Expatriate Forums in Thailand

timming · Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2008 9:02 pm Post subject: Chiang mai Thailand

Chiang Mai (เชียงใหม่) is the hub of Northern Thailand. With a population of over 170,000, it is Thailand's fifth-largest city. Located on a plain at an elevation of 316 m, surrounded by mountains and lush countryside, it is much greener and quieter than the capital, and has a cosmopolitan air and a significant expat population, factors which have led many from Bangkok to settle permanently in this "Rose of the North". Founded in 1296 AD, the culturally rich city of Chiang Mai is the longest continuously inhabited settlement from the ancient days of Siam. Located amidst the rolling foot hills of the Himalayan Mountains 700 km north of Bangkok, it could only be reached by an arduous river journey or an elephant back trip until the 1920s, isolation which has helped keep Chiang Mai's distinctive charm intact to this day. Chiang Mai's historical centre is the walled city (chiang in Thai, hence Chiang Mai - "New Walled City"). Sections of the wall remain at the gates and corners, but of the rest only the moat remains. As of March 2008 the moat has been drained and repairs are underway. Inside Chiang Mai's remaining city walls are more than 30 temples dating back to the founding of the principality, in a combination of Burmese, Sri Lankan and Lanna Thai styles, decorated with beautiful wood carvings, Naga staircases, leonine and angelic guardians, gilded umbrellas and pagodas laced with gold filigree. The most famous is Doi Suthep, which overlooks the city from a mountainside 13 km away. Modern-day Chiang Mai has expanded in all directions, but particularly to the east towards the Ping River (Mae Nam Ping), where Thanon Chang Klan, the famous Night Bazaar and the bulk of Chiang Mai's hotels and guesthouses are located. The locals say you've not experienced Chiang Mai until you've seen the view from Doi Suthep, eaten a bowl of kao soi, and purchased an umbrella from Bo Sang. Ratchadamneon Rd, the main walking street from Thapae Gate to the very popular Wat Phra Singh, is fast becoming the place to go in the evening if you want somewhere a little more relaxed.
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for more info please or booking contact kun peter at
kantalee9 ATSIGN hotmail DOT com
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Chaingmai Fullday trip
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Elephant riding & bamboo rafting safari
1,100THB/Pax(08.30 AM. - 04.30 PM.)

Visit beautiful Orchid Farm and then to the Elephant's Camp in a jungle to see the Elephant Shows and take elephant riding to visit Lisu Hill tribe village get back to elephant camp by ox-cart riding, Lunch at elephant camp, bamboo rafting, and then back to the city
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Doi Inthanon National Park & water fall
1400THB/Pax(08.30 AM. - 05.00 PM.)

Visit 2 wonderful pagodas and the highest peak in Thailand with much beautiful scenery including two huge waterfalls and fascinating Rhododendron. Then visit Karen villages whose culture of living harmony with nature are apparently going on. Price included national park entrance fee 400 THB
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Chiang Rai and longneck Karen
1,400THB/Pax(07.00 AM. - 08.30 PM.)

The full day trip to Chiang Rai, on the way visits Hot Spring and continues to visit Maesai and The Golden Triangle. Where the three countries Thailand, Burma and Laos meet. Boat cross to Laos then back to Thailand side have lunch. And then Visit the old city at Chiang Saen and on the way back visit Hot Spring and longneck Karen in their village which most of our tourists like to stop by.
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One day Mahout Training Course at The Elephant conservation center Lampang
Price: 3,500 Baht/person (07.00 AM. - 05.00 PM.)

This mahout training course is very suitable for some tourists who does not have a lot of time in Thailand and they would like to ride on the elephant like the mahouts in the camp... They will have a chance the learn about the elephants and mahout life in the mahout training school as following schedule..
08:00 - 09:30 Am. Check in at the mahout for mahout registration and provided the mahout suits.
09:00 - 09:30 Am. Participate in the ritual ceremony to pay respect the Ganesha ( Play respect to the god of elephant before training for luck)
09:30 - 11:30 Am. Learn about elephant knowledge and elephant command language used for the elephants and then the staffs will introduce the elephants and the mahouts and start the training lesson afterward.
11:00 - 11:30 Am. Enjoy riding your elephant back to the main site of the camp and visit the sick and injured elephants at the Elephant Hospital
11:30 - 12:00 Am. Visit the Elephant Dung Paper Factory
12:00 Am. Enjoy lunch at the restaurant
13:15 - 13:30 Pm. Enjoy watching the Elephant bathing!
13:30 - 14:30 Pm. Enjoy watching the elephant show!
14:50 - 15:20 Pm. Ride the elephant back to the mahout training course.
15:20 - 13:30 Pm. Recieve the mahout certificate
15:30 - 16:00 Pm. Short ride the elephant back to the forest and say good bye to them and the mahouts and finish your one day mahout training coruse.

What include in our mahout training course??
* Free rent mahout outfit
* Lunch
* Certificate
* Drinking water

What you get from joining this one day mahout training course?
-Chance to ride the elephant like the mahout.
-Chance to visit the elephant hospital, elephant dung paper factory and Elephant show.
-Chance to learn the elephant facts and knowledge
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Authentic thai cooking class
990/Pax(08.30 AM. - 03.00 PM.)
All courses begin with a morning activity such as shopping at the market, and introduction to Thai ingredients, paste making, vegetable carving, or selection your own organic herbs from our herb garden.After the morning activity you will cook 4 dishes. Each dish will be demonstrated to you by Sompon and his experienced staff, who all speak excellent English. They will give you tips about alternative cooking methods and substitutes throughout the demonstrations. Then it is your turn! You will cook each dish yourself and the teachers will be on hand to help and guide you with step-by-step instructions.
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Tour Includes:
- English speaking Guide
- Transportation
- Meals
- Entrance fees

Halfday trip in chiangmai

City Tour and Temples 500THB/Pax(08.30 AM. -12.00 PM. / 01.30 PM. - 05.00 PM.) Visit 4 Different Temples as Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Chiang Mun and Wat Suan Dok then we will make a city sightseeing tour to see a daily life of Northern people at a local market as Kad Payom.
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Doi Suthep Temple & Meo Hilltribe Village
500THB/Pax(08.30 AM.- 12.00 PM. / 01.30 PM.- 05.00 PM.)

The most beautiful and sacred temple containing a holy relic of the Lord Buddha, a panoramic view of the city can be seen from here at 3,500 feet above sea level. Then visit Meo Hilltribe village at DOI PUI. (option: PhuPing Palace,open Fri, Sat, Sun entrance fee 50 Baht/ Pax
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Doi Suthep Temple & Home Handicrafts
780THB/Pax(08.30 AM.- 12.00 PM. / 01.30 PM.- 05.00 PM.)

The most beautiful and sacred temple containing a holy relic of the Lord Buddha, a panoramic view of the city can be seen from here at 3,500 feet above sea level. And continue to Visit famous Thai handicrafts at Sankampang and see Exquisite high- fired stoneware being handmade by traditional method (Thai silk, silverware, umbrella's factory, jewelry's factory, teakwood carving and lacquer ware)
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Half day tour Elephant at work and Orchid farm
550THB/Pax(08.30 AM.- 12.00 PM. / 01.30 PM.- 05.00 PM.)
Visit the Elephant's Camp to see how trained elephants are used to help in lumberworks then appreciate a beautiful Orchid Farm, one of Chiang Mai's favorite spots.
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Home Handicrafts
300THB/Pax(08.30 AM.- 12.00 PM. /01.30 PM.- 05.00 PM.)

Visit a famous Thai handicrafts at Sankampang and see Exquisite high- fired stoneware being handmade by traditional method (Thai silk, silverware, umbrella's factory, jewelry's factory, teakwood carving and lacquerware

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Chiangmai zoo @ Giant panda
500/Pax(08.30 AM.- 12.00 PM. /01.30 PM.- 05.00 PM.)

Visit a chingmai zoo is established since 50 years over 7000 animals in area 531 rai

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Lamphun & The underground ancient city
800/Pax(08.30 AM.- 12.00 PM. /01.30 PM.- 05.00 PM.)
Leave to view the ruins at wiang kum kma the continue to lampoon which was once the seat of the haripunjya kingdom. On the site of the former palace dating back to 9th century now stands wat pra than haripoonchai where monks study in a large Buddhist school.

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Mae ping river cruise day time
500THB/Pax(08.30 AM.- 12.00 PM. /01.30 PM.- 05.00 PM.)

Proceed to chaingmongkol Docking Area For hours and 45 minuites cruise along the mae ping river. The cruise passes though a beautiful scenery and ends with a visti to local farm house with its own herb, vegetable and fruit garden. The return journey is made by tuk tuk padding through resident and other city sights.

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Tour Includes:
- English speaking Guide
- Transportation
- Entrance fees

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