While some parts of Chiangmai can get crowded due to their popularity with tourists, the best part about journeying here is that Chiangmai is part of Northern Thailand, a region that is vast and filled with many options for any sort of traveller. If you want to escape the noise and the crowds, here are some other activities that you can take part in. Some are further away than others, but they certainly offer a more peaceful experience.
Baan Rak Thai (Mae Hong Son)
There’s no better way to escape the crowds than to take a day trip -- or two-day trip -- to a local village. About 3-4 hours away from the heart of Chiangmai lies this small and quaint village, which is home to a community of around 1000 Thai-Chinese villagers. This town was historically founded by Kuomintang soldiers who had crossed over from Yunnan during the Revolution. The houses retain a traditional Chinese influence and there are many signs and notices written in Chinese as well. One of the villages’ specialties is its lush tea plantations. Sip a cup of tea and enjoy life as it passes by slowly here!
Doi Mon Chong Mountain
This is one of Chiangmai’s best kept secrets when it comes to natural sites. Doi Mon Chong Mountain, is more of a local haunt than a tourist site, and is sometimes referred to as a savannah because of the field of tall grass that shrouds the mountain. It’s also the tallest hill in Chiangmai so get ready for a sweat-inducing but thoroughly rewarding 6km trek up to the top, where you can then admire some gorgeous sunset views! This hill is situated within Omkoi Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can see some rare species of birds and animals, and is about a 3-4 hours drive away from Chiangmai.
Cliff jumping at The Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon doesn’t just exist in America, there’s a version of it right here in Chiangmai! This abandoned limestone quarry has now been converted to a waterpark, in which there’s tons of fun activities for the whole gang. For the adrenaline junkies, you can try cliff diving from three different height levels! If you’d rather chill, you can just sit and laze on the bamboo rafts or just play around on the floats with your friends and family. This spot is also super Instagrammable, especially with the waters that give off an emerald sheen that’ll make your photo pop!
Pai
Pai is a small, idyllic town in Mae Hong Son province about 3-4 hours away from Chiangmai. It makes for a good day trip, and though it’s not massive in size, it’s easy for you to immerse in all that the town has to offer in a myriad of ways. From its spas to its many waterfalls, a trip here can prove to be entirely rejuvenating. While the village has opened up a bit more to tourism, it’s definitely more peaceful than being in the big cities. From here, you can also explore further villages that house minority tribes like the Karen, Lisu, Hmong and Lahu, as Pai is situated closer to the foot of the mountains and you can easily trek to visit these communities with the help of a local guide.
Monk chats
For the curious traveller, monk chats can be a great way to find out about Thai religion, way of life and culture. You can attend one easily at many of the temples in and around Chiangmai, as they have regular sessions to chat and impart more information about their culture. For monks, these sessions are also extremely useful in training their English language skills, so joining them in a conversation will definitely enrich everybody. Temples like Wat Sri Suphan and Wat Chedi Luang all offer these monk chats, and you can chat with the monks for as long as time allows you to. Women are most certainly allowed to join a monk chat, so don’t shy away from having these interesting conversations to learn more about what you’re visiting in Chiangmai!
Learn how to give a Thai massage
Sure, many of us want to enjoy a Thai massage during our holiday, not have to be the ones doling it out. Yet, what better way to truly enjoy your Thai massage than find out more about the effort and skills required that make a truly relaxing and ideal massage! There are many schools and training centres in Chiangmai that offer short courses on traditional Thai massage. Some you can consider enrolling in include Sabai De Ka Thai Massage School, which offers a multitude of courses in techniques like hot stone massage, gua sha treatment, and Thai table massage. Foundation courses are also offered in the International Training Massage School, an accredited institution based in Chiangmai. If you’re feeling a bit tired and would rather unwind with a massage, check out our guide to the best massage parlours in Chiangmai!
Mae Ngat Dam
This hydroelectric dam is situated towards the west of Si Lanna National Park, and has total getaway vibes. Get together with your closest friends and families and rent a floating house right here! The waters are tranquil and the scenery is a soothing shade of green from all the trees and mountains that surround Mae Ngat Dam. It’s just like camping, but on water and much more peaceful and fresh. If you’re aching for something to do, you can always explore the national park, or rent a kayak and paddle slowly along the water. What could be more relaxing?
Lampang’s Floating Pagodas
Last but certainly not the least is Lampang’s Floating Pagodas, or Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat. You won’t find swarms of tourists here mainly because it’s a bit further out and less accessible. Nonetheless, these mystical pagodas are not to be missed. These limestone karst peaks are dotted with white pagodas, which were all transported up manually by a monk and his team of 50 helpers about ten years ago. It took the group two years to complete the construction of this temple, testifying to their strength and devotion. It already looks amazing in pictures, and you’ll have to see it to really believe it. It’s not as far from Chiangmai as some of the villages on this list, and it’ll take about a 2.5 hour drive to get here. It might take some effort to get up, but it’s well worth it for a gem like Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat that’s off the beaten path.
