Whitewater rafting
It takes two hours to get to the Maetang River from town and the journey downriver takes another 21/2 to three hours.

Wear sports sandals and a long-sleeve T-shirt to protect yourself from the sun. Pack a spare T-shirt and shorts to change into after your rafting trip.

Instructions are given on land first. It is imperative to remember, and act on, the commands that the captain will give when on the river, as this activity requires team effort to ensure the safety of everyone.

We were in a group of four in the raft along with the captain. The river has rapids graded two to four on a scale of one to six. It sounds scary but it is actually not that bad. You just have to mind the cold water, the hot sun and the unpredictable flow of the river.

Helmets and life jackets are provided, as is lunch. A safety crew monitor your journey from the river banks and take photos for a fee.

Fee: 1,800 baht per person

Mountain biking
It's a three-hour trip where you cycle - and snack - your way past rice paddies and Buddhist temples, through jungles and farming villages, up steep mountains and around shimmering lakes.

You learn some mountain-biking techniques which will allow for better control of the bike so that you get to enjoy the surroundings and be less caught up with the intricacies of cycling, such as gear-changing.

Fee: 1,400 baht per person

Bamboo rafting
Head to the Mae Ping River in Chiang Mai.

The rafts are made of bamboo and seem well put-together and safe. There are small wooden seats to sit on but there are no life jackets - something you may want to consider before taking your children with you.

It felt secure enough during the short half-hour trip down the river. I spotted several groups of elephants from nearby camps along the bank of the river but the animals kept to themselves.

Fee: Varies, depending on the package

All Terrain Vehicle (ATV)
A brief introduction to your All Terrain Vehicle - a 250cc, petrol-powered dune buggy - is given first. Then you are off on a 30km ride through a jungle trail that takes you through the rich, green forests and hill-tribe villages of the Chiang Dao range.

The ATV, which seats two people, has a top speed of 20kmh. The ride is bumpy but the vehicle proved easy enough to put it through the paces after a while.

Fee: 2,100 baht per person

For adventure tours, call Chiang Mai Adventure on 665-3418-1978 or e-mail info@chiangmaiadventure.co.th

Photo: Nazir Keshvani
This article was first published in The Straits Times on Oct 7, 2007.