A Short Trip - Chiang Mai version

My past trips to Thailand have been pleasant and memorable. This time around, I am here in Chiang Mai for a business comes with leisure trip. Let me share to you some interesting stuff I have tried so far...

The Best time to Visit Chiang Mai

Dec~Feb are north Thailand's winter months and the days are warm and clearn. A jacket or fleece will come in handy at night. Avoid the hot, humid months of Mac~May, when a haze of dust and smoke (from the burning of rice fields in the north) often forms over Chiang Mai and the surrounding region.

#1: Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi Resort

Formerly known as Mandarin Oriental Hotel. This is a legendary resort.... It's massive like a Kingdom. Looking more like a magnificently restored ancient Thai city than a resort, Dhara Dhevi is better described as a high-end living museum devoted to northern Thai Lanna culture filled with ancient artifacts, painfully accurate architectural recreations, lotus-filled moats, a high-priced market, skilled artisans, fine dining, a massive spa and staff so ready-to-please you wonder if they’re actually robots.

The Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, which took five years to build, had no master plan. It was like building a six-acre jigsaw puzzle, says conceptual designer Rachen Intawong.

There is a real Paddy Field in the resort. Can you believe it?!?!

Le Grand Lanna Restaurant

We were highly recommended this restaurant for its settings and food. This restaurant is entirely built of old teak and is on raised stilts. The menu was extensive, featuring some Thai favourites as well. We were also recommended the Lanna cuisine, it's a unique cuisine from the ancient Lanna Kingdom.

#2: Bhubing Royal Palace in Chiang Mai

Bhubing Palace is one of the summer get-away royal residence with beautiful gardens. They have many plants, flowers and trees. The temperate climate high up on Doi Suthep means many of the plants and flowers are unusual to see in most parts of Thailand (if you're from a cold country, the flora may not be able to enlighten you).

There is a water fountain. However, due to misty weather, we weren't able to capture and wonderful water reservoir...

#3: Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

The temple is simply referred as Doi Suthep. This is 1 of the highly recommended temple by the local. From the temple, impressive views of Chiang Mai can be seen and it remains a popular destination for tourists. But first, you need to climb up a 300 steps of the intricately carved mythical Naga Serpent Staircase then you will begin to marvel at the splendid view. For those that do not fancy with the 300 steps climb up to the complex, you may want to consider to take the lift for30 Baht.

Also, along the hilltop, there is a tribe village. Personally think that the flora was better than those in Bhubing Palace.

 

 

#4: Thai Silk Factory

You will learn the Thai silk history and also the making process. Let the pictures do the talk!

#5: Walking Street

Last but not least, the Walking Street. We kept on hearing people say that "Don't miss the Walking Street!" from every hotel, seriously!! Therefore, how can we miss Chiang Mai's Sunday Walking Street!! It is the largest Night Market in Chiang Mai and it happens every week right in the heart of Chiang Mai's old town. This Chiang Mai market takes place, well, every Sunday starting around 4 p.m. when stalls begin to set up along the old town's central artery, Ratchadamnoen Road, with stalls overflowing onto the streets, lanes, and even the many temples of Chiang Mai  along the street. The Walking Street offers norther handicrafts to food. You'll be overwhelmed by the sheer variety, you name it, I promise!

Here's the end of my business trip. There is more places to be explored. Definitely I will be back for leisure!

Merci....

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......................X.O.X.O.