Following on from my previous post 3 NIGHTS IN…BANGKOK, the next stop on our Thailand multi-city trip was to Chiang Mai, just over an hour away from Bangkok by plane. Often described as Thailand’s cultural capital and also known as the Rose of the North, it is a must for all itineraries, especially for nature lovers and those seeking culture! Chiang Mai is famous for its plethora of golden temples and its daily night market which is an opportunity to taste regional cuisine and buy hill tribe handicrafts. The city and surrounding area is known for its distinctive cuisine and there are many cooking schools which will teach you their secrets! Although the pace may be slower than in Bangkok, there are still plenty of adventurous activities to try out in Chiang Mai such as hiking, biking and white-water rafting.
With all that in mind, I want to highlight 6 experiences from my trip that I believe will make your 3 nights in Chiang Mai more memorable!
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep/Wat Doi Suthep
One of northern Thailand's most sacred temples, that crowns the mountainous landscapes, Wat Doi Suthep holds a fascinating history. According to popular legend, a past King of Chiang Mai chose a lucky White Elephant (an important symbol in Thailand) to transport an important relic of the Lord Buddha to its proper place. The relic was placed on the elephant’s back during a religious ceremony and the king let the elephant run free.
The elephant climbed to the west side of Suthep Mountain and stopped at the top of the mountain where there is now a pagoda containing Buddha’s relic. It was there the elephant laid down and gently passed away in the jungle. The place where he lay is now the site of where Doi Suthep’s temple was founded.
There is the option to climb the mythological nagas (dragon-headed serpent) staircase consisting of more than 300 steps to reach the temple, or if you prefer, take the elevators. From the top, you will be able to enjoy panoramic views of Chiang Mai city!
Sunday Night Market
The Sunday Night Market or Pae Sunday Walking Street is a famous market that is a MUST when you visit Chiang Mai, so when planning your trip make sure you’re staying in Chiang Mai over a Sunday! I’m not sure if anyone has been able to cover the entire market in just one night, it really is that big! Expect to find stalls full of arts and crafts, clothing, jewellery and plenty of food and drink to help you keep energised as you make your way through the crowds! If you’re looking for something a bit heartier to fill your appetite, there are a number of small bistro style eateries dotted around, where you can sit down too!
A popular tourist dare is to try the northern snack of deep-fried insects on offer in Chiang Mai's night market - crickets and beer are a popular combination. And no, it’s not just a passing phase! Contrary to belief, eating insects is considered a norm in Thailand. These tiny little bugs are said to be full of nutritious benefits and are higher in protein compared to other meats. Other than at local markets, you will find the majority of these creepy crawlies being consumed in more rural locations due to the weather and lower quality of living so the Thai people in these regions consumer whatever they can to survive!
Karen Long Neck Village
Northern Thailand is home to interesting and colourful ethnic minorities, known as the hill tribes. One of the numerous hill tribe villages you can visit is Karen Long Neck Village. And yes, the spectacle is as it says on the tin!
It is said that the more coils a woman wears around her neck, the more desirable she is. Usually, girls start to wear long neck rings from the age of 5 – 6! They start with 5 rings around their neck and 2 extra neck stretching rings are added year by year. There’s no fixed maximum number of neck rings that they can wear, but it can go all the way up to 25! These things are pretty weighty and to be worn all day long, I have to applaud these strong women! But it does make you wonder about all the crazy things we females do (whether cultural or not) just for the purpose of beauty, right?! There are many suggestions behind the significance of the females of this tribe wearing these coils around their necks - one myth states that only girls born under a full moon on a Wednesday can wear the rings. Whatever the reason may be, it is saddening to see that their cultural traditions are predominantly being continued and exploited solely for tourism purposes in this day and age.
Bua Tong Waterfall
Also known as ‘The Sticky Waterfalls’, Bua Tong Waterfall is made up of limestone and mineral deposits that create enough friction so that you don’t easily slip whilst climbing up the waterfall. If the thought of walking down the waterfall seems daunting, don’t worry! There are steps to make your descent before using the aid of dangling ropes to climb up to the top. There were also many local people enjoying picnics and dipping their feet in the pools at the top area of the waterfall, whilst children were running up and down the falls as though it was their daily activity!
Top Tip:
· Due to algae growing on the formations, some areas can be a bit slippery, so wear water shoes if you are attempting to make the climb!
Art in Paradise
Step into a world of illusions and creativity with Art in Paradise at Chiang Mai's premier 3D art museum with over 100 3D paintings and optical illusions, this museum offers an immersive art experience where the paintings become interactive through the use of an app! With so many themes, we easily spent our entire morning wandering around, being fascinated by the creativity and well, just being big kids really!FYI, Art in Paradise museums can be found in Bangkok and Pattaya too!
Alms Giving
Saving the most memorable and humbling experience to last!
It is expected to find people giving alms to monks early in the morning as they make their way to temple. Many hotels will prepare packages of offerings that you can give to the monks – at a cost of course!
I hope this snippet of my 3 nights in Chiang Mai itinerary has opened your eyes to more than the norm that tourists would opt to see and experience!
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