Going to Extremes

Thailand's northern capital has long been known for its temples and rich cultural heritage, as well as for its beautiful scenery. There's also plenty on offer for the visitor who wants to chill, shop and eat, with spas, markets, handicraft centres and a plethora of gourmet restaurants and pubs both in the city and its environs.

Then for those wanting a vacation that leaves them breathless, there's the Chiang Mai X-Centre. Located in Mae Rim, 20 kilometres from the town centre, the X-Centre, says founder Ian Rauner, is the ultimate one-stop shop for all adrenaline junkies.

Rauner, who introduced the extreme Jungle Bungy Jump to Pattaya and Phuket back in 1992, set up the Centre six years ago and he has an excellent safety record. He currently offers Northern explorers a range of extreme sports that include Go-Karting, Off Roading, Trial Bikes and the very latest, Zorb Ball.

A newbie to anything more dangerous than deep sea diving, I decide to try everything on offer.

LEAP OF FAITH

From my perch 50 metres up, I look down and decide that the landscape is truly beautiful. The forest is green, the Mae Rim river looks clean and the air is fresh. Jumping into the space seems, well, silly, not to mention terrifying. Logic tells me I'm safe: after all, my feet are firmly tied to the rope and I'm kitted out with a safety harness. What else can I do except follow the guide's advice, take a deep breath and leap? Adrenaline kicks in, and I scream as my body is jerked around like a puppet. Then pleasure and a sense of achievement set in. I'm safe and I love it!

More accomplished jumpers, who can choose their jumping style or even design their own, would no doubt do several solos in a day or partner up with a pal, but not this beginner. I decide something a little easier is called for so head to the dirt track to try my skills in a go-kart. Move over Lewis Hamilton!

GET MY DRIFT

The centre boasts the very latest in Drifter-Karts that are specially designed for racing around a twisting dirt circuit where drivers can drift and have a lot of fun. Pebbles and sand cover the route to create the feeling of real racing as well as to throw up real dust, which you wouldn't get with the well-planned roads in an amusement park. The karts are easy to drive and can be controlled by youngsters. The more laps you do, the better you get and if you drive crash-free, the centre gives you extra time for free!

LET'S THE WAR BEGIN!

My next stop is the area behind the Bungy jump that's covered in blue netting. This is the war zone and before entering, I convince my friend to be my enemy. The Paintball area is divided into target ranges and we're each provided with a top-of-the-range rapid fire gas-powered paintball gun, protective head gear, padded gloves and a CAMO suit. Both serious players and first-timers are welcome and the rules must be respected whenever a war is in progress.

THE LONG AND WINDING ROAD

You'll need a valid driving licence plus a helmet, goggles and decent shoes before setting out for the Off Road Buggy ride. This 30km trip takes you through the jungle and over the mountain, passing farms and villages along the way and is led by a guide from the centre. It's well worth taking, as the scenery is wonderful as you head into the forest and high into the hills of Mae Rim district. It was dry on my day out but I would imagine the trip is even more fun in the rain. Be prepared for some soreness at the end of the day!

SIGHTSEEING ON TWO WHEELS

Riding a trail bike through the countryside is probably better left to the more experienced cyclist, though it must be said that the Pantera Xra, imported exclusively for X-Centre, is a good-looking ride. Full support is arranged during the trips and while many options are available according to ability and experience, riders must be extra careful as they are sharing the route with the off roaders. Follow the rules!

Like a rubber ball …

Not for the faint-hearted (or the weak-stomached), but bouncing in the jungle can be fun. The Centre's latest arrival is the extreme Zorb Ball, which you climb into to roll down a 100-metre slope. Go singly - or with a friend - and allow yourself to be strapped inside before uncontrollably spinning to the bottom. Not exciting enough? Then go hydro-Zorbing, meaning you run down the hill with two buckets of water inside feeling for all the world like a runaway washing machine!

By the end of the day, I'm exhausted and more than ready to sit down over a drink in the Sports Bar. Rauner says he'll continue to update the Centre with new and exciting options to keep the ever-growing population of adrenaline junkies happy. He also mentions that indoor experiences are worth a try.

I grin and run my shins. This time round, I think I'll pass.