Chiang Mai Independent Short Break
Travel to Thailand and experience a fascinating blend of ancient temples, rainforest trails and vibrant night markets in Chiang Mai. This is an active Independent Short Break that features the best of Thailand’s northern region. Tackle the world-famous Mae Taeng River rapids on a rafting excursion, hike through local villages and temperate rainforests, cycle through fruit orchards and a 700-year-old temple in the countryside and climb the ancient staircase to the hilltop of Doi Suthep. This is an action-packed, authentic experience and the perfect way to see different sides of Chiang Mai in just four days.
Why you'll love this trip
Doi Suthep Temple — Climb to the summit of Doi Suthep temple and enjoy the spiritual atmosphere of chanting Buddhist monks and sweeping views of the city.
Rural Chiang Mai — Uncover Thailand’s rural charm as you hike and bike through scenic hilltribe areas, rice paddies and lush jungle landscapes.
Countryside cycling — Cycle off the main streets and into the heart and soul of Chiang Mai with a back street, countryside bike tour.
Mae Taeng River rafting — Go whitewater rafting over the rugged rapids of the Mae Taeng River, said to be some of the best rafting in all of Asia.
Four days in Chiang Mai — Spend four days exploring Chiang Mai with local guides and discover the region's culture, landscapes and adventure activities.
Itinerary
DAY 01
Chiang Mai
Begin your Chiang Mai Independent Short Break and get ready for an active adventure through northern Thailand. Explore Chiang Mai and its surrounding countryside, with opportunities to discover local villages, temples and scenic landscapes.
DAY 02
Chiang Mai
Discover Chiang Mai's temples and surrounding countryside. Climb to the hilltop of Doi Suthep, one of the region's most important temples, and take in sweeping views across the city.
DAY 03
Chiang Mai
Get active in the Chiang Mai countryside with adventure activities among lush jungle landscapes. Hike through the region and take on the rugged rapids of the Mae Taeng River on a whitewater rafting excursion.
DAY 04
Chiang Mai
Your Chiang Mai adventure comes to an end today. With four days of temples, countryside cycling, hiking and whitewater rafting behind you, you can continue your travels through Thailand or head home.
Inclusions and activities
Destinations
Thailand
Chiang Mai
Meals
3 breakfasts
1 lunch
Transport
Bicycle · Minibus
Raft
Accommodation
Hotel (3 nights)
Included activities
- Wat Umong and Royal Flora Park on the backroad
- Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep Temple visit
- Chiang Mai - White water rafting
- Hiking to the waterfall
Optional activities
- Additional activities and experiences in Chiang Mai
When you travel with us, The Intrepid Foundation gives you more opportunities to support important causes in destinations you visit.
Before you book
Is this trip right for you?
On Independent Short Breaks, you maintain a good level of independence and freedom, with the added bonus of having the details sorted out for you. You’ll have lots of free time and you won’t be accompanied by a Trip Leader. This means that all included activities and tours will be run by different local Intrepid partners, and these may operate independently from each other. The included activities and transfers will operate on a join-in basis, which means that you could have your Adventure all to yourself, or others may join you along the way.
If you would prefer to travel in a group with a dedicated Trip Leader, just get in touch with your booking agent and they will take you through some alternatives.
This is an active style trip so a good level of fitness and a passion for hiking, biking and rafting is of course recommended.
Important notes
Visas
Accommodation
Joining point
Dates and prices
| Departs | Returns | Availability | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thu 27 Aug 2026 | Sun 30 Aug 2026 | On request | $410 |
| Sat 29 Aug 2026 | Tue 1 Sep 2026 | On request | $410 |
| Sun 30 Aug 2026 | Wed 2 Sep 2026 | On request | $410 |
| Tue 1 Sep 2026 | Fri 4 Sep 2026 | On request | $410 |
| Thu 3 Sep 2026 | Sun 6 Sep 2026 | On request | $410 |
| Sat 5 Sep 2026 | Tue 8 Sep 2026 | On request | $410 |
| Sun 6 Sep 2026 | Wed 9 Sep 2026 | On request | $410 |
| Tue 8 Sep 2026 | Fri 11 Sep 2026 | On request | $410 |
| Thu 10 Sep 2026 | Sun 13 Sep 2026 | On request | $410 |
| Sat 12 Sep 2026 | Tue 15 Sep 2026 | On request | $410 |
Reviews
Our short trip in Thailand was amazing and such a great way to have experiences in nature in a short amount of time. The hike and white water rafting were so much fun and not crowded with tourists. All transport and logistics were well organised.
Great short break experience in Chiang Mai.
Our guides A.K. and Oat were so friendly and knowledgeable and went out of their way to make sure we had a great time. We got some wonderful exercise, saw beautiful scenery, and got a boost of adrenaline all in one quick trip. This was just the addition we needed for our trip to Thailand!