Thailand
In October 2014 I spent a week in the north of Thailand visiting Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.
Chiang Mai is Thailand’s second largest city, famous for its markets, temples and food, however without the congestion and pollution of Bangkok. It is a very easy city to get around, and for the equivalent of a few dollars, a tuk tuk is a fantastic way to explore the attractions.
Although there are hundreds of temples in Chiang Mai, two of the most impressive are Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, located at the top of Chiang Mai’s highest peak, which on a clear day offers impressive views to the city, and Wat Chedi Luang which once housed the Emerald Buddha.
One of the great attractions of Thailand is the food, and what better way to experience it than to prepare your own in a Thai cooking class. Our hosts, from “Cooking at Home” took us to a local market to buy all the ingredients before we returned to their home to prepare a three course authentic local meal which was absolutely delicious!
From Chiang Mai we travelled by bus 3 hours further north to Chiang Rai, which is an excellent base to experience the Golden Triangle, where the Mekong River divides Thailand, Laos and Myanmar, and to visit local hill tribes. Like Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai offers a large range of accommodation options, however the most impressive one I visited was The Anantara Resort which not only offers magnificent views across to Laos and Myanmar, it also has an elephant camp on over 160 acres. Guests can participate in programs to learn commands to “drive” the elephants, feed and bathe them. I just wish I had the kids with me on this trip, they would have loved it.
About 20 mins out of Chiang Rai is Wat Rong Khun, or White Temple. This isn’t your traditional Thai temple, and looks more like something from a Disney movie, but if you’re travelling with kids, this temple, which includes paintings of superheros amongst other characters within its main hall, is a must see.
Thailand’s north offers cultural and historical diversity, as well as plenty of options for the more adventurous traveller. As it is so easy to get around it is also a fantastic destination for travellers of all ages.