Chiang Mai (Thailand)
Sept. 1 - 3, 2014 (3D2N): Leg 2 of our 17-day journey in Thailand & Vietnam. Chiang Mai is located north of Bangkok, thus the temperature is cooler. It was a nice break from Bangkok's hustle and bustle. Immerse yourself with various temples (free admission) by walking through the walled city and treat yourself afterwards to a foot massage! See prior posts on Bangkok - Chiang Mai - Koh Samui - Vietnam.
*Highly Recommended
Day 1
- Noon flight to Chiang Mai from DMK (Bangkok)
- Taxi (160bt flat rate;15 mins) to DusitD2 Hotel Chiang Mai
- Visit walled city:
- Wat Chedi Luang
- Wat Pan Tao (built out of Teak Wood panels)
- Wat Phra Singh/The Monastery of the Lion Buddha
- Wat Chiang Man
- Dinner @ Dash! Restaurant and Bar*
- Ride the Red songthaew to Anusarn market (10bt p/p)
- Walk around the market
- 9:30-10:30pm: Chiang Mai Cabaret Show* (Anthony Bourdain went there too!)
Day 2
- 10:30am-4:30pm: Hire Red songthaew (900bt for 1 day)
- Maesa Elephant Camp (we did not feel this place was humane to the animal, see my suggestion below)
- Temple near Maesa (see cover photo)
- Viewpoint (between Wat Pha Lat and Doi Suthep)
- Doi Suthep
- Lunch @ pad thai stand
- Wat Umong
- Tcnlarayal market (everyday market) and walk around the area
- Walk around Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
- Foot Massage @ Fah Lanna Spa*
- Dinner @ Lemongrass Thai Restaurant*
Day 3
- Thai massage @ Sala Chiangmai*
- Hire Red songthaew to airport (100bt)
- Noon flight to Koh Samui
Other points of interest & food
- Wat Pha Lat
- Eat @ Khao Soi Khun Yai (eat khao soi/noodle; opens 10am-2pm)
- Take a Thai cooking class
- Catmosphere Cat Cafe
- Amazing Race visited Patara Elephant Farm recently, this might be the most humane farm I have come across during my research.
Tip
- Pack a sarong with you so you can cover your bare legs and wear a sleeve top on the day when you need to visit temples.
