Five chilled Chiang Mai day trips
CHIANG MAI is known as the cultural capital of Thailand, a city of temples, retreats and cultural markets. It is all of these things, but more as well, especially if you get outside the city limits.
Northern Thailand has a wealth of beautiful natural landscapes and formations, and you don’t even need to venture too far from the city to find them. Even those on a tight schedule in Chiang Mai will find it easy to escape the tourist traps and see something a bit off the beaten path.
Each of the following destinations can be reached in an hour or less, with the exception of Doi Inthanon, and are easily accessible by motorbike or simply hiring a songthaew, a public truck for hire, or a taxi for a few hundred baht (usually around $15).
1. Mae Ngat Dam & Reservoir
Good for a day trip but even better for an over-nighter. The lake houses at Mae Ngat are a fairly well-kept secret – from travelers at least. These cozy bungalow-style establishments are great places to stay for a weekend outside the city. Located on the lake at Mae Ngat Dam & Reservoir, most of the houses are small rooms attached to one another, though they are clean and all come with a private bathroom. During the day, you can swim on the lake surrounded by mountains green with lush vegetation. Waiters come and take your order, and will bring you freshly cooked Thai food. If you’re spending the night, pick up a bottle of Sangsom, a popular Thai whiskey, and enjoy a few drinks by the lake. Even by Thailand’s standards, Mae Ngat is a serene escape.
2. Bua Tong “Sticky” Waterfall
There is a lot of beauty to be enjoyed outside Chiang Mai, and the Sticky Waterfall is one of the loveliest spots. The water runs over a series of limestone steps that make it “sticky” and essentially safe for climbing. While climbing a waterfall sounds like a counterintuitive behavior, this is a beloved place to visit among many an ex-patriate and long-term traveler in Chiang Mai.
3. Doi Inthanon National Park
Doi Inthanon is the highest peak in Thailand, and is worth seeing for a day or for an overnight camping trip. The national park, which encompasses the mountain, is home to multiple waterfalls, gorgeous flora and is a great place to escape the city for the night. Guests can rent bungalows in the park, or rough it with a tent and sleeping bag. Doi Inthanon is a lovely place to spend an evening and get a break from the crowds while reflecting on your travels before embarking on the next leg of the tour. Admission is steep – 500 baht for an adult (roughly $15) – but worth the extra cash for the serenity and amazing views.
4. Huay Tung Tao Lake
Here again is a low-key getaway made for relaxation. Huay Tung Tao is a great space to while away an afternoon. Visitors can rent out small bungalow-style huts for a mere 20 baht a day (less than $1USD) and either bring their own picnic foods or order local dishes at the lake, which will be delivered directly to their huts. Because it is only a few kilometers outside the city down route 121, you only need to steal away for a few hours to enjoy the sunshine, swimming and generally relaxing atmosphere.
5. The Quarry
Adventure-seekers may get a kick out of visiting the quarry, which can be found about a half hour south of Chiang Mai’s Old City. This secluded spot has become well-known for being beautiful, and for it’s cliff-jumping opportunities. Do so at your own risk, however – there have been rumors that the waters aren’t exactly healthy, though that doesn’t seem to stop groups of ex-pats from heading out there on a regular basis. And, as goes without saying at most places in Thailand, there are no authorities watching out over thrill-seeking foreigners. If you do brave the jump, wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty, as the water and mud will stain. The best way to reach the quarry is to rent a motorbike or scooter (you can rent them for as little as 150 baht – about $5USD – per day). To get there, head south on Canal Road and take it until you can go no further. There will be a Canyon Restaurant on your right, and you’ll turn right there and drive straight over a bridge. Then you’ll make a right at the first crossroads you reach, and drive straight until you see the quarry.
For a handy and pocket-sized Chiang Mai companion, check out Footprint’s Chiang Mai & Northern Thailand handbook
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Chiang Mai: Places to visit
Chiang Mai previously the backpackers paradise is becoming one of the most favorite tourist places in Thailand. A capital of Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai can offer you everything.
Top Offers
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Old Penang Guesthouse
Urban Boutique Guesthouse
Penang, Georgetown, Malaysia
Deal USD $ 10 per night
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Sukau Rainforest Lodge
Eco River Retreat
Kinabatangan River, Borneo, Malaysia
Deal USD $ 400 per night
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Abaca Boutique Resort
Spa & Wellness Resort
Lapu Lapu City , Mactan Island, Philippines
Deal USD $ 340 per night
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Eternity Springs Art Farm
Eco Wellness Retreat
Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia
Deal USD $ 100 per night
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L’Hotel Nina at Convention Center
Urban Budget Hotel
Hong Kong, The New Territories, China
Deal USD $ 100 per night
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Sunrise Nha Trang Beach Hotel & Spa
Luxury Beach Resort
Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa province, Vietnam
Deal USD $ 134 per night
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The Secret Sanctuary Boutique Cottage
Boutique Guesthouse
Kuching, Borneo, Malaysia
Deal USD $ 35 per night
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O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat
Boutique Resort
Canungra, Queensland, Australia
Deal USD $ 200 per night
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Anggun Boutique Hotel
Urban Boutique Hotel
Kuala Lumpur, Bukit Bintang, Malaysia
Deal USD $ 75 per night
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The Apsara
Urban Boutique Guesthouse
Luang Prabang, Luang Prabang Province, Laos
Deal USD $ 75 per night
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Hintok River Camp @ Hellfire Pass
Rivers Glamping
Kanchanaburi, River Kwai, Thailand
Deal USD $ 125 per night
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The Chedi, Chiang Mai
Luxury Boutique Hotel
Chiang Mai, Chang Khlan, Thailand
Deal USD $ 250 per night
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Ana Mandara Villas Dalat Resort & Spa
Luxury Resort
Dalat, Lam Dong, Vietnam
Deal USD $ USD $175 per night
