Elephant Nature Park is an elephant rescue and rehabilitation sanctuary in the Mae Taeng valley north of Chiang Mai. Its visits focus on watching elephants in their herds and learning about their individual histories...
Chiang Mai Nature
Chiang Mai is surrounded by mountains, forests, waterfalls, lakes and gardens, making nature one of the strongest reasons to explore beyond the Old City. The current Chiang Mai Travel Hub inventory includes Doi Inthanon National Park, Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden, Huay Tung Tao Lake, Mae Sa Valley, Mon Cham, Monks Trail and Mae Klang Waterfall, alongside several other natural attractions across northern Thailand.
The category is broader than the separate National Parks or Waterfalls sections. It works best as an umbrella for mountain scenery, lakes, gardens, forest walks, viewpoints and other outdoor places that do not fit neatly into a single specialist category.
Explore Chiang Mai Nature
- Mountains and viewpoints – Visit Doi Inthanon, Mon Cham and other highland areas for cool air, panoramic views and scenic drives.
- Forest walks and trails – Explore routes such as the Monks Trail and other paths through Doi Suthep-Pui and surrounding forest.
- Lakes and peaceful outdoor areas – Huay Tung Tao Lake provides an easy escape for picnics, cycling and relaxed time beside the water.
- Gardens and plant life – Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden combines tropical glasshouses, forest trails and a canopy walkway in Mae Rim.
- Waterfalls and valleys – Mae Klang Waterfall, Mae Sa Valley and other natural areas add cascades, streams and lush scenery to day trips outside the city.
Browse the listings below to discover Chiang Mai nature attractions, mountain scenery, forest walks, gardens and outdoor places across northern Thailand.
Elephant Nature Park
Kuet Chang, Mae Taeng
Bhubing Palace
Suthep, Mueang Chiang MaiBhubing Palace is a working royal residence in the mountains above Chiang Mai, beyond Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. When public access is available, visitors explore the gardens and designated grounds rather than touring...
Doi Inthanon National Park
Ban Luang, Chom ThongDoi Inthanon National Park protects Thailand’s highest mountain, rising 2,565 metres above sea level southwest of Chiang Mai. A visit combines cool high-elevation forest, waterfalls, nature trails, royal pagodas...
Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden
Mae Raem, Mae RimQueen Sirikit Botanical Garden occupies a forested hillside in Mae Rim, northwest of Chiang Mai. Its glasshouse collections, elevated canopy walkway and outdoor trails let visitors move between carefully managed plant...
Doi Suthep-Pui National Park
Suthep, Mueang Chiang MaiDoi Suthep-Pui National Park rises west of Chiang Mai, bringing forest temples, waterfalls and cooler mountain country within reach of the city. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is its best-known landmark, but the park also...
Royal Park Rajapruek
Mae Hia, Mueang Chiang MaiRoyal Park Rajapruek is an expansive botanical park southwest of central Chiang Mai, featuring landscaped gardens, international displays and one of the city’s most impressive examples of modern Lanna architecture...
Pai Trekking
Many Trekking Options Available, Around PaiPai trekking can range from a short viewpoint walk to several days in the mountains with a local guide. Forest, farmland, limestone scenery and community visits give the area variety, but the route and conditions matter...
Singha Park
Mae Kon, Mueang Chiang RaiSingha Park is a large landscaped farm and leisure destination southwest of Chiang Rai. Tea plantations, seasonal flower displays, open lawns and recreation areas spread across rolling countryside, making it a...
Pai Canyon
Mae Hi, PaiPai Canyon, locally known as Kong Lan, is a red-earth landscape of narrow ridges, steep eroded slopes and views across the Pai valley. Its distinctive shape is visible soon after the climb from the entrance, making it...
San Kamphaeng Hot Springs
Ban Sahakon, Mae OnSan Kamphaeng Hot Springs is a landscaped hot-spring park in Mae On, east of Chiang Mai. Visitors come to see the steaming geothermal water, cook eggs in designated boiling pools, soak their feet in cooled channels and...
Bua Thong Waterfalls (Sticky Waterfalls)
Mae Ho Phra, Mae TaengBua Thong Waterfalls, also spelt Bua Tong and known as the Sticky Waterfalls, is a forest outing north of Chiang Mai with an unusual attraction: climbing up pale limestone while water runs over your feet. Mineral...
Pongyang Jungle Coaster & Zipline
Pong Yaeng, Mae RimPongyang Jungle Coaster & Zipline is a mountain adventure park in Pong Yaeng, Mae Rim, northwest of Chiang Mai. Its rail coaster, aerial zipline activities and other rides offer different ways to experience the...
Doi Tung
Mae Fah Luang, Mae Fah LuangDoi Tung brings together mountain scenery, royal history and gardens in northern Chiang Rai. The Royal Villa and Mae Fah Luang Garden are the natural starting point: one offers an intimate look at the Princess...
Doi Ang Khang
Mae Ngon, FangDoi Ang Khang is a highland area in northern Chiang Mai province where cool-weather gardens, agricultural research and mountain viewpoints form the main visitor experience. The Angkhang Royal Agricultural Station...
Doi Mae Salong
Mae Salong Nok, Mae Fa LuangDoi Mae Salong is a mountain attraction in Chiang Rai Province, known for tea-covered hills and the village of Santikhiri. A visit brings together ridge views, tea tasting and a strong Yunnanese Chinese cultural...
Huay Tung Tao Lake
Don Kaeo, Mae RimHuay Tung Tao Lake is a reservoir and recreation area in Don Kaeo, north of Chiang Mai. Its mountain backdrop, lakeside food huts and surrounding rural scenery make it a pleasant place to slow down over lunch or spend...
Doi Pha Tang
Po, Wiang KaenDoi Pha Tang is a mountain viewpoint in Chiang Rai’s Wiang Kaen district, overlooking the border landscape between Thailand and Laos. Its rocky ridge, open hillsides and views towards the Mekong make the walk...
Samoeng Loop
Samoeng, Chiang MaiThe Samoeng Loop is a scenic road circuit through the hills west of Chiang Mai, linking Mae Rim, the Mae Sa Valley and the Hang Dong side of the city. Forested slopes, viewpoints, gardens and small roadside cafés make...
Choui Fong Tea Plantation
Sri Kham, Mae ChanChoui Fong Tea Plantation is a working tea estate and visitor destination in Mae Chan, north of Chiang Rai. Rows of tea follow the contours of the hills, while the plantation’s cafes provide places to enjoy the...
Ping River
Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang MaiThe Ping River offers a quieter way to experience Chiang Mai, with boats passing city bridges and riverside buildings before reaching greener stretches beyond the busy centre. On land, the river area suits a slow meal...
Huay Kaew Waterfall
Suthep, Mueang Chiang MaiHuay Kaew Waterfall is a short forest escape at the foot of Doi Suthep, beside the Chiang Mai Zoo area. The main cascade is reached on foot from the Huay Kaew Road approach, making it a practical choice when you want...
Wachirathan Waterfall
Ban Luang, Chom ThongWachirathan Waterfall is one of the most dramatic roadside stops in Doi Inthanon National Park, southwest of Chiang Mai. A broad torrent drops over a forested rock face, filling the viewing area with noise and drifting...
Mae Ping River Cruise
Chang Khlan, Mueang Chiang MaiMae Ping River Cruise offers a slower view of Chiang Mai from the water, passing riverside buildings and bridges before the banks become greener. The operator’s daytime trip combines a boat journey with a stop at...
Chae Son National Park
Chae Son, Mueang PanChae Son National Park combines forest walks and waterfalls with one of northern Thailand’s best-known hot-spring areas. Steam rises among rocks at the main visitor hub, while nearby bathing facilities let...
Op Luang National Park
Hang Dong, HotOp Luang National Park, also spelt Ob Luang, protects a rugged landscape south-west of Chiang Mai where the Mae Chaem River squeezes through a narrow rocky gorge. The main visitor area offers a close encounter with that...
Sri Lanna National Park
Ban Pao, Mae TaengSri Lanna National Park protects a broad mountain and forest landscape north of Chiang Mai. For many visitors, its most accessible introduction is Mae Ngat Somboon Chon Reservoir, where boat trips lead to floating raft...
Nong Buak Hard Public Park
Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang MaiNong Buak Hard Public Park is a compact green space inside the southwest corner of Chiang Mai’s Old City. Also called Suan Buak Haad, it brings ponds, lawns and shaded paths together for a short walk or a relaxed...
Chiang Mai Moat
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang MaiChiang Mai Moat marks the boundary of the Old City, tracing a roughly square circuit around its temples, neighbourhood streets and historic gates. The water, surviving brickwork and restored corners make the...
Bai Orchid And Butterfly Farm
Mae Raem, Mae RimBai Orchid And Butterfly Farm is a small orchid nursery and garden stop in Mae Rim, north of Chiang Mai. Rows of flowering orchids are the main attraction, with a butterfly area and places to browse or take a break...
Canopy Walkway Chiang Mai
Pong Yaeng, Mae RimCanopy Walkway Chiang Mai is an elevated forest walk inside Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden in Pong Yaeng, Mae Rim. The route brings visitors close to the tree canopy, with views across the surrounding forest and sections...
Mae Sa Valley
Pong Yaeng, Mae RimMae Sa Valley is a green corridor of waterfalls, gardens and visitor attractions along the Mae Rim-Samoeng road northwest of Chiang Mai. Forested hills rise beyond the roadside stops, making the valley a practical day...
Mon Cham
Mae Raem, Mae RimMon Cham, also written Mon Jam, is a mountain viewpoint above the Nong Hoi Hmong community in Mae Rim. Flower gardens, cultivated slopes and outdoor eating areas make it a rewarding outing from Chiang Mai, particularly...
Monks Trail
Suthep, Mueang Chiang MaiThe Monks Trail is a forest walking route on the lower slopes of Doi Suthep, best known for the climb to Wat Pha Lat. It starts near Chiang Mai University, south of Chiang Mai Zoo, and reaches a working forest temple...
Tweechol Botanic Garden
Choeng Doi, Doi SaketTweechol Botanic Garden is a landscaped garden in Doi Saket, northeast of Chiang Mai. Animal-shaped topiary, palm collections, ponds and planted display areas make it an appealing place for a leisurely walk or bicycle...
Go Bee Fishing Park
Nong Kwai, Hang DongGo Bee Fishing Park offers freshwater fishing at a stocked lake in Nong Kwai, southwest of Chiang Mai. The experience centres on spending time at the water, choosing a fishing method with the guide and working with fish...
Huai Nam Dang National Park
Kuet Chang, Mae TaengHuai Nam Dang National Park spans a mountain and forest landscape between Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son. Its best-known visitor experience is the early-morning view from Doi Kiu Lom, where ridges rise above cloud-filled...
Khun Chang Khian
Don Kaeo, Mae RimKhun Chang Khian is a mountain visitor area above Chiang Mai, best known for the pink Himalayan cherry blossom around Chiang Mai University’s highland agricultural research station. Coffee-growing slopes and the...
Mae Klang Waterfall
Ban Luang, Chom ThongMae Klang Waterfall is an early stop on the approach to Doi Inthanon National Park, near Chom Thong southwest of Chiang Mai. Water spreads over a broad rocky face into the stream below, with a short visitor approach...
Araksa Tea Garden
Bang Chang, Mae TaengAraksa Tea Garden is a working tea plantation in Mae Taeng, north of Chiang Mai, where a guided visit follows tea from the growing plant to the finished cup. Picking leaves, seeing traditional processing and tasting...
Bo Kaeo Pine Tree Garden
Bo Luang, HotBo Kaeo Pine Tree Garden is a planted pine landscape at Bo Kaeo Silvicultural Research Station in Hot district, Chiang Mai province. Tall trunks arranged in orderly rows create its distinctive appearance, making it an...
What are the best nature attractions in Chiang Mai?
Popular choices include Doi Inthanon National Park, Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden, Huay Tung Tao Lake, Mon Cham and Mae Klang Waterfall.
Where can I find mountain scenery near Chiang Mai?
Doi Inthanon, Doi Suthep, Mon Cham and the Mae Rim highlands are among the strongest options for mountain views, cooler temperatures and scenic drives.
Are there easy nature trips close to Chiang Mai city?
Yes. Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, Huay Tung Tao Lake and the Monks Trail are all relatively close to the city and work well for shorter half-day outings.
What is the difference between the Nature and National Parks categories?
The Nature category is broader and includes lakes, gardens, forest walks, valleys and viewpoints, while the National Parks category is better suited to officially protected park areas such as Doi Inthanon and Doi Suthep-Pui.