Most visitors will assume that Chiang Mai is a destination where you can just relax and soak in the culture whilst enjoying some of the best food in the country. In fact, the city is more likely to conjure up thoughts of relaxing massages as opposed to thrilling adventures, but the city is one of the most popular spots in the country for adrenaline junkies.

The home of adventure sports in Chiang Mai, X-Centre is a favorite with locals, expats and visitors eager to get their blood pumping. Thrill seekers have plenty of options here, whether you want to explore the beautiful country off-road or even attempt the 165 foot bungy jump. Visitors can head out into the lush forests on off-road vehicles and motorbikes with a choice of routes to tackle depending on your driving skills and bravery! Some of the more demanding routes include river crossings and the challenges posed by steep trails. Regardless of your choice of route, it is sure to be a memorable experience.

Zorbing may not be as widely-known to everyone but anyone who has flown downhill at speed in one of the three meter inflatable balls will tell you that it is provides the same exhilarating thrill as many other adventure sports! It is also probably the most popular activity at the centre for children and is a great way to keep the kids busy whilst the adults try out some of the other more extreme activities on offer. The centre is home to Thailand’s first bungy jump and as you perch above the thick forest, you’ll marvel at the natural beauty surrounding you before you make your plunge down!

Adrenaline junkies who prefer water over land can head out of the city to tackle the roaring rapids of the Mae Taeng River. This is a unique way to see the stunning countryside surrounding Chiang Mai. Between November and January it is also possible to enjoy cruising along the river under moonlight. There are plenty of operators that can arrange trips from Chiang Mai for adventure seekers and a wide range of routes are on offer to suit all skill levels. To top it all off, you may even find yourself floating past elephants cooling down along the riverbank.

One of the biggest advantages of spending time in Chiang Mai is the unparalleled access to nature on your doorstep. Doi Suthep National Park looms over the city and is perfectly located to explore by bike. You can join the local cycle fanatics attempting the climb up the mountain during the cooler parts of the day, before zooming back down while enjoying the refreshing breeze. There are also plenty of off-road trails that are dotted throughout the national park which are a perfect way to spend a spare day of your trip.

There are also longer and more challenging mountain biking trails in the area which are easily accessible, including some routes which are best tackled over the course of two or more days. Chiang Dao is around 90km north of Chiang Mai and is a great base from which to explore the surrounding mountains with a selection of challenging routes which can stretch over 35km. Some of these routes allow you to descend from heights of around 5,700 feet through thick forests, many of these trails are very challenging and can even take up to eight hours to complete!

For many visitors, the most adventurous activity you can take part in is to try your hand at Muay Thai, the national sport that comes close to being an obsession across the country. As the largest city in the north of Thailand, Chiang Mai is home to a thriving Muay Thai community. Everyone should ensure that they visit one of the city’s many Muay Thai stadiums including Thaphae Boxing Stadium and Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium which both guarantee a lively and exciting evening.

Throughout the city there are also plenty of places where you can try the sport for yourself, with countless gyms offering training and sparring sessions for visitors which provide a unique opportunity for fans of combat sports. Most trainers are ex-professionals themselves so they provide fascinating insight and tuition. If you would prefer to just experience the training methods of Muay Thai, it is a fantastic way to exercise and keep fit during your holiday! There are gyms throughout Chiang Mai’s old town and many more hidden down backstreets across the rest of the city where you can book either one or a series of sessions to make the most of your time here. Whichever option you choose, a hard workout is sure to get the blood flowing.

While Chiang Mai may not be the first place that springs to mind when thinking of adventure sports, the city has a wide variety of activities aimed at those looking to test their limits and the city is developing a growing reputation as the best spot for thrill seekers in the whole of Thailand.