Chiang Mai Day Trips

Pai

Located 135km (83 miles) up a coiled mountain road from Chiang Mai, Pai is an unlikely tourist attraction. The town has undergone a number of transitions from hill tribe village to hippie hideaway to a tourist playground. Its relaxed atmosphere and peaceful mountain scenery have enlarged its widening reputation and it is now a tourist hot spot. Pai is a popular base camp for treks into the hills which can be arranged through hotels or travel agencies in the city. Closer waterfalls and hot springs are worth a visit. Elephant camps are nearby as well. An airport now connects Pai to Chiang Mai but the best ways to get there is by motorbike or bus to see the beautiful scenery on the way.

Chiang Rai

Nestled into the lush mountains of northernmost Thailand, Chiang Rai surrounds its visitors in hill tribe culture and scenery. Chiang Rai is also the name the city's province which has bared some infamy for being within the Golden Triangle, a previously heavy drug traffic zone shared with the nearby borders of Myanmar and Laos. An 11 hour bus ride from Bangkok can leave many visitors looking to relax. Fortunately they can, either by picking through hill tribe crafts in the night market, relaxing along the shore of the Mae Kok River or taking a look-out residence in the many hilltop guesthouses. Many travellers arrive in Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai to begin their treks to hill tribe villages.

Bhubing Palace

The royal winter palace of Bhubing has beautiful, regal structures and extravagantly landscaped gardens for visitors to take in. The palace may not be entered but the gardens can be explored when the Thai royal family is not in residence. There is a strict dress code which must be adhered to when visiting this royal site.

Address: Doi Buak Ha, Doi Suthep; Telephone: (0)5 322 3065; Opening time: Daily 8.30am to 4.30pm. Closed January to March; Admission: THB 50 (adult), THB 10 (child) and THB 300 per vechile.

Maesa Elephant Camp

Maesa Elephant Camp is an attraction located up in the Muang hills, about a half hour's drive north of Chiang Mai. Visitors to the camp will be privy to shows which include elephants playing football and even painting! There are also elephant rides available for the more adventurous. Although this is not a natural environment for these great animals, they are well cared for and very entertaining.

Address: 119/9 Tapae Road, Muang District; Telephone: (0)5 320 6247