Adventure Tourism is an increasingly popular choice for travellers in Asia and in particular the north of Thailand. The mountains and jungles that surround Chiang Mai are the perfect place to explore and enjoy an exciting range of activities, from whitewater rafting to trekking and ATV. Many of these tours last around 3hrs so it’s possible to experience several adventure activities in a single day, perfect for people who want to get as much out of their holiday time as possible.
Firstly, Chiang Mai’s seasonal climate should be taken into consideration. In the summer months (April- June) the heat can be baking hot, and at times unbearable for those accustomed to cooler temperatures. Water based activities can still be enjoyed as fast flowing rivers offer a welcomed relief from the heat, although due to the lack of rain sometimes the water levels can drop too low. For this reason, rafting is most fun during the rainy season (June- September). The most popular time to visit northern Thailand is December- February, as the temperature is much more pleasant. All adventure tourism activities are recommend during this period.
Secondly, consider your groups requirements, age and abilities. If you’re travelling with a family you’ll be pleased to know that many tours can be enjoyed by everyone, including young children. Kids love jungle trekking and rafting! If you’re travelling with a partner, you may wish to experience staying overnight in a hilltribe village. This is a unique and inspiring activity and can be combined with other fun adventures including ATV, Rafting, Trekking and Zipline. Large groups can also be accommodated, although it’s essential to contact the travel operators in advance during peak season.
Lastly, choose a company that has good reviews and safety record. Look for the TAT (Tourism Authority Thailand) number and research tours on popular sites such as TripAdvisor. If the operator receives 5-star reviews consistently then you’ve a good chance of having an amazing time. Be aware of low budget companies who may cut corners as regards to safety, insurance and maintenance of boats and vehicles.
8Adventures are proud to offer an exciting range of highly rated adventure tourism activities close to Chiang Mai, for more information please visit our website www.8Adventures.com and Facebook Page
