Chiangmai, Thailand - Impromptu Graduation Trip (12 days & budget) PART 2
Hello there, boys and girls :)
Sorry for the post delay. Been hanging out with procrastination
soo, yes.. Chiangmai!! Second phase of my Graduation trip
Chiangmai, a vibrant city, second largest in Thailand as oppose to the rather huge and alluring Bangkok.
If I have to describe Chiangmai in a word, it has to be rustic. Vintage buildings covers the perimeter of the city and the low skylines allow one to feel at ease and less claustrophobic like most urban cities.
Famously known for the Lanna cuisines and Lanna style massages, Chiangmai or "Cheingmai" is a city that attracts all walks of life for it's study of dynamic contrasts- with temples constructed at literally at every corner (nearly 300) are as much of an attraction to the vast amount of bars, hotels and restaurants.
Here, the locals prefer to end their greetings or sentences "chai" as oppose to the general thai that ends a sentence with "kha/khap"
We took the Thai Airways en route to Chiangmai via Bangkok from Hanoi. I give 5 stars to the Thai airlines. I was very satisfied! www.thaiairways.com
Food was great too. Nothing fancy. Just a nice normal homemade food *thai style*. Which was just fine with us.
At the end of the day, we were all still in the state of withdrawal from missing Vietnamese cuisine, which still is a favorite among us, no matter which new country we fuel our tummies at. We decided to find something nearest to Pho en route to Chiangrai and had this minced pork noodle soup, which was far from tasting anything like a Vietnamese Pho, but still awesome all the same.
Plus side to eating at eateries here, I'm in love with their choices of condiments laid out for you to choose on the table, particularly the powdered chili flakes that i go crazy for at every meal. *Someone needed to stop me from pouring to much in case i burn my tongue*
Here is a link of few suggestions from others on what to try yourself when in Chiangmai.
Entry per pax into the village is 500 baht. This maybe the most expensive entrance fee into a cultural village I have been into. But It is mentioned at the entrance of the village that the expensive fee will definitely go to the karen tribe members and help them cope with the ever progressing evolutionary of humankind.
With the government refusing to acknowledge them as their own, they are without any black and white documentations, so they will not be able to work in town or be able to get a proper education to fend for themselves in the future. Hence they will need all the help they can get from these so called "donations".
I hope they truly do help them.
They were very nice people. Very inviting. And for someone who didn't get proper education, they converse in English quite well. Very good business women indeed!
There are 3 choices of tigers that can be chosen, : Small (baby tiger), Medium or large. There actually are larger tiger than the large (that visitors are allowed to touch) -these tigers are not allowed to come into human contact as tigers have the tendency to jump on smaller species.
This is why the ticketing person adviced us to go into the medium sized cat instead of the large because we were short. *sigh*
Cracked due to recent earthquake in 2014.
Sorry for the post delay. Been hanging out with procrastination
soo, yes.. Chiangmai!! Second phase of my Graduation trip
Chiangmai, a vibrant city, second largest in Thailand as oppose to the rather huge and alluring Bangkok.
If I have to describe Chiangmai in a word, it has to be rustic. Vintage buildings covers the perimeter of the city and the low skylines allow one to feel at ease and less claustrophobic like most urban cities.
Famously known for the Lanna cuisines and Lanna style massages, Chiangmai or "Cheingmai" is a city that attracts all walks of life for it's study of dynamic contrasts- with temples constructed at literally at every corner (nearly 300) are as much of an attraction to the vast amount of bars, hotels and restaurants.
Here, the locals prefer to end their greetings or sentences "chai" as oppose to the general thai that ends a sentence with "kha/khap"
We took the Thai Airways en route to Chiangmai via Bangkok from Hanoi. I give 5 stars to the Thai airlines. I was very satisfied! www.thaiairways.com
Accomodation:
Sira Boutique Hotel- Address: 85/5 Sriphum Road, 50000, ThailandPhone:+66 53 287 555
Booked through : www.booking.com
The hotel came off as rustic and homey. Perfectly at par with the price we paid for a night. In my opinion anyway.
The room given was unique and it immediately radiates the warmth of a cabin on a country side style - fully wooden interior possibly made out of recycled teak ( I'm not sure)
with air conditioning, television, attached toilet.
Though there was something in particular that made me a very happy customer. I had my own Jacuzzi!!!
The hotel staff lacks the feel of professionalism. This however isn't necessary a bad thing as it radiates a sense of laxness and made me feel more at home and comfortable as if the locals have invited me into their homes.
For those in need of guides regarding the attractions, no need to look far, as every few steps anywhere you go is a privately owned travel centers *THEY ARE LITERALLY EVERYWHERE* that provides tour guides, tour schedules and many many more with a price. Just take you pick.This hotel too provides such services.
The hotel staff lacks the feel of professionalism. This however isn't necessary a bad thing as it radiates a sense of laxness and made me feel more at home and comfortable as if the locals have invited me into their homes.
For those in need of guides regarding the attractions, no need to look far, as every few steps anywhere you go is a privately owned travel centers *THEY ARE LITERALLY EVERYWHERE* that provides tour guides, tour schedules and many many more with a price. Just take you pick.This hotel too provides such services.
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| Water Canals that circles the area |
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| Water Canals that circles the hotel neighborhood area |
FOOD/RESTAURANTS:
When in a new country, I have this habit of going into a nearby McDonald's to screen through the local menu served. You would be surprise as to how different the menus are to neighboring Asian countries.
Among all the restaurants and eateries that we trudge through to gorge our faces with, the one that left a mark on me was this quaint little hut like stop. a cute Beatles inspired cafe/hut. EVERYWHERE was Beatles related merchandises. Apparently the owner was such a huge fan, he had his own Beatles inspired band and he was good!
When in a new country, I have this habit of going into a nearby McDonald's to screen through the local menu served. You would be surprise as to how different the menus are to neighboring Asian countries.
My favourite dish was their "Khao Niew" which means glutinous rice
When in Chiangmai, you must never miss on the opportunity to try the famous Thai fermented Sausage also known as "Sai Krok Isan" which is made famous in the northeast of Thailand.
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| http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2d/Sai_krok_isan.jpg |
PAPAYA SALAD TOO!!!! YUM!!! I'd like to think this dish as the kimchi of the Chiangmai locals as our tour guide can't even start her meal without having this as her appetizer.
Last but not least, Lanna Cuisine- "Khan Toke"
The signature dish of the Lanna culture. We had this at the cultural centre.
Plus side to eating at eateries here, I'm in love with their choices of condiments laid out for you to choose on the table, particularly the powdered chili flakes that i go crazy for at every meal. *Someone needed to stop me from pouring to much in case i burn my tongue*
Here is a link of few suggestions from others on what to try yourself when in Chiangmai.
CULTURAL CENTRE
The cultural centre. This centre defines and summarizes the some part of the Lanna culture to fellow traveller such as moi. Storytelling-dacing-hospitality-dining all in one.
BUT BEAR IN MIND: this is another tourist trap, where they sell souvenirs at a higher price compared to those outside on the streets, sells photos with the artists for 100 baht, plus the foods were overpriced considering that they served us food (over fancy dining utensils) that we can get somewhere else for cheap.
HOWEVER... I recommend this center to all those foreign to Thai culture. It may be slightly pricey for the budget traveler, but way worth the experience. Fancy dining on the floor anyone?
WARNING: Those with knee problems, extra large tummies or anyone who has a problem sitting down on the ground for a long period of time, i have warned you. (you can opt for a table and a chair but it wouldn't be as fun)
DOI INTHANNON NATIONAL PARK
Doi Inthannon, the highest mountain in Thailand. This is a must must must must visit when in Chiangmai! You have not done Chiangmai if you have not Doi Inthannon National Park.
To those who are sensitive to cold weather, please bring a jacket or a scarf or huge king size comforters just like the locals do.
Rest stops : They serve the best poridge!! extra spicy!!
Right below the Chedis is a flower and vegetable park!!
Nature lovers will instantly fall head over heel for the beautifully design landscape flower and vegetable park at the based of each respective chedis.
On the way up to the summit of Doi Inthannon, there will new two adjacent chedis. Named Naphamethinidon which means "by the strength of the land and air" and Naphaphonphumisiri which means " being the strength of the air and the grace of the land" respectively.
Please wear comfortable footwear as there will be several stairs to climb. unless you have a knee problem or just plain lazy : no fret! there an escalator at your service at every
ON THE WAY DOWN FROM DOI INTHANNON
On the way back to town before the exiting from the National park's gate, take a chance to stop by the road and look around. The nature in this area is almost magical, I can't believe it's just next door to Malaysia all along.
Thai Sakura trees! I was lucky to witness it in bloom!! I didn't even notice they were sakuras until my guide pointed it out!!
Plus, markets will be up and about on the roadside! do take some time to take a look even if you are not going to buy anything. The vendors are nice enough to allow me take some pictures of their fruit, even giving a few packets for free!!
Berries and berries and berries. ORGANIC and FRESH from the Farm!
One huge box for a mere 300 Baht = RM 30
all 3 of us finished a whole box by sundown! strawberry overload!
WAGHIRATHAN WATERFALL
I was dissapointed when we arrived, because I thought I could take a swim in this magnificent waterfall. I shrugged it off when i realized how dangerous it was even if they did allow any one to swim in it.
Highest Peak In Thailand- Doi Inthannon National Park
When we arrived, I was more than glad that i brought my winter jacket instead of just a normal cotton jacket as the temperature dipped way down to 2 degree celcius.(Unless your body is very good at acclimatizing) Even then I was cold - decided to walk to heat up but needlessly failed. I opt for a hot cocoa instead.
However, the temperature shot up quite quickly. It increases up to 13 degrees Celsius by the time I was done with my cocoa.
Karen Village
So far, karen village is the most exciting culture i have ever witness in Thailand. Karen village houses the Karen people. Also known as the "long necks", This indigenous tribe comes from either Myanmar, Thailand or Laos, no body actually knows since all three government refuses to acknowledge them and treat them as aliens.
However, that aside, As i mentioned before, I find the Karens to be very fascinating. With their intricate jewelries and handicrafts and not forgetting their bangles that courses on their necks, arms and legs.
Traditionally, tribe members uses these silver bangles to protect themselves from getting fatally bitten by predators such as tigers. However, with the tiger population depleting day by day, the main usage of these bangles are not longer functional and not many of them are wearing them anymore out of safety but mainly out of tradition and tourist attraction.
CULTURAL CENTRE
The cultural centre. This centre defines and summarizes the some part of the Lanna culture to fellow traveller such as moi. Storytelling-dacing-hospitality-dining all in one.
BUT BEAR IN MIND: this is another tourist trap, where they sell souvenirs at a higher price compared to those outside on the streets, sells photos with the artists for 100 baht, plus the foods were overpriced considering that they served us food (over fancy dining utensils) that we can get somewhere else for cheap.
HOWEVER... I recommend this center to all those foreign to Thai culture. It may be slightly pricey for the budget traveler, but way worth the experience. Fancy dining on the floor anyone?
WARNING: Those with knee problems, extra large tummies or anyone who has a problem sitting down on the ground for a long period of time, i have warned you. (you can opt for a table and a chair but it wouldn't be as fun)
DOI INTHANNON NATIONAL PARK
Doi Inthannon, the highest mountain in Thailand. This is a must must must must visit when in Chiangmai! You have not done Chiangmai if you have not Doi Inthannon National Park.
To those who are sensitive to cold weather, please bring a jacket or a scarf or huge king size comforters just like the locals do.
Rest stops : They serve the best poridge!! extra spicy!!
Right below the Chedis is a flower and vegetable park!!
Nature lovers will instantly fall head over heel for the beautifully design landscape flower and vegetable park at the based of each respective chedis.
On the way up to the summit of Doi Inthannon, there will new two adjacent chedis. Named Naphamethinidon which means "by the strength of the land and air" and Naphaphonphumisiri which means " being the strength of the air and the grace of the land" respectively.
Please wear comfortable footwear as there will be several stairs to climb. unless you have a knee problem or just plain lazy : no fret! there an escalator at your service at every
ON THE WAY DOWN FROM DOI INTHANNON
On the way back to town before the exiting from the National park's gate, take a chance to stop by the road and look around. The nature in this area is almost magical, I can't believe it's just next door to Malaysia all along.
 |
Thai Sakura trees! I was lucky to witness it in bloom!! I didn't even notice they were sakuras until my guide pointed it out!!
|
Plus, markets will be up and about on the roadside! do take some time to take a look even if you are not going to buy anything. The vendors are nice enough to allow me take some pictures of their fruit, even giving a few packets for free!!
 |
Berries and berries and berries. ORGANIC and FRESH from the Farm! |
 |
One huge box for a mere 300 Baht = RM 30
all 3 of us finished a whole box by sundown! strawberry overload!
|
WAGHIRATHAN WATERFALL
I was dissapointed when we arrived, because I thought I could take a swim in this magnificent waterfall. I shrugged it off when i realized how dangerous it was even if they did allow any one to swim in it.
Highest Peak In Thailand- Doi Inthannon National Park
When we arrived, I was more than glad that i brought my winter jacket instead of just a normal cotton jacket as the temperature dipped way down to 2 degree celcius.(Unless your body is very good at acclimatizing) Even then I was cold - decided to walk to heat up but needlessly failed. I opt for a hot cocoa instead.
However, the temperature shot up quite quickly. It increases up to 13 degrees Celsius by the time I was done with my cocoa.
Karen Village
So far, karen village is the most exciting culture i have ever witness in Thailand. Karen village houses the Karen people. Also known as the "long necks", This indigenous tribe comes from either Myanmar, Thailand or Laos, no body actually knows since all three government refuses to acknowledge them and treat them as aliens.
However, that aside, As i mentioned before, I find the Karens to be very fascinating. With their intricate jewelries and handicrafts and not forgetting their bangles that courses on their necks, arms and legs.
Traditionally, tribe members uses these silver bangles to protect themselves from getting fatally bitten by predators such as tigers. However, with the tiger population depleting day by day, the main usage of these bangles are not longer functional and not many of them are wearing them anymore out of safety but mainly out of tradition and tourist attraction.
Entry per pax into the village is 500 baht. This maybe the most expensive entrance fee into a cultural village I have been into. But It is mentioned at the entrance of the village that the expensive fee will definitely go to the karen tribe members and help them cope with the ever progressing evolutionary of humankind.
With the government refusing to acknowledge them as their own, they are without any black and white documentations, so they will not be able to work in town or be able to get a proper education to fend for themselves in the future. Hence they will need all the help they can get from these so called "donations".
I hope they truly do help them.
They were very nice people. Very inviting. And for someone who didn't get proper education, they converse in English quite well. Very good business women indeed!
MAESA ELEPHANT CAMP
I was told that this camp does not abuse or mistreats their elephants in advance. The attractions and shows were pretty much awesome. *You do not see an elephant that can paint very often do you?* They say that, by visiting these camps we give our hand in helping these animals from going into extinction.
However, when doing the elephant ride, I notice the mahout beating the elephants on the head every now and then with a stick with a hook on the end when it deviates from the man made path way.*i winced at every beating* Also, every now and then the mahout uses the hook to pull on to the elephants ears to move them to the proper directions. Such brutality. I was not impressed! :(
This was considered minor. Think about the other things that are far worse that they might be capable of doing to these poor darlings.
What with the elephant's talents in painting and playing soccer etc etc, have they gone through torturous sufferings in order to get spot on with these talents of theirs?
I hoped that these beatings were the only thing these elephants suffer in this camp and not anything else far worse. Even these beatings I do not accept!!
Do you research before going to any elephant camps!
CHIANGMAI MARKETS
When in an ASIAN country, night market is the where to go for awesome bargains and interesting eye washing sessions. You might never know what you find! My greatest find was a genuine sting ray skin purse! the vendor even test burn the leather side and the stingray skin side of the purse for me to see if it burn - it obviously didn't * animal advocates please i'm sorry in advance!* it was so cheap! - this was when the stingray eye-year by Chanel got it's first introduction. So i was super excited.
Exotic foods, normal vendor food, clothes, bags, snacks, lamps, eyewear, clocks, art and many many more.
MARKET SCHEDULE
Night bazaar - everyday
Wualai Road Market - every Saturday
Sunday Walking Market on Rajdumen road - every Sunday
Wualai Road Market - every Saturday
Sunday Walking Market on Rajdumen road - every Sunday
DOI SUTHEP
Another mountain to visit is Suthep. May not be as cold as Inthannon, but worth the visit all the same. The golden temple up on to of the hill is magnificent and breath taking to look at and worth every step up the many many countless steps up the stairs.
To those who have a problem getting up stairs or going uphill, do no fret as escalators are availble to save the day. BUT WITH A PRICE! *unlike Inthannon which were free*
TIGER KINGDOM
The tigrs here are either getting sedated everyday or just plain lazy. They lay all day long and does not seem to care with random strangers constantly caressing the behind and tail.
These tigers were surprising not smelly but unlike how cat fur are soft and snugly to touch, the big cats have very course fur and very nice to touch.
It it advised that visitors must only approach these cats from behind and never get to close to head or the from paw. As you can see, all the pictures i have are of me playing the tiger's butt. This is what i have to resort too.
This is why the ticketing person adviced us to go into the medium sized cat instead of the large because we were short. *sigh*
This tiger i particular refuses to response to it's caretaker's constant persuasion to wake up and do a photo shoot with me. So, i decided to sleep with him as well.
"Wake me when September ends" he said
WAT CHEDI LUANG
Wats in Chiangmai are practically at every corner here in Chiangmai. I quote my tuktuk driver, "you can find a wat at every 20 steps you take here in Chengmai". and advices us to not bother to hire a tuktuk/taxi and just walk instead-ANYWHERE
Wat Chedi Luang is one of the famous temples in town and we decided to give it a go. It was as majestic as they say it was!
But what a hot day it was! Great for photography, horrible for exploring - this dilemma applies only to those who who lives in tropical weather their whole life.
What I love about these temples are that they make me realize how prodigious humans can be when working on something with passion. Look at the tactile art right on these gargoyle like statues cum stair's newel posts. AMAZING!
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| Chedi Luang |
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| FULLY GOLDEN INTERIOR OF THE TEMPLE |
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| A Wax Figurine of a Monk |
WAY FREAKY AS THEY LOOK SOO REAL..
I didn't dare go near afraid they might blink my life out.
detailed sculpting everywhere!!
Such focus!
UMBRELLA FACTORY
On our last full day, we decided to venture the next door district, Chiangrai.
HOT SPRINGS, CHIANGRAI
Unlike poring hotsprings, Chiangrai hot springs are not allowed to be bathe in. Visitors however can soak their feet in it and choose to only donate a certain amount of money into the collection box made ready beside the springs.
WHITE TEMPLE, CHIANGRAI
My most anticipated place to visit whenever in Chiangmai (my favourite I saved for the last as you can see), the WHITE TEMPLE aka WAT RONG KHUN
Everything here is hand carved and all construction fees are paid using money that has been donated by the public.
Obviously, the building is yet to be done. NOT FINISHED
This is not a temple, but an art exhibit that looks like a Buddhist Temple.
Owned by an artist, Chalermchai Kositpipat- who designed, constructed and opened the temple to visitors in 1997 all year round with no admission charge whatsoever.
AWESOME OR WHAT??!!
Cracked due to recent earthquake in 2014.
Mind you, this gold aesthetically awesome building is the just the temple's bathroom
Budget:
Food - approx 100USD/ 3 pax
Transport with guide & tuktuk rides - approx 100USD/ 3 pax
Accomodation: 150USD/3 pax
THE END
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