A vetted shortlist of Chiang Mai experiences: ethical elephant reserves, hidden trails, hipster villages, and temples in the sky.

Our Top Picks for Chiang Mai: Elephant Reserves, Trails & Temples

Our Top Picks for Chiang Mai 

A vetted shortlist of the few Chiang Mai elephant sanctuaries we found where elephants are free to roam, stay wild, and live well.

Ethical Elephant Experiences in Chiang Mai: Our Top Truly Ethical Picks

Ethical Elephant Experiences in Chiang Mai

Explore Chiang Mai’s lush countryside, temples, and villages on two wheels—fun, scenic and perfect for all levels!

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Our top picks for cycling in Chiang Mai — ride through lush countryside, quiet temples, and local villages. Handpicked for beginners to regular riders.

Cycling in Chiang Mai: Our Top Bike Tours for Temples & Villages

Cycling in Chiang Mai

Explore Chiang Mai’s lush countryside, temples, and villages on two wheels—fun, scenic and perfect for all levels!

Hidden Chiang Mai | A Twilight Cycling Adventure

See a side of Chiang Mai that most miss. 

Cycling to Caves and Sticky Waterfall

Embark on Forest Cycling Adventure - Thailand Tourism Gold Award-winning journey to Sticky Waterfall and caves!

We had 2 people in our group. One cycles regularly, the other one does not. We had read some reviews in advance indicating that the cycling on this trip might be challenging. We contacted the company and were told not to worry. 
 Be advised... this is not a cycling adventure for beginners. Thailand is hot, there hills to climb (on the road and on dirt trail paths), the trails can be muddy, and there are obstacles to avoid. 
 We had a good time and saw some great things (bat caves were especially cool). Sticky waterfall was refreshing, although crowded and had some slippery spots that can catch you off guard.
 Our guide (Kom) and driver (Tik) were great, and we had a wonderful 'lunch' around 4PM. 
 WhatsApp communication with the local company was iffy.

We had 2 people in our group. One cycles regularly, the other one does not. We had read some reviews in advance indicating that the cycling on this trip might be challenging. We contacted the company and were told not to worry. 
Be advised... this is not a cycling adventure for beginners. Thailand is hot, there hills to climb (on the road and on dirt trail paths), the trails can be muddy, and there are obstacles to avoid. 
We had a good time and saw some great things (bat caves were especially cool). Sticky waterfall was refreshing, although crowded and had some slippery spots that can catch you off guard.
Our guide (Kom) and driver (Tik) were great, and we had a wonderful 'lunch' around 4PM. 
WhatsApp communication with the local company was iffy.

Absolutely adventurous and well planned by Trailhead, cycled for close to 25km and sights of a bat cave and the sticky waterfall! Came with plenty of cold water, watermelon and even a fresh iced coconut at the end! 100/10 would do it again :)

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Absolutely adventurous and well planned by Trailhead, cycled for close to 25km and sights of a bat cave and the sticky waterfall! Came with plenty of cold water, watermelon and even a fresh iced coconut at the end! 100/10 would do it again :) 

It was so awesome! Definitely would recommend it for anyone who has some base level of fitness. The guides were taking photos and videos the whole time so we could really just focus on being in the moment and enjoying ourselves instead of trying to film things.

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It was so awesome! Definitely would recommend it for anyone who has some base level of fitness. The guides were taking photos and videos the whole time so we could really just focus on being in the moment and enjoying ourselves instead of trying to film things. 

Great trip - some hard up hills but the support car always there if needed. We’ve never mountain biked before and found it super rewarding and a great challenge. Would recommend highly as you see places other tourists don’t, get a unique experience and finish at the amazing waterfall

Great trip - some hard up hills but the support car always there if needed. We’ve never mountain biked before and found it super rewarding and a great challenge. Would recommend highly as you see places other tourists don’t, get a unique experience and finish at the amazing waterfall 

Summary: BEST DAY EVER!!

Communication &amp; Pick up- seamless 
 Morning coffee at the shop- top quality 
 Gear- new clean light comfortable helmets. Excellent condition Treck mountain bikes with beautiful suspension and gearing perfect for the terrain and easy to operate. 
 Route- fun, varied, challenging but achievable… and if not, there is always the truck that can pick you up and take you the rest of the way 
 Sight seeing- the mountains views and caves were very special and the sticky waterfall an absolute MUST whether you take this tour to get there or not. 
 Food- perfect amount of healthy snacks water electrolytes along the way and your choice from a restaurant for late lunch as a reward at the end of it all. 
 Guide- the king of the mountain; Kom is calm, funny, patient, supportive, and takes lots of photos and videos. 
 I’m 44, female, and ride about 20km/week on flat roads, and have never done mountain biking before… I am now very happy very proud and very tired… if I can do it so can you! And if you are fit and strong and a regular mountain biker, I’m sure you will also enjoy the opportunity immensely.

Summary: BEST DAY EVER!!

Communication &amp; Pick up- seamless 
Morning coffee at the shop- top quality 
Gear- new clean light comfortable helmets. Excellent condition Treck mountain bikes with beautiful suspension and gearing perfect for the terrain and easy to operate. 
Route- fun, varied, challenging but achievable… and if not, there is always the truck that can pick you up and take you the rest of the way 
Sight seeing- the mountains views and caves were very special and the sticky waterfall an absolute MUST whether you take this tour to get there or not. 
Food- perfect amount of healthy snacks water electrolytes along the way and your choice from a restaurant for late lunch as a reward at the end of it all. 
Guide- the king of the mountain; Kom is calm, funny, patient, supportive, and takes lots of photos and videos. 
I’m 44, female, and ride about 20km/week on flat roads, and have never done mountain biking before… I am now very happy very proud and very tired… if I can do it so can you! And if you are fit and strong and a regular mountain biker, I’m sure you will also enjoy the opportunity immensely.

We had THE most wonderful afternoon and evening with Vivi riding through the city. Her knowledge of the back streets and the local hidden gems as well as the big ticket tourist spots were extensive. We felt safe following her through the busy streets at times and were surprised to find ourselves in very quiet back streets at other times. She shared her knowledge of the history and culture of the area freely and clearly, and she clearly loves her city. The bikes are good quality and well maintained. The helmets are new and comfortable, and the included drinks and snacks make for a nice touch. I highly recommend this tour!!

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We had THE most wonderful afternoon and evening with Vivi riding through the city. Her knowledge of the back streets and the local hidden gems as well as the big ticket tourist spots were extensive. We felt safe following her through the busy streets at times and were surprised to find ourselves in very quiet back streets at other times. She shared her knowledge of the history and culture of the area freely and clearly, and she clearly loves her city. The bikes are good quality and well maintained. The helmets are new and comfortable, and the included drinks and snacks make for a nice touch. I highly recommend this tour!!

So brilliant. Cannot recommend highly enough. Our group included another couple who had previously done another experience with them 2 weeks ago and they came back again because of the fantastic experience and service.
 Everything was thought of. We got a free coffee and tea when we arrive at the office, lots of snacks, drinks and lunch on the way back was amazing!
 I will definitely be recommending to anyone I know who is going to Chiang Mai and come again when we are back!

So brilliant. Cannot recommend highly enough. Our group included another couple who had previously done another experience with them 2 weeks ago and they came back again because of the fantastic experience and service.
Everything was thought of. We got a free coffee and tea when we arrive at the office, lots of snacks, drinks and lunch on the way back was amazing!
I will definitely be recommending to anyone I know who is going to Chiang Mai and come again when we are back!

Excellent! Very informative guide and very safe throughout.

Excellent! Very informative guide and very safe throughout.

Cycling in Chiang Mai

Explore more of Chiang Mai