Since Chiang Mai possesses the spectacularly beautiful nature- an area filled with forested mountains, rivers, waterfalls and abundant tropical jungles, visitors are offered countless opportunities to experience a wide range of exciting and remarkable activities. You will be merged with the nature while plugging out you adrenaline rush in the water rapids among the green mountains towering around; you can trek along the path through the hills where you meet the cultural scene of tribal groups; or alternatively, you will be lost in the dense tropical jungle on the back of elephants, accompanied by various kinds of birds.

Trekking tour is an invigorating exploration of natural beauty in Chiang Mai. On the adventurous trail, you will see the dense forests, rivers, wild animals, friendly local people in the valley as well as hill tribe people. Trekking can be done in different modes of transportation, commonly by foot, sometimes by boat, elephant-back, horse back or jeeps, and frequently, a combination of two or three of them. There are various treks ranging from one hour to seven days. There are several places in Chiang Mai where trekking trails are available.

• Doi Inthanon: Due to the occupation by hill tribe people around the area, there are many footpaths on Doi Inthanon, creating the wonderful trials used for trekking. To trek in Doi Inthanon, guide is needed because there is no sign indicating neither at the trailhead nor along the route.

The most beautiful trek which is rewarding is Giw Mae Pan trail. The walk commences at the Royal Chedis and leads through the dense and moist evergreen forest then follows the top of a steep slope bordering the canyon headwaters of the Mae Pan River. The trail is spotted with red beautiful rhododendrons, backed up by the remarkably striking panorama.

If you would like to touch the quiet atmosphere and to trek off the beaten track, Mae Pan Area trail is a good choice. The area offers a rewarding one or two-hour-hike, passing through the unspoiled terrain teemed with small waterfalls tumbling into creeks along most of the route.

Rafting was introduced to Thailand a few years ago and gained an increasing popularity. The northern region is probably where rafting originated in Thailand due to its several rivers which are more suitable for rafting than anywhere else. The most famous and the longest established rafting route is along the Mae Taeng River in Chiang Mai. The raft trip takes about two days.

Another rafting route in Chiang Mai is the Mae Chaem River which offers both exciting experience in the river of grade 4 rapids and also the nature absorbing on the sluggish water surrounded by the lavishly verdant forest and mountains. The best period for rafting is rainy season when the rivers are at high waters.

Mountain biking is another best way to appreciate the natural beauty, old city, and cultural scenes all at once in Chiang Mai. The route can be taken from short to long routes; the short routes take only a half or full day, and the long ones can be extended to four days. The popular route is Chiangdao-Maekok River which offers varied scenery and exciting loops along the route.

Chiang Mai's abundant forests offer the excellent habitat for more than 400 species of birds. Particularly from October to February, Doi Inthanon is a great site to see many rare and migratory birds such the long-tailed Minuet, black-tailed Crake, Marron Oriole, short-billed Minivet, green Cochoa, Gould's sunbird and the chestnut-tailed Minla. Apart from Doi Inthanon, other best sites for bird watching lovers are Doi Chinag Dao, Doi Angkhang, and Doi Pha Hom Pok. The best time for bird watching lovers is from November to May. Bird watching is often combined with trekking also.