Chiang Mai Tours: Experiencing Thailand in New Ways
Chiang Mai is a beautiful place to visit. It has a lot to offer, so you want to make sure you get the most out of your trip. With so many different things to do and places to visit there, we've put together a list to help you plan your trip and get the most out of your experience! Read on below to learn more about some of the exciting Chiang Mai tours you can take during your visit and stay in Thailand.
1. Old Town Chiang Mai Walking Tour
Why not start your visit with a walking tour of Old Town Chiang Mai?
It's a visual experience that will give you an authentic historic experience of the area. It has a lot to offer in terms of architecture, food, and local flair.
While on your walking tour, you'll get to see ancient temples, Buddhist monks, and can choose to join a monk chat round table if you choose to.
One of the best things about the Old Town Chiang Mai walking tour? It's free!
It begins at Three Kings Monument and ends at the Rose Bar & Restaurant.
Old Town Chiang Mai will differ greatly from more modern parts of Thailand such as Bangkok. It's sure to give you a cultural experience you won't forget.
2. Walking the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail
If you're an outdoors type who is ready to dive in and explore all of the beautiful nature that Chiang Mai has to offer, you'll want to tour the Kew Mae Pan nature trail.
Located in Doi Inthanon National Park, the Kew Mae Pan nature trail is considered to be one of the most scenic parts of Thailand.
Along this nature trail, you'll see the trail's famous red rhododendrons, lush greenery and plants, different species of birds and animals, and wide open skies.
The Kew Mae Pan nature trail follows a narrow path around a mountain for about three kilometers, and provides helpful stations along the way to help explain the ecosystems present throughout the forest.
Whether you're going with a group of friends for a communal experience, or just a few close others for a quiet experience with nature, the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail will not disappoint.
3. Doi Suthep Temple
The Doi Suthep mountain is one of the most well-known landmarks in Chiang Mai. You won't want to miss out on touring its mountaintop temple during your visit.
There are a lot of different temples to visit in Thailand, including the oldest one Wat Chiang Man, but the one at Doi Suthep is a must-see for those touring Chiang Mai.
There are over three hundred steps up to the temple. The climb is worth it to see this spiritual place and beautiful views of the city that it provides.
There is also a lift to the temple for those who don't want to hike up the stairs.
Try to get there earlier in the day so you can beat the heat, and avoid the crowds that build up later in the day. You'll be glad you did!
4. Yi Peng Floating Lantern Festival
Along your Chiang Mai tours, you'll want to check out and tour one of their many festivals at some point.
Festivals are great opportunities to get a feel for the culture in Chiang Mai. This is your chance to learn about their traditions, and celebrate with the locals!
If you're in Chiang Mai in November, you should make some time to attend the Yi Peng Floating Lantern Festival.
Thousands of lanterns are released into the sky. Floating candles are sent down waterways in the evening to light the area in a beautiful and unforgettable way.
The lanterns carry the prayers and wishes of the people. This makes the illuminated sky an even more special exhibition.
The Floating Lantern Festival is a ceremony and experience you'll remember forever even after you've left Chiang Mai.
5. Ring in the Thai New Year
If you're in Chiang Mai during the holiday Songkran, or the Thai New Year, there are a lot of celebrations you can partake in.
Activities are centered around the city's most visited temple, Wat Phra Singh, and the old town of Chiang Mai. The festivities take place over the course of three days.
If you're touring these areas during the holiday, expect to see a lot of crowds and exciting activities. Join in Chiang Mai's famous city-wide water fight.
It's a fun way to party and celebrate together, but it also symbolizes cleansing and purification for the new year ahead.
If you're in the right location at the right time, you're sure to get wet and help ring in the Thai New Year in a memorable way!
6. Take a Hot Air Balloon Tour of Chiang Mai
There are many different kinds of Chiang Mai tours to take on foot or by car. But you can also view the city in the sky by taking a hot air balloon tour.
Balloon Adventure Thailand provides rides twice a day for about ninety minutes, and offers visitors to the city with a great opportunity to look at the city and its landscape in a different way.
They recommend going for a balloon ride from mid-November to mid-March. This will increase the chances that it will be a clear day for the most optimal viewing experience.
After your flight, enjoy breakfast and champagne provided by the company to round out your experience in the sky.
Make your visit to Chiang Mai even more unforgettable by touring it by air!
There Are Many Chiang Mai Tours to Choose From
There are a lot of exciting and enriching experiences to enjoy during your visit to Thailand and your Chiang Mai tours.
Whether you're visiting the city to learn about its many temples and spiritual roots, walk along its various and awe-inspiring nature trails, or are celebrating a holiday such as Songkran, there is something for everyone.
Which Chiang Mai tours do you plan to participate in during your visit to the city? Let us know in a comment below!
