Grand Canyon, Chiang Mai: A No FOMO Thailand Visitor’s Guide
Forget beaches (because this city doesn’t have any) – Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand is home to a unique watery attraction: their very own Grand Canyon!
Grand Canyon, Chiang Mai, offers experiences like zip lines, wakeboarding, water slides, and bounce houses with views of a unique landscape. It has evolved from an abandoned limestone quarry to a local swimming hole destination to an ever-expanding outdoor waterpark – providing fun for locals and tourists alike!
Although this attraction gets its name from the iconic U.S. National Park, it’s genuinely not comparable, in size or depth. Chiang Mai’s streets were initially constructed using sand from this old quarry. When the roads were completed, the area filled with water during the rainy season. Locals soon began visiting the spot to swim and admire the view, and so this area began to develop.
Now, you can have an exciting and sun-filled day of fun with your family and friends at one or both of the two water parks on site!
After reading this article, you will have all the information needed to visit Grand Canyon, Chiang Mai. We’ll cover directions on how to get there, information on both water parks, and what activities there are!
What’s at the Grand Canyon, Chiang Mai?
Having already been to the Grand Canyon in Chiang Mai twice, once in 2016 and then again in 2023, it is evident how much has changed.
Back in 2016 
In 2023
When I first visited, minimal infrastructure was available; no water park or other attractions were yet established. Back then, it was mostly a hidden gem for visitors seeking a refreshing escape from bustling life inside the moat walls.
Since then, a bigger water park has been established, and the canyon has continued to grow and develop new activities.
Related Post: For another watery adventure near Chiang Mai, check out Sticky Waterfalls
The Chiang Mai Grand Canyon now has three companies operating activities with separate entrance tickets. (Yes, we all don’t know why the newer one couldn’t come up with a slightly more creative name than just eliminating the space):
- Grand Canyon Waterpark: the water park section for the more adventurous. (Book Online Tickets here)
- GrandCanyon: the original part for those who want a relaxed experience swimming and cliff jumping
- ATV: Between the two waterparks, an ATV company runs 1-4 hour day trips. They also have combo ATV + waterpark packages.
| Name | Grand Canyon | GrandCanyon | ATV |
| Activities | Floating Obstacle Course, Ziplines, Wakeboard Lines, | Swimming, Cliff-jumping | 1-4 hour ATV Day Tours, Waterpark + ATV packages |
| Entrance Fee | 700 – 1,950 baht (450+ for wakeboarding) | 70 – 299 baht | 800 – 2,400 baht |
Grand Canyon, Chiang Mai
Step into the Wild West-themed Grand Canyon Water Park! On your journey, you’ll find a thrilling 8-meter cliff jump, water slides, and a pretty extensive inflatable obstacle course sure to tire you out. Plus, every visitor gets a ticket for the zipline, which runs through the length of the canyon.
For an extra fee, try your hand at the wakeboarding park. It’ll surely get your heart racing – with professional instructors helping you get on your feet by the end of the hour. If it’s a bit too much for you, there are plenty of places to just relax or jump in for a quick swim.
Of course, a water park wouldn’t be complete without the necessary amenities of food, drink, coffee shop, locker facilities, and other general shops.
👉 Get round-trip transport included when you book online at Viator
List of Water Park Activities
- Zipline
- Wakepark area
- Inflatable Aqua Park
- Kid’s Zone
- Kayaking
- Giant Slide
- SUP Board
- Cliff jump Zone
- Zipline
- Wakeboard Area
Entrance Fee
All admission passes come with one included zipline run.
- Water Park Pass (700 Baht): Includes all water activities listed, EXCLUDING Wakeboard
- Amazing Pass (1,100 Baht): Water Park Pass + Lunch, 1 Drink, Locker
- Ultimate Experience (1,150 Baht): Includes all water activities listed + 1 hr Wakeboard
- All In Package (1,950 Baht): Amazing Pass + 2 hr Wakeboard
- Wake Board Only: 450 per person per hour in the morning, 550 in the afternoon. For groups, booking a private event for 1,350 per hour is possible. PROMO: The second hour will only be 600 baht.
Tip! It’s best to reserve by clicking here for the wakeboard cable beforehand here since you can only have up to three people to a line (unless you book a private event).
Opening Hours
Open daily, from 10am to 7 pm.
What to Expect: Things to Do & Tips
- Any food or drink, including water, is not allowed inside the water park
- A golf cart runs from the entrance to the waterpark at all times
- Make sure to reserve your preferred time on the wakeboard park beforehand
- There are two wakeboard cables, one with jumps and one without. Check which one you’re booking if you want to do tricks.
GrandCanyon, Chiang Mai (The Original)
While much smaller than its neighbor, the GrandCanyon is, in fact, the original operator in this quarry. Plus, it’s more budget-friendly if you want to unwind and have a peaceful time.
Make a splash in their swimming hole, take the plunge and cliff jump to your heart’s content, soar through the sky while blob pillow jumping, or grab a tube and float your cares away. And no adventure is complete without their own 1km ziplining adventure!
Related Post: For another cool canyon in Northern Thailand, check out Pai Canyon
List of Water Park Activities
- Cliff jumping
- Swimming hole
- Blob Pillow Jumping + a few other inflatables
- Ziplining
- Tubing
- Kayaks
- SUP Boards
- Walking around the Canyon Walls
Entrance Fees
- Tier 1 (70 Baht): Access to Swimming Hole
- Tier 2 (100 Baht): Access + All Water Activities
- Tier 3 (200 Baht): All Water Activities + Ziplining
- Tier 4 (299 Baht): Buy 1, Get One Pricing
What to Expect: Things to Do & Tips
- Has an area for you to walk on the canyon walls and take better pictures
- There used to be a more dangerous tall cliff-jumping spot that has since been shut down
ATV Grand Adventure Tours
Roam through the rugged terrain, explore the narrow canyon trails, and bask in the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape with an ATV tour at the Grand Canyon in Chiang Mai. The thrill of maneuvering the ATV through rocky trails and over steep hills will leave you with a rush of adrenaline.
Stop to snap pictures and take in the breathtaking views of the canyon while driving through jungle paths. Whether you’re an experienced rider or a first-timer, this tour is guaranteed to be a fun and thrilling experience. With expert guides leading the way, you’ll navigate this scenic landscape with ease and confidence.
Tour Fees
| Driver | Passenger | Difficulty | |
| ATV 1 Hour | 1,200 baht (Child: 1,000) | 800 baht | Easy |
| ATV 2 Hour | 2,200 baht (Child: NA) | 1,600 baht | Easy-Moderate |
| ATV 3 Hour | 3,200 baht (Child: NA) | 2,400 baht | Hard |
| ATV 1 Hour + Grand Canyon | 1,800 baht | 1,400 baht | Half-day trip |
| ATV 2 Hour + Grand Canyon | 2,800 baht | 2,400 baht | Full-day trip |
Included for all tours:
- Roundtrip transportation from Chiang Mai Old City (Additional fee for those further)
- Equipment (full face helmet, chest protector, gloves)
- Drinking Water
- Lunch
- Personal Insurance
Opening Hours
The shop is open from 8:30 am – 5 pm, but most tours are divided between a morning and an afternoon group.
Morning groups will leave between 8:30 am to 9 am and return around noon. Afternoon groups will leave at 1 pm and return at around 5 pm.
Where Is It Located?
Grand Canyon is located about 18 kilometers from the city center of Chiang Mai. It is easily accessible by car, and the drive usually takes about 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
The site is also just a short distance from the town of Hang Dong, about 5 kilometers away. From Hang Dong, it usually takes about 10 minutes to get there.
Both waterparks are right next to each other with separate entrances. The ATV tour company is across the street between the two water park operators.
Click here to go to the exact Google Maps location.
How to Get There?
The best and cheapest way to get to the Grand Canyon is by renting your own scooter, which can be rented for as little as 250 baht daily from many rental services or your accommodation in Chiang Mai.
Related Post: Check here for all my tips on renting a scooter in Thailand
Got Travel Insurance?
If you’re planning to explore Asia, invest in reliable travel insurance. You’re already going to look like a noob with those bandages on your arms and legs; at least make sure you have the best medical protection.
I use Safety Wings, which has a recurring option that automatically bills me $42 every month until cancellation.
There isn’t direct public transport that will take you to this waterpark. But, if you aren’t confident riding a scooter, the Grab App (Thailand’s Uber) may be your next best option, but it will be pricey. If you’re going to the adventure water park, may as well pre-book your ticket online which includes roundtrip transport from the Old City.
If you are coming with a group, the easiest way is to rent out a private Songthaew (red truck with benches), which can then pick you up when you’re finished as well.
Where to Stay in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai has so many accommodation options available for all types of travelers, it’s actually overwhelming.
Here is a curated list of places to stay for each budget.
Thai Lanna 4 Star Stay – T Heritage Hotel
Located in the heart of Chiang Mai Old Town, book T Heritage, a 4-star Hotel that boasts all the amenities you would desire from a luxury stay. Constructed in a fancy Thai Lanna-style décor, soak up the sunny days lounging by the scenic outdoor pool!
COOL & MODERN 3 STAR HOTEL – ISTY Hotel
Perfect for digital nomads and travelers, stay at ISTY Hotel to enjoy spacious, comfortable rooms, plus a shared lounge, restaurant, bar and awesome-looking outdoor swimming pool. Close to Santitham, it’s my favorite location to try new local eats and go out in trendy Nimman.
CLEAN, STYLISH B&B WITH DORMS – Amaka Bed and Breakfast
Book a stay at Amaka Bed and Breakfast for a cozy atmosphere surrounded by polite and helpful staff. Decorated with a clean and homey minimalistic look, this hostel is also conveniently located on the north moat of Old Town and offers tours at a much cheaper price than online options. Not to mention the delicious-looking breakfast.
Bucket List Worthy: Is Grand Canyon, Chiang Mai Worth Visiting?
If you’re in Chiang Mai for an extended period of time, visiting the Grand Canyon is a fun time. Back then, it used to be more for the views, but now it’s very much a go-with-your-friends and splash-around kind of tourist attraction. It’s also a great place to escape from the hot, humid Thai summers.
The water park is fun for all ages, and there are plenty of activities to do, from cliff jumping and ziplining to tubing and kayaking. Plus, the fees are affordable, with various pricing tiers available for different water park experiences. So you can find something that works best for you!
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Catherine Xu is the founder and author of Nomadicated, an adventure travel blog that helps travelers cross off their bucket list. Since discovering traveling in 2015, she has lived and journeyed to 65 countries across 5 continents and vanlifed the west coast USA for 2+ years. These days, she splits her time in Southeast Asia and California while sharing her travel stories and resources based on first-hand experiences. Catherine's other works has been referenced in major publications like MSN, Self, and TripSavvy.