Top Rated Attractions in Chiang Mai

The Patara Farm allows you to get up-close and personal with these beautiful Elephant creatures. Programs like "Elephant Owner for a Day" put's you in the shoes of the daily duties that go into taking care of these large animals. Among the things you will learn is how to correctly approach your elephant, spoken commands, how to feed and check its health, how to discern the animal's temperament, how to bathe it, and of course learn how to ride on the elephant's neck.

Established in 1988, this company offers a diverse and exciting range of adventure tours that range from one to 20 days. There is a variety of options to choose from, such as cultural tours, trekking, rafting, elephant safaris, animal-watching and survival treks. All are designed for small groups including families, individuals and study groups and are accompanied by qualified guides. You can even ask for a personalized tour. Call in advance for details on the latest prices and to make reservations. All packages include accommodation.

Doi Inthanon National Park is a 482-square-kilometre (186-square-mile) park, 60 kilometers (37 miles) north of Chiang Mai city. The park is awarded the epithet 'the Roof of Thailand' and is home to Doi Inthanon, Thailand's highest peak, after which the park is named. Lush forested mountains give way to plunging waterfalls and fragrant sakura groves here and the park is home to over 190 species of birds. Green-tailed sunbirds, maroon orioles, and speckled pigeons fill the air with their calls in the park's beautiful environs that range from evergreen cloud forests to magnificent teak forests. The park's biggest draw is Doi Inthanon peak from which a mesmerizing view of miles of verdant undulating hills and flourishing greenery is visible. Wachirathan Waterfall, twin stupas dedicated to the king and queen, and hill-tribe villages are other places of interest.

Interested in learning to climb, or exploring the underworld of caving? Or are you an expert, looking to add northern Thailand to your list of climbing and caving adventure locales? Located at the center of town is the climbing Club, where you can enjoy the bouldering wall, rent or purchase gear, and talk to the expert staff about your needs. Then head out to Crazy Horse Buttress, where novice climbers can take a top-rope course, and intermediate/advanced climbers can learn lead or multi-pitch climbing.

If you want to explore caving, you can enjoy a 60meter rappel into the expansive cave system, through courses designed for novice and technical cavers.

CMRCA also offers private guide services and special group programs. - Nora Dunn

Located in Baan Nam Khong, Jungle Flight takes adventurers on a journey they'll never forget. Visitors are taken through a pristine rain that is forest 3280 feet (1000 meters) above sea level, and spend five hours flying through the air on the zip lines, which are suspended 164 feet (50 meters) above the ground. The operators have 34 platforms set up among the gargantuan Yang trees as well as a spiral stairway and two sky bridges. You can also climb down a scaling net, or abseil down a tree. Needless to say, the thrill of the ride and the beauty of the forest will leave you breathless. Jungle flight has four pick up times daily, and each excursion lasts at least seven hours. Lunch and a visit to a hot spring are included.

A hermit named Prarusiwasuthep once lived in the forest at Doi Suthep-Pui. The park was originally called Doi Oi Chang, and was named after the hermit much later. In 1973, along with 13 other forested areas, the park was declared a national park by the Royal Forest Department. Do contact the tourism board for details.