My Top 10
by John Priest
(Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada)
I've lived on and off in Chiang Mai for the past seven years and I'm in my mid-fifties. This is where I choose to spend my time basically just because I like it here. I find it to be a very livable place with friendly people, good food and many expats from a lot of different countries to talk to.
Recently some good friends around my age came for a two week visit. Of course I was faced with the inevitable question of how to help make their stay a good one. Before getting on with it, I've got to give my own cardinal rule for embarking on adventures around Chiang Mai.
Start Early, maybe by 8 o'clock! Avoid the crowds, beat the heavy traffic and enjoy the cool of the morning.
We started out with a nice evening-out dinner at the Brasserie on the bank of the Ping River. Beautiful night view, boats going by and good food, all in all the were quite impressed.
The list of things we did over the next few days is more or less in order of how much they enjoyed themselves.
1. The Elephant Show at Mae Tang
My friends are still talking about this and I have to admit that it was my first time. I always thought it would be too touristy. It was really just the opposite. No loudspeakers, high pressure sales, inflated prices for coffee or snacks. Very tastefully done with a great show (try to arrive a few minutes before the tour buses. I think the shows start at 8, 10, etc.)
2. Early Morning Boat Ride On the Ping
Pretty low key and relaxing. A good one is next to the Riverside Restaurant, a short walk from the Nawarat Bridge.
3. The Art Galleries Across the River
Walk across the Ping River on the foot bridge from Warorot Market and when you reach the street on the other side you'll find several great small art galleries. One features works by Burmese artists. Very impressive with very reasonable prices.
4. The Sunday Walking Street
We found it best to go early, for me it tends to get too crowded at night and that can actually make it feel hotter. Around four o'clock you can watch people setting up and it's a Thai tradition to give the first customer of the day a good price for luck. Lots of great food and local music. I particularly like the "elderly musicians" and always make a donation. Maybe for good luck.
5. Doi Suthep
Of course, go early!!! Bargaining is a must at the shops. Even Long term residents say this is one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand.
6. The Zoo
Recently renovated and top class. Great for kids, and you can drop large fruits to the hippos.
7. Music
At around 11 a fantastic rock/blues musician performs at the Brasserie.
8. The Park Inside the Southwest Corner of the Moat
A great place to relax and people watch.
9. A Trip to the Chiang Dao Caves
The limestone caves are worth the trip to do some exploring. There are some eco-friendly guesthouses and the Ping River is quite beautiful here.
10. Trekking
Again of course, the thing to keep in mind here is that a variety of treks are available and can be customized to your specifications. For a little extra you can have your own guide.
Not in the mood for trekking? Spend a day at one of the many great swimming pools. A small fee will allow you to take advantage of the facilities at one of the upscale hotels (the Orchid being my favorite pool.)
One way of avoiding having to find the best tour company, crowded mini-busses, other tourists, etc. is to hire a car and driver yourself. This way you avoid the hassle and danger of driving (even a minor fender-bender can be a big headache.) Why bother renting a car?
When I was going to the airport to pick up my friends I met a "gypsy" cab driver. There are always a few hanging out on Thapae Road opposite soi 2. We hired him many times, had good service and avoided many of the hassles. The day at the elephant camp and a two hour drive throught the mountains was 1,000 Baht split four ways. The trip to Doi Suthep whit took about five hours total was 400 Baht. You can't beat that!
