Chiang Mai Nature & Trekking
Last updated: February 2026
Chiang Mai's mountains and jungles offer incredible nature experiences just outside the city.
Doi Inthanon National Park
Thailand's highest peak at 2,565 meters.
Distance: 90km from Chiang Mai (2 hours) Admission: āļŋ300 foreigners Highlights:
- Summit viewpoint
- Twin Royal Pagodas
- Wachirathan and Sirithan waterfalls
- Hill tribe villages
- Cool temperatures (bring a jacket!)
Tips:
- Full day trip needed
- Hire a driver or join a tour
- Best in cool season (Nov-Feb)
- Bring warm clothes - it's cold at summit!
Elephant Sanctuaries
Visit elephants ethically - no riding!
Recommended Sanctuaries:
- Elephant Nature Park (original ethical sanctuary)
- Elephant Jungle Sanctuary
- Ran-Tong Elephant Rescue
What to Expect:
- Feed elephants
- Walk with elephants
- Mud bathing
- Swimming with elephants
Cost: āļŋ2,000-4,000 for half/full day Book in Advance: Popular, sells out
Avoid: Any place offering elephant rides or shows
Jungle Trekking
Multi-day treks into the mountains and hill tribe villages.
Options:
- 1-day: Doi Suthep-Pui National Park
- 2-3 days: Mae Wang, Mae Taeng areas
- Multi-day: To Pai region
Include: Hill tribe homestays, waterfalls, bamboo rafting
Cost: āļŋ800-2,000 per day depending on group size Best Time: Cool season (Nov-Feb)
Waterfalls
Bua Tong Sticky Waterfall
Unique limestone waterfall you can climb. Distance: 60km north of Chiang Mai Admission: Free Unique: Limestone allows you to walk up!
Mae Sa Waterfall
Beautiful 10-tier waterfall near the city. Distance: 30km north Admission: āļŋ100
Huay Kaew Waterfall
Easy hike from Chiang Mai University. Distance: 5km from city Best time: Rainy season when water is flowing
Doi Suthep-Pui National Park
The mountain overlooking the city offers more than just the temple.
Activities:
- Hiking trails
- Hmong villages
- Nature walks
- Camping
Getting There: Songthaew or motorbike
White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)
Not nature, but a popular day trip north.
Location: Chiang Rai (3 hours from Chiang Mai) Often combined with: Blue Temple, Black House Best as: Day tour to Chiang Rai
Pai
Mountain town 3 hours north of Chiang Mai.
Getting There: Minivan (āļŋ150) or motorbike (762 curves!) What to Do:
- Pai Canyon (sunset views)
- Hot springs
- Waterfalls
- Cafes and night market
- Hippie/backpacker vibe
Tip: Stay at least 2 nights, the journey takes half a day
Seasonal Considerations
- Cool Season (Nov-Feb): Best for trekking, clear views
- Hot Season (Mar-May): Very hot, burning season haze
- Rainy Season (Jun-Oct): Waterfalls at best, leeches on trails
Last updated: January 2026
