Be charmed by Chiang Mai
Travellers to Thailand mostly think of the excitement of Bangkok for shopping, food and night life and the beautiful beach resorts of Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui, Phi Phi Island to name a few, for lazy days with beautiful clear water for sunning and diving.
Chiang Mai in the north is often not thought of as it does not have such a large profile as its’ sister cities. The city's 700 year history is embraced by its people and culture rich in tradition.
I travelled to Chiang Mai after an absence of many years and my love of this city came back tenfold.
For a start, the immediate city population is approximately 250,000 (which is like a country town after Bangkok) and you can feel yourself unwind with the slower pace. The climate is cooler too, and the city is easy to get around either by foot, taxi or tuk tuk.
Chiang Mai is a city of temples, over 300 and some of the finest are in the Old City. For a small donation you can chat with young monks about their Buddhist lifestyle in some of the temples in the Old City. This offers a wonderful insight into these gentle people and their beliefs. There are many activities to be done also.
I can highly recommend Elephant Camp at Maetaman Camp. The camp is situated on the banks of the Maetang River amidst a lush forest where a Lisu hill tribe village is located.
The camp offers unique experiences, watching the elephants bathe in the river with their mahouts and then you can experience a wonderful trek to the Lisu village where beautiful handicrafts can be purchased before returning to the camp for lunch. A rafting experience is offered on the river, but due to heavy rainfall, this option was not available on my visit.
Chiang Mai has 5 other hill tribes - Ka Young, White Karen, Lahu, Hmong and Dara Ang and tours can be arranged as well as treks. A day tour can also be taken to "The Golden Triangle", Chiang Rai, which borders on Myanmare on the north and Laos on the east. The night markets are wonderful with an abundance of handicrafts to choose from - barter hard - it is worth it!
Chiang Mai is also a haven for silver jewellery - beautiful pieces at very affordable prices. Cooking Schools are a great way also to add to your Thai experience.
Lastly, the wonderful Anantara Hotel
As soon as you enter the open plan reception area, calm envelopes you and at night the hotel is lit by candles - truly beautiful. The restaurant is housed in the former residence of the British Governor to Chiang Mai and the accommodation is built around this. The standard of accommodation, food and beverage is excellent and the staff are always smiling and eager to assist. The Spa offers excellent treatments, but reservations need to be made in advance as it does get busy. There also is a pool and gymnasium.
Meals taken at the outdoor restaurant are especially relaxing, watching he activities on the river as the locals go about their daily routine. The hotel is in the city centre so walking distance to the night market and restaurants.
If you have the opportunity to include Chiang Mai in your travels I am sure you will not be disappointed!