Mar 16, 2017 BY Cara Rees
Looking for a day of adventure and excitement during your stay in Chiang Mai? Would you like to see the beautiful Thai jungle and countryside? Then read this review of Active Thailand hiking and ziplining in Chiang Mai as it might be your perfect day trip.
At the start of the Active Thailand hiking and ziplining day trip you are picked up from your hotel by a friendly guide. Travel to the start of the hike in Mae Sa is by covered pickup truck with plenty of time to meet the group. The hike starts and ends by walking the outskirts of hill tribe villages, this gives you a glimpse of their home life.
The route takes you through forest, jungle and farmland. This is a nicely balance hike suited to people with a good level of fitness.
After a delicious Thai lunch you will be geared up and receive your safety brief for ziplining. As you climb into a pickup truck the excitement really starts to build. You start with a short, simple and fun first line progressing over the nine zips to exhilarating, fast, long runs.
The centre for ziplining in Chiang Mai also offers two abseils and eight other challenging trails through the canopy.
The trail takes you through deciduous forests where you’ll hear the high pitched electronic whistling of cicada. Then down into jungle valleys containing banana trees and bamboo, before you exit onto dirt tracks running alongside farmland.
As you progress along the trail your guide will stop regularly to point out the local flora and fauna. Amongst other things Pan showed us, wild ginger, citronella and explained the parasitic character of the Bayan vine trees. We even got to swing from a Bayan vine, great fun!
Our guide Pan set a comfortable steady pace for the two hour Active Thailand hiking experience, which included a snack break midway. It was a lovely trip and have completed longer hikes in the region I feel it offers a perfect snap shot of Thai countryside and rural life.
From start to finish the zipline route included in this trip is awesome. As you progress and built confidence the ziplines become longer and faster, which keeps increasing the adrenaline.
You sweep through the forest canopy, soar over farmland vistas, speed above bamboo and even across river rapids. You also negotiate your way down hill tribe ladders, spiral tree staircases and over multiple different types of bridge and walk way. The course finishes with a breathtaking 40ft abseil including free fall.
Active Thailand have chosen to work with Eagle track Zipline because of their high safety standard and I can understand why. Their equipment looked to be in great condition and everything was well maintained. At the start and end of each zipline there was a technician to attach and detach you, providing a high level of confidence so you can enjoy the exhilarating experience.
This review of Active Thailand hiking and ziplining in Chiang Mai would not be complete without talking about the visit to the beautiful Tard Monk waterfall. After the ziplining it is a short hike along a well maintained track.
As you get closer to the waterfall the sound of rushing water becomes louder building the anticipation until the view opens before you. The beauty is breathtaking and the power of the waterfall can be felt vibrating through your body, and sitting on the rocks in the waterfall mist is a must.
Active Thailand are long established – since 1991! – and have offices in Chiang Mai. They use highly experienced guides and run tours from/to numerous destinations including; Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, Pai, Mae Sot and Kanchanaburi.
Their large range of activity adventures include hiking, cycling, white-water rafting, kayaking and multi activity trips. These trips range from one to five days in length costing between 1,500 and 17,500 baht. The one day Chiang Mai Hiking and Ziplining trip I did in the Mae Sa region cost 2400 Baht (approx £56 or $70).
I have now been on two trips with Active Thailand – the other being Active Thailand trekking holiday in the Chiang Dao Mountains. Both have been very enjoyable, extremely well run and informative. I even met the owner who was both friendly and approachable whilst being passionate about the area.
To conclude this review of Active Thailand hiking and ziplining in Chiang Mai, I’d say this day trip offers the perfect balance of culture, nature and excitement. I highly recommend it as it’s a great addition to any stay in Chiang Mai .
We hope you found this review of Active Thailand hiking and ziplining in Chiang Mai useful. To find out about the full range of Active Thailand trips visit: www.active-thailand.com
What to find out where to skydive in Australia? Then check out the 10 best Aussie dropzones below. From Tasmania to Northern Territory and Queensland to Western...
Planning a self-catered ski trip but worried about the workload? Just because self-catering is the cheapest way to ski, doesn’t mean it has to be the most hassle....
Switzerland is known for attracting wealthy travellers from all over the globe that are looking for an upper-class treatment. But why is luxury skiing in Switzerland...
Login
Register