Sojourn Snapshots: Chiang Mai, Thailand

I'm heading to Chiang Rai today, and in the next couple of days, I'll be taking the slow boat to Luang Prabang, Laos. 

So, before I officially exit Thai soil, let me give you a quick rundown of what I did in Chiang Mai.

Temples

Clockwise: foggy day at Doi Suthep, Wat Chedi Luang, and Buddha inside the viharn of Wat Lok Molee

Of course, no trip to Chiang Mai would be complete without visiting its many temples. In the Old City alone, there are already about a dozen - some of which were actually very close to where I first stayed at. 

The temples are different from the ones in Bangkok mainly because of its Lanna architecture. But after visiting a handful, they all started to look the same to me.

Night Market & Food Tripping

The Sunday Night Market starts from 5:00 pm until 11:00 pm. The whole Ratchadamnoen Road is closed to traffic and lined with stalls selling everything imaginable. You can buy trinkets for as low as THB10.00; clothes are usually from THB120.00 to THB250.00; and street food, usually from THB20.00 to THB60.00.

It was just a bummer that it started raining about 8:00 pm so I had to go back to the guesthouse. Good thing it was literally just a few steps away from the night market.   

Don't worry if your trip doesn't fall on a weekend. You can just go to Warorot Market. All the merchandise are from there anyway. Also check out the food court. This is where the locals eat.

Elephant Mahout Training

Definitely the highlight of my Chiang Mai trip!

Please excuse my non-existent video editing skills. I probably messed up the resolution.
Recorded using the AEE Magicam

I signed up for a 1-day 'mahout training' course at Chang Siam. Sure, the price was hefty but definitely worth it. It's an amazing experience.

Upon arrival, we were provided with our mahout uniforms; briefed about the elephants (eating and sleeping habits etc); taught how to feed them; basic commands on how to mount, move forwards, backwards, sideways, and how to stop.

We then had lunch prepared by our trainer, Nong, and shortly began our trek in the jungle. At first it was really scary riding the elephant bareback, but you have to trust yourself and the elephant, and everything will be fine. 

After our trek, we bathed them in the river and had so much fun!

It's definitely something you have to try at least once in your life. 

Rest & Relaxation

After my jam-packed first few days, I wanted some downtime and got just that at Siripanna Villas Resort & Spa. I was welcomed by the lovely staff and management, and treated to a sumptuous dinner buffet at their Slee Banyan Restaurant.  

The room and facilities were superb! They even have a working rice field where guests can try rice planting. I tried it too!  

Detailed blog review of the resort and rice planting pictures, to follow. ;)

K

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