Mae Taeng

Where is it? Just north of Mae Rim and south of Chiang Dao, located about an hour north of Chiang Mai, you’ll find the extremely rural district of Mae Taeng. Framed by hills and with a river running through it, it’s a gorge destination to head to.

Why we love it: A day trip here can be as zen or as high adrenaline as you decide to make it. It’s the top spot for white water rafting in the region, as from July to October the Mae Taeng River is full (thanks to rainy season), although somewhat unwieldy. Siam River Adventures are your guys to go to if the white knuckled ride on a dinghy calls you. The rest of the year it’s a bamboo raft situation, less scary, unless you fall off. If chilled escapes are more your vibe head to the underrated Wat Den Sali Si Mueang Kaen – a colorful hilltop temple filled with ornate Lanna-style buildings, giant deity statues and great viewpoints over the surrounding valley. After the temple, head further into the hills to Raksa Tea Garden, where you can pick your own leaves from the plantation’s rows of tea plants, then watch a local expert turn those green leaves into green tea. Geology nerds (or hot spring nerds like us) might enjoy swinging by Pong Dueat Geyser – it’s not Iceland but it’s impressive – and round off the day by stopping in the ever so kitschy cafe, Dantewada Land of Angels Waterfall Park on the way home.

Time Out tip: Hikers note, you don’t need a guide to enjoy the riverside trails in Mae Taeng but longer jungle treks that pass through hill tribe villages do usually require a guide. You wouldn’t want to stroll into someone’s outdoor kitchen unannounced.