If
you want to keep up a exercise program or continue in a sport
while abroad, you won't be at loss while visiting in Chiang Mai.
Most first class hotels have fitness centers, health clubs,
swimming pools, and saunas-all available to guests at no extra
charge. If your accommodations do not provide such services,
there are 3-4 health clubs around the city that welcome
visitors. The average non - member price for the use of
facilities is 100 Baht (4 US$) per person.
There are also many swimming pools in Chiang Mai which welcome
visitors. The non - member rate of admission is usually about
20-50 Baht (0.80-2 US$) per person.
GO CARTS
For those who love
speed, there are two go cart tracks in Chiang Mai. One is
located on the Chiang Mai-Hang Dong Highway, and the other is on
the Chiang Mai - Sankampaeng Rd. On average, go carts are rented
for 150 (6 US$), 250 (10 US$), and 500 (20 US$) Baht per ten
minutes, depending on the size and type of go cart.
JOGGING
There are many great places to jog in Chiang Mai. Try one of the
public parks such as the aboretum at the base of Suthep
Mountain, the Buak Hard Park on Bumrungburi Rd., or the Fitness
Park near the Maharaj Hospital. These are all open to the public
without admission cost and provide the chance to get some
exercise in relaxing natural surroundings. There are also tracks
located at Chiang Mai University and at the Chiang Mai Stadium.
GOLF
Chiang Mai has a total of five golf clubs, ranging from 9 to 18
hole greens. The green and caddy fees vary from place to place
and are cheaper on weekdays than on weekends. There are golf
clubs and electric cars for rent. Chiang Mai also has three
driving ranges, which chargeb from between 25-30 baht (1-1.20
US$) for a tray of 50-60 balls.
WATER SPORTS
Though Chiang Mai is mountainous and land-locked, it provides
the opportunity to enjoy such recreational sports as jetskiing
and windsurfing. Jetskiing facikities charge an hourly rate of
700-900 (28-36 US$) per person. windsurfing can be enjoyed at
the Huay Dterng Tao Lake, part of the Agricltural Development
Center on the Chiang Mai - Mae Rim Highway. Boards are rented
for 100 baht (4 US$) an hour, but as there is no telephone
number you will have to take your chance at having one available
for you when you get to the lake.
TENNIS
There are several tennis courts for you to choose from in Chiang
Mai. These open their facilities to guests as well as to regular
members. Knockers (playing partners) are available on request.
The cost for renting a court ranges from 40 (1.6 US$) to 80 (3.2
US$) baht per hour.
SHOOTING
The Physical Education College, located on the Sanarm Kila Rd.,
opens their shooting range to the public in Tuesdays-Sundays
from between 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Gun rental and ammunition prices
vary.
HORSE RIDING
Chiang Mai has
several horse riding clubs-some providing opportunities for
equestrian and race track practice and others offering
horse-trekking tours to waterfalls, lakes, and the like. The
cost of tours obviously depends on distance covered and time
taken, while the cost of equestrian and race track practice
averages 300 baht (12 US$) per hour. To obtain specific cost
and opening hours information, locate the club of your
choice in the directory and give tham a call.
SPORT CLUBS
These clubs have almost everything when it comes to physical
fitness. Weight rooms, aerobics, tennis, swimming, jogging
parks, squash and much, much more can be found here. Some clubs
have accommodations and restaurants, making a kind of sports
hotel for those keen on getting their exercise.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION COLLEGE
The physical Education College has badminton, table tennis,
volleyball, and basketball courts for use by the public. If you
are alone in Chiang Mai and looking for some competition, you
may want to try this place.
