Can anyone recommend some reliable tour agencies which can arrange for day tours to places around Chiang Mai or near Chiang Mai?

Thanks!

its best to talk to people who just took the tour, but I never had a bad experience. You should try a trek up the moutains- you could go for a two-day one night package where you ride an elephant, hike, river raft ride and stay with a family in the moutains. I had a great experience however, the next time I go I would go for longer to a more remote destination.

i found this info about chiang mai it's helpful
http://chiangmaisightseeing.blogspot.com/

Original post is really old!

For Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai and Phuket it is real easy to get a tour - simply find the nearest travel agency and check out their menu list of tours.

Travel agents act as tour brokers for the tour companies. Very easy to sign up for a tour. Often you can find a tour the evening before and leave the following morning. Sometimes you can find a tour in the morning and go on it that afternoon or even an evening tour or dinner cruise. Tour company picks you up at your hotel and returns you there at the end of the trip.

Buying your tour in Thailand is cheaper than arranging for a tour from a foreign country. There are lots and lots of travel agents in Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai and Phuket.

Good luck.