrills without extreme heights.
Various operators
Exciting Class III-IV rapids on Mae Taeng River. 8km rafting route taking 1.5-2 hours. Professional guides and all safety equipment. Best during rainy season (July-November) for strongest rapids. Lower water levels in dry season means gentler experience. Often combined with ATV riding or elephant sanctuary visits.
X-Centre
Multi-activity adventure park featuring zip-lining, ATV rides through jungle, and rope courses. 12 ziplines including "Superman" flying position lines. Good option for groups wanting variety. Less intense than dedicated zip-line courses but more diverse activities. Suitable for beginners.
Peak Adventure
Experience rock climbing on Chiang Mai's premier limestone crag, just 40 minutes from city. Routes for all levels from beginner (5a) to advanced (7c+). All equipment provided including shoes, harness, helmet. Professional instruction. Beautiful mountain scenery. Half-day and multi-day courses available.
Multiple operators
Explore Chiang Mai countryside by mountain bike. Routes through rice fields, local villages, dirt trails, and quiet back roads. Stops at temples, markets, and local workshops. Bike, helmet, and support vehicle included. Choose easy countryside rides or challenging mountain trails. Small groups with English-speaking guides.
Northern Thailand is home to several ethnic minority groups including Karen, Hmong, Lahu, Akha, and Lisu people. When visiting hill tribe villages, choose operators who practice responsible tourism: limiting group sizes, contributing to community development, respecting cultural norms, and avoiding exploitative "human zoo" experiences.
Look for community-based tourism initiatives where locals lead tours and profits directly benefit the villages.
Multiple operators
Visit Karen (Kayan) hill tribe villages where women wear traditional brass neck coils. Learn about their culture, traditions, and why they maintain this practice. Purchase handmade textiles and crafts directly from villagers. ETHICAL CONCERNS: Some critics call these "human zoos" - choose operators who ensure fair compensation, limit visitor numbers, and emphasize cultural education over spectacle.
Community-based tours
Trek to authentic Hmong hill tribe village on slopes of Doi Suthep-Pui mountain. Walk through organic coffee and strawberry plantations, learn about Hmong farming techniques and daily life. Enjoy home-cooked traditional lunch. Visit local school supported by tour proceeds. Purchase directly from coffee farmers. More authentic than touristy "hill tribe villages" near main roads.
Village cooperative
Visit beautiful Mae Kampong village, a sustainable tourism model where locals run homestays, cafes, and guides. Walk through tea plantations, learn traditional tea processing, hike to waterfalls, and experience village life. Stay overnight in traditional teak house (extra cost). Community-owned tourism ensures money stays in village. Peaceful mountain setting 50km from Chiang Mai.
Ethical tour operators
In-depth cultural experience visiting both Lahu and Akha hill tribe communities. Learn about their distinct languages, traditions, animist beliefs, and agricultural practices. Participate in traditional activities like basket weaving or herb gathering. Lunch prepared by village families. Small groups (max 8) for meaningful cultural exchange. Part of tour fee supports village education and healthcare.
Largest tour marketplace with thousands of verified reviews and 24-hour cancellation on most tours. Wide selection of Chiang Mai activities from budget to luxury. Instant booking confirmation.
Award-winning cycling tour specialist based in Chiang Mai since 1992. Small group tours through countryside, mountains, and villages. Multi-day bike tours throughout Northern Thailand. Quality bikes and support vehicles.
Eco-friendly trekking company focusing on responsible hill tribe tourism. Small groups, community homestays, and sustainable practices. Experienced Karen guides. Multi-day jungle treks and cultural experiences.
Adventure tour specialist offering rock climbing, mountain biking, kayaking, and multi-sport tours. Professional guides and safety equipment. Custom private tours available. Based in Chiang Mai since 2005.
Popular booking platform with verified reviews, instant confirmation, and competitive prices. Often cheaper than booking directly. Good for last-minute bookings and bundled deals.
International platform with extensive tour selection and detailed descriptions. Free cancellation on most tours up to 24 hours before. Excellent customer service and refund policies.
Booking directly with tour operators can offer better prices and more flexibility. Contact operators via WhatsApp, Line, or their websites. Many offer discounts for group bookings or multi-day tours.