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Chiang Mai is certainly not a spectator sport. Sure, it has
great food and fantastic shopping but if all you do is sit
on the sidelines then you'll miss out on half the fun. The
lofty peaks, lush forests and mighty rivers of Chiang Mai
offer a wealth of opportunities for outdoor pursuits. Chiang
Mai activities are well suited to a range of tastes and abilities,
but they all deliver a once in a lifetime experience.
Trekking in Chiang Mai
With such picturesque beauty close at hand it's no wonder
that trekking tops the list of popular things to do in Chiang
Mai. The many trails of Doi
Inthanon are very popular places to explore on your own.
Doi Suthep also
has some great hikes, especially at the annex a little ways
north, which is never crowded. Nature trails in the national
parks are well marked and easy to follow. Ranger stations
nearby can provide maps and guides if you wish.
If you want to get a little farther away from civilization
you'll need a guide to show you the way. Finding the right
guide can make or break your enjoyment of your trek. The Tourism
Authority of Thailand (TAT) licenses guides and the Professional
Guide Association provides accreditation of the most professional.
To ensure that your experience is as enjoyable as possible
make sure that your guide is approved by both organisations.
Trekking companies offer a variety of different types of
treks ranging from one day to five day and encompassing an
array of secondary activities such as rafting and hilltribe
visits. Overnight treks usually include accommodation at a
hilltribe village but the facilities are rudimentary. It's
a great way to experience these unique cultures first hand
as well as help them by supplementing their meagre income.
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An overnight stay at a hilltribe village is an incredibly
rewarding experience. It's a chance to really experience a
unique way of life that has persisted in isolation for centuries.
Hilltribes prefer to keep to themselves, far away from the
wheels of progress. Of course, this isolationism begs the
question "Why do they let tourists stay with them?"
The answer, sadly, is money. Life for most hilltribes is desperately
poor. Their lack of sophistication, while charming, means
that their lives are a daily struggle for survival. Try and
remember that while staying at their village and do a little
to help these marginalized peoples.
When trekking you will need a good pair of hiking boots,
a backpack or day pack, plenty of bug repellent and some sort
of light jacket. Toilet paper is also a necessity. The best
time to go trekking in Chiang Mai is from November to March
when the greenery is spectacular but the weather is clear.
From June to September rain is almost a guarantee.
Elephant Trekking
Another option for those who want to see the forests but
aren't keen on hiking is to take a trek on elephant back.
Elephant trekking provides the dual experience of connecting
with the majestic and awesome beasts as well as the breathtaking
scenery of northern Thailand (and you won't get any blisters
either). Many treks are a combination of hiking and elephant
riding, with rafting sometimes added to the mix as well.
Whether you choose your own feet or those of a pachyderm
travel light but make sure to bring your camera. The scenery
is breathtaking and the woods are full of wildlife. Sure you
sacrifice some luxuries but the experience is well worth it. |
