Elephant Nature Park is a rescue and rehabilitation sanctuary in Mae Taeng, north of Chiang Mai. Founded by elephant-welfare advocate Saengduean “Lek” Chailert, it cares for elephants rescued from riding...
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, formerly known as Bhubing Rajanives Palace, is a royal winter residence high on Doi Suthep above Chiang Mai. Public visits are limited to the landscaped grounds; the palace buildings remain a working...
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 day trip combines cool montane forest, waterfalls, short nature trails, royal pagodas...
Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden
Mae Raem, <a href="https://www.chiangmaitravelhub.com/provinces/mae-rim/" class="wpil_internal_link" >Mae Rim</a>Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden is Thailand’s first major botanical garden and one of the best nature-based day trips from Chiang Mai. Spread across a mountainous site in Mae Rim, it combines scientific plant...
Doi Suthep-Pui National Park
Suthep, Mueang Chiang MaiDoi Suthep-Pui National Park rises immediately west of Chiang Mai, covering forested mountains, waterfalls, viewpoints, temples and hiking trails within easy reach of the city. Its best-known landmark is Wat Phra That...
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...
Flight of The Gibbon
Huai Kaeo, Mae OnFlight of The Gibbon is a fun zip-lining adventure and is a prime attraction in Chiang Mai for thrill-seekers. Founded in 2007, Flight of the Gibbon offers a safe eco-adventure that will have you flying through the rain...
Pai Trekking
Many Trekking Options Available, Around PaiPai trekking is a great activity for those who want to get into the heart of Pai, as much of the area is still undeveloped and covered in jungle. There are many easy trails located around town, as well as some more...
Singha Park
Mae Kon, Mueang Chiang RaiSingha Park is a great place to spend a day in the outdoors for visitors coming up north to the beautiful Chiang Rai. Singha Park is a large expanse of land that has been converted into a tourist attraction that houses...
Pai Canyon
Thung Yao, PaiPai Canyon, aka Kong Lan, is a natural rocky landscape which is located 8 kilometres from the township of Pai in northern-Thailand. Pai Canyon is popular with photographers as well as being a challenging climbing spot...
San Kamphaeng Hot Springs
Ban Sahakon, Mae OnThe San Kamphaeng Hot Springs is an excellent choice for a day trip not too far from Chiang Mai. Located just 23 kilometres away from the city centre, it’s a popular destination among the locals and provides a...
Bua Thong Waterfalls (Sticky Waterfalls)
Mae Ho Phra, Mae TaengBua Thong Waterfalls, popularly referred to as the Sticky Waterfalls, makes for an exciting getaway about an hours drive from Chiang Mai. The waterfalls are referred to as “sticky” because the rocks...
Pongyang Jungle Coaster & Zipline
Pong Yaeng, Mae RimThe Pongyang Zipline and Jungle Coaster in Mae Rim is a thrilling outdoor destination for the whole family. If you enjoy the rush of adrenaline and excitement, this place is not to be missed. Pongyang Jungle Coaster...
Doi Tung
Huai Khrai, Mae SaiDoi Tung refers to a mountain in the highland region of Chiang Rai. The name of this location translates to ‘Flag Peak’ in the local dialect. History has it that the use of the flag’s name is...
Doi Ang Khang
Mae Sun, FangDoi Ang Khang has earned its reputation as Thailand’s own Switzerland, a fact that can be attributed to its cool climate and scenic mountain peaks. Doi Ang Khang is located on the northern Thai/Burmese border and...
Doi Mae Salong
Mae Salong Nok, Mae Fa LuangDoi Mae Salong is one of the most prominent mountains in Thailand and constitutes the extensive Daen Lao Range in the northern part of Thailand. It is located right near the Thai/Burmese border and is within close...
Huay Tung Tao Lake
Don Kaeo, Mae RimHuay Tung Tao Lake is a secluded getaway located about 20 minutes north-west of Chiang Mai and is a great place to relax like a local. There are a number of huts surrounding the lake where you can get a hot tasty meal...
Doi Pha Tang
Po, Wiang KaenDoi Pha Tang is an incredible hidden paradise in Chiang Rai. Known for being the best area for watching the picturesque Mekong river, but there’s so much more to discover in this mountainous tropical area. Located...
Samoeng Loop
Samoeng, Chiang MaiThe Samoeng Loop is a thrilling attraction for adventure lovers. If you enjoy exploring destinations on a motorbike, this one is highly recommended! It provides a great alternative, or a new adventure, once you’ve...
Mae Sa Waterfall
Mae Raem, Mae RimMae Sa Waterfall (also known as Namtok Waterfall) is one of Thailand’s premier tourist attractions and is best known for its magnificent waterfalls amid the gorgeous natural landscape. The waterfalls are located...
Choui Fong Tea Plantation
Pa Sang, Mae ChanThe Choui Fong Tea Plantation is a large tea plantation located around 40 kilometres from Chiang Rai. The expansive, verdant plantations and tranquil atmosphere make it a truly scenic destination; one where visitors can...
Ping River
Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang MaiPing River is a long river that originates in Huai Nam Dang National Park and flows through Mae Ping National Park and through the east of Chiang Mai City. The river flows for over 500kms and is a popular location for...
Huay Kaew Waterfall
Suthep, Mueang Chiang MaiHuay Kaew Waterfall is a great place for visitors who don’t have a lot of time in Chiang Mai and want to see a waterfall that is close to town. Huay Kaew Waterfall is located near the Chiang Mai Zoo, just 100...
Wachirathan Waterfall
Ban Luang, Chom ThongThe Wachirathan Waterfall is an incredible attraction you will encounter within the Doi Inthanon National Park. It’s the second biggest falls on the way to the summit, and is definitely one of the more impressive...
Mae Ping River Cruise
Chang Khlan, Mueang Chiang MaiA Mae Ping River Cruise is a terrific day trip that takes you away from the typical sights of Chiang Mai to experience something a little different. A leisurely two-hour cruise aboard a cosy boat that travels through...
Chae Son National Park
Chae Son, Mueang PanChae Son National Park is a stunning natural attraction found east of Chiang Mai in the Mueang Pan District. The small National Park is just around 592 square kilometres large, but it is rich in beauty and majestic...
Op Luang National Park
Hang Dong, HotThe Op Luang National Park is a fun, adventurous destination for outdoor lovers near Chiang Mai, located around 20 kilometres away from Hot, on Route 108. Even if you’ve never been to a rugged outdoor area before...
Sri Lanna National Park
Ban Pao, Mae TaengSri Lanna National Park is the 8th largest national park in the country; being declared as the 60th national park in Thailand on August 1989; It covers 1,406 square kilometres of the mountainous area from Prao, Chiang...
Nong Buak Hard Public Park
Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang MaiNong Buak Hard Public Park is a public park located on the south-west corner of the old city. Covered with plenty of grass and shade, the park is a great place to come and relax with good book. Nong Buak Hard Public...
Chiang Mai Moat
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang MaiThe Chiang Mai moat is a small body of water that surrounds the old city; popular among locals, residents, and expats – especially those who enjoy going for a morning stroll. After all, this city is one of the...
Bai Orchid And Butterfly Farm
Mae Raem, Mae RimBai Orchid and Butterfly Farm is a must-visit when in Chiang Mai as you get to experience the beauty of nature as the butterflies flutter over the orchids. The exotic setup, nestled in a natural setting, gives visitors...
Canopy Walkway Chiang Mai
Pong Yaeng, Mae RimThe Canopy Walkway in Chiang Mai is one of the city’s newest, most thrilling activities. Located within the beautiful Queen Sirikit Botanical Gardens in Mae Rim, the impressive facilities at the walkway are...
Mae Sa Valley
Pong Yaeng, Mae RimThe Mae Sa Valley is a breathtaking lush, green area within Chiang Mai. Crisp, clean air and lots of verdant forests make this destination unique, especially if you’d like to get away from the busy city centre. It...
Mon Cham
Mae Raem, Mae RimMon Cham is an alluring mountaintop destination – just 40 minutes away from the city centre of Chiang Mai. Its proximity to the old city and abundant natural attractions make it a popular choice for day trips;...
Monks Trail
Suthep, Mueang Chiang MaiThe Monks Trail (Wat Pha Lat Hike) is an exciting activity in Chiang Mai that involves trekking to the famous temple set in a picturesque, serene forest. The best part about it is that it’s off the tourist trail...
Tweechol Botanic Garden
Choeng Doi, Doi SaketThe Tweechol Botanic Garden is a must-visit for any nature and gardening enthusiast in Chiang Mai. It was founded by Mr Taweesak Sesawech; a man who spent his years collecting some of Thailand’s most beautiful...
Go Bee Fishing Park
Nong Kwai, Hang DongThe Go Bee Fishing Park is a great place that allows visitors alike to discover the thrill of freshwater fishing just outside of Chiang Mai. Learn what it’s like to catch local fish, as well as other imported...
Huai Nam Dang National Park
Kuet Chang, Mae TaengThe Huai Nam Dang National Park is a breathtakingly beautiful national park that stretches from Chiang Mai up to Pai. The park is located high above the mountains; a tranquil, scenic environment set amongst rugged peaks...
Khun Chang Khian
Don Kaeo, Mueang Chiang MaiKhun Chang Khian is an astonishing attraction in Chiang Mai, where you’ll find the very special cherry blossoms, also known as sakura flowers. Thailand has its version of Japan’s famous cherry blossoms, and...
Mae Klang Waterfall
Ban Luang, Chom ThongThe Mae Klang Waterfall is a popular natural attraction of near Chiang Mai, located within the picturesque Doi Inthanon National Park. This is a popular site for kids and adults alike, as it provides you with a chance...
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.
