Best Tours & activities in Chiang Mai (2026)

Tours in Chiang Mai lean towards hands-on and outdoor experiences rather than coach sightseeing. Cooking classes are the most popular, and the city has many to choose from. Thai Farm Cooking School, running since 2001, takes groups to an organic farm about 17 km from the city after a market visit, while Asia Scenic Thai Cooking School offers morning and evening classes in an Old City garden near Tha Phae Gate as well as farm sessions, with dietary needs well catered for.

For active travellers, Grasshopper Adventures runs a morning e-bike ride through farmland and villages to the Rajapruek Royal Gardens, and Chiang Mai Mountain Biking and Kayaks, operating since 2003, offers mountain biking on Doi Suthep, kayaking on local rivers and hikes including the Monk's Trail. Pooh Eco-Trekking, an independent company since 1999, runs multi-day treks with Karen village homestays and avoids elephant-riding packages. Day trips from Chiang Mai to Doi Inthanon, Thailand's highest mountain, and to Chiang Rai are also widely available. Most tours start early in the morning to avoid the heat, and booking a few days ahead is wise in the cool season.

5 places · Updated November 12, 2026

Tour operator

1. Thai Farm Cooking School

Cooking class on an organic farmCountryside (pick-up from the city)

Family-run cooking school operating since 2001, with half-day and full-day classes on an organic farm about 17 km from Chiang Mai, including a market visit.

View details

Tour operator

2. Asia Scenic Thai Cooking School

Cooking class (Old City garden or organic farm)Old City

Family-hosted cooking school since 2007 with morning and evening classes in an Old City garden near Tha Phae Gate and morning classes on an organic farm.

View details

Tour operator

3. Grasshopper Adventures Chiang Mai

Guided e-bike tourChiang Mai

Small-group bike tour company whose Chiang Mai e-bike ride crosses farmland, villages and the edge of Ob Khan National Park to the Rajapruek Royal Gardens.

View details

Tour operator

4. Chiang Mai Mountain Biking & Kayaks

Mountain biking, kayaking and hiking toursChiang Mai (tours to Doi Suthep and rivers)

Adventure operator running since 2003, offering guided mountain biking on Doi Suthep, jungle kayaking on local rivers and hikes such as the Monk's Trail.

View details

Tour operator

5. Pooh Eco-Trekking

Small trekking company, multi-day treksChiang Mai (treks in northern Thailand)

Independent Chiang Mai trekking company operating since 1999, running its own treks with jungle camping and Karen village homestays and no elephant-riding packages.

View details