Chiang Mai is my favorite place to visit. Almost every year, I come back to this charming city for one to three months. Besides the delicious food and the old town alleys, I love all the activities I can do by myself around the city.
Chiang Mai has beautiful backcountry roads, perfect for cycling. You can see flower farms, rice paddies, restaurants in the middle of fields, or small village houses. One nice route is from the Old City to Mae Rim through the ‘hidden village,’ about 15 km. Another route goes to the ruins of Wiang Kum Kam through the South Gate. If you’re very fit, you can cycle up to Doi Suthep and then Doi Pui. You can also cycle to the lake Huay Tueng Thao and enjoy a meal by the lake.
I recommend booking a cycling tour with one of the many guides available through tourist shops around the Old City or from your hotel. For mountain biking or downhill biking, try Chiang Mai Mountain Biking.
Doi Suthep is about 18 km from the Old City, with a 5 km uphill stretch. I’ve cycled and walked up there a few times. You can walk on the road, jog part of it, or hike through the forest. There are several well-marked tracks from Chiang Mai University to Wat Phra That, a popular spot because of its great views over the city. See some pics of Wat Phra That below.
For more challenging hikes, try the ‘long’ Monk Trail. You can see waterfalls and small temples along the way. One beautiful temple, Wat Pha Lat, is hidden in the forest. To start, take a cab or Grab to the arboretum, then walk up to Wat Pha Lat.
One great tour in Chiang Mai is the Doi Inthanon tour. It covers the area around Doi Inthanon and includes various activities. I’ve hiked Doi Inthanon with a private guide a few times. You can customize your tour with the operators to match your interests. I prefer more challenging hikes without long breaks at waterfalls or for lunch. Along the way, you’ll meet farmers and mountain people and see their villages.
Chiang Mai Selected Local Experiences
Northern Thailand has so many wonderful activities for all fitness levels—rafting, canyoning, hiking, road cycling, mountain running, trekking, and mountain biking.