There are plenty of sporting activities available in Chiang Mai.  In fact, many tourists come to this city for this very reason.

Trekking is very popular out of Chiang Mai.  It is recommended to pay for a guided trek if interested in exploring the jungles outside of town.  Not only are the guides informative and helpful, but they know exactly where they are taking their clients, and the prices are usually fair.  There are many options available, ranging from single day treks to multiple day/overnight treks, and can be booked through almost any hotel/guest house, as well as through tourist centers.  Many treks also involve elephant rides, and although the rides are slow and bumpy, they are truly a once in a lifetime experiences.  Visit Trekking to get an idea about what is offered in Chiang Mai.   

An exciting new addition to the sports scene in Chiang Mai is the recently opened Flight of the Gibbon - combining adventure with sport, nature and education, this involves travelling in the Rainforest canopy for over 2km using zip lines and skybridges. The whole package is a day trip.

Read Trip Advisor reviews of Flight of the Gibbon linked here

See Sports Activities It can also be combined with a night in a remote village for a 2 day adventure package, including rafting, trekking, climbing, mountainbiking with www.mountainbikingchiangmai.com and elephant riding.

• Biking and cycling trips are organized around Chiangmai by various tour operators. 
• Crank Adventures offers fantastic professional and non-touristic day trips for all levels of riders. They also specialise in custom trips and  multi-day trips through to seven day adventures. They rent the newest and best mountain bikes in town and have opened a nice little bar to relax in as well.
• Read Trip Advisor reviews of Crank Adventures linked here
  

www.mountainbikingchiangmai.com offers  comprehensive access to the endless numbers of MTB trails in  Northern Thailand,  whether you are a beginner just in for the sightseeing or an expert expecting top DH equipment.Chiang Mai Mountain Biking is by far the most professional Outfitt in Chiang Mai. They have the largest and most comprehensive rental fleet.  

Northern-Trails is organizing only cycling and recommended in many guide books. They also rent sturdy mountain-bikes, to go explore on your own. 

Join the charity bike ride for the survival of Thai elephants!
The weekend of the 6th and 7th of February 2010 join ‘Bike for Elephants’ tour in Northern Thailand. Two days of adventure and fun biking through the Mae Tang valley, in Chiang Mai province. This event will raise much needed funds for the Elephant Nature Park and create awareness about the plight of Thai elephants.

White Water rafting in Northern Thailand has become a popular tourist attraction in the last few years.  There are many companies offering guided trips out of Chiang Mai on the Mae Teang River. Siam River Adventures is the longest going company and is owned by and American from Colorado.  For general information, visit Rafting .

For nature lovers, check out the nation park at Jae Son National Park, best reached by passing the hot springs at San Kamphaeng (stop for a wee look) and carrying on up the 1317 and follow the signs to Mae Kompong, this takes you in the back way but the route allows for the most spectacular view acroos Chiang Mai and Lampang Mountain range. (see below).

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