Chiang Mai Travel Forum

Thanks for all the replies. Am wondering if we made a mistake planning 4 days in Chiang Mai area. It will be hot so too much trekking seems difficult. We are interested in cultural things and nature; boat rides. How much can we do ourselves as a middle-aged coupkle? Can someone suggest an English speaking guide who will take us where we want to go for a day or two...we do not want to have to go to restaurants. The villages sound interesting.

I'd recommend a trip to Chaing Rai where it's easy to rent a motorbike and take off exploring the villages nearby. I'd suggest the areas northwest of town and along the Mae Kok.

I don't think 4 days is enough time to enjoy a trip up to Chiang Rai, but maybe Pai (if you rent and drive yourselves).

You could spend a congenial several days in CM: walking the old town (day or night) visiting temples and seeing the architecture, taking a thai cooking lesson, doing a very mild version of jungle trekking with elephant ride and rafting (little walking).

Or, do a 2d/1n trek into one of the villages not too far from CM. These actually don't involve all that much walking. There is a demonstration village the Queen set up as an eco-tourist destination that you could actually walk to.

Great answer from previous poster, and I agree with all suggestions. Be aware that its not as hot around Chiang Mai because of the altitude. We have actually done a bit of trekking around there, and been very cold at night. Its a much nicer way of visiting an authentic village, rather than the often zoolike affair of some of the daytrip destinations. 4 days is definitely not too long in Chiang Mai. If you wanted, you could hire a taxi and drive up to Chiang Rai for the day, and out to the Golden Triangle - its a rather nice drive. I also highly recommend a cooking school visit in Chiang Mai. If you are interested, check out my tip and pics of Kao Hom school - wonderful, with a gorgeous hostess.

Just check out the off road trip to Pai & then to Mae Hong Song it may take 2-3 days. You can rent a car and drive down to Mae Aai and then to Mae Salong...these are mountain areas and the views are brilliant. You can visit Chiang Dao, just an 1 to 1.5 hr drive from Chiang Mai and you can rent a bike tour around the near by villages.