With the problems of global warming and the high price of fuel, one could feel guilty about taking unnecessary road trips. But sometimes we just need a break from the city. Let's say that this month you have done your best to reduce your carbon footprint. You planted a few trees, used cloth bags at the supermarket and slept without the air conditioner. You might want to reward yourself with a road trip to see the beautiful, scenic and diverse part of the world we live in. Below are four suggested day trips around Chiang Mai. If all you have seen of our neck of the woods lies within and around the city moat you are in for a treat.

Each trip can be done in a day, in a car or on a motorcycle. Pack a picnic lunch or eat at a roadside restaurant along the way. Happy tripping.

North - The Road to Phrao

Head north on the Mae Jo Road (Hwy 1001) towards Phrao. Phrao is one of those places that few people go to because it isn't on the way to anywhere and there isn't much once you get there. This is a trip that puts to truth the clichè that it's the journey that matters and not the destination. The road to Phrao is one of the most beautiful in the north. It starts through rice fields, climbs into the mountains and comes onto a plateau of orchards and gardens. Take a side trip to the Mae Ngat Dam for some great fresh fish caught daily right out of the lake.

East - The San Kamphaeng Hot Springs

Take the tree-lined San Kamphaeng Road east (Hwy 1006 or better yet the more scenic Hwy 1317). Follow the road signs to Mae On. If you have sturdy legs and a strong heart you can climb around the Mae On caves. A little past the caves is the San Kampaeng hot springs for the less energetic. You can picnic in the gardens or rest your legs in the flowing hot water; the closer to the springs the hotter. For a small fee, go soak in large warm pools or private baths. Further on the Mae On road you'll find large-tree nurseries and later the road climbs past pastoral resorts, an impressive seven level waterfall, and eventually (through a very steep and narrow road) to the Jae Son National Park.

South - Doi Inthanon

Follow the road to Hod, pronounced Hawt (Hwy 108), on to Doi Inthanon National Park. Here you'll find Thailand's highest point, over 2,500 metres. Near the top, past terraced fields and spectacular valleys you'll find bungalows to rent. It can be your own private mountain retreat. The bird watching here is the best in the country. But come prepared, in the winter the misty pine and rhododendron forested area near the top can drop below freezing. At a lower elevation you can picnic at the majestic Wachiratan waterfall.

West - The Samoeng Loop

Go south on the Irrigation Canal Road and turn west at the Samoeng Road intersection (Hwy 121). You'll be doing lots of climbing and switch backing, passing luscious scenery and beautiful mountain resorts along the way to Samoeng. Keep going and follow the signs to Mae Rim through the beautiful Mae Sa Valley. The Queen Sirikit Botanical Gardens are on the way as is the very popular Mae Sa Elephant Camp. No need to turn around and go back on this trip as all you need to do is keep going and follow the signs back to Chiang Mai.