There are indeed two impressive canyons near Chiang Mai: the Hang Dong Grand Canyon, the most famous and the one I'm referring to here, and the Pha Chor Canyon. The Hang Dong Grand Canyon is the one meant when people talk about the Grand Canyon of Chiang Mai. Located about twenty kilometers from Chiang Mai's city center, these are old, freshwater-filled quarries that are perfect for swimming and water sports. Two parks are situated right next to each other: The first offers beautiful scenery and invites visitors to swim, relax on a large black buoy, cliff jump, or zipline across the canyon. The second park, the Grand Canyon Waterpark, offers more action and inflatable attractions. Entry to the second park is more expensive (see below). Children will probably enjoy this park more, but be warned: There have been several accidents, including one fatality, which has led to the park revising its safety procedures. I personally visited the quieter park, where wearing a life jacket in the water is mandatory. The place is beautiful, with a large body of water for swimming and diving, and the zip line is fun, even if the last few meters back can be a bit tiring. It's much busier in the afternoon, but very empty in the morning. Most visitors are foreign tourists. One minor, but understandable, issue due to the topography is that there's almost no shade in or on the water. Only a narrow corridor along the natural rock face provides any shade. If you have time and a car, I recommend a visit to Café Phufinn Doi & Terrace, a little further up the hill, for a light snack. The view is magnificent, and the cakes and ice cream are delicious (85 to 165 THB).

Grand Canyon Chiang Mai: Open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Admission: 100 THB per person. Includes a life jacket and sun umbrella. Zipline: 300 THB round trip. Locker rental: 30 THB. Grand Canyon Water Park: Admission: 350 THB per adult and 300 THB per child. Locker rental: 50 THB.

The journey by car or scooter takes approximately 40 minutes, depending on traffic. Alternatively, you can arrange for a red taxi to pick you up. For the return trip, please inquire at the reception of either park; a red taxi will be provided for you. Many taxis wait outside on the street. Expect to pay around 600 THB.

How to get there

How do you get to the Grand Canyon? By car or scooter, the journey takes about 40 minutes, depending on traffic. Alternatively, you can take a red taxi. For the return trip, ask at the reception desk of either park; they will provide you with a red taxi. Many of these wait outside on the street. Expect to pay around 600 THB.