The forested hills on the city's western edge: Doi Suthep–Pui, the Samoeng road and Ban Pong, and the Hang Dong hills around Ob Khan. Close enough for a half-day out.
Hills to CM West covers the forested ridges on Chiang Mai's western edge, close enough for a morning or afternoon out. It runs from Doi Suthep–Pui National Park, with its temple, waterfalls and cooler air, along the Samoeng road through Ban Pong, and south through the Hang Dong hills around Ob Khan. Expect farm cafés, short nature trails, river spots and craft studios set among the trees. Most places sit thirty to forty-five minutes' drive from the Old City, and roads climb and wind, so allow extra time with car-sick children. Weekends are busier, and some trails are muddy in the rainy season. Zone lines are an approximate family guide, not official district boundaries, so check each listing's map before you set off.