Chiang Mai - Thailand
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A significant city in North Thailand,located around 700km from Bangkok and among some of the highest mountains in the country.
Over the years,it's now a increasingly modern city, although it lacks the cosmopolitan gloss of Bangkok.Time Zone is GMT +7,and the temperature is quite cool in the morning and night.
There's no taxis but rather,tuk-tuks and songthaew ply the streats of Chiang Mai.
Rental of cars start roughly 800 baht and cost upward depending on the model.Motorbikes are 150 baht per day but caution is advised when riding one.
Budget Rent-a-Car is a good rental company to use.
Be sure to explore the edge of the "Walls" that was built to protect against the enemies.Only some parts mainly the corners remains to this day. -
Attractions:
Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep : Situlated on top of Doi Suthep,the Buddhist temple offers great scenery at a viewpoint and houses various Buddhist statutes as well as a gold pagoda.Elements of Hinduism is also mixed inside the temple.
Admission: There is two ways to enter the temple,one is to pay 50 baht each(that will go toward the maintanence cost) to take a tram up and back,or the other way is to climb 300 steps up;That will cost you 30 baht,which would be 80c cheaper.
Getting There: Red taxi trucks, or songthews, leave from in front of Chaing Mai University and in front of the Chaing Mai Zoo when there are 6 or more people waiting. The charge should be 30 baht per person one way. You should be able to charter a songthaew for about 150 baht one way. Tuk Tuks are not allowed up to Doi Suthep.
Note: Doi Suthep is open every day of the week. We recommend visiting Monday through Friday. Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays are usually very crowded. The temple is open from 6:00 am until about 8:00 pm.
Chiang Mai Night Bazaars : A cannot-be-missed attraction,countless stalls pack the pavements and ply their wares.They're cheap as well and whats more,they change every few days so they prove a great shopping experience for the locals as well.Quality varies from vendor to vendor but low prices mean you almost always get good value for your money.Prices aint fixed so be sure to bargain your way to a good value
Opening Hours: Set up time is around sunset (usually about 18:00) and shopping goes on unabated until about 22:30
Where to start: A good way to check out the whole thing is to start at Tha Phae Road and work your way south towards Loi Khro. Once you reach the end of the market, cross the street and work your way back along the other side. Don't forget to peek down the little sois (alleyways) and arcades along the way. If you see something you like you might want to be patient-there are hundreds of vendors and an absolute flood of products for sale. (Thai) Food is also found there at cheap prices.
Doi Intanon National Park: a beautiful area brimming with waterfalls and also home to several hilltribes. Or visit Mae Rim, elephant camps at Chiang Dao.
Admission: Prices is a little bit on the high as the rate is 400 baht(ard $16) for adults (foreigners)
You can visit a little waterfall for free nearby,which provide splendid view of the scenery. -
Food:
Thai Cooking Class: Learn how to cook real Thai food in a traditional Thai setting, with skilled and friendly teachers in a fun atmosphere.Some of the classes allow you to cook up to 6 dishes with the ingredients being bought from the market yourself.
Prices:Around a few hundred baht from 150+
Traditional Khantoke Dinner:Sample some of the north's unique cuisine with a traditional Kantoke Dinner.Ultimate dining seated on cushions around a low table (Khantoke) filled with mouthwatering dishes.
Some of them also offer cultural performaces together with the dinner.
Book with the tourists information desk at your hotel as transportation is provided.
Prices:Range around 350 baht per person,inclu transport.
The Good View Bar & Restaurant: Offers great view of the river and the surrounding while offering decent food.Band is there to entertain diners with music.
Prices: Vary
Note: Wifi Hotspot. -
I went there in 2000.
Went trekking.
The mountains there-to go to the peak by vehicle need 1 hour! -
Accodomation:
Queen Victoria Inn Chiang Mai: Rooms vary from 600-750 baht.There's only 8 rooms so book in advance if possible.Staff is very very friendly and Ian(im not sure of his position)'s wife even went out of the way to find another hotel for us when we could not find any.Offers good food at the Hungry Horse resturant that double up as a very English Pub.Free Internet and Pool table for customers
Website: www.queenvictoriainnsthailand.com
Sister hotel at Pattaya.
Baan Klang Doi Resort & Spa Chiang Mai: The House Nestled in the Mountains. Come to Chiangmai come to "Baan Klang Doi" where you can enjoy crisp and clean air from the lush surrounding forests. Beautiful and serene.
Price: 2035 baht with breakfast for Standard room -
Itinerary
Classic Chiang Mai - Mae Hong Son Loop
Summary:
1)Chiang Mai - Pai - Mae Hong Son - Mae Sariang - Chiang Mai = 500km+
2)Chiang Mai - Pai - Mae Hong Son - Mae Sariang - Mae Sot - Thoen - Chiang Mai = 1000km+
Pai is a good city to stop,quite popular as a backpacker's distination.
Wake up before 9pm and the weather will be cold at around 22 deg celcius and warms as the time past.Mist can also be seen
Tips:
-Driving at Night is not advisable.
-Police frequency set up road block,but security is no problem.U need to dip your car's headlight.
-SUVs is recommended as some views and attractions can only be reached via dirt roads.