Neil Aronson Chiang Mai is a hub for thrill-seekers with top activities like ziplining through jungle canopies, whitewater rafting on the Mae Taeng River (Class III/IV rapids), and exploring off-road on ATV tours through the countryside, plus unique experiences like climbing the Sticky Waterfall (Bua Tong), downhill mountain biking, and even bungy jumping for extreme thrills.
With Chiang Mai being surrounded by beautiful mountains, the opportunities are many. And most of these activities are just a short drive from the city making them easy to do in less than a day. Or even better yet, stay at a hotel or resort near your adventure destination, as there are great places all over the mountains.
Here are some popular Thailand adventures and activities guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping. And one of the best part of doing these outdoor activities in Thailand is that your doing them surrounded by some of the most beautiful countryside in the world. And at a cost much less than most other countries around the world.
With so much to do in Thailand on your vacation it can be hard to sort through all your options. So we have a list of items for those thrill seekers looking for some adrenaline outdoors.
The best company to book all your thrilling activities is on Viator.
Resources
Agoda is the best place to book cheap affordable hotels in Thailand, especially near national parks. They also book flights as well.
Expedia is my favorite place to book flights, hotels, cars, and more. Their group includes Hotels.com and Vrbo for vacation rentals.
Viator is the top choice for activities. Book everything from a waterfall tour to scuba diving, jungle trekking to cooking classes.
12Go is the top transportation source for Asia. From busses to trains to regional flights.
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Travel Backpacks
A must have for your laptop, camera gear, valuables, extra clothes
Contents:
- White Water Rafting
- Off Roading
- Mountain Biking
- Caving
- Hot Air Balloon Rides
- Zip Line & Bungy Jumping
- In The Sky
- For The Kids
White Water Rafting
Like a lot of outdoor activities you end up doing in Thailand, you never planned doing before you visit. On my first trip to Chiang Mai 13 years ago, I certainly was not planning on going white water rafting. But as I kept walking around town, I kept seeing signs on small shops promising to take you out to the mountains for an unforgettable experience on the river.
After trying to fill my days (while my friend was working), I decided why not give these outdoor activities a try. Similar to me taking a cooking class on that same trip, which was a blast. And best of all, its inexpensive in Thailand. I am cheap, so that works for me. This was me and my friend Steve in the front of these pictures!
In Chaing Mai, there are multiple companies that will take you out on the Mae Taeng River, about 2 hours north of the city center. You can book some of them on Viator, our choice for booking activities.
If your looking to go Kayaking on these same rivers, most of the local companies can arrange that as well.
These are all day outdoor activities, so take that into consideration. The adventure companies will pick you up, drive everyone out to the river, give you a brief training, and lunch.
Besides the mountains of Chiang Mai, there are other places to go rafting. North of Chiang Mai about 130 Km in Pai, is another option nettled in the lush mountains. Nan Wa River, about 150 Km northeast of Chiang Mai. The Nan Wa river is supposed to be one of the best white water rafting venues in the world, and other outdoor activities.
TIP* Experienced rafters would know this, but it is really important to consider the time of year in Thailand. Unless you like being terrified as a rookie. Peak season, meaning the rivers are full blast category 4-6 rapids, is July-October. Not recommended unless you are experienced. The dry season, January-April is pretty calm.
Book Hotels on Agoda. For transportation around Thailand book on 12Go, for booking trains, busses, flights, private cars.
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Off Roading
Riding the mountain trails on wheels is another hugely popular of all the outdoor activities you can do. Like rafting, there are no shortage on adventure companies in Thailand to rent to you or take you out on tours. Chiang Mai especially is a very popular area being near the mountains.
Be aware when doing these outdoor activities of the rainy season, especially for mountain biking. It’s not too much fun peddling through the running mud. July-October is very rainy and muddy.
Riding ATV’s is more of a tourist thing in Thailand than a local activity. A lot of the tour companies combine an ATV rides with another one of the outdoor activities such as Zip Line, Elephant Sanctuary, or visiting a cave. May tours just about anywhere in the country can be booked on Viator.
For those wanting to ride dirt bikes through jungle trails and rivers there are lots of options as well. Let’s Ride in Chiang Mai is a local company that does all types or off road trips and mountain biking tours. If you want to go on your own, their are companies around town that rent. Just be careful and make sure they are reputable, and don’t leave your actual passport with them. Ask you hotel, they know all the good local companies.
Just north of Chiang Mai City is the area of Mae Rim. If you are near this area check out Chiang Mai X Centre, on route 1069. Here you can do many activities, as they specialize in ATV tours and Dirt Biking. I have met the very friendly Australian owner.
Mountain Biking
Give the elephants a break and hit the Thai wilderness on two wheels. Mountain biking is supremely popular in this country and there are many different tours from which to choose. Chiang Mai is a mounting biking heaven with hundreds of trails nearby of all difficulty levels.
Northern Thailand is the best place where you will find some of the densest jungle in the country. You can roam as you wish, in a bike and explore the landscapes of Thailand. This is one of the best adventurous things to do in Thailand. You can go on a motorbike through mountain trails, forests, and rivers to explore the Thai countryside. You will often find yourself in hills and jungles where you can enjoy the most. Chiang Mai area has several great companies to arrange trips with. Trailhead in Old Town Chiang Mai arranges many trips of all levels.
Caving
Get to the heart of Thailand by exploring ancient caves and tremendous caverns like those in the Pang Mapha District of the Mae Hong Son Province. Here you can venture underground and discover wildlife, history and geology. Expert guides, like those at Cave Lodge, will escort you through geologic labyrinths, vertical caves and collapsed caves. Combine your journey with forest hikes or rafting to see even more of the Thai landscape. Check out Cave Lodge Tours in Mae Hong Son.
Hot Air Balloon Rides
Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai have become popular recently with this activity. Rides provide unforgettable views of jungles, small villages, and temples.
You’ll pay a little more, with one-hour flights costing about $300.
Flights in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai operate all year round but may be canceled at short notice during the summer monsoon months. Flights take off at sunrise and sunset.
Chiang Rai is also home to Thailand’s annual international balloon festival. Every February, pilots gather to show off their glowing balloons before they rise into the air as one, and tourists can join in on the fun, too.
Zip Line & Bungy Jumping
We have two more outdoor activities, that are of course for tourists. But they are a great adrenaline rush, and extra thrilling when doing them in the jungles and rainforests.
Zipline is readily available in most tourists areas. Some of them can be found on Viator. Just like any of the other outdoor activities, there are plenty of local adventure companies in these cities that do zip line. Again, check that they are reputable.
Family Tip* There is a place north of Chiang Mai city in the Mae Rim Valley called Pongyang Jungle Coaster Zipline Camp & Resort. Honestly we have not stayed overnight, but I have seen it, and it is a great place to take the kids. Many jungle activities including zip line, bungy jumps, tube rides, and more. You can book on Agoda. The accommodations for family friendly ‘glamping’. It can get very crowded.
Also in the Mae Rim Valley there are several opportunities to zipline. The biggest and most popular in the area is Phoenix Adventure Park. They have both zipline and an amazing rope course. Getting to Phoenix is easy, it is just 2 km north of route 1096. Google maps took us there.
If your looking to do a bungy jump, they have that too. I’ll pass, not my thing, but go for it. So I can’t say that I have actually done it. In Chiang Mai north of the city in Mae Rim, there is X Center Chiang Mai. Close to other tourists attractions like Tiger Kingdom and Mae Sa waterfall.
In The Sky
We don’t need to tell you what an amazingly scary experience skydiving is. If you’re looking to inject your vacation with pure adrenaline, this is the extreme. The weather is Thailand is good most of the time. So strap yourself to a jumpmaster, and experience the thrill of a lifetime. For more check out Sky Dive Chiang Mai.
For the ultimate outdoor activities adrenaline rush go sky diving, paragliding, or take a micro flight. What better way to fall to your death than starring out at the beautiful landscape of Thailand! But seriously I have a couple friends that go all the time.
In Chiang Mai, since 1998, Chiang Mai Sky Adventure has been taking people up on their micro planes. Located northeast of the city center, about 30 minutes drive. Glide over the surrounding hills, looking down on temples, rivers, and life below.
For The Kids
We have some fun and thrilling things in Chiang Mai that kids will love. We mentioned the Pongyang Jungle Coaster Zipline Camp & Resort.
Bua Tong Sticky Waterfalls (Mae Taeng) is super fun and thrilling for kids. It is a naturally “sticky” waterfall where the unique texture of the rocks allows kids to climb up and down safely. Bring swimsuits and water shoes, and consider bringing a picnic for a day out in nature. Located about an hour north of Chiang Mai, a tour can be booked on Viator.
Jungle Adventure Park (Hang Dong) is a newer theme park with rides and activities for kids. From small coasters to zipline to Go Karts. Your kids will have a blast all afternoon splashing around in the many water activities as well.
Conclusion:
We hope you can make it to Thailand and try some of these experiences.
Since there is a health and safety risk! Make sure you get Travel Insurance please.
