DO CHIANG MAI

Chiang Mai is a popular place for arranging hill trekking. As usual in Thai cities massage places abound, both for treatments and for learning the art yourself, and cooking schools are also popular.

• Let's Relax Chiang Mai Pavilion and Chiang Inn Plaza, Chang Khlan Road, does professional massage in very clean if not downright sterile surroundings complete with air-con, the sound of running water and gentle scents. A 45-minute foot reflexology session costs 350 baht, nearly twice the price of the competition, but is worth every satang after a long trek.
  
  
• Kawila Boxing Stadium not far from Narawat Bridge, has real Muay Thai (Thai boxing, the national sport of Thailand) fights every Friday at 20:00 with 10 bouts ranging from young debutant fighters, local champions, and locals vs foreigners. Entry is 400 baht (as of March 2006).
  
  
• Lanna Muay Thai on Soi Chiang Khian, off Huay Kaew Road - Muay Thai coaching.
  
  
• Rafting down the Maetang river is offered by several companies and can often be combined with elephant riding or mountain biking (The Peak is one of the better companies, and also offers many other interesting trips). During the dry season (Jan-Feb) water levels are relatively low with only grade 2-3 rapids, but during the rainy season (Jun-Oct) higher water levels make for a more exciting grade 4-5 trip.
  
  
• Royal Flora Exposition is a magnificent showcase of 50,000 orchid plants representing nearly 10,000 orchid species, plus much more.
  
  
• Motorcycle touring is a great way to explore Northern Thailand - the GT-Rider website has a weath of information, including routes and maps for both short and long rides. One route out of Chiang Mai not mentioned is a day trip up and over Doi Suthep, which will take riders up to Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, and beyond the mountain to the reservoir.
  
  
• Scooter Touring is another great way to explore the region going out as far as Mae Hong Son and suitable for the less experienced motorcyclist. Motorbike Thailand offer great tours using Honda 125cc stepthrough scooters riding into some of the more remote regions and also offer rider training on route.