Sometimes, visitors just want to escape the city, even if just for a day. While the capital has its fair share of excursions, no other city in Thailand offers such a wide range of day-trip excursions as Chiang Mai. Because it sits in a valley surrounded by mountains and a river, there are plenty of outdoorsy and adventurous excursions to choose from. White water rafting, hiking, ziplining, trekking, and rock climbing are just a few activities to choose from. Those looking for something a bit more historical might instead opt for the three-hour journey to Chiang Rai, the old capital of the Mengrai Dynasty. It is well-known for the White Temple, or Wat Rong Khun. There are also a few elephant sanctuaries in the nearby mountainside that make for great day trips.