Day & overnight trips

Elephant Nature Park A rehabilitation centre for rescued elephants located 60km from the city. You get to feed and water the elephants but no rides. Options include day trips or volunteering. See page 18 for information about Happy Elephant Care Valley. elephantnaturepark.org Sri Lanna National Park Staying for a night on a houseboat on Mae Ngat Somboon Chon Dam in Sri Lanna National Park is a unique experience. Accommodation options include retreat centre Om Waters. omwaters.com Pretty Pai A three-hour drive from Chiang Mai, the village of Pai is a popular destination and worthy stopping point for a day or two. This pretty place sits in a valley on the banks of the Pai River and is rich with restaurants, street food, bars and even craft beer. The White Buddha You can’t miss The White Buddha – an impressive statue on the hill overlooking Pai from Wat Phra That Mae Yen. It’s a 2km walk from the centre of Pai and you have to climb 353 stairs to get to the top but it’s worth it to watch the sunset. Pai Canyon Tourists flock to Pai Canyon for sunset, and it can get very crowded. Elevated canyon paths to the lookout are hairraising (1ft wide with 30 metre cliffs on each side). You’ll need all four limbs to access the trails below, and to watch your step. The Nest House Comfortable Bungalow accommodation accessed via a footbridge over the Pai River and only a five minute walk from the centre of Pai.