Chiang Mai is an ancient city in northern Thailand that has successfully modernized while preserving its peaceful temples, shrines, and village traditions. It has a population that moves at a gentle pace and still has connections to rural village life. Surrounding Chiang Mai are rice fields, forests, hill tribes, and opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the region through activities like elephant encounters and trekking. Chiang Mai offers visitors a relaxed escape from the hustle of other Thai cities like Bangkok in its rich cultural heritage and lifestyle.
This document provides information on potential activities and destinations in Vietnam, with a focus on Hanoi. It summarizes Hanoi as an old-fashioned city with narrow streets, sidewalk cafes, and French colonial influences. Several potential activities in and near Hanoi are described, including walking tours of the Old Quarter, visits to nearby villages, cycling in the Red River Delta, cooking classes, and day trips to Halong Bay that involve boat cruises among the limestone islands. Overnight cruises and transfers by helicopter or seaplane to Halong Bay are also mentioned. The document discusses potential fine dining venues and experiences in Hanoi, including at the Hanoi Opera House and Temple of Literature.
Chiangrai province in northern Thailand shows obvious affluence due to its proximity to the Golden Triangle, with smooth highways, farms, and private properties. It offers both challenging backroads and spectacular scenery. Traveling to the border town of Mae Sai and crossing into Myanmar exposes one to the stark poverty on the other side. From Chiangrai, attractions like Doi Toong Royal Project, the opium museum, and Chiang Saen ancient capital can be visited along scenic routes. The Golden Triangle itself remains a popular tourist destination to witness the confluence of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos borders by boat on the Mekong River.
The document provides an overview of tourism in China, including key facts and highlights. It discusses China's large population and status as an ancient civilization. Various popular tourist destinations across China are described, such as the Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors, Great Wall, Silk Road, Summer Palace, Li River, Yangtze River, Lhasa, and Hong Kong. Requirements for obtaining a Chinese visa are also summarized.
1) Tuntex Tower is an 85-floor skyscraper located in Kaoshiung, Taiwan that was built between 1994-1996. At 347 meters tall, it is the second tallest building in Taiwan.
2) The Great Wall of China stretches over 8,851 km across northern China. It was built during the Ming Dynasty between 1368-1644 to protect against invaders from the north.
3) The Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors located near Xi'an contains thousands of life-sized terra cotta soldiers and horses that were buried with the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, over 2,000 years ago.
The history of Thailand begins with the migration of the Thais in what is now known as Thailand during the first millennium.
Prior to this, there had been civilization in the Bronze Age and Iron Age.
The Thais established their own kingdoms, more lasting way into the kingdom of Ayutthaya.
The European colonial powers threatened to Thailand in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, but Thailand survived as the only state in Southeast Asia that escaped being colonized.
After the end of the Thai absolute monarchy in 1932, Thailand was almost six years under almost permanent military rule before the establishment of a democratic system.
Yannan feichatian scenic spot, meizhou cityJourney Han
Yannan Feichatian Scenic Spot is a 5A-level scenic area located in Meizhou City, Guangdong Province. It covers 667 hectares and consists of tea fields, orchards, and other attractions. Major attractions include Yannan Feishen Stone, Yannanfei Avenue, a visitor center and tea house, tea shows, and Wailong Hotel. The scenic area aims to highlight tea culture and was developed by Guangdong Baolihua Group in 1995. It offers tea tasting, cultural performances, and Hakka cuisine and snacks.
Tourism in China : Few famous places to Vist (Not to miss!)Krishna Chaitanya
All about China is as difficult as holding a motor-cycle with a Pin! Well I tried to summarize few of the best places in China, which are not to be missed!
This document provides 10 tips for traveling in China. It includes recommendations on learning basic Chinese phrases, using language apps, focusing on popular tourist destinations like Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an and Guilin, planning trips around weather patterns, shopping tips, exploring Chinese cuisine, bringing essential supplies, using public transportation, and visiting top tourist attractions like the Forbidden City, Terracotta Army, Shanghai, Taipei 101, Suzhou Gardens, Potala Palace, and Li River.
This document provides information on potential activities and destinations in Vietnam, with a focus on Hanoi. It summarizes Hanoi as an old-fashioned city with narrow streets, sidewalk cafes, and French colonial influences. Several potential activities in and near Hanoi are described, including walking tours of the Old Quarter, visits to nearby villages, cycling in the Red River Delta, cooking classes, and day trips to Halong Bay that involve boat cruises among the limestone islands. Overnight cruises and transfers by helicopter or seaplane to Halong Bay are also mentioned. The document discusses potential fine dining venues and experiences in Hanoi, including at the Hanoi Opera House and Temple of Literature.
Chiangrai province in northern Thailand shows obvious affluence due to its proximity to the Golden Triangle, with smooth highways, farms, and private properties. It offers both challenging backroads and spectacular scenery. Traveling to the border town of Mae Sai and crossing into Myanmar exposes one to the stark poverty on the other side. From Chiangrai, attractions like Doi Toong Royal Project, the opium museum, and Chiang Saen ancient capital can be visited along scenic routes. The Golden Triangle itself remains a popular tourist destination to witness the confluence of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos borders by boat on the Mekong River.
The document provides an overview of tourism in China, including key facts and highlights. It discusses China's large population and status as an ancient civilization. Various popular tourist destinations across China are described, such as the Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors, Great Wall, Silk Road, Summer Palace, Li River, Yangtze River, Lhasa, and Hong Kong. Requirements for obtaining a Chinese visa are also summarized.
1) Tuntex Tower is an 85-floor skyscraper located in Kaoshiung, Taiwan that was built between 1994-1996. At 347 meters tall, it is the second tallest building in Taiwan.
2) The Great Wall of China stretches over 8,851 km across northern China. It was built during the Ming Dynasty between 1368-1644 to protect against invaders from the north.
3) The Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors located near Xi'an contains thousands of life-sized terra cotta soldiers and horses that were buried with the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, over 2,000 years ago.
The history of Thailand begins with the migration of the Thais in what is now known as Thailand during the first millennium.
Prior to this, there had been civilization in the Bronze Age and Iron Age.
The Thais established their own kingdoms, more lasting way into the kingdom of Ayutthaya.
The European colonial powers threatened to Thailand in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, but Thailand survived as the only state in Southeast Asia that escaped being colonized.
After the end of the Thai absolute monarchy in 1932, Thailand was almost six years under almost permanent military rule before the establishment of a democratic system.
Yannan feichatian scenic spot, meizhou cityJourney Han
Yannan Feichatian Scenic Spot is a 5A-level scenic area located in Meizhou City, Guangdong Province. It covers 667 hectares and consists of tea fields, orchards, and other attractions. Major attractions include Yannan Feishen Stone, Yannanfei Avenue, a visitor center and tea house, tea shows, and Wailong Hotel. The scenic area aims to highlight tea culture and was developed by Guangdong Baolihua Group in 1995. It offers tea tasting, cultural performances, and Hakka cuisine and snacks.
Tourism in China : Few famous places to Vist (Not to miss!)Krishna Chaitanya
All about China is as difficult as holding a motor-cycle with a Pin! Well I tried to summarize few of the best places in China, which are not to be missed!
This document provides 10 tips for traveling in China. It includes recommendations on learning basic Chinese phrases, using language apps, focusing on popular tourist destinations like Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an and Guilin, planning trips around weather patterns, shopping tips, exploring Chinese cuisine, bringing essential supplies, using public transportation, and visiting top tourist attractions like the Forbidden City, Terracotta Army, Shanghai, Taipei 101, Suzhou Gardens, Potala Palace, and Li River.
Thailand is home to an abundance of wildlife in its many national parks, beaches, and mountainous terrain. Khao Yai National Park in central Thailand is home to tigers, wild boars, and if visitors are fortunate, they may even see an elephant or two.
Geo Travel deals with Inbound and Outbound and Domestic tours handling.
It offers comprehensive travel services with in Pushkar- Rajasthan, Geo Travel is Rajasthan leading independent Tour Handling company offering an extensive range of services to suit every traveller – especially those who enjoy the independence and flexibility of planning their own holiday experience.
Thailand is a constitutional monarchy located in Southeast Asia. It has a population of over 68 million people and its capital and largest city is Bangkok. The majority religion is Theravada Buddhism. The country has a tropical climate characterized by monsoons. Some of Thailand's most popular tourist destinations include Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and islands like Koh Samui, which are known for their beaches, culture, and natural beauty. Thailand also has a rich history and was once home to important kingdoms like Ayutthaya. Common sports include Muay Thai kickboxing and activities showcasing Thailand's culture include visiting markets and hot springs.
This document provides a summary of the author's travels through Vietnam, including their experiences in various cities and regions. In Saigon, they describe the busy streets filled with scooters and alleyways containing older traditions. They explore rural areas containing unchanged ways of life and travel through the Mekong Delta by boat. Further destinations discussed include Hoi An, Hue, Hanoi, and Halong Bay, with descriptions of the local sights, accommodations, food, and cultural experiences at each location. The article conveys Vietnam as a country blending modern aspects with preservation of historical traditions and natural beauty.
Baccarat Hong Kong Lists the Press Club among a few of luxury Wining & Dining...Press Club, Hanoi
www.hanoi-pressclub.com
Baccarat Hong Kong journalist Jackie Chan dined at the on of the best restaurant in Hanoi, the Press Club, in her recent trip in Vietnam
This document provides information about tourism opportunities in Nam Dinh province, Vietnam. It includes a 7-day itinerary highlighting several key attractions: Xuan Thuy National Park on day 2, Hai Thinh beach on day 3, Tran Temple on day 4-5, and Vieng Market on day 6. The itinerary also includes hotel accommodations. Key attractions described in more detail include Xuan Thuy National Park, Hai Thinh beach, Tran Temple (including Thien Truong, Co Trach, and Trung Hoa temples), and Vieng Market. The document promotes Nam Dinh's natural scenery, cultural sites, and local cuisine.
6 Romantic Places to go in Vietnam in September
September is marked by Vietnam’s Independence Day on 2nd, as well the seasons change from summer to autumn. A short vacation to both undiscovered and familiar destinations of all three regions of Vietnam is recommended for minimal travelling, relaxing moments and quietly interesting experiences. it no matter you are tourist and taking Tours to Vietnam or expat living here. this is a season that Vietnam is so colorful.
Visiting Hanoi in autumn
True autumn time lasts for only a few weeks but it brings the unforgettable feeling of the cool and romantic. Before Mid-Autumn festival, the period from August to mid-September in the Lunar calendar is the nicest time to be in the capital. check the Festivals in Vietnam
http://www.VietnamesePrivateTours.com
The document provides information on several tourist attractions in Cambodia, including:
1) The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh - home to the Cambodian royal family and impressive architecture like the Silver Pagoda covered in silver tiles.
2) The National Museum of Cambodia in Phnom Penh houses one of the largest collections of Khmer art, including stone sculptures and ceramics.
3) Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Killing Fields in Phnom Penh were sites of atrocities under the Khmer Rouge and provide somber lessons of Cambodia's history.
Trang An, Hoa Lu, and Bai Dinh are three famous destinations in Ninh Binh province known for their scenic landscapes, historical temples and pagodas. The document provides an itinerary and overview of the attractions in each location over 3 days of travel. Key stops include Trang An landscape, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital sites like Dinh Tien Hoang and Le Dai Hanh Temples, and the massive Bai Dinh Pagoda known for its arhat statues and bell tower. Accommodations and local cuisine are also highlighted.
Thailand is home to an abundance of wildlife in its many national parks, beaches, and mountainous terrain. Khao Yai National Park in central Thailand is home to tigers, wild boars, and if visitors are fortunate, they may even see an elephant or two.
Geo Travel deals with Inbound and Outbound and Domestic tours handling.
It offers comprehensive travel services with in Pushkar- Rajasthan, Geo Travel is Rajasthan leading independent Tour Handling company offering an extensive range of services to suit every traveller – especially those who enjoy the independence and flexibility of planning their own holiday experience.
Thailand is a constitutional monarchy located in Southeast Asia. It has a population of over 68 million people and its capital and largest city is Bangkok. The majority religion is Theravada Buddhism. The country has a tropical climate characterized by monsoons. Some of Thailand's most popular tourist destinations include Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and islands like Koh Samui, which are known for their beaches, culture, and natural beauty. Thailand also has a rich history and was once home to important kingdoms like Ayutthaya. Common sports include Muay Thai kickboxing and activities showcasing Thailand's culture include visiting markets and hot springs.
This document provides a summary of the author's travels through Vietnam, including their experiences in various cities and regions. In Saigon, they describe the busy streets filled with scooters and alleyways containing older traditions. They explore rural areas containing unchanged ways of life and travel through the Mekong Delta by boat. Further destinations discussed include Hoi An, Hue, Hanoi, and Halong Bay, with descriptions of the local sights, accommodations, food, and cultural experiences at each location. The article conveys Vietnam as a country blending modern aspects with preservation of historical traditions and natural beauty.
Baccarat Hong Kong Lists the Press Club among a few of luxury Wining & Dining...Press Club, Hanoi
www.hanoi-pressclub.com
Baccarat Hong Kong journalist Jackie Chan dined at the on of the best restaurant in Hanoi, the Press Club, in her recent trip in Vietnam
This document provides information about tourism opportunities in Nam Dinh province, Vietnam. It includes a 7-day itinerary highlighting several key attractions: Xuan Thuy National Park on day 2, Hai Thinh beach on day 3, Tran Temple on day 4-5, and Vieng Market on day 6. The itinerary also includes hotel accommodations. Key attractions described in more detail include Xuan Thuy National Park, Hai Thinh beach, Tran Temple (including Thien Truong, Co Trach, and Trung Hoa temples), and Vieng Market. The document promotes Nam Dinh's natural scenery, cultural sites, and local cuisine.
6 Romantic Places to go in Vietnam in September
September is marked by Vietnam’s Independence Day on 2nd, as well the seasons change from summer to autumn. A short vacation to both undiscovered and familiar destinations of all three regions of Vietnam is recommended for minimal travelling, relaxing moments and quietly interesting experiences. it no matter you are tourist and taking Tours to Vietnam or expat living here. this is a season that Vietnam is so colorful.
Visiting Hanoi in autumn
True autumn time lasts for only a few weeks but it brings the unforgettable feeling of the cool and romantic. Before Mid-Autumn festival, the period from August to mid-September in the Lunar calendar is the nicest time to be in the capital. check the Festivals in Vietnam
http://www.VietnamesePrivateTours.com
The document provides information on several tourist attractions in Cambodia, including:
1) The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh - home to the Cambodian royal family and impressive architecture like the Silver Pagoda covered in silver tiles.
2) The National Museum of Cambodia in Phnom Penh houses one of the largest collections of Khmer art, including stone sculptures and ceramics.
3) Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Killing Fields in Phnom Penh were sites of atrocities under the Khmer Rouge and provide somber lessons of Cambodia's history.
Trang An, Hoa Lu, and Bai Dinh are three famous destinations in Ninh Binh province known for their scenic landscapes, historical temples and pagodas. The document provides an itinerary and overview of the attractions in each location over 3 days of travel. Key stops include Trang An landscape, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital sites like Dinh Tien Hoang and Le Dai Hanh Temples, and the massive Bai Dinh Pagoda known for its arhat statues and bell tower. Accommodations and local cuisine are also highlighted.
Bangkok, known as the "City of Angels", attracts many visitors each year with its golden temples and cuisine. The first day of a tour included visiting Wat Po temple, home to the famous 46-meter long Reclining Buddha. Other notable temples included Wat Trinig with the golden Buddha and the Emerald Buddha. Bangkok became the imperial city 300 years ago when King Rama I moved the royal residence to the side of the Chao Phraya River. Today, boat excursions take visitors along the canals for views of the old city and remnants of when the city was divided for Thais, Chinese, and Indians. Notable temples included the Temple of the Dawn with Chinese porcelain mosaics
The Qingming Shanghe Garden is a large-scale Song Dynasty cultural theme park located in Kaifeng City, Henan Province, China. It is based on the famous painting "Qingming Festival Along the River" by artist Zhang Zeduan and features recreations of buildings, streets, and customs from the Song Dynasty. The park covers over 600 acres and includes replicas of over 50 boats, 400 houses, and 30,000 square meters of landscaping designed to immerse visitors in the culture and daily life of northern China during the Song Dynasty period. Main attractions include the Jinyun Pavilion, Luohe River, Zhang Zeduan Memorial Hall, and Tokyo Food Street showcasing local
For many budget travelers and packages tourists, Sapa, an atmospheric old hill station set amid stunning scenes of near vertical rice terraces and towering peaks, is the most popular place to go in the Far Northwest.
The document provides information about the Phoenix Ancient City located in Hunan Province, China. It is situated within an autonomous area for the Miao and Tujia ethnic minorities. The city square is surrounded by mountains and was the site of an unsuccessful Miao rebellion in the 1800s. The document includes over 50 photos that depict various aspects of life in the city, including architecture, people, crafts, food, the river, bridges, and cultural events.
This document provides information about various temples and buildings of cultural interest in Bangkok, Thailand. It describes several major temples located in the Rattanakosin area like the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaeo which houses the Emerald Buddha, Wat Pho which features the 46-meter long reclining Buddha, and Wat Arun which has a 79-meter central pagoda. It also mentions the Vimanmek Mansion, Bangkok National Museum, National Gallery, Queen Sirikit Arts Centre, and temples like Wat Trimit which houses the golden Buddha, Wat Benchamabophit known as the Marble Temple, and Wat Suthat known for its murals.
This document provides summaries of potential travel destinations, including Rome, Venice, London, Cardiff, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Varanasi, Jodhpur, Kashgar, and the Great Wall of China. For each location a few key details are mentioned, such as popular landmarks, historical significance, and reasons for wanting to visit.
Nanzhuang is a suburban town in Miaoli County, Taiwan that is home to about 30,000 people, mostly from the Hakka and indigenous Atayal and Saisiyat ethnic groups. The town features preserved historical architecture and natural surroundings. Nanzhuang's main attractions include its natural resources like mushrooms and trout, as well as its old streets filled with Hakka and indigenous snacks. A famous part of the old street is Guihua Alley, lined with shops selling souvenirs and food. Nearby is also the old post office building from the Japanese colonial period.
This document provides travel recommendations for crafts and artisanal experiences in Myanmar and Cambodia. In Myanmar, it recommends visiting workshops like Turquoise Mountain in Yangon to see goldsmithing. It also recommends the Augustine's Antiques emporium to find crafts from different ethnic groups. It then suggests taking a flight to Inle Lake to visit lotus robe weaving cooperatives and the Inle Heritage hospitality school and cat sanctuary. In Cambodia, it focuses on the city of Siem Reap and recommends art galleries and workshops beyond just visiting Angkor Wat temple complex. It provides details on specific crafts, artisans and experiences in both countries beyond just the major tourist sites.
It can be hard to hone in on your next trip when there are endless incredible destinations to choose from across the world. To make your decision a little easier, our team of travel experts here at Inspirato have hand-selected a list of 20 places you need to see this year. Whether you’re familiar with few or many, are looking for something urban or off the beaten path, these destinations are where trendsetting travelers will be spending 2020.
This document provides descriptions of several romantic cities around the world, highlighting some of their most romantic features. It discusses Paris' night boat trips on the Seine River, romantic cafes in Montmartre, and illuminated monuments at night. Venice is described as unique for its canals and bridges, with recommendations to take a gondola ride or have wine in a bacaro. San Francisco is praised for its spectacular sunsets, views, and romantic places like Nob Hill and the Palace of Fine Arts.
3. T
OO OFTEN, A traveller’s search for nirvana
in Thailand seems to lead through a jumble of
cheap eats and raucous drinking holes, to a
scorching-hot beach covered in discarded
plastic straws and cocktail umbrellas.
There is an alternative. Tucked away in
the country’s cool, lofty north, there is an
escapee’s paradise called Chiang Mai.
While Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, is a bustling, chaotic
network of klongs (canals), concrete, highways and skyscrapers,
Chiang Mai has modernised itself without letting go of its
peaceful shrines and lily ponds. Bangkok clangs off the tongue
like cymbals in a melodrama, but the two syllables of the ancient
northern capital chime like temple bells.
Chiang Mai is located in a valley overlooked by the glittering
Buddhist sanctuary of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Surrounded
by 13th-century battlements, five antique gates and a tree-lined
moat, the citadel of the Lanna Kingdom (or northThailand, which
was once considered an independent state) was a trading hub
for hundreds of years. It still reverberates with the velveteen
tramp of hippies and the silver trinkets of the hill tribes —
although these days they are exchanging organic passionfruit
and strawberries, not opium. In flower-filled lanes, dozens
of gold-leaf wats (Buddhist temples) happily coexist alongside
chilled-out bars and ornately decorated restaurants.
Chiang Mai means ‘new city’, as it was built on the remains of
an earlier civilisation, with ramparts to defend it against invading
Mongols and Burmese. Rural villages flourish within 15 minutes
of the CBD and, although the city is growing fast, you can walk
from one end of the old town to the other in 30 minutes and cycle
safely round the entire city in about an hour. Every Sunday night,
the fabled Walking Street Market stretches from the Tha Phae
Gate along Ratchadamnoen Road, creating a ripple of musicians,
vendors, villagers, artists and craftspeople selling every ingenious
product, decoration, service and snack you can imagine.
CLOCKWISE Chiang
Mai’s old city wall and
moat; monks visit one of
the city’s waterfalls; Wat
Phra That Doi Suthep
Buddhist Sanctuary; giant
water lilies. PREVIOUS
PAGE Monks launch
lanterns during Loi
Krathong festival.
NORTHERN LIFE
Although the region is located far from
the sea, water is the reigning element. Fed
by the glaciers of the Himalayas to the
north, the Ping River snakes down Chiang
Mai’s eastern side. It is spanned by a series
of elegant bridges and flanked to the south
by giant teak trees, the likes of which
once covered the entire countryside.
All this makes Loi Krathong — the
annual full moon festival in which locals
give thanks and honour the water spirits
— more important to Lanna Thai people
than any other event on the calendar. In
late November, citizens of all ages flock to
the riverbanks to release lanterns into the
sky and floral tributes onto the water as
part of the two-day festivities.
Throughout the rest of the year, the
people of Chiang Mai move at a gentle clip.
Traditional Thai values are enshrined in
phrases such as mai bpen rai (it doesn’t
matter) and sanook mai? (was it fun?). You’ll
also hear people say sabai sabai (everything
is great) regularly, and the question all
northerners ask each other on a daily
basis: aroy mai? (is it tasty?).
DETAILS
NightBazaar Chang
Khlan Rd. Thamel
Coffee 2F 45–47
Kuang Men Rd; www.
thamelcoffee.jimdo.
com. Ton Lamyai
and Flower Markets
Praisanee Rd. Walking
Street Markets
Ratchadamnoen Rd.
WarorotMarket
Chang Moi Rd.
V I R G I N A U S T R A L I A M AY 2 0 1 6062
4.
5. EAT
MingMuang
(Nimmanahaeminda Rd)
serves consistently
delicious Thai food.
If you’re craving steak,
fries or pizza, LaVa
Cafe,Bar&Grill(183/15
Chang Klan Rd) delivers,
or try a risotto at Akyra
Manor’s Italics (22/2,
Nimmana Haeminda Rd,
Soi 9, www.theakyra.
com), known for its
innovative Italian food.
Modernity meets
colonial swank at
Rachamankha(6
Rachamankha 9 Phra
Singh; www.racha
mankha.com), a
beautiful hotel with
fine dining and live
music. AcchaFusion
India(Nimmana
Haeminda Rd, Soi 9) is
lively and great value
— and the vegetarian
tandoori platter is
a knockout. Baan
Jangarpor’s (71
Charoenprathet Rd)
serves northern
Thai cuisine in a
150-year-old teak
house, while LeSpice
(31 Charoenprathet,
Soi 6, Changklan Rd)
specialises in tender
tandoori. Visit Dhara
DheviCakeShop
(www.dharadhevi.com)
for coffee and cakes,
or the Amazing
Sandwich (20/2 Huey
Kaew Rd; www.amazing
sandwich.com) and
SmoothieBlues(32/8
Nimmana Haeminda
Rd, Soi 6) for a truly
western-style
breakfast. For eating
around the clock,
SomphetMarket
(Moon Muang Rd, Soi 6),
rolls out street food
day and night, and
ChiangMaiGate
Market contains a
cornucopia of village
treats open 24/7.
6. dwarfed by the huge
bolts of linen, silk, satin,
chiffon, seersucker and
lace. Venture down the
numerous side alleys for
bohemian treasures —
thinkvoluminous harem
pants, leather sandals or
scarves. You may even
find the alley with the
hill tribe tents — where
embroidered handbags
can be picked up for
less than $10 (they sell
for more than $100 in Australian boutiques). Don’t miss Thamel
Coffee on Kuang Men Road, just a block from Warorot. The cafe
has a Moroccan feel with hand-painted furniture and murals,
mosaic lanterns and wall hangings, but it serves pizza, a range of
ice-creams and cold fruit drinks. There’s no better place to
recover from the heat of the busy market.
Moving along on the eastern side of Warorot, right by the
river past the fresh produce stalls, the flower markets offer
exotic blooms of all description from roses, marigolds and
orchids to garlands of jasmine. You can cross the bridge here to
wander along Charoenraj Road on the other side of the river,
where old Chinese teak shophouses have turned into antique
shops and riverside eateries serving cheap authentic food.
GIFTS OF NATURE
The real beauty of Chiang Mai, however, is its proximity to the rice
fields and forested hills of the rural north. Within a few hours, you
can be living in the verdant highlands with the tribes, or trekking
over mountain ranges, past waterfalls and rapids overlooking the
Mekong. You can nuzzle elephants in the Golden Triangle
The affluent university precinct spills
out onto Nimmanahaeminda Road. It’s a
pleasant area — tree-lined sois (laneways)
branch off the main street and its student
population has encouraged a thriving
cafe and restaurant scene. It is also good
for pedicures, haircuts, art galleries and
fashionable boutiques, and some of the
smaller bars and hotels, such as the city’s
recently opened five-star Akyra Manor,
showcase a more playful side to modern
Chiang Mai. The award-winning boutique
hotel’s exterior facade was inspired by the
old citywall. Dating from the 13th century,
it survives in varying states of crumbled
brickwork throughout the old quarter.
Within walking distance of the old
town (or a short tuk-tuk ride away) is
another highlight of the city. The Night
Bazaar on Chang Khlan Road is as rowdy
as Nimmanahaeminda is intimate. It has
everything from American fast-food
palaces to market stalls stuffed with
textiles, clothing, souvenirs, and jade and
silver jewellery; footpaths are stacked with
little tents full of knick-knacks. There are
food courts off the main drag and, in the
back lanes, an interesting mix of ladyboy
bars and old mansions.
If you want to shop with the locals,
get down to Chinatown early in the
morning, before it gets too hot. Warorot
and Ton Lamyai Markets are two old-style
emporiums on opposite sides of the same
dusty street. They enclose a rabbit warren
of stalls and galleries where you can buy
almost anything from Thai snacks such as
dried fruit and sausages, to woks, clothes
and tools. The nearby streets are also
fantastic for buying fabrics. Dive inside the
cloth merchant’s maze and you’ll be
CLOCKWISE FROM
FAR LEFT Rice
paddies; bags for sale
at the Walking Street
Market; Rachamankha
restaurant; children of
Chiang Mai.
CULTURE
BehindtheNight
Bazaar written by
Australian crime
writer Angela Savage,
follows a hard-nosed
Aussie girl taking a
break from her private
detective work in
Bangkok to visit an old
friend in Chiang Mai.
Almost immediately
she is thrown into
the city’s underworld
and the arms of a
handsome undercover
cop. It’s great fun to
read while visiting the
actual places. One to
read before you go
(but best not to take
with you) is TheKing
NeverSmiles, by
Paul M Handley.
Banned in Thailand,
this unauthorised
biography of the
country’s longest
reigning monarch,
King Bhumibol
Adulyadej, provides
fascinating insights
into the courtly
intrigues which led
the idealistic young
king to the throne.
065M AY 2 0 1 6 V I R G I N A U S T R A L I A
7. (the point where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet) and there’s
even an alpine cloud forest on Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest
peak, located less than two hours to the west. Pai — about three
hours’s drive from Chiang Mai — is a beatnik town with music in
every cafe, while Chiang Rai, 200 kilometres to the north, is
famous for its wedding-cake architecture and lakes.
The Lisu hill tribes live a little closer to the city, about 1.5 hours
north. The Lisu people wandered here from Tibet and southern
China about 100 years ago, and after decades of poverty, found
prosperity in eco-tourism. Lisu Lodge is part of a community-
based project that aims to conserve the heritage of the tribes.
Women can be found at sewing machines making their iconic
candy-striped textiles, while a shaman will put on a showwith his
splendid headdress and plaintive stringed instrument. Gardens
surround the bamboo pavilions and colour is everywhere.
It’ll take you about two hours, but a trip to the mountains
of Doi Inthanon National Park can include a homestay with the
GETTING THERE VIRGIN AUSTRALIA OFFERS
FLIGHTS TO CHIANG MAI WITH ITS CODESHARE
PARTNER SINGAPORE AIRLINES/SILKAIR. TO
BOOK, VISIT WWW.VIRGINAUSTRALIA.COM
OR CALL 13 67 89 (IN AUSTRALIA).
Karen tribe, where a day spent wandering
through rainforest ends around a campfire
drinking moonshine under the stars. (Your
hosts will probably be shivering while you
enjoy the fresh 19-degrees-Celcius air.)
The Karen people are hard-working,
and despite many having converted to
Christianity, they have retained a strong
connection to the spirit world. They’re a lot
of fun and everyone contributes to village
life, young and old. But don’t expect hot
showers or a duck-down mattress here.
For all its metropolitan sophistication,
Chiang Mai remains a city where the
population still has one foot in the village.
Despite the impact of climate change
— which has brought low rainfall and
reduced crop yields to this notoriously
fertile landscape — life still revolves around
the timeless cycles of wet and dry; reap
and sow. It’s a place to remind yourself
that there’s really no hurry, no reason to
endlessly strive, no point in stress. It is the
Lanna Thai tradition to enjoy each day of
your life, just as it comes.
CLOCKWISEThe
baratAnantara
ChiangMaiResort;
aKarenwomanweaves
traditionalcloth;Akyra
Manor’squirkyexterior;
thelushDoiInthanon
NationalPark.
STAY
AkyraManor(www.
theakyra.com) is a sleek
boutique hotel in a
lovely part of town.
It has a pillow mist
menu, fabulous food
and terrific staff.
RarinJindaWellness
SpaResort(www.
rarinjinda.com), located
on one of Chiang
Mai’s most fascinating
streets, Charoenraj
Road, offers affordable
luxury by the river.
The boldly decorated
AnantaraChiang
MaiResort(www.
chiang-mai.anantara.
com) is a well-run
hotel, with colonial
bones and high
standards. For local
village culture,
TrikayaTours (pong@
trikayatours.com) will
organise a custom
tour and homestay
with the Karen hill
tribe. LisuLodge
(www.asian-oasis.com)
is community-run
and the Lisu tribe
are vivacious hosts.
The peace and quiet
here is as thick as
velvet. Another retreat
is KhumLanna(www.
asian-oasis.com), where
you can stay in an
exquisite teak house.
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