Thailand (Lonely Planet, 13th Edition) - China Williams [239]
Trekking
Thousands of visitors trek into the hills of northern Thailand each year hoping to see fantastic mountain scenery, interact with primitive cultures and ride elephants. Most come with an Indiana Jones sense of adventure but leave with disappointment: the actual walk through the jungle lasted less than an hour, the hill-tribe villagers were disinterested in the lowlanders and the other trekkers were boring.
Most companies operating out of Chiang Mai offer the same type of tour: a one-hour mini-bus ride to Mae Taeng or Mae Wang (depending on the duration of the trip), a brief hike to an elephant camp, an hour elephant ride to a waterfall, another hour rafting down a river and an overnight in or near a hill-tribe village. The day goes by pretty quickly and then you’ve got to entertain yourself among strangers from sunset to bedtime, without the usual social lubricants.
The best reports we’ve heard have been from people who bonded with their fellow trekkers. The group dynamic can often turn an otherwise standard trip into a great experience. In general we’ve also heard that the interaction with the hill-tribe villagers is often exaggerated by the booking agent.
Chiang Mai is not the only base for hill-tribe treks but it is the most accessible. Most guesthouses in Chiang Mai act as booking agents in exchange for a commission, which in turn subsidises the cheap room rates. One-day treks usually cost around 1500B, while multi-day treks (three days and two nights) cost 2500B. Both prices include transport, guide and lunch; in the case of overnight trips, the price also includes lodging.
For general tips on choosing a trekking company and places to go trekking, Click here.
White-Water Rafting
The Mae Taeng River is north of Chiang Mai and carves a path through the Doi Chiang Dao National Park and the Huai Nam Dang National Park. The river is a wild and frothy white-water ride for nine months of the year (roughly from July to March), a surprisingly long season in this monsoonal climate. The 10km rafting route travels through grade II to grade IV, and some grade V, rapids. In one particularly thrilling stretch, the river drops almost 60m in about 1.5km. Following a heavy rain, especially in September, the river can become so swollen and ferocious that drownings do occur. When choosing a white-water outfitter, ask about their safety standards and training. If the answer seems hurried or vague, then shop around for a more reputable operator.
Siam River Adventures (Map; 08 9515 1917; www.siamrivers.com; Kona Cafe, 17 Th Ratwithi; tours from 1800B) has the best safety reputation. The guides have Swiftwater Rescue training and additional staff are located at dangerous parts of the river with throw ropes. Trips can be combined with elephant trekking and village overnights. They also operate kayak trips.
Yoga & Fitness
700-Year Anniversary Stadium (0 5311 2301; Th Klorng Chonprathan) Modern sports complex with Olympic-sized swimming pool.
Anantasiri Tennis Courts (Map; off Th Superhighway; 6am-8pm daily) The best public tennis facility in Chiang Mai.
Anodard Hotel (Map; 0 5327 0755; 57-59 Th Ratchamankha) In-town hotel with pool open to non-guests for a day-use fee.
Chiang Mai Yoga Sala (Map; 0 5320 8452; www.cmyogasala.com; 48 Th Ratchamankha; classes 250-300B) Beginner hatha and Mysore-style practice in the morning, mixed level hatha classes in the evening.
Gymkhana Club (Map; 0 5324 1035; Th Ratuthit) Scenic sports and social club with squash and tennis courts, golf and driving range open to non-members for a day-use fee.
Pong Pot Swimming Pool (0 5321 2812; 73/22 Soi 4, Th Chotana) Public swimming pool.
Top North Guest House (Map; 0 5327 8900; 15 Soi 2, Th Moon Muang) Hotel pool open to non-guests for a day-use fee.
Top North Hotel (Map; 0 5327 9623; 41 Th Moon Muang) Hotel pool open to non-guests for a day-use fee.
Yoga Studio (Map; 08 6192 7375; www.yoga-chiangmai.com; 65/1 Th Arak; classes 250B) Drop-in morning classes held four times a week. The studio