Chiang Mai Indoor and Outdoor Activities

• Aerobics Aerobics sessions are held in the car park of Tesco Lotus on the Superhighway every weekday from 5.30PM The sessions are very popular and tourists or visitors to Chiang Mai are made very welcome. Regular water aerobics classes, incorporating Tai Chi and yoga exercises, are held at the Centre of the Universe Swimming Pool

• Bicycle tours or exploration either on your own, renting a bike, or joining a well organized bicycle / mountain-biking tour is a great way to see the North and the country side. Crank Adventures has fantastic off the beaten track single day and multi-day mountain bike adventures. Northern-Trails  is a reputable cycling operator offering many cycling programs, from day trips to multi-day circuits. Chiang Mai Biking provides recreational cycling excursions ,Anyone who can ride a bicycle may join their excursions. In addition to a delightful tour experience, there is no better way to touch, smell and see the real Thai way of life.

• Cinema
  • Chiang Mai Vista Cinema (Kad Suan Kaew)
  • Major Cineplex (Airport Plaza) 
  • Film SPACE is an attempt to restore cinema to the public in Chiang Mai.  Film enthusiasts can come together and watch films in an open-air theatre Every Saturday starts19.00p.m.  At 3rd Floor/Roof Chiang Mai University Art Museum (Free Admission)  053-944846 Ext 22

• Cricket - The North of Thailand may seem an odd place to find an international cricket tournament. Every year since 1988 more than 200 cricketers from around the world gather at Chiang Mai for the tournament. The week long tournament for amateur players, with a sprinkling of Test stars, it is held at the historic Chiang Mai Gymkhana Club, generally at the start of April. 

• Culture: Learn Chiang Mai Culture
• Elephant Rides Many tour companies in Chiang Mai offer elephant rides alone or as part of a larger package. If you're uncomfortable seeing trainers throw rocks at the disobedient ones or guide them by hitting their heads with pointed barbs, you'd probably prefer the Elephant Nature Park . The Park is a sanctuary for abused animals, and while you can't ride the elephants, you can spend a day or a few days bathing and feeding them. The Park's founder was named an Asian Hero by Time Magazine in 2005 for her work to save these giant and friendly creatures. Information and tour arrangements can be found online.
  • Elephants are a large part of Thailand’s tourist trade, and the smuggling and mistreatment of elephants for tourist attractions is quite a widespread practice. Be aware that elephants are often separated from their mothers at a young age to be cruelly trained under captivity for the rest of their lives. Organizations such as The Elephant Nature Park are an ethical alternative for elephant tourism.

• Golf | golf - see  : Golf in Chiang Mai Thailand

• Karting, bungy jumping, off road buggies, and paintball, Certainly a very popular option for thrill seekers although slightly pricey compared to other tours that local companies offer. A bonus however is that the adventure company provides pick-up and drop-off services from and to your hotel.

• Massage:
  • Let's Relax, 2F Chiang Mai Pavilion and B1F Chiang Inn Plaza, Chang Khlan Road. Does professional massage in very clean if not downright sterile surroundings complete with air-con, the sound of running water and gentle scents. A 45-minute foot reflexology session costs 350 baht, nearly twice the price of the competition, but is worth every satang after a long trek.
  • Nantana Massage Shop, (near Sompet Market on Soi 6). Has very knowledgeable and friendly staff, and air-con. Thai massage 150 baht/hour; oil, foot, and neck/shoulder massage also available.
  • Green Bamboo Massage, 1 Moon Muang Road, Soi 1(mobile: +66(0)898275563). Is a small and very charming studio inside the moat with a fair and sustainable concept. The certified staff is highly trained in the arts of ancient Thai Massage Therapy. The owner uses real homemade cosmetics and even created her own aloe vera oil. Choose from a great variety of treatments and packages for fair prices (start with 200 Baht/hour).

• Motorcycling:
  • Motorcycle touring (Enduro-Moto Cross) is a great way to explore Northern Thailand - the GT-Rider website has a wealth of information, including routes and maps for both short and long rides. One route out of Chiang Mai not mentioned is a day trip up and over Doi Suthep, which will take riders up to Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, and beyond the mountain to the reservoir. 
  • Motorcycle touring (Road Bikes) is the most popular way to discover Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand - Thai Motorcycle Tours are the most established company in the region who offer 4 tours (The Mae Hong Son Loop, the Golden Triangle, Nan and Sukhothai) and a variety of day rides.
  • Motor-scooter touring is another great way to explore the region going out as far as Mae Hong Son and suitable for the less experienced motorcyclist. Motorbike Thailand offers great tours using Honda 125cc scooters riding into some of the more remote regions and also offer rider training on route.

• Rafting - Rafting down the Maetang river is offered by several companies and can often be combined with elephant riding or mountain biking. During the dry season (Jan-Feb) water levels are relatively low with only grade 2-3 rapids, but during the rainy season (Jun-Oct) higher water levels make for a more exciting grade 4-5 trip.

• Rainforest Canopy Tours An activity normally associated with Central America, Thailand is now emerging as a world-class canopy tour destination. AFECT runs a course exploring canopy bio diversity  Flight of the Gibbon Adventure Tour zips people through spectacular old-growth rainforest high above the forest floor. 2km of ziplines connect tree platforms, lowering stations and skybridges. Located in the mountains outside of Chiang Mai, the area is also much cooler than in the city. After the tour you can hike up alongside the Mae Kompong Waterfall.

• River Cruise in Scorpion Tailed Boat along Ping River A pleasant way to get a feel for the Chiang Mai city and its layout is to take a boat trip on the Ping River. Cruises operated by Scorpion Tailed River Cruises Cruise down the river you'll know more about the history of Ping river and local people life by the describer who show you the old picture of places which located near the river bank. And stop at the a riverside local village for a look around garden,here have fruit, herb and flower , plus a yellow mango and sticky rice for the customer. Tours depart from a jetty 200 meters north of Nakorn Ping Bridge every two hours between 9AM and 5PM. Trips take about 90 minutes and cost 500 Baht, including transportation to and from your hotel

• Rock Climbing - Approximately 35 miles east of Chiang Mai lies Crazy Horse Buttress, a 60-meter, orange- and black-streaked monolith jutting out of the green Mae On farming valley. Crazy Horse boasts more than 130 bolted routes between (French system) grades 5 and 8a, which makes it an ideal destination for beginners and experienced climbers alike. Spend multiple days exploring every part of the crag, or just spend a day or an afternoon above ground as a break from exploring the magnificent caves of the region. More information on the area is available in the Guide to Rock Climbing in Northern Thailand climbing guides and information are also available from Chiang Mai Rock Climbing Adventures and The Peak.

Swimming Pools in Chiangmai Open to the Public

• Chiang Mai swimming pools open to the public vary in quality, cleanliness and accessibility. On balance, those pools which are operated to internationally recognized standards of water quality are those which are privately owned by foreign investors.
• There is an Olympic Pool at the Seven Hundred Year Stadium - a huge sports complex built for the South East Asia Games, held in Chiangmai in the early 1990's, and now a public sports and recreation center. This is located along the outer ring road (Irrigation Canal Road) Route 121, towards Mae Rim. It is about 8 kilometers from the city center and takes about fifteen minutes to get there by tuk-tuk/taxi. The pool is sanitized using chlorine.
• In the same vicinity as the Seven Hundred Year Stadium is the privately owned Centre of the Universe Swimming Pool and Resort which is open to tourists and other visitors. There are 3 swimming pools, a restaurant and a bar, with views of the mountains from the gardens and pool deck. To get there, take Huay Kaew Road (Route 1004) from the city towards Doi Suthep. At the intersection of Routes 1004 and 121, follow the signs for Mae Rim. From the intersection, travel 1.2 kms towards Mae Rim and turn left at the 5th bridge over the canal. Go straight for 600 metres to the end of the road following signs for "Sang Serene House" and turn right. The Centre of the Universe is 300 metres on the right. It is 6 km from the city and takes 10-15 minutes by tuk-tuk/taxi. A detailed map and directions in Thai and English can be printed from their website  The pool is sanitized using salt water.
• Some hotels, e.g. The Orchid and the Amari Rincome Hotel on Huay Kaew Road, allow "outsiders" to use their pools on payment of a fee. Traveling time from the city center is around 10 minutes. These older hotel pools are sanitized using chlorine.
• Chiang Mai Land Swimming Pool is in "Chiang Mai Land" off Chang Klan Road. Open to the public current (2008) prices are 50 Baht per adult and 30 Baht per child. It has a pool deck and also has a restaurant and pool-side service. The pool is about 5.5km from the city center and takes between 10-12 minutes by tuk-tuk/taxi. The pool is sanitized using chlorine.
• For 20 Baht entrance fee you can take a dip in the lake at Huay Tung Tao. This is a reservoir within surrounding woodlands, and is located further along the Irrigation Canal Road than the Centre of the Universe and after the 700 Year Sports Stadium, as you head towards Mae Rim (Route 121). The lake is about 12 kilometers from the city center and takes 15-20 minutes by tuk-tuk/taxi.
• There are also waterfalls and natural pools at the foot of Doi Suthep on Huay Kaew Road. Look out for a large Buddhist Shrine on your left after traveling past the the entrance to Chiangmai Zoo. Turn left into the market at the back of the Shrine, and keep walking up the hill. You will come to the waterfalls after about 5 minutes. There is no charge for entry. The pools at the bottom of the water falls are not really big enough for swimming but are a great place to cool off at the height of the summer. During the dry season some of the water falls dry up - head for the high ground and you will still find pools full of fresh water! There are usually quite a few students hanging out there from the nearby university, who will happily practice their English conversational skills with you. About 7 kilometers from the city center, it takes 10-15 minutes by tuk-tuk/taxi to get there.

Muay Thai (Thai boxing, the national sport of Thailand):

• Kawila Boxing Stadium not far from Narawat Bridge, has real Muay Thai fights every Friday at 20:00 with 10 bouts ranging from young debutant fighters, local champions, and locals vs foreigners. Entry is 600 baht (as of March 2008).
• Chiang Mai Muay Thai - Chay Yai Gym In Nong Hoi, about 10 minutes from downtown. Top northern fighters train foreigners for a day, a week, or a month at a time. Accommodation available near the gym.
• Lanna Muay Thai on Soi Chiang Khian, off Huay Kaew Road, near Centre of the Universe Chiangmai Swimming Pool, Muay Thai coaching http://www.lannamuaythai.com

• Fishing, Spend a half day or more game fishing with your own guide Suvit. Note that the half day trip takes you to a fishing park, not "proper" fishing as such but landing a 15kg+ Giant Mekong catfish is a lot of fun.

• Fishing in rivers and lakes, Fishing for native species in natural waters only is offered by Asian Angling Adventures, who specialize in lure or fly-fishing. The venues are the various reservoirs and rivers near Chiang Mai.

Dreamlake fishing resort Chiang mai A beautifull small lake located 8 km away from the centre of Chiang mai city. The selection of fish is absolutley unique in the area and makes this venue the most interesting fishing spot in Northern Thailand. A very friendly atmosphere and experienced staff always on hand to help you out. 1 Day fishing 2600,- Baht/Person, including Lunchbox  1/2 Day fishing 1900,- Baht/Person http://www.dreamlake-fishing.com

Fishingin Chiang Mai
Contact: Pat 206/31 Moo 6 Tambon Fahaam Meechok Plaza
Amphor Muang, Chiangmai 50000 (Near Rimping Supermarket at Meechok Plaza)
Phone: 081 6981964,05385273 http://www.fishinginchiangmai.com