Popularly known as the Rose of the North, Chiang Mai is blessed with stunning natural beauty and unique indigenous cultural identity. Founded by King Mengrai the Great as the capital of the Lanna Thai kingdom by merging the various city-states in the region in 1296.

Today Chiang Mai is the economic, communications, cultural and tourism centre of Northern Thailand.

About 700 kilometres north of Bangkok, Chiang Mai is situated on the Mae Ping River basin some 310 metres above sea level. Surrounded by high mountain ranges, the terrain is mainly rice fileds, jungles and mountains. There are some national parks which are verdant with plentiful flora and fauna.

Get wet in different places around Chiang Mai

Unlike a beach holiday by the sea, here you can get wet in lakes, waterfalls, river canyons, wild water rafting and more. Hire a bike and explore the region when it rains. The fragrances are amazing. Tour guides are available. This is best done in the rainy season (May to October) when hotels are cheaper. Also, wet clothes keep you a bit cooler and you don't get fried by the sun as much.

See our Wet Chiang Mai Photos

Ob Khan Canyon

Ob Khan Canyon National Park is located in Samoeng, Mae Wang and San Pa Tong districts of Chiang Mai province. It covers 691 square kilometers. Ob Khan has a large natural diversity, comprising fertile forest with several interesting spots.

The limestone and granite mountains reach from 400 to 1,800 meters above sea level, comprising Ob (Canyon), caves, waterfalls and hot springs. Important rivers include Mae Wang, Mae Win and Mae Khan. The weather is comfortably plesant all year round.

The water is clean and warm. Many Thai people come and swim there, mainly in their clothes. We suggest you do that too.

Huay Tueng Tau Lake

A beautiful lake near Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand. It is popular with families and young people, they're having a real blast. Swimming in clothes is the norm. You'd look out of place in a skimpy swimming brief.

Huay Tueng Tao Lake is a manmade reservoir is in Mae Rim about 10 km northwest from Chiang Mai on the end of Irrigation Road. Open daily from 10.00 to 18.00. The admission fee is Baht 20 for adults and Baht 10 for children.

It is popular with families and young people. Go on the weekends before and after Songkran. It's also very busy during Songkran. There are a few other lakes nearby, but some are difficult to reach.

Waterfalls

The Thai word for waterfall is Nam Tok. There are several waterfalls nearby, usually in the forests. You can find shade from the sun. The climate is also more pleasant than in the open or on the seaside. We've never seen any snakes. They are very shy and move away when they notice you.

Huay Kaew Waterfall

This beauty spot is fairly close, west of the city centre, on the way to the Doi Suthep temple and monastery. It is smaller and costs no entry. Combine it with a visit to Doi Suthep. On the way back jump into the water to rinse the sweat from your clothes.

Mae Ya

It is the biggest waterfall in the Inthanon National Park, but the park costs 400 Baht entrance fee and is also a bit further from Chiang Mai, to the south west.

Rafting Tours

Many local travel agents offer river rafting tours on several rivers, either on lazy bamboo floats or as wild water rafting.