More Photos

We decided after visiting the beach resorts in Thailand to venture to the old capital of Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand, which is famous for its hill tribes, handicrafts, elephants and the biggest night market in the whole of Asia. It is much greener than other parts of the country, and is often referred to as 'The Rose of the North'.

We stayed at the Centara Duangtawan Hotel, and as the name suggests was in the centre of the city, right next to the night market.
The night market is huge, selling everything; designer clothes, all makes of watches, perfumes, jewellery and anything you can think of, all fake, so do not pay high prices. The copies are very good but haggle hard!!
There are plenty of bars, and restaurants which are very cheap - everyone eats out in Thailand - and the food is good quality.

The locals all eat in the food halls where you buy food vouchers from the kiosk as you go in, find a table and reserve it, usually by sitting there while your partner goes around the many stalls which cook food to order. There are pictures of all they sell, so you just point to what you want and give them the coupons. We were having a meal with drinks for about £5.00 for 2 people. Any coupons left over, we were able to just cash in at the kiosk.

Over looking the city on the sacred mountain is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.This temple houses relics of Budda. Everyone goes here so can get very busy and hot in the afternoon, better to go in the morning. There are temples everywhere. The oldest are in the old town and date back to the 1100's.

We had a trip to the elephant camp at Chiang Dao. We arrived in the morning and it was straight to the river to board out own bamboo raft, with a local to steer it. All we could hear was the birds and water; it was so peaceful. After an hour we headed for shore where there were elephants waiting to take us to a local village. I think I got the biggest elephant there, trying not to look down and holding on we got to the village. Then after meeting the locals we got back on our elephant and headed back to the camp where we had lunch. It was a full day but worth it.

The Hill Tribes allow visitors in to their villages for a small charge. They are completely self sufficient and are not permitted to receive anything from the government. So the small entrance fee stays in the village. We were introduced to some of the people. They are called the Long NeckTribe. All girls from the age of five have a ring put around there neck and each year after that. So the older ones had up to 10 rings. We thought the rings were hollow but they were solid brass. They even sleep in them. Boys do not wear them. It was fascinating to gain such an insight.

The Zoo just outside the city is worth visiting. It is well spread out and little trains take you around and you can get off where you like. There is also a monorail which stops at the main parts. Most people go to see the 2 Giant Pandas which were donated to the zoo from China.

A trip to the Hill Tribe factories are well worth it even if you do not buy anything. See paper umbrellas being hand made, visit a Thai silk factory, a woodcarving factory, basket weaving and all proceeds go to the people who work there.

I would definitely recommend Chiang Mai as I enjoyed every moment of my holiday, but possibly twinned with a Thai beach resort to relax after the hectic city.