Categories > Guides and Tips
Ultimate Jungle Adventure Guide to Chiang Mai
- Best Time to Go
- Things to Know
- How to Get to Chiang Mai’s Jungle Adventures
- Where to Go for a Jungle Trekking Adventure in Chiang Mai
- Chiang Mai Jungle Trekking
- Forest bathing in the Chaeson National Park
- Doi Inthanon Jungle Trekking
- Huai Nam Dang Jungle Trekking
- Chiang Dao Jungle Trekking
- Doi Suthep Jungle Trekking
- Where to Stay During Your Jungle Adventure
- Khum Phaya Resort & Spa, Centara Boutique Collection
- The Chiang Mai Riverside Hotel
- Raming Lodge Hotel & Spa
- Yaang Come Village Hotel Chiang Mai
- River Art Hotel Chiang Mai
- Where to Eat During your Jungle Adventure in Chiang Mai
- Passionate Chiang Mai
- Wild Boar Restaurant and Bar
- Kat's Kitchen
- Bistro Terrace Chiang Mai
- Sababa Hummus Chiang Mai
- What to Expect from Chiang Mai Weather
- Apps to Download for Your Jungle Adventure in Chiang Mai
Thailand is well known for its beautiful beaches and breathtaking temples. However, there’s another unique activity here that you can try out and it’s something most tourists have on their bucket list – a jungle adventure deep in the lush jungles of Chiang Mai!
You might not be a hiker or trekker at heart but we’re certain that just imagining all of the exciting things you’ll experience on a jungle adventure is enough to keep you up at night. Let’s go and dive into our ultimate guide to jungle adventures here to know more!
Best Time to Go
The best time to visit Chiang Mai and go on a jungle adventure here is from October to April.
During this period, you get cool and pleasant weather which adds to the relaxing vibe of hiking or trekking through the lush jungles of Chiang Mai. However, this means that these months are peak season for tourists as well.
You may also want to visit Chiang Mai during the months of November and February just to be able to witness the province’s festivities. You’ll experience the Loi Krathong Festival in November while the Chiang Mai Flower Festival happens every February.
Things to Know
Currency: Thai Baht
(Check the current exchange rate)
Language: Thai
Calling Code: +66
Address: 57 Kotchasarn Rd, Tambon Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Fees:
- Around 1,400 THB for one day of trekking
- Around 1,900 THB for two days of trekking
Jungle Trekking Tips:
- Wear comfortable shoes that are designed for hiking. Your running shoes may be comfortable but they will get soaked while trekking and may become too heavy to comfortably walk in.
- Bring an extra set of clothes when doing the jungle adventure trek in Chiang Mai. You and your group may come across locations with waterfalls and streams and you may need to change into dry clothes later on in your hike.
How to Get to Chiang Mai’s Jungle Adventures
Motorbike: This is the option for you if you want to quickly get to the jungle trekking site. It will only take you around 5 minutes to get from Chiang Mai City to Kotchasarn Road, the starting area of your trekking adventure.
It’s also quite practical since you can rent a motorbike in Chiang Mai City for as low as 150 THB to 500 THB (depending on the motorbike’s engine size). The only downside we see here is that you can’t really bring the entire family with you if you go with this option.
Private car: You can also rent a private car if you want to get to the site in comfort and convenience, especially if you are travelling with your family or younger children. It will only take you around 5 minutes to come from the city centre of Chiang Mai City.
Going by private car can be quite expensive, though, as a small sedan will set you back 1,000 THB per day while a larger vehicle (like an SUV) will cost around 2,500 per day of rental.
Renting a car to get to the jungle trekking site is still something that we’d recommend though as you may want to bring a few extra things with you. This includes toiletries, a fresh set of clothes, and some shoes for when the ones you’re wearing get soaked.
Grab: The easiest and most convenient way to catch a ride going to the jungle adventure site from Chiang Mai City is by booking a Grab car which will run you around 120 THB one way.
Bus: If you’re on a budget and you have time to spare, you can also take a bus from Chiang Mai Station to Kotchasarn Road. It will take you around 20 minutes to get to the site but you only have to pay around 30 THB one way.
Where to Go for a Jungle Trekking Adventure in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai Jungle Trekking
This jungle trekking site is located right in the heart of Chiang Mai and in fact, is just 5 minutes away from Chiang Mai City. Here, you can experience what is called forest bathing, a way for you to take in the beauty of the forest while walking through it!
It’s a stress-relieving activity for sure, but we recommend that you turn your phone to silent while you’re doing this activity. You can relax much more without all of that notifications coming from your mobile device!
Forest bathing in the Chaeson National Park
For this next adventure, you need to proceed to Chaeson National Park located about an hour away from the city. At this park, you can stroll through the park’s lush greenery, moving from Doi Lan to the village of Mae Kampong.
This forest adventure is perfect for you if you want peace and quiet as the park is less crowded compared to other sites. The view here is also phenomenal as you get a great vantage point of the surrounding area through the Doi Lan Summit.
Doi Inthanon Jungle Trekking
About one and a half hours away from Chiang Mai City, Doi Inthanon National Park is another perfect jungle trekking site that you should definitely try out. This jungle trek is far more expensive than Chiang Mai’s trails as one day isn’t enough to cover this site.
For starters, the two nature trails here, Pha Dok Siew and Kew Mae Pan, will take you into the heart of the forest.
However, if you want to go on a shorter trail this park also offers the Angkha Nature Trail, a shorter but more scenic hike thanks to its moss-covered trails and dense forest paths. Doi Inthanon trails are also quite popular so expect to meet other trekkers here.
Huai Nam Dang Jungle Trekking
This national park is also an hour and a half away from Chiang Mai City but it’s definitely worth your time if you’re serious about jungle trekking. It’s a classic hiking trail popular here in North Thailand which offers multi-day hikes and treks deep into the jungle.
Also, you can try out one of the best activities in the area in the form of bamboo rafting. Here, you can enjoy floating calmly down the Mae Tang River while enjoying the sights and sceneries of the surrounding area.
Chiang Dao Jungle Trekking
Located in the eastern portion of Chiang Diao Town, this jungle trekking activity will let you experience the culture of the various tribal villages in the area such as the Palong (Dara-ang).
Get your cameras ready as well since this hike will let you pass through some of the most majestic and breathtaking limestone formations you’ll ever lay your eyes on!
You’ll also get a wonderful view of the third-highest mountain in Thailand– Doi Luang Chiang Dao. If you’re a hiker or trekker looking to grab some of the best pictures while enjoying your jungle stroll, then this jungle trekking site is one you shouldn’t miss!
Doi Suthep Jungle Trekking
Are you an eco-warrior and a friend of nature? Then visit the Doi Suthep Doi Pui National Park as you won’t only experience some lovely jungle trekking here but you’ll also get to learn about forest restoration when you join a tour.
What’s more, the restoration learning you’ll get here is based on the collaboration between Chiang Mai University and the locals living in the area- the Hmong Tribe.
Talk about immersing yourself in the culture of Thailand, learning more about the environment, and enjoying the trails of this wonderful national park. It doesn’t get any better than this!
Where to Stay During Your Jungle Adventure
Khum Phaya Resort & Spa, Centara Boutique Collection
Address: 137 Tambon Nong Pa Khrang, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand
Phone: +6653415555
Pricing: $$
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This hotel is one that we highly recommend as it has that jungle vibe to it while at the same being located in a highly urbanised area of Chiang Mai. As such, expect this hotel to have a tranquil and calming feel to it while retaining accessibility to other areas.
Khum Phaya Resort & Spa also offers some impressive amenities such as its pool and jacuzzi-style bathtubs.
If you have young children with you, they will surely appreciate the nature-inspired setup of the pool mimicking the features of rivers or streams. You’ll also definitely enjoy the background music and the sounds of the waterfall while you laze around their pool!
Don’t miss out on their breakfast offerings as well as the hotel caters to different kinds of tastes and preferences- from traditional to international cuisines. This is perfect if you want to start your day energised before going on your jungle trekking.
The Chiang Mai Riverside Hotel
Phone: +6653447211
Pricing: $$$
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The Chiang Mai Riverside Hotel may be on the pricey end of hotels but as the saying goes– you get what you pay for! The money you spend here, though, is worth it as you get one of the most elegant and luxurious establishments to stay in when in Chiang Mai.
First, the hotel grounds feature a relaxing outdoor garden feel which is perfect if you want a relaxing getaway. Next, you get amazing views of the river thanks to the hotel’s strategic riverside location.
Lastly, you get some of the best amenities on this side of Chiang Mai. Their rooms are spacious and immaculately maintained, their swimming pool looks phenomenal, and you can also use their modern gym to work out or warm up before your day starts.
Raming Lodge Hotel & Spa
Address: 17, 19 Loi Kroh Rd, Tambon Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
Phone: +6653271777
Pricing: $$
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Here’s one hotel to consider if you want to do some jungle trekking in Chiang Mai along with some shopping around the area! Raming Lodge Hotel & Spa is located on Loi Kroh Road and is only a short distance from the Sunday Night Market.
From this hotel, you can also visit the other markets and stores in the area and the best part is they’re all within walking distance from this property. Night markets and stores aren’t the only things you can visit with ease once you book a night in this hotel.
If you’re a foodie, then you can walk the surrounding restaurants and cafes around the area and you can choose to your heart’s content depending on your mood. There are Thai restaurants here, but we recommend that you try out the popular Rock Me Burger.
Lastly, the hotel itself is an oasis of relaxation for you and your family. It has spacious rooms and a modern-looking pool with some chair lounges around it for when you want to just kick back and relax after a long day out in the jungle!
Yaang Come Village Hotel Chiang Mai
Address: 90 3 Sridonchai Rd, Tambon Chang Khlan, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
Phone: +6653237222
Pricing: $$$
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Yaang Come Village Hotel Chiang Mai is the hotel for you if you want a more traditional aesthetic. This is mostly due to the Thai-Lanna architecture used by the property and if you want cultural immersion during your stay, then this is the hotel to do it!
The grounds and the pool of the hotel are ideal relaxation spots if you and your family just want to lounge around all day. At night, you can also leave the hotel grounds and just walk around the area to try out the different bars and clubs here.
You and your loved ones can also do some shopping here as the hotel is just a three-minute walk from most of the night markets. Old Town Chiang Mai is also just a ten-minute walk from this location which you can tour around in if you want to better experience the area’s history.
River Art Hotel Chiang Mai
Address: Pa Tan Alley, Tambon Pa Tan, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand
Phone: +66800712946
Pricing: $
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The River Art Hotel is a budget-friendly option if you want all the basic amenities you need and want when staying in this area of Thailand. It has a fantastic view of the river which can be a great way for you to de-stress after a long day of touring Chiang Mai.
This property also looks more like a museum than a hotel, so much so that if you have your photo taken here, your family and friends might ask you “What museum did you just visit in Chiang Mai?”.
Their restaurant also serves delicious meals up until 9:00 PM which is perfect especially if you’re planning to spend a long day out in the jungle trekking to your heart’s content. Going back to the hotel with the option of ordering a hot meal is certainly something to appreciate!
Your young children will also have a blast here as their riverside pool doesn’t only provide a great view of the river but will also allow them (and the adults in your group) a chance to bond while enjoying the cool and refreshing waters of the swimming pool.
Where to Eat During your Jungle Adventure in Chiang Mai
Passionate Chiang Mai
Address: M-Town, 15/19 Leabklong-Chonlapathan, Tambon Suthep, Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Phone: +66 53 215 117
Pricing: $$
You can check out Passionate Chiang Mai for some Asian fusion dishes– Chinese and Thai combinations to be exact.
Some locals think it resembles the taste of some Singapore or Hong Kong restaurants but the bottom line is that the restaurant offers some of the most unique dishes in the area.
We recommend that you order their bok choy, vegetable seafood stir fry, and their sizzling rice toppers. Pair these with some of their tomato egg soup and you get one of the best meal sets to make you feel full and excited about your next jungle hike.
Wild Boar Restaurant and Bar
Address: 30, 5 Loi Kroh Rd, Tambon Chang Khlan, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
Phone: +66 89 221 3060
Pricing: $$
You might assume that this restaurant only serves pork or meat thanks to its name but you’d be wrong. It’s owned by a Canadian who now resides in Chiang Mai so expect a combination of Thai and Western cuisine on the roster.
The restaurant also shows sports on TV (specifically hockey) so if you’re a fan of the sport, then you can treat this restaurant like a sports bar where you just dine on some finger food, and drink some alcoholic beverages while watching your favourite team.
Try out the restaurant’s Western offerings such as their ham and hash breakfast plate and their delectable clubhouse and chips combo– you won’t regret it! Don’t forget to order their local favourites as well (such as their curry noodles) as they’re truly heavenly.
Kat’s Kitchen
Address: 17 Ratchamanka Rd, Tambon Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Phone: +66 98 892 2265
Pricing: $$
If you’re the type of person who wants something local but isn’t going to break the bank, then Kat’s Kitchen is the place to be. They feature some of the best Thai dishes to sink your teeth in plus their prices are pretty reasonable (portion sizes are amazing too!).
We recommend that you go for their sweet and sour fish as the flavour is delightful and the ingredients used are really fresh. You should also order some of their pork fried rice and their papaya salad as they perfectly complement the main dishes they serve here.
Finish your meal off with some mango sticky rice. The coconut cream sauce of this dessert menu item is unforgettably creamy and one of the best you’ll ever try out in the area.
Bistro Terrace Chiang Mai
Phone: +66 99 296 1456
Pricing: $$
Bistro Terrace Chiang Mai is a charming albeit small snack lounge cum cafe where you and your family can just relax and order some snacks and drinks. You can order their best-selling mango shake paired with some mango sticky rice to complete your meal.
They also serve rice meals here if you want something heavy. These include fried pork chops served with rice, some fried dumplings with chilli sauce, and some sandwiches with sliced banana fruits on the side.
If the weather is a bit cold, try a cup of their special brewed coffee. They can serve you a classic Thai brew or you could go for something sweeter like a cafe latte or their hot cappuccino.
Sababa Hummus Chiang Mai
Address: 19 Kotchasarn Rd Lane 5, Tambon Chang Khlan, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
Phone: +66 80 920 8203
Pricing: $$
Are you craving something more exotic? Then check out the pita bread, kebab, and classic hummus offerings of Sababa Hummus Chiang Mai.
While all of their pita wraps are awesome, you should definitely try their pita vegan wraps. It’s loaded with delicious vegetables paired with tasty and flavourful hummus.
Health-conscious customers can also order some of their salads which we daresay, is one of the freshest we’ve ever tried. You should check out their tabouli salad and their Yemenite salad– both are unique, refreshing, and 100% delicious.
What to Expect from Chiang Mai Weather
Cool Season: Chiang Mai’s cool season covers the months of November to February. During this time, the weather is just perfect for tourists as it is cool and comfortable enough for you and your family to tour the area.
However, the months of December and January of the cool season can bring in large throngs of crowds due to the New Year’s celebration. Expect heavy traffic and prepare to do some itinerary planning to make the most of your time during these months.
Hot Season: The hot season in Chiang Mai runs from March to May. The air can be especially dry during these months and this is also the hottest season here.
If you visit during April, you’ll notice a very festive vibe across Thailand as locals will be celebrating their Thai New Year or Songkran. To cool down, you can engage with the locals in some good old-fashioned Songkran water splashing!
Rainy Season: The months of June to October are mostly rainy here in Chiang Mai. August and September are the worst in terms of rain as heavy downpours can happen all throughout the day during this period.
You can still enjoy your time here despite the rain as the temperature is definitely much more comfortable compared to the summer season. Also, expect the greenery to be much more lush– perfect if you want that vibrant green background in your selfie!
Apps to Download for Your Jungle Adventure in Chiang Mai
Grab: Ride-hailing, food, grocery, and delivery services
Line: Call and messaging, file sharing
Klook: Book tours, attractions, tickets, restaurants, hotels, and other activities
Agoda: Book hotels, flights, and other activities
Google Translate: Translate various languages
