Activities

Activities


Elephant Shows

Elephant shows are generally held in the morning at .40
a.m., and begin with elephants bathing before continuing with
displays of forestry work and other skills. Elephant rides are
usually available after the show. Open from .00 a.m. to 3.00
p.m.  Tickets range between 0 to 1,000 baht (depending on
activities).
• Tha Phae Mae Taman and Pang Chang Mae Sa
Tel. 0 532 0 0
• Chiang Dao Elephant Training Centre
Tel. 0 532 553, 0 53 203


Mountain Biking 

Mountain biking is widely available on several routes in Chiang
Mai and the hills beyond. For more information, please contact
Chiang Mai Green Tour.
Tel. 0 5324 3 4


Homestay at Ban Mae Kampong 

The village of Ban Mae Kampong, some 50 km. east of Chiang
Mai in Mae On district, is situated in a mountainous area with
lush jungle surroundings. Here visitors can experience real
Thai village life, as well as enjoy several activities. Nearby
attractions include waterfalls, a cotton weaving village and
the Huai Hong Khrai Royal Agricultural Station. Reservations
should be made through Erawan P.U.C.
Tel. 0 532 4212-3


Trekking

Trekking in the hills of the North is one of Chiang Mai’s most
popular tourism activities. It offers the best way to experience
both the natural environment and to see the culture of
the region’s various hilltribes. Of particular interest are the six
major hilltribes which inhabit the highlands, the largest group
being the Karen, followed by the Hmong, Lahu, Yao, Akha and
Lisu. Each tribe has its own distinctive spiritual beliefs, ceremonial
attire, languages, customs, rituals, dances and agricultural
practices. Popular “ jungle treks” last from 2 to days and
take trekkers through forested mountains and high valleys and
meadows, as well as visits to more remote high-altitude hilltribe
settlements for overnight stays. The best guides are hilltribe
youths who customarily speak English, Thai and at least three
tribal dialects. Treks commonly feature travel by foot, sometimes
by boat, elephant-back, horse-back or jeep,
or frequently a combination of two or three modes of
transportation. Visitors are advised to contact the Tourist Police
(at 5 Chiang Mai-Lamphun Road, Tel. 0 5324 130 Fax.
0 5324 4) or the TAT for information on the most reliable
trekking companies. And remember, for trekkers protection, all
treks must be registered with the Tourist Police.
Visitors should remember to:
• Respect hilltribe beliefs and religious symbols and structures.
• Dress modestly. Hilltribe people are generally modest and
inappropriate attire may offend them.
• Ask permission before photographing someone. Some villages
do not permit photography.
• Refrain from trading Western medicines and articles of clothing.
Gifts such as pens, paper, needles, thread and cloth are acceptable.