Chiang Mai Temples, Bikes & Whitewater Rafting – 4 days
Travel to Thailand and experience a fascinating blend of ancient temples, rainforest trails and vibrant night markets in Chiang Mai. This is an active Short Break Adventure that features the best of Thailand’s northern region. Tackle the world-famous Mae Taeng River rapids on a rafting excursion, hike through local villages and temperate rainforests, cycle through fruit orchards and a 700-year-old temple in the countryside and climb the ancient staircase to the hilltop of Doi Suthep. This is an action-packed, authentic experience and the perfect way to see different sides of Chiang Mai in just four days.
Trip overview
- Start – Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Finish – Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Destinations – Thailand
- Physical rating – 3/5
- Group size – Max 12
- Climb to the summit of Doi Suthep temple and enjoy the hypnotic atmosphere of chanting Buddhist monks and sweeping views of the city.
- Uncover Thailand’s rural charm as you hike and bike through scenic hilltribe areas, rice paddies and lush jungle landscapes.
- Cycle off the main streets and into the heart and soul of Chaing Mai with a back street, countryside bike tour.
- Go whitewater rafting over the rugged rapids of the charitable partner, EcoThailand Foundation. Donations help educate school children on important environmental issues like climate change, nature appreciation, conservation and sustainability.
- This Short Break Adventure is a ‘join in’ group departure, which means you are not accompanied by a group leader – our local representative fills this role – and the configuration of any fellow travellers in the group might change during the trip.
- This trip will run with a minimum of one person, so you may be joined by other travellers booked on the same date as you, or you may be on your own.
- This is an active style trip so a good level of fitness and a passion for hiking, biking and rafting is of course recommended.
- Your evenings will be free, and your local guide will be able to recommend some restaurants to dine at.
Itinerary
Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. The most vibrant city in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai has many famous temples and an attractive old city area. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting tonight at 7 pm. If you arrive early, maybe head out to explore the charming city streets or just laze by the pool. After your meeting, maybe head to the vibrant Night Bazaar or ask your leader where the best place is to tuck into the signature dish of kao soy (yellow wheat noodles in a curry broth, traditionally served with chicken or beef).
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
After breakfast, head off to explore the famous temple complex of Doi Suthep. You’ll take a short drive along a scenic and winding mountain road to the impressive 300-step Naga-guarded stairway. The rewards more than justify the ascent to the top, with views of one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand and the city below. You’ll then return to your hotel to rest and recharge. Head out again this afternoon and saddle up for a cycling adventure into the streets of Chiang Mai and beyond. Explore the local life, riding through the busy roads to the west. Visit Wat Suan Dok Temple, surrounded by King Mengrai’s blossoming garden. See the Lanna Dynasty Relics kept here, then continue to Wat Umong Temple. Cycle along local roads next to fields of rice paddies, past old and new communities. Enjoy the opportunity to connect with the authentic lifestyle of the Chiang Mai people and even visit a local art gallery along the way. Visit Royal Park Ratchapruek and wander around the landscaped grounds and chapel before heading to the hidden route at the Doi Suthep foothills. Tonight, why not reward your efforts with a traditional Thai massage.
Your total cycling time today will be about 3 hours or 20 km.
Today’s activities are run by our local partner in Thailand, so other travellers not travelling with our group may join you.
Get set for an awesome day of exploring the hilltribe areas north of the city. After breakfast, you’ll drive north to the Mae Tang area. From here, make your way through the forest scenery on a hike to Huay Sathan Waterfall, where you can relax, enjoy the beautiful scenery and maybe even go for a swim. After, you’ll drive to your river camp for some free time to refuel. In the afternoon, prepare for a thrilling whitewater rafting session. Get outfitted with helmets and life jackets and take a safety briefing. Then, you’ll tackle the thrilling rapids of the Mae Taeng River and its 14 gorges along a 10 km stretch. The difficulty level on the Mae Taeng River ranges from grade 3 to 5. Praised as some of the best whitewater rafting in Asia, this activity takes approximately 2 hours and finishes at the downstream camp, where you can rest and change into dry clothes. Enjoy some hot and cold drinks or fresh fruits before returning to your Chiang Mai accommodation. Tonight, why not soak up the atmosphere of the vibrant night markets and cheers to an awesome adventure.
Today’s activities are run by our local partner in Thailand, so other travellers not travelling with our group may join you.
There are no activities planned today and you’re free to depart at any time after check out. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent.
Inclusions
Activities
- Wat Umong and Royal Flora Park on the backroad
- Chiang Mai – Doi Suthep Temple visit
- Chiang Mai – White water rafting
- Hiking to the waterfall
