The nature side of Chiangmai

Finally to end my trip journal to Chiangmai, here are some pictures of the beautiful flora and fauna at an orchid garden in Maesa district. I always thought that orchid is the national flower for Thailand as you can see plenty of the fresh orchids sold at the airport plus Thai airways sometimes gives it out to passengers. Anyway it is not the national flower, so I guess it is the popular flower of Thailand.

Location : Chiangmai, Thailand
Date of travel : Dec 2007

The wild side of Chiangmai

On the day before we left Chiangmai, we found what probably would have been the gem of interesting things to do in Chiangmai. Driving or rather driven for about 60 minutes from downtown Chiangmai, we finally arrived at the Maesa Elephant Camp.

Here at the Maesa Elephant Camp, you can feed, stroke and ride the elephants by paying more on top of the entrance fee. Before you scream 'tourist scam', the proceeds will go to fund on the preservation and training of the elephants. So, it is for a good cause.

I just couldn't help but find that the word 'camp' is hilariously funny and appropriate for this place. Home to maybe about 50 or more rescued elephants, this camp trains the elephant to do all sort of things you could never have imagine. They could of course do the circus stunts like parading in a circle, swinging their trunks, standing on two legs and even playing football. Fun to watch but what is about to take my breath away is that the elephants here actually draws ... really!

If I didn't see with my own yes, I wouldn't have believe it

The accuracy of their strokes and drawings put my preschool son to shame

Look at this pot of flowers, just amazing

OK, as I'm continued to be amazed by the talent of these elephants and about to purchase one so that I can remind my son that the elephant draws better than he does, I realised it cost BHT2000 for one!!! OK, that push it a bit way too much don't you think? So, I just took the picture of it and I can still remind my son the same.

After we got out of the elephant camp, we asked our driver to bring us to a shooting range at Maesa. Boon and me shared a fifteen shot package. I just want to try out the hand gun. So, I pulled 5 shots and Boon pulled 10. Missed 3 but managed to get a hang of it after that. See where my last two shots got to … quite near the target eh?

Location : Chiangmai, Thailand

Next, The nature side of Chiangmai

Up the hill in Chiangmai

On my 2nd day in Chiangmai, we took a friend's advice to visit Doi Suthep temple up in the hill. Supposedly if you don’t visit the temple, you have not been officially in Chiangmai. So we hired a driver to bring us up the hill to hit a few tourist spot.

First stop, the Doi Suthep. Anyway, same ol’ same ol’. Pictures as proof.

Worshipers at the temple

Does this looks exactly the same at the grand palace in Bangkok or what?

Doi Suthep is located on a hill to the north-west of the city. This temple dates from 1383. Its builders allegedly chose its site by placing a relic of the Buddha on a white elephant and letting it roam until it came across a place where it stops. They take this as the sign of an auspicious place for building the temple. The temple's location also affords superb views over the city on a clear day.

The climb up the temple

Ring the bell for some luck

Apparently this tree dates back to 14th century

Our trip to Doi Suthep also includes a stop at Bhubing Palace which is also located up the hill. This palace is supposedly where the king stays during winter between mid Dec to Feb. According to our guide, he doesn’t do that anymore. Anyway, we are only allow to walk around the garden but not inside the palace

The entrance, just to show we're here

This is the view from atop the hill near Bhubing Palace. No, its not a blurry picture, its just how polluted the city is ... yikes!

We also make a stop at a waterfall … obviously we are not dressed to take a swim. So it’s just another photo ops spot. Lame ... I know.



Location : Chiangmai, Thailand

Next, The wild side of Chiangmai

A cool December in Chiangmai

Yes, this is me and my pre-school son in the mini airplane seat. We flew 3 hours from KL to Chiangmai in Thailand for a short break in December. OK, its not that bad. Afterall, without Air Asia, I wouldn't have thought about just going off on a holiday to Chiangmai. So, my son practically sleeps through the entire journey which is sort of a blessing in disguise. My arm is aching but at least the other passengers in the airplane do not have to endure my son's ever talking and screaming voice.

Since we got a mega good deal from Air Asia for the cheap flights, we decided to get a better hotel. We checked into the Manathai Village which is a boutique hotel strategically located just behind the main street (Tarpae Road). It has only 29 suites and apparently these family run hotel are the best way to experience the lanna culture. For USD100 per night, I must say the size of the suite + breakfast + their overall service is commendable.

This is the main bedroom at Manathai Village

The king size bed

I didn't have the chance to take a picture, but if you happened to be in Chiangmai on a Sunday night, you must not missed their Sunday Night Market located at the Chiangmai gated city. Although I have been to countless night markets in Bangkok or other SEA countries, I still find this night market interesting. There is a lot of genuine local handicraft souvenirs that is very unique and prices are also extremely good. Its so good that half the time, I didn't even have the heart to bargain further. Only set back is that it is just so crowded I guess every single tourist in Chiangmai are there on a Sunday night.

Chiangmai is a northern province of Thailand that is located on highest mountain in the country. That is why on December, the average temperature is between 20-30 degrees.

What amazes me is that the original Chiangmai City is a very old ancient city, build around moat and high walls. Up till today, the moat is still around and part of the high walls and 4 main gates is still well preserved.

We skip most of the templing in the city and opt to walk around the city just to soak in the atmosphere. Overall, I would say that the Chiangmai is a very pleasant and cooling experience.







Location : Chiangmai, Thailand
Next, Up in the hill in Chiangmai