Chiang Mai is situated in a flat basin surrounded by a ring of mountains. There are numerous day trips that you can make from the city center either through a trekking and tour company or by renting a car and motorbike yourself.
Treks commonly feature travel by foot, sometimes by boat, elephant-back, horse-back or jeep, frequently a combination of two or three modes of transportation. Prospective trekkers are advised to shop around companies offering such tours for the best conditions.
In the hot and dry summer from March to May the landscape is parched and brown and a smoky haze from forest fires prevents any views of the mountains. However, this is the time when the dazzling blossoms of forest trees; scarlet, orange and yellow lighten up the dreary countryside.
In the rainy season between June and October, Chiang Mai breaks out into a riot of lush greens. Lime green paddy fields contrast with emerald and viridian mountain-scapes as Chiang Mai's forests and jungles revitalize themselves from the dry summer.
The mild and crystal clear winter between November and February is probably the most pleasant time of the year and a sweater is often needed in the mornings. This is the time when all of the flowers blossom and Chiang Mai becomes a true garden city.
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