Set in the mountainous regions of Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is on the rise as a hub for sustainable tourism, giving visitors a perfect backdrop full of natural and cultural wonders.
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To visit Chiang Mai is to fully experience Thailand’s concept of the 7Greens: Green Heart, Green Logistics, Green Attraction, Green Activity, Green Community, Green Service, and Green Plus.
Through the 7Greens, which the Tourism Authority of Thailand introduced, Thailand brings together different sectors in addressing climate change-related challenges and creating a pattern for sustainable tourism. For the eco-oriented traveler, this means having a more immersive experience basking in nature and learning about heritage, while helping preserve them.
Planning to visit Chiang Mai and not sure where to start? Here are a few ideas to help you fill out that itinerary.
Interact with elephants
Travelers who wish to feed, bathe, and pamper the gentle giants can make their goals come true in Chiang Mai. At the Patara Elephant Farm, visitors can spend a day taking care of mother elephants and babies. The province is also home to the Elephant Nature Park, where guests can spend up to two days with an elephant herd. Learn about elephants’ personal behavior and history at the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary.
Visit a national park
Those who are after nature’s raw visual spectacle, Chiang Mai’s national parks would be a feast for the senses. Doi Inthanon National Park, nicknamed “The Roof of Thailand,” is a must-visit as it is home to a number of waterfalls, trails, and villages. The crowning glory of this place is no other than a perfect spot for a sunrise selfie: Doi Inthanon Summit, which is Thailand’s highest peak at 2,565 meters above sea level.
Immerse in local communities
Community-based tourism in Thailand lets tourists participate in hands-on activities like traditional fishing, local cuisine cooking, and local crafts. A plantation called Akha Ama Coffee, for example, lets them interact with a local Akha hill tribe as they learn about a coffee bean’s journey from farm to cup. Another unique destination to visit is the Jim Thompson Farm where travelers can witness the nitty-gritty of the silk-making process.
Go on a volunteer vacation
Sparing some time to volunteer can make a trip more meaningful. Trash Hero Chiang Mai, for instance, lets tourists join group cleanups by local and Thai joggers, walkers, and bikers. Visitors can also join their education program, where they can help teach zero-waste, sustainable lifestyle in schools.
