Looking for an adventurous way to explore the stunning landscapes of Northern Thailand? From spectacular Buddha temples and vibrant hill tribes to colourful rice terraces, here are five amazing day tours from Chiang Mai that you should definitely try out.
Discover the unique beauty of each destination as you take in breathtaking views and diverse culture!
Amazing Chiang Mai
Nestled in the lush, green foothills of the Himalayas, Chiang Mai is a bustling city rich in culture with a laid-back atmosphere. Abundant in natural beauty, it’s no wonder this charming city is such a popular tourist destination.
While Chiang Mai itself is definitely worth exploring, there are also many amazing day tours that can be taken to nearby areas. From visiting elephants and pristine waterfalls to taking in breathtaking mountain views, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Here are just a few of the many spectacular places you can visit on a day tour from Chiang Mai:
1. Doi Inthanon National Park – This park is home to Thailand’s tallest mountain and offers unrivaled views of the surrounding jungle and mountains. There are also several waterfalls and hiking trails to explore.
2. Mae Hong Son loop – This picturesque loop takes you through some of Thailand’s most beautiful countryside, including rice paddies, bamboo forests, and small villages. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to see traditional hill tribe life up close.
3. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep – This temple is one of Chiang Mai’s most important religious sites and offers stunning panoramic views of the city from its mountaintop location.
4. Elephant Nature Park – This park provides visitors with an up-close look at Asian elephants in their natural habitat.
Huay Tung Tao: Lakeside Trip of a Lifetime
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Huay Tung Tao is a beautiful freshwater lake located just outside of Chiang Mai. It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, and is the perfect place to spend a day or two exploring the stunning scenery and enjoying the many activities on offer.
There are plenty of hike and bike trails around Huay Tung Tao, so it’s easy to get off the beaten track and explore the area at your own pace. The lakeside setting is also perfect for picnics, relaxing by the water, or taking a dip to cool off on a hot day.
If you’re looking for an adventure, there’s plenty to do at Huay Tung Tao. You can go kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding on the lake, hire a mountain bike and tackle some of the trails, or even go zip-lining through the forest Park!
Whatever you do, you’re sure to have an incredible time at Huay Tung Tao. It truly is a lakeside trip of a lifetime.
Hilltop Hiking in Doi Inthanon – A perfect Day Tours from Chiang Mai
With its towering peaks and lush forest, Doi Inthanon National Park is a hikers paradise. The park has over 12 different hiking trails to choose from, so there is something for everyone. The most popular trail is the Doi Inthanon summit trail which takes you to the highest point in Thailand.
This hike is not for the faint of heart as it is quite challenging, but the views from the top are worth it. If you are looking for an easier hike, then try the Mae Klang Waterfall trail which is a beautiful 2km loop trail that takes you past some stunning waterfalls.
Exploring the Long Neck Village
The Long Neck Village is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Northern Thailand. Located just outside of Chiang Mai, the village is home to the Karen people, who are known for their unique custom of wearing brass coils around their necks.
Visitors to the Long Neck Village can explore the traditional way of life of the Karen people and see firsthand how they make their beautiful handcrafted jewelry. The village is also a great place to buy souvenirs, as there are many shops selling Karen handicrafts.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, be sure to add the Long Neck Village to your list of places to visit in Northern Thailand!
While the Karen villages in Thailand are more on the touristic side I do recommend visiting the original villages on the Myanmar side; now the situation is not very good in the region but trust me, the experience is way different and authentic!
Visiting Doi Suthep, Wat Pha Lat and the Chiang Rai White & Blue Temple
If you’re looking to get out of Chiang Mai and explore some of northern Thailand’s spectacular landscapes, then there are definitely some amazing day tours that you can take. One such tour is visiting Doi Suthep, Wat Pha Lat and the Chiang Rai White & Blue Temple.
Doi Suthep is a mountain that sits just outside of Chiang Mai and is home to the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple. This temple is one of the most important in all of Thailand and receives thousands of visitors each day. The views from the temple are absolutely incredible, so make sure to bring your camera!
Wat Pha Lat is another temple that is definitely worth checking out. This temple is located in the forest Monastery and features some beautiful gardens. You can also get some great views of Chiang Mai from here.
Last but not least, no trip to Chiang Rai would be complete without seeing the world-famous White Temple (Wat Rong Khun). This temple is truly a work of art and definitely worth a visit. So, if you’re looking for an amazing day tour from Chiang Mai, then be sure to check out Doi Suthep, Wat Pha Lat and the Wat Rong Khun!
So many to choose, so little time, no?
Chiang Mai is a great starting point for exploring the stunning landscapes and cultural attractions of Northern Thailand. From picturesque waterfalls and ancient temples to vibrant night markets, there are plenty of amazing day tours to choose from.
Whatever you decide on however, you’ll be sure to have an unforgettable experience that will keep you coming back for more. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start exploring!