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.
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